Atlanta Regional Commission recognizes Atlanta’s sustainability best practices across government operations and the community
ATLANTA – January 27, 2014 – (RealEstateRama) — This week, the City of Atlanta was one of seven local governments to be recognized by the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) for leadership in implementing policies and practices that contribute to efficient and sustainable use of resources in metro Atlanta.
The City was honored for upgrading to a Silver Certified Green Community at ARC’s January Board meeting, which was followed by a reception where jurisdiction representatives and ARC Board members discussed the progressive initiatives undertaken to receive certification.
“The City of Atlanta is proud to renew its commitment to sustainability through the ARC’s Green Communities Program. As we strive to make Atlanta one of the country’s top tier cities for sustainability, the work we’ve done locally through the Green Communities Program over the past four years is a reflection of our concern for the environment and the preservation of our natural resources,” said Mayor Kasim Reed. “Today, we also celebrate the achievements of our neighboring cities and counties who are working to make this region a greener and more economically vibrant place to live, play and conduct business,” added Mayor Reed.
Commenting on Wednesday’s presentation, ARC Chairman Kerry Armstrong said, “The seven local governments the Atlanta Regional Commission recognized today are working hard to use resources wisely and well, and I commend them for their achievements. Their efforts are contributing to cleaner air, reduced water demand, less waste going into landfills and more. As a result, we have a cleaner, greener region.”
Atlanta was one of the first communities to be certified in 2009 and reaffirmed its commitment to being green in 2013 by recertifying, this time at the Silver level. Among the city’s 2013 sustainability achievements:
• In response to solicitations by leading automotive manufacturers seeking markets for the new generation of electric passenger vehicles, the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability created the Metro Atlanta Plug-in Electric Vehicle Readiness Task Force. Its focus is to build comprehensive infrastructure for consumers who become electric vehicle owners in Atlanta. The permitting process for electric vehicle supply equipment has been streamlined to aid residents who want to install charging equipment.
• The R.M. Clayton Wastewater Treatment Plant is now equipped with a combustion engine that can convert waste biogas into nearly 13 million kWh of useful energy annually.
• More than 1,100 acres of brownfields exist within the 6,500 acre BeltLine planning area, and the Atlanta BeltLine is working to transform these areas into parks, trails and transit. On the BeltLine Eastside Trail alone, 1,700 tons of contaminated soil were removed over 2.25 miles. The Historic Fourth Ward Park was 17 acres of industrial wasteland until it was converted into the functional and recreational greenspace that it is today. These projects are representative of the work that will take place on the rest of the Atlanta BeltLine corridor.
• The Department of Watershed Management recently updated its Post-Development Stormwater Management Ordinance to promote the use of green infrastructure on new and redevelopment projects in the city.
ARC developed the Green Communities Program to foster greater environmental stewardship and to recognize local governments that invest in programs leading to a more sustainable region. The nationally recognized program showcases the ways in which local governments are helping to transform the region by reducing their environmental footprint 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.
Complete information about ARC’s Green Communities Certification Program, including the measures each community has implemented, is available on the agency’s website at www.atlantaregional.com/greencommunities.
About the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Sustainability
The Mayor’s Office of Sustainability is focused on embedding sustainability best practices into Atlanta city government and across the community. For more information about Atlanta’s efforts to create a more sustainable city, please visit the Office of Sustainability’s page at www.p2catl.com. Follow the Office of Sustainability on Facebook and Twitter @ATLSustainable.
About the Atlanta Regional Commission
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 69 other cities. The Atlanta Regional Commission serves as a catalyst for regional progress by focusing leadership, attention and planning resources on key regional issues.
# # #
For more information about the City of Atlanta, please visit http://www.atlantaga.gov or watch City Channel 26. Follow the City of Atlanta on Facebook and Twitter @CityofAtlanta. Follow Mayor Reed on Facebook and Twitter @Kasim Reed
Contact:
Carlos Campos, Interim Director
404-330-6558, office
404-617-5073, cell
Aaron Bastian, Communications and Project Manager
Mayor’s Office of Sustainability
404-335-1962, office
404-272-3984, cell
