Climate Smart Communities
Climate Smart Communities (CSC) is a New York State program that helps local governments take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to a changing climate, recognizing communities that help takes steps to save energy and build resiliency. The program offers grants, rebates, and free technical assistance.
Pound Ridge achieved Bronze certification in 2020 and re-certified as a Bronze Climate Smart Community again in 2025.
In 2016, Pound Ridge adopted the New York State Climate Smart Communities Pledge, which comprises the following ten elements:
1. Pledge to be a Climate Smart Community.
2. Set goals, inventory emissions, plan for climate action.
3. Decrease community energy use.
4. Increase community use of renewable energy.
5. Realize benefits of recycling and other climate-smart solid waste management practices.
6. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions through use of climate-smart land-use tools.
7. Enhance community resilience and prepare for the effects of climate change.
8. Support development of a green innovation economy.
9. Inform and inspire the public.
10. Commit to an evolving process of climate action.
The Climate Smart Communities Task Force was formed to:
- Give advice to the Town Board on eco-friendly policies and practices.
- Recommend sustainability goals and programs that help reduce the Town’s impact on the environment, especially in waste management.
- Help create programs to inform and educate residents about using less fossil fuel and other green initiatives.
The CSC Task Force, along with the Sustainability Committee help to support the CSC pledge and certification.
More information on Climate Smart Communities can be found here:
Members:
Nicole Shaffer, Chair
Elyse Arnow
Melinda Avellino
Andy Karpowich
Ali Boak, Town Board Liaison
