CLUS student fellows helped Chambersburg Borough prepare and submit their application to become a sustainable community. In August 2017, Chambersburg Borough was recognized as a Gold Certified Sustainable Municipality under the Sustainable Pennsylvania Community Certification Program. Visit the Borough Website to learn more about their certification criteria and application.

“…The certification acknowledges the steps taken by municipalities to achieve sustainability. It is designed to provide further reinforcement— and the inspiration (and funds) to go even bigger. That recognition goes a long way: Pennsylvania municipalities that are distinguished in applying sustainable policies in order to advance community prosperity while reducing carbon footprint get kudos, support and even grant money to expand programs. The program also serves as a mechanism for sharing best practices for creating a more sustainable Pennsylvania. The award is based on 130 criteria in the following nine categories:

• Governance and Community Engagement
• Healthy Communities
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
• Education
• Energy Use, Conservation and Green Building
• Environmental Stewardship
• Housing
• Land Use and Transportation
• Local Economy

The award is broken down into five categories: platinum, gold, silver, bronze and associate, which are meted out according to points earned based on criteria met at a specific point in time. Previously, the certification was only available to the southwest region of the state, but, in 2014, the program was expanded to include all municipalities across Pennsylvania through a partnership between Sustainable Pittsburgh and PML.” Read more in the 2016 budget (11/16/15).