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ARC Recognizes Three Communities for Leading the Way in Sustainability

Posted on: Jan 24, 2017

Contact: Susan Grimes
Phone: 404.463.3102
E-mail: sgrimes@atlantaregional.com

(ATLANTA – Jan 24, 2017)

The cities of Norcross, Douglasville and Milton were recognized today by the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) for leading the way to a greener region.

The communities were certified through ARC’s Green Communities program for their commitment to environmental stewardship and their leadership in sustainability practices.

“These local governments are to be commended for making their communities more livable and sustainable places,” said Kerry Armstrong, ARC chairman. “Their efforts to conserve energy, reduce waste and protect natural resources set an example for the entire region.”

ARC developed the Green Communities Program in 2009 to recognize local governments that invest in programs and policies that lead to a more sustainable region. The nationally recognized program showcases the many ways that local governments can reduce their environmental footprint.

The following communities received certification points in 2016 for programs and policies to reduce their environmental impact:

• City of Norcross – Upgraded to Platinum
• City of Douglasville – Recertified, upgraded to Silver
• City of Milton – Recertified Bronze

Examples of sustainable measures achieved by these communities include:

• The City of Norcross promotes smart growth through its Conservation Subdivision Ordinance and its Livable Centers Initiative plans.
• The City of Douglasville uses captured rainwater and supplemental well water for irrigation at Hunter Park and West Pines Golf Club, saving more than 30 million gallons of potable water each year.
• The City of Milton is one of only three cities in Georgia certified as a National Wildlife Federation Community Wildlife Habitat. A leader among its peers, the city has worked with residents to improve the well-being of both wildlife and the community.

These three local governments have had the following cumulative impact during the past four years:

• 39 tons of household hazardous waste collected
• 128 million gallons of water saved or reused
• 107 additional acres of protected greenspace
• 62 metric tons of reduced emissions
• 243,000 kWh of energy saved

Since 2009, 19 jurisdictions in the 10-county metro Atlanta region have become certified Green Communities. Cities and counties earn points toward certification by implementing practices and policies in 10 categories, ranging from energy efficiency and green building to transportation and water efficiency. ARC’s Green Communities program was the first program in the country seeking to transform a region by promoting sustainability through a green certification program for local governments.

Additional information about ARC’s Green Communities Certification Program, including the measures each community has implemented, is available at www.atlantaregional.com/greencommunities.

The Atlanta Regional Commission is the official planning agency for the 10-county Atlanta Region, including Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale counties as well as the City of Atlanta and 72 other cities. The Atlanta Regional Commission serves as a catalyst for regional progress by focusing leadership, attention and planning resources on key regional issues.

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Local Government Contacts:

City of Norcross Contact:
Pam Ledbetter, City of Norcross Communications
678.407.8820
communications@norcrossga.net

City of Douglasville Contact:
Jonathan Lynn, Community and Development Services Director
678.449.3180
lynnj@douglasvillega.gov

City of Milton Contact:
Shannon Ferguson, Communications Manager
678.242.2530
shannon.ferguson@cityofmiltonga.us