Encouraging Local Governments To Reduce Their Environmental Footprint
Green Communities Program

The Green Communities Program is a voluntary sustainability certification program that helps local governments reduce their environmental impact through actionable measures.

Community Garden

The program fosters a greener, healthier and more livable region by providing a framework for cities and counties on their sustainability journeys. Some examples include:

  • Reducing energy and water use in municipal operations through buildings, fleets and practices
  • Engaging with solid waste contractors to provide curbside recycling to residents and businesses
  • Providing public education and examples of new and emerging sustainability practices, like rooftop solar and green infrastructure.

ARC strives to assist local governments in decreasing operational carbon emissions through building portfolio efficiency and clean energy opportunities. If you or your local government is interested in improving your building portfolio’s energy performance, please reach out to us. To further support this work, ARC is currently seeking federal funding for a regional clean electricity plan for local governments in metro Atlanta. If funded, we will be proactively reaching out to interested local governments and engaging in a stakeholder process.

Certified Green Communities

In metro Atlanta, 20 local governments — 14 cities and six counties – are currently certified under the Green Communities program.

Program Categories

  • Green Building
  • Energy Efficiency
  • Green Power
  • Water Use Reduction and Efficiency
  • Trees and Greenspace
  • Transportation
  • Recycling and Waste Reduction
  • Land Use
  • Education
  • Innovation

Certification Levels

  • Platinum: 330 – 435 points
  • Gold: 280 – 329 points
  • Silver: 230 – 279 points
  • Bronze: 175 – 229 points

How to Apply

Local governments are encouraged to contact ARC’s Natural Resources Group at least six months prior to submitting an application. The following documents explain the certification review and application process:

Green Communities Manual and Application Package

Application timeline for 2023 certifications:

  • Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 25, 2024 via OneDrive.
  • Applications will be reviewed by ARC staff June through August.
  • Site visits take place September through October.
  • Communities are alerted of the final decisions in November.
  • Certified Green Communities announced in January 2025.

Benefits of Green Community Certification

  • Fosters civic pride
  • Creates a positive image of a place to live or conduct business
  • Sets an example for business and organizations seeking to reduce their environmental impact
  • Leads to greater quality of life

Green Communities Story Map

The Green Communities Story Map highlights just some of the green initiatives that certified Green Communities have implemented to lighten their environmental footprints. Many of these exemplify ways anyone can go green — at home and in the workplace.

 

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CDAP
Community Planning Academy
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Georgia Commute Options
Green Communities
LCI
LINK
MARC
Metro Atlanta Speaks
MNG Water Planning District
RLI
State of the Region
UASI
WorkSource GA
33°n
CDAP
Community Planning Academy
ConnectA
Empowerline
Georgia Commute Options
Green Communities
LCI
LINK
MARC
Metro Atlanta Speaks
MNG Water Planning District
RLI
State of the Region
UASI
WorkSource GA