Fulton County Obtains Green Community Recertification

FULTON COUNTY, GA — The Atlanta Regional Commission has recertified Fulton County as a Green Community. Fulton, which was recertified at the Bronze level, was one of the first counties to achieve a Green Community designation in 2010. Its initial certification was renewed in 2014 and 2018.

The Atlanta Regional Commission’s Green Communities program is a voluntary program that helps local governments implement measures to reduce their footprints on the environment. It also recognizes their commitment to environmental stewardship and their leadership in sustainability practices.

The winners earned certification points for measures implemented in their communities. Some measures that earned Fulton certification points include:

• Nurturing partnerships between Adopt-A-Stream and local high school STEM clubs, leading to a cleanup of Burdett Stream and continued restorative maintenance.
• Remediating many brownfields, transforming them into usable land. One recent project is Wolf Creek Amphitheater, which now hosts popular performances throughout the year.
• Managing a number of community gardens where residents may grow their own food, demonstrating its commitment to providing fresh, sustainable food options.
• Equipping the Fulton County Government Center with a cool roof, which reflects sunlight back out into the atmosphere, keeping the building cool while reducing air conditioning costs.
• Spearheading a comprehensive water education program via its Public Works Department which includes family festivals, community events, educational signage at government-owned facilities, and a mobile Water on Wheels unit with K-12 activities.

In metro Atlanta, 20 local governments — 13 cities and seven counties — are certified under ARC’s Green Communities program. This is the first program in the country that promotes sustainability through a green certification program for local governments at the regional level. This year, the cities of Alpharetta, Chamblee, Decatur, and Sandy Springs, as well as Cherokee, Fulton, and Gwinnett counties were honored.

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“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.”

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.

For more information about the program, visit the ARC's website.

Image via Atlanta Regional Commission