NYS DEC names Greenburgh Climate Smart Community

NYS DEC names Greenburgh Climate Smart Community--one of 29 communities statewide

Will enhance our chances of getting more grants.

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News & Town Board Reports (gblist)Posted on October 21, 2026

The Town of Greenburgh has achieved Bronze Certification under New York State's Climate Smart Communities (CSC) Certification Program, marking an important milestone in its commitment to environmental stewardship, climate resilience, and sustainable local government. An important accomplishment.

The town has worked hard in recent years to participate in regional sustainable efforts- including working with Sustainable Westchester. We have facilitated solar installations on private property and have placed solar panels on municipal buildings, have built miles of new sidewalks, adopted a tree ordinance, maintains tree protection guidance. We have acquired and enhanced open space (14 acres of new open space will be turned over to the town when housing is built at the site of the old Elmwood Country Club) and have promoted food scrap recycling and composting programs. We also have a stormwater management program and have been working to address flooding problems around town, among other initiatives.

Achieving Bronze Certification is a proud milestone for Greenburgh and a testament to the dedication of our incredible team. This recognition reflects the important work already underway and gives us a strong foundation to continue building a more sustainable and resilient community.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced that 29 communities statewide have newly earned Climate Smart Communities certification, including Greenburgh, one of 21 communities receiving Bronze-level certification in this round.

The CSC program recognizes municipalities for taking measurable steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for the impacts of climate change. Communities earn points for actions involving energy efficiency, emissions reduction, climate adaptation, sustainable transportation, natural resource protection, community engagement, and resilience planning. Obtaining this status also enhances our ability to receive grants in the future.

For Greenburgh, achieving Bronze Certification provides a strong foundation for continued climate action. The designation recognizes work already underway while creating a framework for future initiatives that can strengthen the Town's resilience, protect natural resources, reduce energy use, and prepare for challenges such as extreme heat, flooding, and severe storms.

The Bronze designation is an accomplishment. But we should look at the designation as a foundation. Next goal: Earning a Silver level certification. Some ideas:
more sidewalks; solar canopies at AF Veteran Park parking lot (in the planning stages); creating a recycling center at the highway garage (in the planning stages), publish annual figures for trees planted, trees removed and replacement survival rates. Expand food scrap collection (curbside pickup is a goal), conduct energy audits. Implement more flood control initiatives. More EV charging stations. Let's push for the silver designation!

PAUL FEINER

Greenburgh Town Supervisor