Dunwoody Upgraded to Gold in its Commitment to a Green Community

Provided by Grace Trimble, Atlanta Regional Commission 

This week, the Atlanta Regional Commission recognized seven local governments in the 10-county region for their leadership in implementing policies and practices that contribute to efficient and sustainable use of resources in metro Atlanta. Three counties and four cities either renewed or upgraded  their certification in the agency’s four-year-old Green Communities program.

ARC Chairman Kerry Armstrong said, “...Their efforts are contributing to cleaner air, reduced water demand, less waste going into landfills and a reduction in energy use. As a result, we have a cleaner, greener region.”

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

• City of Atlanta, Re-certified, upgraded to Silver

• Cobb County, Re-certified Silver

• DeKalb County, Re-certified Bronze

• Douglas County, Re-certified Bronze

• City of Dunwoody, Upgraded to Gold

• City of Roswell, Re-certified, upgraded to Gold

• City of Suwanee, Re-certified Bronze

Since 2009, these seven local governments have had the following cumulative impact:

• 159 million kWh of green power produced

• 1062 additional acres of protected greenspace

• 30 community gardens cultivated

• 1,000,222 tons of household hazardous waste collected

• $1,114,000 in energy savings

• 713 million gallons of water reused

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. 

Since 2009, 18 jurisdictions in the 10-county region have been certified. Cities and counties earn Green Communities 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.

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.