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. Alpharetta, Milton and Roswell 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.

The City of Alpharetta achieved gold certification in 2010, while the City of Milton earned bronze certification in 2012. Last year, the City of Roswell was recertified at the gold level after first earning silver certification in 2009. 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.

Alpharetta

The City of Alpharetta values the harmonious balance between the natural and built environment, says Vivian Vakili, zoning administrator. The City is constantly exploring new options to reduce costs and maximize efficiency; therefore, enhancing the quality of life in Alpharetta. One of the newest initiatives is the ePlan Solutions, an online tool for submitting plans that reduces paper usage and saves on fuel. In addition, Alpharetta was named a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation.

Alpharetta Green City Program LEED or EnergyStar certification for all new local government buildings, a green fleet policy, and green purchasing policies
Rock Mill Park Demonstrates stormwater best management practices; displays environmental education materials throughout the park; and includes enhanced swales, marsh areas, rain gardens and a green roof pavilion
Demonstration Projects Green roof at Rock Mill Park, a solar panel array at Wills Park, a cool roof at City Hall, and rainwater capture and reuse at Webb Bridge Park and other buildings
Community incentives for green building and WaterSense homes
Commercial recycling requirement
Installation of LED bulbs in all traffic signals
No-idling policy for government vehicles

Milton

According to Cindy Eade, sustainability coordinator for the City of Milton, there is a heightened awareness of conservation, recycling and energy reduction not only throughout City operations but also in the community. Milton has a very comprehensive array of environmental programs, the majority of which are executed by a large number of committed volunteers. Milton Goes Green, for example, organizes Miltons annual Earth Day Festival, Adopt-a-Road cleanup, bulky trash amnesty days and paint/chemical collection days, Rivers Alive annual stream cleanup, and the Evergreen School program to promote sustainability in schools. Milton has been recognized by the Clean Air Campaign, Georgia Urban Forest Council, and National Wildlife Federation for its environmental efforts.

Certified a National Wildlife Community Habitat
Rain Barrels Installed at Providence Fire Station 41, Thompson Fire Station 42 and Birmingham Fire Station 43 to water the stations landscaping and reduce amount of potable water
Tree Inventory, Assessment and Management Plan A first step toward a maintenance program for sustaining Miltons lush community forests
Reduction in required parking spaces in mixed-use areas or for properties within walking distance of a bus stop
New city-owned buildings larger than 5,000 square feet must achieve LEED certification
Lights out/power down policy
Environmentally preferable purchasing policy
Anti-idling policy for fleet vehicles
First in the state to implement a Form-Based Code and Transfer of Development Rights Ordinance

Roswell

The City of Roswell is dedicated to making Roswell a premier riverside community, according to Michael Fisher, deputy city administrator. That means tying all phases of our city into being responsible to the environment and with our resources. He says the City is using cleaner and cheaper propane auto gas within fleet vehicles and is studying ways to implement electric vehicles and infrastructure. Quality of life will be impacted by these clean fuel uses and by redeveloping areas to be pedestrian-friendly and sustainable.

Build Green Incentive Program Provides incentives for community green building, affordable/workforce housing green building, WaterSense, and solar installation; incentives are permit/fee related and also seek to help market projects via a signage, website and an awards program
Energy Strategy for the Future Commitment to protect the environment through the continuous improvement of its energy performance (replacement of traffic signals and school zone flashers with LED bulbs saves an estimated $62,000 annually)
Tree Planting Partnership The public-private partnership is designed to improve tree canopy and density on public lands, resulting in the planting of 816 hardwoods and 4,313 other trees, shrubs and flowers; the Citys no net loss of trees policy requires trees that cannot be replaced on site to be planted on other government property
Commute Options City employees can take advantage of a flexible work arrangements policy, which provides for telecommuting, compressed work week and flex time
Recycling Government facilities include recycling containers at individual desks and in common areas; curbside recycling at single-family residences; and recycling at multi-family complexes
Zoning Incentives for mixed-use zoning districts and the Midtown Roswell Overlay District