Politics & Government
Op-Ed: Southampton Draws Closer to Sustainability
As Earth Day approaches, the Sustainable Southampton Advisory Committee reminds community members about the terrific progress our town government has made in reducing its environmental impact.
Have you noticed our town getting a little greener lately?
Aside from the delicate, bright green spring buds — which I’m thrilled to see — there is a momentum pushing Southampton Town toward a more sustainable (“green”) future.
As Earth Day, April 22, approaches, the Sustainable Southampton Advisory Committee reminds community members about the terrific progress our town government has made in reducing its environmental impact.
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These accomplishments have also given community members the opportunity to live a more sustainable life. On a parallel track to municipal efforts, individuals and community groups are doing their part to protect and restore the environment as well.
Visit SouthamptonTownNY.gov/Sustainable for a sustainable calendar featuring town and community sponsored events or click here to submit your own event.
Find out what's happening in Southamptonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
In the meantime, you can reflect and be inspired by some of the positive momentum the Sustainable Southampton Committee has created. While we are all headed in the right direction, the road to sustainability is long and winding.
As committee chairman Tip Brolin points out, “They key to success is follow-up. You have to be sure that resolutions are actually implemented and that intentions become realities that will spark real, positive change.”
Let’s keep the “green momentum” going, for Earth Day and beyond!
Sustainable Southampton Committee Accomplishments
2008
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Developed a Residential Construction Energy Code featuring innovative criteria for new homes to meet energy-efficiency standards on a sliding scale based on home size
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Facilitated the Town's membership in ICLEI (International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives)
2009
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Supported a Swimming Pool Energy Efficiency Code, the only code of its type in the state of New York
Sponsored the 2009 "Great Greening" of Southampton that coordinated fall events including sustainability discussion groups, trail and bike events, organic garden tours and more
2010
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Developed a Commercial Construction Energy Code requiring new commercial buildings to meet energy-efficiency standards
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Developed an Idling-Reduction Policy for the town of Southampton
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Facilitated creation of town's new Office of Energy and Sustainability
Successfully applied for a federal grant that funded the Office of Energy and Sustainability
2011
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Developed a "green" procurement policy for town government departments
Kate Schertel is the director of community outreach for the .
