Newtown Township Honored For Sustainability Efforts

NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP, PA — Newtown Township has been named one of Pennsylvania's most sustainable municipalities.

The township announced it is among a select group of high-performing municipalities to become certified through the Sustainable Pennsylvania Community Certification program.

Newtown Township has been recognized at the Silver level of certification for meeting the program's rigorous performance criteria that track 131 policies and practices used to define a sustainable community.

The Sustainable Pennsylvania Community Certification, managed by the Pennsylvania Municipal League in partnership with Sustainable Pittsburgh, is designed to distinguish municipalities that are working to save money, conserve resources, and serve vibrant communities.

The certification is implemented statewide, recognizing boroughs, townships, cities, and home rule municipalities across the Commonwealth. The Pennsylvania Municipal League and Sustainable Pittsburgh applaud municipalities for their demonstrated commitment and sustainability performance.

"We are delighted to see Newtown 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," said Anne McCollum, Director of Training and Development, Pennsylvania Municipal League

In earning the Silver certification, Newtown Township is acknowledged for its progress in such areas as community design and land use, energy efficiency, health and wellness, intergovernmental cooperation, recycling and waste reduction, fiscal controls, and internal management and operations.

Details about Newtown Township’s certification performance within these areas can be found online here.

"Newtown Township is proud to be recognized as a Silver Certified Community by the Sustainable Pennsylvania Community Certification program," said Leonard B. Altieri, III, Chairman, Newtown Township Board of Supervisors. "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 sound government."

"I would like to acknowledge and thank all the Boards, Commissions, Committees and staff for their assistance with gathering information in support of this important program," said Suzanne Wolanin, Sustainability Newtown Square Coordinator.

The Sustainable Pennsylvania Community Certification is intended to bring recognition to municipalities that are implementing the policies and practices of sustainability to advance community and regional prosperity.

It also serves as a mechanism for sharing best practices for creating a more sustainable Pennsylvania.

"Municipalities that earn the Sustainable Pennsylvania Community Certification have demonstrated a commitment to advancing sustainable best practices to foster thriving and vibrant communities where people long to live, work, and play," said James T. Price, Sustainable Community Manager, Sustainable Pittsburgh." Commitment to continuous improvement and innovation is at the heart of sustainability and the Certification program is a means to accelerate municipal performance."