By Bronxville Green Committee

Mar. 3, 2021: The Climate Smart Community (CSC) Program is a New York State program intended to assist municipalities in addressing climate change by identifying concrete steps they can take within a specified framework. Thirty-one of the 48 municipalities in Westchester are registered, some already with Bronze and Silver certification, and we are proud to announce Bronxville is now joining this important program.   

Last month Bronxville’s Village Trustees passed the Climate Smart Community resolution, began to form a Climate Smart Task Force, and identified a Program Coordinator. Once New York State confirms that Bronxville has taken these steps, we will be officially registered as a Climate Smart Community.  Then we can choose among the 100 action steps that will win us the 120 points required for Bronze Certification. 

Benefits of Becoming a Climate Smart Community: 

*Become eligible for grant money to help pay for clean energy adaptations.

*Acquire a well-defined, robust framework to help prioritize and highlight our efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainability.

*Gain access to resources and expert guidance provided by the State.

*Save money through greater efficiencies.

*Achieve greater energy independence and security.

*Enjoy cleaner air, soil, and water.

*Reduce flood risks.

*Receive credit for some steps the Village has already taken.

*Strengthen community bonds as we work together toward these goals.

Examples of Action Steps Recognized by the Program:

*taking an inventory of our greenhouse gas emissions and devising a plan to reduce them;

*shifting to renewable energy;

*adopting smart land-use practices;

*promoting energy-efficient building codes;

*responsibly sourcing products used by Village operations;

*reducing trash generated by residents, and increasing recycling rates;

*enhancing our resilience to climate change.

Role of the Green Committee

The Bronxville Green Committee will strive to assist the Climate Smart Task Force’s work to earn points for Bronze Certification. We are thrilled by this opportunity to work with Mayor Marvin, Jim Palmer, the Trustees, and Village staff. 

Your Role

Our success will depend on you, the residents of Bronxville! The actions we take together will make a quantifiable difference in transitioning to renewable energy and creating a sustainable future. In the months ahead, you’ll hear more about how you can help us earn points toward Bronze—and then Silver!—certification. Check our new website, coming soon, for continuous updates of our progress.

We are Bronxville strong and sustainable, protecting what we love!

NYS Information: About the Climate Smart Communities Program (ny.gov)

Meeting Tough Climate Goals

The Community Leadership and Climate Protection Act (CLCPA) is the law in New York State.  It sets extremely ambitious goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and making the transition to renewable energy:

*85% Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050

*100% zero-emission electricity by 2040

*70% renewable energy by 2030

Advisory committees are now meeting to determine exactly how we will meet those goals; the New York State Department of Conservation (NYSDEC) will have the authority to enforce whatever legal framework eventually emerges.  By working now to earn points through the Climate Smart Communities program, Bronxville will be best positioned for whatever new legislation emerges from Albany.

Photo courtesy of Kelly O'Connor, KCO Photography.

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