Cobb County
Certified July 2009
Cobb County is an ARC Certified Silver Green Community as of July 2009. Cobb County adopted a Sustainable Practices Policy that incorporates a variety of sustainability measures such as LEED or EnergyStar certification for all new local government buildings, a green fleet policy and the use of organic and drought-tolerant landscaping practices. The county adopted a comprehensive environmental purchasing policy that gives preference to environmentally friendly products and services and considers life-cycle costs when the county makes purchases. The county also remediated a brownfield site at an old Kroger shopping center and located the West Park Government Center at the site. Other notable measures implemented by Cobb County are the replacement of older plumbing fixtures with high-efficiency plumbing fixtures in all county buildings, alternative fueling stations for government vehicles, the implementation of a Smart Corridor system and the adoption of a complete streets policy.
City of Dunwoody
Certified December 2011
The City of Dunwoody earned Silver certification after being recognized as a Bronze Green Community in 2010. Since then, the city has completed energy audits on 20 percent of its buildings, with the remaining building audits to be completed within four years. Dunwoody adopted a parks and open space master plan and specifies best management practices for maintaining landscaping. These practices include integrated pest management and the use of drought-tolerate and native plants. The master transportation plan includes bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly policies. The city has stepped up its recycling efforts by hosting drop-off events for electronics and batteries. In addition, all applicants for special events permits must submit a recycling plan with their application. Accomplishments for which Dunwoody was recognized in 2010 include a green fleet policy that gives preference to the purchase of alternative fuel and hybrid vehicles, the establishment of the Dunwoody Sustainability Commission which has developed a public awareness and education campaign on Dunwoody’s sustainability efforts through the use of brochures, business cards, stickers, T-shirts and social networking and the Safe Routes to Schools Program that improves the walking and biking environment around Dunwoody’s five elementary schools.
City of Roswell
Certified December 2009
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. Roswell’s zoning ordinance provides incentives for mixed use zoning districts and the Midtown Roswell Overlay District.
City of Woodstock
Certified December 2011
The City of Woodstock earned Silver certification after being recognized as a Bronze Green Community in 2010. Last year Woodstock was recognized for its Greenprints Project Master Plan, a comprehensive park, trail and open space initiative that establishes a foundation and framework for the creation of a citywide green infrastructure system. Residential and commercial green building is encouraged by offering reduced development review time and fees for projects that achieve LEED, EarthCraft, Energy Star or WaterSense for New Homes certification or include the installation of a renewable energy project that produces a minimum of 1 kWh. During 2011, the city completed energy audits on almost half its buildings, with the remaining audits to be completed within four years. A 6.8kWh solar panel on the council chambers roof generates more than 11 percent of the power needed for the facility. Woodstock is also the first city in Georgia to install a municipally owned, free public charging station for electric vehicles.