Alpharetta Earns ARC Green Communities Recertification

ALPHARETTA, GA — The Atlanta Regional Commission has recertified the city of Alpharetta as one of its Green Communities. Alpharetta, which was recognized at the Gold level, previously reaffirmed its commitment to the initiative in 2014 and 2018.

Alpharetta was one of the first communities certified under the Green Communities Program when it won its inaugural commendation in 2009. This regional initiative is a voluntary certification program that helps governments implement measures designed to reduce their overall environmental footprint. 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 Alpharetta certification points include:

• Requiring new developments to obtain bonds that hold developers responsible for the survival of landscaping for 18 months. During this time, damaged or dying plants must be replaced.
• Building its new City Hall on a remediated brownfield. The site was previously home to an auto service station, and now acts as an anchor for a dense mixed-use community of residences, businesses, and greenspace.
• Enacting a Night Sky policy that ensures that incoming growth and development does not generate light pollution or waste energy with inefficient fixtures.
• Purchasing new office equipment and appliances that are ENERGY STAR rated. This equipment is more energy-efficient and helps reduce energy consumption and cost.
• Maintaining its certification as a Tree City USA for 28 years. Alpharetta is dedicated to preserving its tree canopy and protecting legacy trees.

Twenty local governments — 13 cities and seven counties — are under the ARC's program. It's the first program in the country that recognizes governments for promoting sustainability at the regional level, the ARC said. Along with Alpharetta, the cities of Chamblee, Decatur, and Sandy Springs, as well as Cherokee, Fulton, and Gwinnett Counties were honored.

"These seven communities are making significant strides in reducing their environmental footprint," said ARC chairman Kerry Armstrong. "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."

Image via Atlanta Regional Commission