Making the Right Turn as a City

Ya' know, you may think that now is the time for our city to just get up and running and then we can worry about all this silly "green stuff" later. But, guess what? Green initiatives that will make or break the very direction in which this city progresses are based on policy that is being set right now. There is no waiting for the kinds of positions that will impact our economic, environmental and social sustainability as a city for years to come.

In fact, we have in our hands right now a wonderful opportunity to strive for Green Community Certification through the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC). ARC is the official planning agency for the 10-county Atlanta Region and serves as a catalyst for regional progress by focusing leadership, attention and planning on key regional issues.

I reviewed the Green Communities Certification manual this past weekend, and am excited to report that I believe we are well on our way to being qualified for the first level of certification. Okay, it will require some policy decisions, but, hey, we're a new city--our timing couldn't be better, right? And, ARC will provide technical training opportunities for all interested local governments, as well as assistance and technical support throughout the application and certification process. For free. Now, that fits in our operating budget, doesn't it?

Okay, let me back up. First, here is ARC's definition of an Atlanta Region Green Community:

An Atlanta Region Green Community is a community that is leading the way to sustainable living. The Atlanta Regional Commission Green Communities Program is designed to encourage local governments to demonstrate leadership on environmental sustainability. Local governments are asked to set an example for the community by conserving energy, investing in renewable energy, conserving water, conserving fuel, reducing waste and protecting and restoring the community's natural resources.

Green Community Certification benefits the community through:

* Fostering civic pride
* Creating a positive image of a place to live or conduct business
* Setting an example for other businesses and organizations to reduce their environmental impact
* Leading to a greater quality of life

Bingo. There are the magic words. Positive place to live and conduct business. Translation: increased property values and increased tax revenues from businesses.

Oh, so you mean these "green issues" aren't just soft, touchy-feely things? Well, um, actually, no.

So, where exactly does Dunwoody fall in all this?

Turns out there are three levels of certification, all dependent on attaining points for certain city policies and activities:

Level 1: 175-224 points
Level 2: 225-274 points
Level 3: 275-375 points

My quick assessment of this 80-page document indicates that, without sweating, we can nail about 155 points right now. I call these the "gimmees." They are:

* Conduct energy audits on City buildings: 10
* Establish policy to enforce Georgia energy codes: 10
* Conduct water audits of city buildings: 10
* Offer a commute options program to government employees: 10
* Establish environmentally-preferable purchasing policy: 10
* Require all new City buildings to be LEED-certified: 10
* Require Energy Star/Earthcraft for City renovations: 5
* Become local Energy Star Partner: 5
* Establish policy to purchase Energy Star appliances: 5
* Establish lights out/power down policy for City buildings: 5
* Replace all street lights with LED when replacing: 5
* Remove barriers to onsite renewable energy (HOAs): 5
* Comply with state and county water supply/conservation plan: 5
* Comply with wastewater management plan: 5
* Establish no-net-loss-of-trees policy for City property: 5
* Practice organic/drought tolerant landscaping at City facilities: 5
* Support/designate space for a farmers market: 5
* Establish no idling policy for City vehicles: 5
* Synchronize traffic signals: 5
* Implement a Safe Routes to School program: 5
* Add bike racks to City facilities: 5
* Establish recycled paper purchasing policy: 5
* Conduct curbside recycling: 5
* Conduct yard debris collection: 5
* Educate City employees on these efforts: 5

Many of these things we already do. Many depend on establishing new policies now, at the point of launch of our new city. I'm sure I've screwed up some detail or two in here, but you get the basic point I'm trying to make. With some professional guidance, we can figure out how to make these things a reality, plus achieve the additional 20 points needed to score enough to qualify for certification at Level 1 within our first year of cityhood.

So, next steps? Let's get an ARC pro on the scene as soon as possible and find out how to "Make the Right Turn" when we turn on the welcome sign as the newest city in Georgia.