The Climate Smart Communities (CSC) Certification program provides local governments with a robust framework to guide their climate action and recognizes high-performing communities for their leadership. Participation is free and voluntary. At no cost to local governments, CDRPC can help guide the development of successful local climate action initiatives across the Capital Region.
CSC Certification Support
The New York State Climate Smart Communities (CSC) Certification program serves as a roadmap for climate action. CDRPC can provide the following assistance to local governments with this program:
- Outreach and support for climate action engagement, capacity building, education, and training;
- Facilitate local climate mitigation planning and climate adaptation and resilience planning;
- Support the implementation of local climate action and projects;
- Convene climate and transportation listening sessions; and
- Provide CSC certification support.
Climate Action Planning
What is a Climate Action Plan?
A climate action plan (CAP), or mitigation plan, lays out strategies that mitigate climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The first step in pursuing a CAP is completing a greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory. A GHG Inventory summarizes the emissions from the consumption of energy and materials in either government facilities or a community. Using a GHG Inventory as the foundation, the CAP defines GHG reduction targets and outlines a framework for achieving reduction goals.
As part of the NYSERDA-funded CSC Regional Coordinators Pilot Program, CDRPC and its consultant, Climate Action Associates, developed a 2010 Regional Community GHG Inventory. This inventory computes direct and indirect emissions and apportions them to all 126 cities, towns, villages, and counties within the Capital Region.
For a detailed summary on CAPs and GHG Inventories, please explore the links to these CSC Priority actions below:
- Government Operations GHG Inventory
- Community GHG Inventory
- Government Operations Climate Action Plan
- Community Climate Action Plan
Climate Smart Communities Grants
Each year, the DEC announces the opening of the Climate Smart Communities Grants from May – July. These grants, which are 50% match, area available for implementation and certification projects. CDRPC’s suitability team can provide free technical support to help communities apply for and administer these grants. Check out this webinar, hosted on June 9, 2023, about the grants:
Climate Smart Communities Grants Webinar, June 9, 2023
For full information, include the RFA, past rounds, and other DEC funding opportunities, visit: https://www.dec.ny.gov/energy/109181.html
How can CDRPC help?
CDRPC provides no-cost assistance to local governments and communities in developing both a GHG Inventory and Climate Action Plan. In addition, we provide no-cost assistance with certification support.
Interested in the Climate Smart Communities program or climate action planning? Connect with one of CDRPC’s coordinators below to get started!
- Tara Donadio (tara.donadio@cdrpc.org): Albany, Schenectady, Greene and Northern Columbia Counties
- Haley Balcanoff (haley.balcanoff@cdrpc.org): Southern Saratoga, Rensselaer and Southern Columbia Counties
- Josh Dranoff (josh.dranoff@cdrpc.org): Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties
