Adirondack town reduces carbon footprint with energy efficient upgrades, achieves bronze status in Climate Smart Communities program
By Mike Lynch
The town of Jay has earned a bronze designation through the Climate Smart Communities program to join a handful of Adirondack communities with that distinction.
The state Department of Environmental Conservation made the announcement last week, recognizing Jay as one of eight communities statewide getting the designation in this round.
Jay earned the certification through its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, including installing energy-efficient LED streetlights, switching over to battery-operated landscaping equipment and promoting the use of solar energy. It has installed a heat pump in its senior center so it can serve the dual purpose of being a cooling center. The town has also led community education and outreach, including organizing a sustainability and energy fair last September.
“It’s been a great experience for the town of Jay,” said Knut Sauer, Jay’s Climate Smart Coordinator and town councilor. “I think we are very excited about it, and everybody’s now looking for the silver certification. It’s an accomplishment and achievement that I think the town can be proud of.”
Read the full article in the Adirondack Explorer.