The City of Roswell has recently been certified under the Atlanta Regional Commission’s (ARC) Green Communities Program on the Silver Level. Roswell is the first municipality to be certified Silver.

“Roswell’s color has always been green,” explains Mayor Jere Wood. “We are proud to be the first City in Georgia to achieve the Silver Level Green Communities Certification from the Atlanta Regional Commission. We plan to be the first city in Georgia to receive the Gold Certification.”

ARC launched the Green Communities Program late last year to foster greater environmental stewardship by recognizing local governments that invest in programs leading to a more sustainable Atlanta region. ARC’s Green Communities program is the only program in the country that seeks to transform a region by promoting sustainability through a “green” certification program for local governments.

“We congratulate the elected officials and staff of Atlanta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fairburn, Roswell and Suwanee for earning Green Communities certification and for their commitment to sustainability,” said Chick Krautler, ARC director. “Their leadership in reducing local government’s environmental impact is helping to create a greener region.”

An Energy Star partner, Roswell’s Energy Strategy for the Future sets forth the city’s fundamental commitment to protect the environment through the continuous improvement of its energy performance. The city estimates that it will save $62,000 annually from the replacement of traffic signals and school zone flashers with LED bulbs. The Leita Thompson Park dog park lighting is solar powered.

The city has a no net loss of trees policy, and trees that cannot be replaced onsite will be planted on other government property. The Tree Planting Partnership is a public-private partnership to improve tree canopy and density on public lands. It has resulted in the planting of 788 hardwoods and 3,838 shrubs and flowers.

Roswell offers commute options to staff that include a flexible work arrangements policy provides for telecommuting, compressed work week and flex time. Recycling containers government facilities are located at individual desks and in common areas for traditional and non-traditional recycling. Residents of single-family homes have curbside recycling, and multi-family complexes are required to provide recycling