(ATLANTA, January 25, 2017)
The City of Norcross was one of three local governments
recognized today by the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) for leadership in implementing
policies and practices that contribute to the efficient and sustainable use of resources in metro
Atlanta.
Norcross was honored at ARC’s January board meeting for upgrading to the Platinum level in
ARC’s Green Communities program. Norcross, which first earned Gold certification in 2011,
becomes the second city in the region to be certified Platinum. The cities of Douglasville and
Milton were also recognized for recertifying or upgrading their certification in the program in
2016.
“Norcross is to be commended for making its community more sustainable,” said Kerry
Armstrong, ARC board chairman. “The city’s efforts to conserve energy, reduce waste and
protect natural resources set an example for the entire region.”
The steps Norcross took to reach Platinum certification include:
- Building the Norcross Community Garden at Discovery Garden Park, providing the
community access to raised gardening beds, cooking equipment, a community pavilion
and educational materials.
- Installing a level II electric vehicle recharging station at City Hall for public use.
- Utilizing innovative measures to capture excess stormwater, including the construction
of a large rain garden beside City Hall, installing bioswales along neighborhood streets
and restoring a streambank that runs through downtown.
- Promoting smart growth through its Conservation Subdivision Ordinance and its Livable
Centers Initiative plans.
- Earning designation as a Tree City USA Community for the past 12 years. The city
maintains a Tree Commission, a community tree ordinance, a community forestry
program and an annual Arbor Day observance.
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 local governments are helping transform the
region by reducing their environmental footprint.
Since 2009, 19 jurisdictions in the 10-county region have received certification. Cities and
counties earn Green Communities certification points 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 for certification, 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.