The City of Johns Creek has achieved certification as a Green Community for the first time at the Bronze Level, the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) announced last week.
ARC’s Green Communities program is a voluntary certification program that helps local governments implement measures that will reduce their environmental impact. It recognizes their commitment to environmental stewardship and their leadership in sustainability practices.
All winners earned certification points for sustainable measures implemented in their communities. Some measures that earned Johns Creek certification points include:
- Promoting eco-friendly and sustainable design in the Town Center area using ‘EcoMeasurements,’ a set of pre-defined sustainability measures that must be incorporated into all new development, such as certified green buildings, green roofs, renewable energy sources, and open space.
Adopting an updated Recreation and Parks Master Plan that provides an in-depth look at the city’s existing greenspace assets and trails and prioritizes further action on the community’s desire for more trails and parks connectivity.
Ensuring city actions align with and are supportive of the statewide Safe Routes to School principals – especially enforcement, engineering, and education – and encouraging schools within the city to participate in the program.
Including the next generation has a voice with regards to sustainability practices through its Youth Sustainability Engagement Program and student representation on the city’s Green Team.
Developing a long-term retrofitting program for water fountains at city facilities to include bottle filling attachments, decreasing the purchase and consumption of plastic water bottles, and encouraging reusable bottle use. - In metro Atlanta, 20 local governments — 14 cities and six counties – are currently certified under the ARC Green Communities program. The program was the first in the country to promote sustainability through a green certification program for local governments.
“We are happy to highlight local governments who are greening their facilities, greening their fleets, and putting in place policies and ordinances that would make their communities more environmentally sustainable,” said Danny Johnson, ARC’s Managing Director of the Natural Resources Department. “This voluntary certification leads the way to healthy, livable, and resilient communities, which we hope inspires others across the nation.”
“Our Bronze Level certification underscores our City’s dedication to environmental stewardship and smart sustainability initiatives,” said John Bradberry, Mayor of Johns Creek. “This recognition reinforces why our City continues to be a leader in health, wellness, and innovation.”
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 that local governments can reduce their environmental footprint.
In metro Atlanta, 20 local governments — 14 cities and six counties — are currently certified under ARC’s Green Communities Program. The program was the first in the country to promote sustainability through a green certification program for local governments.
