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Leading By Example
Pollution Prevention (P2) Strategies For State and Local Government
| Energy Efficiency and Conservation |
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Energy efficiency programs, purchasing energy from renewable resources and simple changes such as switching to compact fluorescents (CFLs) can save your town a lot of money, as well as reducing the effects of climate change.
- Energy Champion video highlights a successful geothermal installation by the Town of Tolland, Connecticut and the important role a local business owner played as the chair of the Town's Energy Task Force. Other communities looking to upgrade their energy infrastructure are encouraged to look no further than their own backyard to find an energy champion who can lend their expertise to the process and lead by example. (Length: 4 minutes)
- Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPC)video showcases successful energy projects in East Hartford and Stamford, Connecticut. Through Energy Savings Performance Contracts, both municipalities achieved significant energy and cost reductions in their schools and government buildings with no upfront costs. (Length: 5 1/2 minutes) For more information, visit Lead by Example.
- The Connecticut Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA) leverages public and private funds to drive investment and scale-up clean energy deployment in Connecticut.
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- Find out what CT municipalities are doing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the local level and saving money, too.
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Cities for Climate Protection Campaign, sponsored by the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives, offers a framework for local governments to develop a strategic agenda to reduce greenhouse gas emissions with the benefit of improving community livability.
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Libraries are community "hotspots" and great places to teach and showcase efforts to create a sustainable environment. Get inspiration from these resources to green your library.
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Greening Your Library (pdf) This is a presentation by the Office of Pollution Prevention staff to the CT State Library Association in April 2010. It offers many suggestions about how to green your operation from recycling all kinds of materials, reducing energy and environmentally preferable purchasing using "real life" examples from greening the DEEP.
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Green Libraries This website has information about the greening of libraries in North America, including a list of libraries constructing green buildings and a directory.
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Green Library Blog Share your success stories and learn what other libraries are doing to become sustainable. |
Green Buildings & High Performance Schools |
Green buildings are part of the larger practice of responsible growth. High performance schools are built using an integrated design process that has long-term benefits for the community and the environment.
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Integrated pest management (IPM) is a systematic method of managing pests using non-chemical pest management methods and the judicious use of pesticides when pest populations exceed acceptable levels. |
| Public Works Garages and Fleet Maintenance |
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Maintaining a fleet of vehicles is expensive. Learn how to reduce your costs, meet your regulatory requirements and protect the environment.
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The Pit Stops Fact Sheets provide guidance on basic regulatory requirements and best management practices for vehicle operations. -
The Clean Cities Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, supports public-private partnerships that deploy alternative fuel vehicles (AFV's) and build supporting infrastructure. -
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| Purchasing & Environmentally Preferable Products (EPPs) |
EPP cleaning products are non-toxic, healthier for students, cleaning staff and employees and promote better indoor air quality. Recycled content products are comparable in cost and quality to conventional products.
- After October 1, 2007 cleaning products used in a building owned by the State must meet standards set by a national or international environmental certification program approved by the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) in consultation with the Commissioner of Environmental Protection. Read the Policy for Use of Environmentally Preferable Products andSanitizing Products.
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The City of Portland, Oregon has developed comprehensive case studies for many items from antifreeze to waterless urinals. These case studies discuss the scope of the purchase, benefits, costs, performance, and lessons learned. -
EPA's Design for the Environment (DfE) program provides information to identify cleaning and other products that are cost-effective and safer for the environment. Find Dfe approved products. -
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Your town may want to consider using biodiesel as a fuel for heating or running vehicles with diesel engines. |
| Sustainability and Responsible Growth |
Responsible growth or "livability" initiatives are designed to help communities determine how they want to grow and how to make policy choices consistent with their vision.
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Sustainable Land Use Regulations Video showcases an innovative project of the Capitol Region Council of Governments that will equip towns with model zoning regulations to help them create vibrant, sustainable communities. The model regulations cover four key topic areas: Housing Diversity and Affordability, Energy Efficiency and Alternative Energy, Food Security and Local Food Systems and Compact and Mixed Use Development. (Length: 4 1/2 minutes) Information on the project is available at New England's Sustainable Knowledge Corridor.
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Building Healthy Communities Video focuses on how several Connecticut towns and cities are working to improve the health of their residents by supporting programs that provide access to fresh foods and encourage walking and biking. The role of farmers' markets, community gardens, multi-use trails, walkability audits, bike-to-work initiatives and innovative bicycle-friendly programs are explored. (Length: 5 ½ minutes)
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- The on-line Green and Growing Tool Box contains a comprehensive inventory of policies, plans, and programs administered by key state agencies.
- The Office of Responsible Growth, housed within the Office of Policy and Management, was established by Governor Rell’s Executive Order 15 to coordinate state efforts to revitalize cities, preserve the unique charm of our state and build livable, economically strong communities while protecting our natural resources for the enjoyment of future generations.
- Learn about EPA's responsible growth strategies for the US and for New England. For more information, contact Rosemary Monahan, EPA Region 1 at 617-918-1087.
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National Smart Growth Organization is a resource for communities concerned about growth that boost the economy as well as protecting the environment and enhancing community vitality.
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- Learn about the Capitol Region Council of Government's Picture It Better Together Project. This project solicited input from the public on what makes a "livable community".
- Learn about responsible growth in Suffield and Parkville section of Hartford in the P2 View newsletter article: "Growth Happens, How to Make it Livable".
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| Solid Waste & Recycling |
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Are you concerned about the rising cost of managing solid waste? Learn about innovative approaches to solid waste management such as Pay-As-You-Throw and large scale composting that can help your town save money on tipping fees.
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Learn how SMART programs (unit pricing) can help your town reduce waste and increase recycling.
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Organic materials separated from the trash are highly recyclable and should be thought of as a resource, not a waste. Significant increases in recycling rates can be achieved through composting and other organics recycling. -
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Content Last Updated December 2012
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