Saratoga Springs Recertifies New York State Bronze Certified Climate Smart Community
Saratoga Springs has once again been recognized as a leader in local climate action, earning recertification as a Bronze Certified Climate Smart Community (CSC) by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).
First certified in 2020, the City has expanded its efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen community resilience. With local support from the Capital District Regional Planning Commission, Saratoga Springs completed 24 actions across seven CSC categories to earn recertification.
Highlights include converting most streetlights to energy-efficient LEDs, adding an electric vehicle (EV) and a dedicated fleet charger, and investing in electric landscaping equipment. These projects—funded in part through the New York State Energy and Research Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) Clean Energy Communities (CEC) Program—lower energy use and costs while reducing air and noise pollution.
The city also advanced communitywide projects to reduce transportation emissions, including completing a portion of the Saratoga Greenbelt Trail Downtown Connector and beginning construction of missing sidewalk links.
To meet growing demand for EV charging, Saratoga Springs partnered with the New York Power Authority (NYPA) and the City Center Authority to host NYPA Evolve NY fast chargers at the City Center garage and is installing two additional public EV chargers at the Woodlawn Avenue parking garage with NYSERDA CEC funding.
With DEC grant support, the city recently completed a Municipal Greenhouse Gas Inventory and expects to adopt a Municipal Climate Action Plan this fall. Building on these accomplishments, Saratoga Springs plans to pursue Silver Climate Smart Community certification in the near future.
“This recertification is a testament to our City’s commitment to sustainability and climate leadership,” said Mayor John Safford. “With the upcoming adoption of our Climate Action Plan and our goal of Silver certification, Saratoga Springs is charting a clear course toward a more sustainable and resilient future for everyone who lives, works, and visits.”