Green Initiatives - Family Life Publications

Going Green
Communities eco-friendly efforts promote energy efficiency, reduce waste and improve quality of life.
By Michelle Martin

Environmental conservation has become a familiar concept in recent years. But, do you know what your community is doing to reduce its environmental footprint and increase overall sustainability? You may be surprised to learn that these green initiatives are not only conserving our own natural resources but also improving energy efficiency, reducing costs and creating new opportunities to enjoy the outdoors all of which enhance our quality of life, now and into the future.

Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) is helping local governments throughout metro Atlanta take a proactive approach to environmental stewardship. As Crystal Jackson, principal environmental planner for the Green Communities program under ARCs natural resources division, explains, ARC developed the Green Communities program to foster greater environmental stewardship by providing technical assistance to local governments and recognizing those communities that invest in programs leading to a more sustainable region. Cherokee County and Woodstock each have been certified as an ARC Green Community.

Launched in 2008, ARCs Green Communities regional program was the first of its kind nationwide. In addition, all of the sustainability measures outlined in the manual exceed current regulatory requirements for the State of Georgia. The Green Communities certification measures are not business as usual, Jackson says, and were chosen for their ability to move the sustainability bar and make a positive impact on the metro Atlanta regions environment. Local governments that seek Green Communities certification voluntarily design and implement measures that conserve energy and water, invest in renewable energy, reduce waste, and protect and restore natural resources. Certification is based on points (5 or 10 per measure) in 10 different categories (72 total measures): green building; energy efficiency; green power; water use reduction and efficiency; transportation and air quality; land use; greenspace and tree planting; recycling and waste reduction; education and outreach; and innovation. Each category includes government measures and community measures. As Jackson explains, government measures are strategies that local jurisdictions can implement to increase sustainability within their own facilities, fleets and practices (LEED certification of public buildings, use of alternative fuels, installation of water-efficient fixtures, etc.). Community measures are programs that local governments can adopt to foster greater environmental stewardship among area residents and businesses, such as adopting curbside recycling for all residents and providing space for community gardens, farmers markets and recreation areas.

Achievement in each category is not required, but is more likely the higher the certification that communities seek, Jackson says. The four levels of certification are: bronze (175-229 points); silver (230-279 points); gold (280-329 points); and platinum (330-435 points). The platinum certification level was added just this year, so local governments applying for first-time or upgraded certification now can seek this new, highest level of Green Communities certification. The certification is valid for four years; however, communities can submit new documentation of recent measures to earn additional points and a higher certification level at any time.

Cherokee County earned bronze certification in 2010, and is currently applying for recertification. The City of Woodstock, first recognized as a Green Community at the bronze certification level in 2010, earned silver certification in 2011. Feedback from local officials has been positive, Jackson says. Several officials reported that the application process has led to a comprehensive assessment of every policy and practice and its environmental impact, and has served as a framework for implementing sustainability across the board. They have discovered new ways to incorporate sustainability into their practices and value the information sharing about best practices that other local governments within ARCs 10-county region are implementing. In addition, many local officials have found that ARCs Green Communities certification helps foster civic pride, creates a positive image of the community, and sets an example for other governments, businesses and organizations seeking to reduce their environmental impact.

ARC also provides technical assistance to local governments, regardless of whether they are applying for certification. Jackson says this includes research; assisting in the development of policies and ordinances; providing contacts at similar communities; meeting one on one to assess current programs and policies; and giving presentations to senior leadership and elected officials. In addition, ARC also recognizes communities environmental sustainability as part of its annual CREATE Community Awards.

Cherokee County

LEED certification for county-owned buildings
Energy Star-rated appliances and equipment
LED bulbs in traffic signals
WaterSense-certified plumbing fixtures
HVAC and lighting upgrades, installation of cool roofs, discontinuation of irrigation and replacement of inefficient plumbing fixtures
Encourage builders to use solar energy in new projects or achieve LEED, Energy Star, or EarthCraft certification through expedited permitting reviews and reduced permitting fees
Reduce congestion and idling times with synchronized traffic corridors
Comprehensive county recycling program at government facilities for traditional and nontraditional recyclable materials (along with drop-off recycling events for electronics, cell phones, fluorescent lightbulbs and batteries)
Commitment to preserve 20 percent of county land as permanent greenspace through the Greenspace Protection Program
Bells Ferry LCI plan promotes smart growth measures, such as mixed-used development, bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly designs, mixed-income housing and diversity of housing types.

Woodstock

According to Katy Coulborn, long-range planner for the City of Woodstock, sustainability is one of the most important qualities of a livable community. Participation in ARCs Green Communities program showcases the City of Woodstocks commitment to sustainability and serves as an incentive to implement additional measures in an effort to achieve higher levels of certification. Our most attractive and visible environmental effort is the award-winning Greenprints Project, she says. The Greenprints Project will continue to impact the community in terms of enhancing quality of life and ensuring the long-term preservation of greenspace and natural resources throughout the city. Woodstock also was named a Tree City USA Community by the Arbor Day Foundation in 2009.

Greenprints Project 60 miles of multi-use trails, parks and greenspace
Encourage green building through reduced development review time and fees for projects that achieve LEED, EarthCraft, Energy Star or WaterSense certification
6.8kWh solar panel on council chambers roof generates more than 11 percent of needed power
First in Georgia to install a municipally owned, free public charging station for electric vehicles
Plan 2040 Working toward ARCs excellence standards, which include a community-wide bicycle and pedestrian transportation plan; alternative vehicle parking at city/county offices; publish crime statistics or maps; require civic buildings to meet LEED, EarthCraft, Energy Star or similar certification standards; develop and maintain a comprehensive community Greenspace/Green Infrastructure Plan; and identify projects that have been recognized for environmental quality in building or site design through a performance-rating system