The city of Atlanta was recognized by the Atlanta Regional Commission for leadership in practices which promote sustainability. During the ARC’s board meeting last month, Atlanta was upgraded to a Certified Gold Green Community.

The Green Communities Program is a voluntary certification program for jurisdictions in the 10-county Atlanta region to encourage local governments to become more sustainable. Atlanta re-certified as an ARC Certified Silver Green Community in 2013, after first certifying at the Bronze level in 2009.

Atlanta’s achievements in sustainability include becoming the first city in the southeast to pass a comprehensive efficiency ordinance, adopting bicycle and pedestrian-friendly policies in the Connect Atlanta Plan, and launching an electric vehicle fleet program which will include 50 electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

“The Office of Sustainability is very pleased to upgrade from a Certified Silver Green Community to a Certified Gold Green Community,” said Stephanie Stuckey Benfield, Director for the office. “I would like to thank our more than 300 stakeholders across Atlanta, representing neighborhoods, schools, businesses, community organizations and government agencies who helped us achieve this recognition.”