DEP: P2 for State and Local Government Agencies

Leading By Example
Pollution Prevention (P2) Strategies For State and Local Government

State agencies and local governments have many opportunities to lead by example by incorporating P2 strategies into new and existing programs. Learn how your town or state agency can prevent pollution and "go green".
1. How To Green Your CT State Agency
2. Energy Efficiency, Conservation & Climate Change
3. Green Building & High Performance Schools
4. Organic Land Care & Integrated Pest Management
5. Public Works Garages & Fleet Maintenance
6. Purchasing & Environmentally Preferable Products (EPPs)
7. Responsible Growth
8. Solid Waste & Recycling
9. Support Organizations
10. Green Circle Awards

2. Energy Efficiency, Conservation & Climate Change

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.

CT DEP Energy Resource Guide for Municipalities provides guidance on energy efficiency strategies, renewable energy strategies, other greenhouse gas reduction strategies, contacts and other resources.
Find out how the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund can assist your town in the support and purchase of clean energy.
CT Climate Change Initiative: CT municipalities are working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the local level and save money. Find out what these towns are doing and get information on how your town can participate.
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.
EPA Energy Star programs and qualified products can save money and protect the environment.

3. 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. Connecticut Green Building Council has tools and resources, such as the Green Schools Toolbox to support the development of high performance schools.

4. Organic Land Care & Integrated Pest Management
You can have good-looking, high quality athletic fields and school grounds without the use of conventional fertilizers and pesticides. Find information on how to transition to organic land care and how to get a free DVD.

5. Public Works Garages & Fleet Maintenance

Maintaining a fleet of vehicles is expensive. Learn how to reduce your costs, meet your regulatory requirements and protect the environment.

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 ublic-private partnerships that deploy alternative fuel vehicles (AFV's) and build supporting infrastructure.
When purchasing new vehicles for your town, consider "green vehicles" that get better gas mileage and produce less emissions.
The Green Car Institute provides information on alternative and clean fuel vehicles.
Your fleet of vehicles has a significant impact on the environment. Find out how to reduce the "footprint" of your town's vehicles.

6. 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.

The CT Department of Administrative Services Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) Program provides access to state contracts that feature EPP products and services as well as general EPP information, statutes, and policies.
Learn more about Green Seal certified cleaning products.
Find out what to look for when purchasing recycled content products.
Your town may want to consider using biodiesel as a fuel for heating or running vehicles with diesel engines.

7. 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.

DEP's Landscape Stewardship Initiative provides a wealth of information for all concerned about balancing growth with environmental protection.
The Center for Land Use Education and Research (CLEAR) is a group of programs at UCONN's College of Agriculture and Natural Resources related to improving local land use plans and practices. Programs include: Nonpoint Education For Municipal Officials (NEMO), the Land Use Academy, the Land Use Planning Program , the Geospatial Technology program and Urban Forestry.
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. The on-line Green and Growing Tool Box contains a comprehensive inventory of policies, plans, and programs administered by key state agencies.
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.
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.
1000 Friends Of Connecticut educates communities about how to have development without sprawl.
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".

8. Solid Waste & Recycling

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.

Learn about the State's Solid Waste Management Plan.
Pay-As-You-Throw can help your town reduce waste and increase recycling .
Get real numbers on how your town's recycling efforts reduce the effects of climate change, save energy and more through the Northeast Recycler's Coalition (NERC) Environmental Benefits Calculator.
Find out about Household Hazardous Waste Collections schedules.
Learn about managing and recycling Construction and Road Demolition (C & D) materials.
Manage the use and disposal of street sweepings and catch basin cleanings.
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. Contact K.C. Alexander.

9. Support Organizations

Get more pollution prevention ideas from these organizations:

The National Pollution Prevention Roundtable's (NPPR) local government workgroup goal is to strengthen the role and effectiveness of local government's contribution to P2 efforts across the country.
The Local Government Environmental Assistance Network (LGEAN) is a "first-stop shop" providing environmental management, planning, and regulatory information for local government, elected and appointed officials, managers and staff.
Learn about EPA's P2 Projects and Programs.

10. Green Circle Awards
Get recognition for your efforts! The DEP's Green Circle Awards recognize the pollution prevention accomplishments of state agencies and local governments.

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Content Last Updated August 2009.

Leading By Example Pollution Prevention (P2) Strategies For State and Local Government

Leading By Example
Pollution Prevention (P2) Strategies For State and Local Government