VILLAGE GO GREEN COMMITTEE

Village of Lake George: Go Green Committee Initiatives

The Go Green Committee of the Village of Lake George is dedicated to fostering sustainable practices and building a resilient community through energy efficiency, environmental stewardship, and climate action planning. Established in the 2000s as a joint effort with the Town of Lake George, the committee serves as a task force to integrate sustainable government practices into daily operations and plan for a future that prioritizes climate resiliency and energy efficiency. The dedicated committee members include representatives from both the village and the town, along with environmental experts, all working together to achieve these goals.

Climate Smart Community Certification

The Village of Lake George is proud to be one of the first municipalities in the Adirondack Park to achieve Certified Bronze Climate Smart Community status. This designation, earned alongside the Town of Lake George, reflects the village’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and enhancing climate resilience. Key accomplishments include:

• Conducting GHG emissions inventories to establish reduction goals.
• Developing a comprehensive Climate Action Plan to guide local climate protection initiatives.
• Implementing energy-saving measures and increasing the use of renewable energy.
• Educating the community about climate-friendly practices and sustainable living.

For more details on the certification and related achievements, view the Town of Lake George Website.

Climate Action Plan

In 2016, the Village of Lake George, in partnership with the Town, received a $25,000 grant from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to develop a joint Climate Action Plan (CAP). This plan outlines strategies to reduce dependency on fossil fuels, enhance community preparedness for climate change, and identify funding opportunities for sustainability projects. Highlights include:

• Setting GHG reduction targets and actionable strategies to meet them.
• Assessing vulnerabilities in infrastructure and natural resources.
• Planning for a resilient and sustainable future.

The Climate Action Plan is both a vision and a practical roadmap for securing private, state, and federal funding for sustainability projects.

Clean Energy and Sustainability Programs

The Village of Lake George actively participates in several state-led programs to advance clean energy and sustainability:

• Clean Energy Communities: Certified in 2020, the Village completed high-impact action items, including improving energy efficiency and deploying renewable energy projects.
• Cleaner, Greener Communities: Through this competitive grant program, the Village secured funding to implement sustainability projects and integrate environmentally friendly practices across operations.

Tree City USA Certification

In 2021, the Village of Lake George was certified as a Tree City USA community, demonstrating its commitment to urban forestry and environmental health. Key steps included:

• Signing an Arbor Day Proclamation and hosting annual Arbor Day events.
• Establishing a tree care ordinance and designating the Go Green Committee as the Village Tree Board.
• Allocating resources to maintain public trees in streets, parks, and community spaces.

How You Can Help

The Village of Lake George invites residents, businesses, and visitors to join the effort to create a sustainable and resilient community. By adopting climate-smart practices and supporting local green initiatives, you can play a vital role in protecting the natural beauty and ecological health of Lake George for generations to come.

For more information about the Go Green Committee, explore the resources linked above or attend a meeting to learn how you can get involved! Together, we can build a brighter, greener future for Lake George.