The Atlanta Regional Commission announced last week that DeKalb County and the cities of Alpharetta, Brookhaven, Dunwoody, Johns Creek, Peachtree Corners, and Sandy Springs have been certified through the agency’s Green Communities Program for demonstrating leadership in sustainability practices.

ARC developed the Green Communities Program in 2009 to certify 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.

“We are happy to highlight local governments who are greening their facilities, greening their fleets, and putting in place policies and ordinances that would make their communities more environmentally sustainable,” said Danny Johnson, ARC’s Managing Director of the Natural Resources Department. “This voluntary certification leads the way to healthy, livable, and resilient communities, which we hope inspires others across the nation.”

Communities work diligently earning credits in areas of measurement such as constructing green buildings, implementing water conservation measures, and protecting tree canopies. Communities continue to rise to the occasion, implementing new trendsetting measures, moving through the levels ranging from Bronze to Platinum.

This year, seven communities were recognized, including two new communities.

The 2023 Green Communities honorees achieved the following certification levels:

• City of Alpharetta – Recertified Gold
• City of Brookhaven – Certified Gold (new Green Community)
• City of Dunwoody – Recertified Gold
• City of Johns Creek – Certified Bronze (new Green Community)
• City of Peachtree Corners – Recertified Gold
• City of Sandy Springs – Recertified Gold
• DeKalb County – Upgraded to Gold

In metro Atlanta, 20 local governments — 14 cities and six counties — are currently certified under ARC’s Green Communities Program. The program was the first in the country to promote sustainability through a green certification program for local governments.

More information about ARC’s Green Communities certification program is available at atlantaregional.org/greencommunities.