A Climate Smart and Clean Energy Community
The Town of Hamilton has been making commitments and putting forth efforts to promote a sustainable, green community. The Town has been participating in two key programs set forth by NYS. The first is the Climate Smart Communities (CSC), organized by the NYSDEC and the second is the Clean Energy Communities Program (CEC), organized by NYSERDA. Collaborations between Colgate Upstate Institute, Andy Pattison’s Environmental Studies Class, Madison County and area residents have enabled these efforts to move forward.
CLIMATE SMART COMMUNITIES (CSC)
On September 8, 2016, the Town of Hamilton took the first action by passing a resolution adopting the CSC pledge to participate in the NYSDEC’s Climate Smart Communities Program. The Town is working with a team of individuals from the Village of Hamilton, Town of Hamilton and Colgate to work through the additional actions necessary to become certified.
About the Program: Members of the Climate Smart Communities Program are a network of New York communities engaged in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improving climate resilience. Climate Smart Communities can take action in two main ways to minimize the risks of climate change and reduce its long-term costs:
Reducing GHG Emissions: Starting now to reduce GHG emissions and create permanent carbon sinks that remove GHG emissions from the atmosphere – these actions will help stabilize atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide at manageable levels and avoid severe climatic changes.
Adapting to a Changing Climate: Altering the built and natural environment in anticipation of predicted climatic changes, or in response to actual changes, will alleviate the risks associated with unavoidable changes in climate.
Dr. Andrew Pattison’s Environmental Studies Class in the Fall of 2016, created this document to assist the Town in its efforts to connect the Comprehensive Plan, which was adopted in February 2017, with the goals of the Climate Smart Communities Program.
Incorporating Climate Smart Communities Program into the Town of Hamilton’s Draft Comprehensive Plan
Town of Hamilton Pledge to Participate in the Climate Smart Communities Program – 9-8-2016
Town Highway Garage Goes Solar in 2013!
Hamilton Town Garage Goes Solar 2013 Press Release
Town’s & Community’s Greenhouse Gas Inventory Reports
TOH 2017 Municipal GHG Inventory – CSC Final Report
TOH 2015 Community GHG Inventory – CSC Final Report
For more information on the program, go to: NYSDEC – Climate Smart Communities Program
For on-going efforts on the Climate Smart Communities program in the Hamilton Community, go to: Hamilton Climate Preparedness Working Group’s web page to learn more.
CLEAN ENERGY COMMUNITIES PROGRAM (CEC)
The Town has been working on the required four High-Impact actions to become a CEC.
About the program: Building a more sustainable New York starts with building more sustainable communities. Local governments affect energy choices in their communities, from government operations to homes, businesses, and community institutions. Local governments in New York State can use the Clean Energy Communities program to implement clean energy actions, save energy costs, create jobs, and improve the environment. In addition to providing tools, resources, and technical assistance, the program recognizes and rewards leadership for the completion of clean energy projects.
Town of Hamilton Greenhouse Gas Inventory 2011