Sustainability Program

Rockland County Sustainability Program

Rockland County is dedicated to combating climate change and enhancing our environment through a new Sustainability Program. This initiative focuses on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, adapting to changing conditions, and strengthening community resilience, all while promoting a green economy. A major goal is to achieve certification as a Climate Smart Community (CSC).

Rockland County's Sustainability Achievements

Since adopting the CSC Pledge in 2010, Rockland County has made substantial progress in sustainability. Key milestones include:

• 100% Renewable Energy: We have successfully utilized Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to cover all the County's energy needs.

• Clean Energy Community Designation: In November 2023, Rockland County received the Clean Energy Community (CEC) designation from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) after successfully completing four high-impact actions aimed at promoting clean energy initiatives.

• Electric Landscaping Equipment: The County has invested in a range of electric and battery-operated landscaping equipment, transitioning from gas-fueled machinery to more sustainable alternatives.

• Dedicated Leadership: We have recently appointed a Sustainability Coordinator to drive our sustainability initiatives forward.

• GHG Emissions Inventory and Climate Action Plan: With recent funding from NYSDEC, the County is developing a comprehensive Government Operations GHG Emissions Inventory and Climate Action Plan (CAP) to guide our future efforts.

• County-Hosted Trainings: We have conducted targeted climate change education and training sessions, including workshops on "Clean Energy in Comprehensive Planning," "Model Solar Energy Law," and "Battery Energy Storage Systems Law.

Rockland County's Government Operations Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory and Climate Action Plan

• The County is working on development of a Government Operations Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Climate Action Plan (CAP).
• In 2024, the County was awarded a $75,000 grant from the  NYSDEC’s Office of Climate Change to conduct this work.
• The funding will be used to measure and inventory greenhouse gas emissions generated by County government operations
• Additionally, we will develop a Climate Action Plan that sets goals for reducing GHG emissions and outlines strategies for achieving those targets.

For any questions or comments, please direct your inquiry to Rockland County's Sustainability Program at sustainability@co.rockland.ny.us