(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.