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City of Decatur, re-certified as a Green Community

Decatur

City of Decatur, re-certified as a Green Community

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A 95 gallon cart used to collect recycling for the city of Decatur.
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In 2009, the city of Decatur earned its certification as one of the first local governments to be recognized as a member of the Green Community Program by the Atlanta Regional Commission.

Since 2009, Decatur has been recognized in 2014 and, most recently, in 2018.

The Green Community Program was created by the Atlanta Regional Commission to recognize local governments that are leading the way in reducing their environmental impact.

Recently, Decatur was re-certified as a Green Community at the Platinum Level, which was based on “its efforts to conserve energy, reduce waste and protect natural resources,” according to a recent press release.

Around metro Atlanta, 20 local governments are currently recognized as Green Communities. In addition to Decatur, Alpharetta, Chamblee, Sandy Springs, Cherokee County, Fulton County, and Gwinnett County are all certified as Green Communities this year.

“These seven communities are making significant strides in reducing their environmental footprint,” Atlanta Regional Commission chairman Kerry Armstrong said in a recent press release. “They are creating a greener region through cleaner water, less energy use, reduced waste, and restored natural resources. Their efforts serve as a model for communities across metro Atlanta that are looking to become more sustainable.”

According to the press release, Decatur earned points for:

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– Saving energy in city buildings by programming occupancy sensors and computers to enter sleep mode when idle. The Public Works building also has sun tubes installed on the roof, reflecting sunlight into top-floor rooms as an alternative to using artificial light.

– Incentivizing homeowners to install solar photovoltaic panels via the Solarize Decatur-DeKalb program. As a result, residential solar capacity in DeKalb County increased nearly 600%, with half of all residential installations located within the city of Decatur.

– Being certified as a Bicycle Friendly Community at the Bronze Level. This national designation considers acommunity’s bicycle network mileage, community bicycle advocacy groups, city laws and ordinances, and more.

– Installing two public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Additionally, six private and commercial entities have provided EV charging stations to advance Decatur’s mission of being electric-vehicle ready.

– Topping Fire Station #1 with a green roof. This helps lower energy costs, keeps the building cool, and filters and retains stormwater runoff. As an added benefit, the roof provides a pleasant space that’s available for firefighters to enjoy.

Source: Atlanta Regional Commission.

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