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Visit the Mid-Hudson CSC website!
 
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In this Issue
 
  • New CSCs!
  • CSC Certification Manual Resources
  • EPA Wastewise & WaterSense Programs
  • i-Tree Tools
  • Sullivan County Roundtable: Tools for Engaging Stakeholders
  • NY-Sun PV Trainers Network & Resources
 

It has come to our attention that some local governments have adopted the CSC Pledge, but have not registered with the NYSDEC Office of Climate Change. Please be sure to submit a certified copy of the resolution to ClimateChange@dec.ny.gov. For more information on how to become a CSC, please visit our website.
 
 
 

Congratulations to New Climate Smart Communities!
View the updated CSC Map

Congratulations to the four Climate Smart Communities (CSC) who recently adopted the pledge and joined a strong network of over 160 local governments throughout the state working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save taxpayers money, and prepare for the impacts of a changing climate. The CSC map has been updated to include:

  • Town of Marbletown
  • City of Rye
  • Town and Village of Wappinger Falls
How to Become a Climate Smart Community
 
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CSC Certification Manual V.2.0

The CSC Certification Manual is a comprehensive resource for identifying actions that will improve sustainability. Even if your community is not currently interested in pursuing CSC Certification, the Manual is a great starting point that provides the following information for all 139 actions:

  1. Why is this action important?
  2. How to implement this action
  3. Timeframe, project costs, and resource needs
  4. Which local governments and departments shoud be responsible for implementation? 
  5. How to obtain certification points
  6. What documentation to submit
  7. Links to additional resources and best practices
Download the CSC Certification Manual
 
 
 
CSC Certification Manual

CSC Certfication Rating System:

  • Broadly applicable
  • User friendly
  • Acknowledges early adopters
  • Promotes ongoing action
  • Rewards leaders

The CSC program is a unique state to local partnership across six state agencies including: 
 
 
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CSC Action 5.3

Participate in the U.S. EPA WasteWise Program
WasteWise Website

The U.S. EPA WasteWise program works with local governments to apply resource-efficient materials management practices to reduce government waste. There are two ways to participate; 1) Partners agree to reduce or recycle government solid waste and set annual waste diversion goals using the Sustainable Materials Management (SMM) data management system; 2) Endorsers agree to recruit organizations to become WasteWise partners or endorsers and provide both with promotional, educational, or technical information.
WasteWise Reduction Resources
 
 

CSC Action 7.23

Implement a Water Conservation and Reuse Program
WaterSense Website

Local governments can implement a water conservation and reuse program by joining EPA’s WaterSense program as a promotional partner. The EPA provides promotional resources and materials for the program. Local governments can participate at no-cost by signing the Promotional Partners Agreement, which requires local governments to educate residents, businesses, and institutions about water efficiency, undertake activities and events to achieve WaterSense goals, and provide data to the EPA on an annual basis about promotional activities.
 
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Pledge Element 6

Reduce GHG Emissions Through the Use of Climate-Smart Land-Use Tools

Preserving the tree canopy in our communities provides a number of environmental and economic benefits. Communities can earn points for CSC Certification Action 6.18 Develop a Local Forestry Program with the help of free tools, such as i-Tree.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) developed i-Tree Tools to stregthen urban forestry management, quantify ecosystem services, account for carbon sequestration, increase community awareness, and to engage decision makers. i-Tree Tools are freely accessible and provide baseline data that can be used to demonstrate value and priorities for a single tree or an entire forest. Please visit www.iTreeTools.org to learn more and to view the 
 
What is i-Tree?

Explore i-Tree Tools

  • i-Tree Eco

  • i-Tree Streets

  • i-Tree Hydro

  • i-Tree Vue

  • i-Tree Design

  • i-Tree Canopy
Get Started: i-Tree Tools
 
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Mark your Calendar!

August 25: 11am - 1pm
 

Please join us in Sullivan County for a roundtable on how to engage the community in a meaningful way. Learn about free and easy to use resources that will help you effectively communicate with community stakeholders
 
 
 

Stay tuned for more information or email ClimateSmart@vhb.com with questions. 
 
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NY-Sun

PV Trainers Network

Take advantage of the many resources available through the NY-Sun PV Trainers Network. The Network works directly with local officials, including:

  • Administrators
  • Planners
  • Code Officials
  • Inspectors
  • First responders
  • Village engineers
 
 
 
 

The Network is composed of experts in the field that develop and deliver training at various locations across New York State. This access to experts can help jurisdictions to meet their community economic development, job creation, and sustainability goals. 
View Resources on NY-Sun PVTN Website
 
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Stay Climate Smart & Connected!

Facebook Like Button   Like us on Facebook!

Tweet Button  Follow us on Twitter @MidHudsonCSC
 
 
Join our LinkedIn Group.

Join the conversation online to learn more about the Mid-Hudson Climate Smart Communities program, view upcoming events, and see how other communities are taking action under the 10 CSC Pledge Elements.
 
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Mid-Hudson CSC Regional Coordinator
ClimateSmart@vhb.com
www.MidHudsonCSC.org