Lower Merion Sustainability Efforts Get 'Gold' Certification

LOWER MERION TOWNSHIP, PA – Lower Merion Township's ongoing efforts to limit its environmental impact have garnered attention from a state sustainability group. So much attention in fact that the township was deemed a "Certified Sustainable Municipality," earning a "Gold"-level distinction from the group.

The township said it was given a Gold-level certification of sustainability from Sustainable Pennsylvania Community Certification program, which is administrated through Pennsylvania Municipal League in partnership with Sustainable Pittsburgh.

“Lower Merion is proud to be recognized as a Gold Certified Community by the Sustainable Pennsylvania Community Certification program,” Township Manager Ernie McNeely said in a statement. “The Township has a long history of commitment to saving taxpayer dollars, using resources efficiently, and applying best practices in municipal government and community development. We are pleased to be recognized and be part of the regional community of good government.”

To earn the gold certification, municipalities must excel in 131 different policies and practices that define a sustainable community.

Lower Merion's effort to stay green in facets such as community design, energy efficiency, health and wellness, and recycling and waste reduction led to its certification from the program.

“We are delighted to see Lower Merion Township distinguished among local governments that are leading the way in applying sustainability to both their operations and management as well as within the community,” Anne McCollum, Director of Training and Development, Pennsylvania Municipal League, said.

The program is intended to bring recognition to municipalities that are applying the policy and practice of sustainability as their way of operating to advance community prosperity, according to the township. It also serves as a mechanism for sharing best practices for creating a more sustainable Pennsylvania, the township said.

The Pennsylvania Municipal League is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization established in 1900 as an advocate for Pennsylvania’s 3rd class cities.

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