New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Recognizes Yonkers as Bronze Certified for its Climate Leadership
On Sept. 24, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano announced the City of Yonkers is designated Bronze Certificated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) as a Climate Smart Community. Yonkers is one of 26 communities statewide to be recognized for helping save energy, reduce flood risk, address extreme heat and develop other plans that demonstrate climate leadership.
“Achieving bronze certification as a Climate Smart Community is a significant milestone for the City of Yonkers,” said Mayor Mike Spano. “This recognition from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation underscores our commitment to sustainability and environmental leadership. We’ve taken meaningful steps to reduce our carbon footprint, invest in green infrastructure, and prepare for the impacts of climate change. I’m proud of the progress we’ve made and look forward to building on this momentum as we continue to create a more resilient and sustainable Yonkers.”
To achieve certification, communities must demonstrate an active task force of residents and municipal representatives advancing local climate action. Communities certified as part of the Climate Smart Communities program accumulate points for planning and implementing actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve community resilience.
The City of Yonkers’ qualifying actions for the Bronze Certification include:
- Building a Climate Smart Community
- Establishment of the Yonkers Green City Advisory Committee
- Appointment of a Director of Sustainability
- Creating a Community Climate Action Plan
- Decreasing Energy Use
- Government Building Energy Audits
- Green Building Standard for Government Buildings
- Green Municipal Fleet
- Installation of LED Street Lights
- Energy Code Enforcement Training
- Using Climate Smart Materials Management
- Residential Organic Waste Program
- Implementing Climate Smart land use
- Unified Solar Permits
- Infrastructure for biking and walking
- Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
- Forestry Planting Program
- Supporting Green Innovation Economy
- Participant in Community Choice Aggregation program, Westchester Power
- Operated Community Solar campaign
The City of Yonkers’ certification expires September 30, 2030.
William Serratore, Director of Sustainability, City of Yonkers, stated, “I am pleased that Yonkers is once again a BRONZE Level Climate Smart Community. Under the leadership of Mayor Spano the Office of Sustainability, we’ve been actively executing our Climate Action Plan — delivering results for the people of Yonkers. We will now set our sights on obtaining the Silver level status.”
Established in 2009, the interagency Climate Smart Community program provides guidance and technical support to local governments pursuing climate action. The CSC program is led by DEC with support from NYSERDA, Department of Health (DOH), Department of State (DOS), Department of Transportation (DOT), Department of Public Service (DPS), Division of Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), and New York Power Authority (NYPA).
