Milton Earns Green Community Status

Milton is one of the latest cities to earn Green Communities certification for leadership in implementing policies and practices that contribute to efficient and sustainable use of resources in metro Atlanta.

The city has 67 measures dedicated to becoming a Green Commuity.

The city is now recognized as a Bronze level Green Community. All together, 18 jurisdictions have been certified since the program was created four years ago.

Cindy Eade, the city's Sustainability coordinator, said city staff and the Milton Grows Green volunteer committee have worked for years to achieve this Green Communities certification.

"Only six years old, the city has recognized the value of being a 'green community' in promoting an excellent quality of life combined with environmental stewardship," she said.

The process has propelled Milton to look at sustainable practices within government operations and make changes that will have a positive impact on many aspects of the environment, Eade said, including:

• Energy and water consumption,
• Green building standards,
• Reducing waste,
• Protecting green space and trees,
• Promoting sustainable practices to employees and the community, among others.

"This award has taken a combined effort from all departments in the city and we are proud that City of Milton recognizes the economic and environmental benefits that this award represents," she said.

Two previously certified jurisdictions – the city of Kennesaw and Gwinnett County – achieved certification at a higher level this year. The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) presented these certifications to local officials at its board meeting earlier today.

Douglasville also was recognized as a Bronze level Green Community. Gwinnett County and the city of Kennesaw, previously bronze level Green Communities, have achieved Silver certification.

“Gwinnett County and the cities of Douglasville, Kennesaw and Milton are setting an example for businesses and other organizations that are seeking to use resources wisely and efficiently,” said Tad Leithead, ARC chairman. “Sustainability – economic, social and environmental – is the foundation of ARC’s Plan 2040, and we applaud the efforts of all of our certified Green Communities for their leadership in ushering in a more sustainable region.”

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.

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.

City of Milton – Bronze Certification

• Milton implemented the first joint Form-Based Code and Transfer of Development Rights Ordinance in the State of Georgia, which will help create the planned development of a village center in historic Crabapple, while protecting farm land and open space in other parts of the city.
• The city conducted a Tree Inventory, Assessment and Management Plan as a first step towards pursuing a maintenance program for sustaining Milton’s lush community forests.
• The city purchases paper with at least 30 percent recycled content for copy, computer and fax paper.
• Rain barrels at Providence Fire Station #41, Thompson Fire Station #42 and Birmingham Fire Station #43 capture water for the stations’ landscaping.
• The city’s no idling policy bars city vehicles from idling for more than 30 seconds, unless in traffic or on routine stops.
• Energy audits have been completed on 75 percent of the city’s buildings and improvements are underway.