Climate Smart Communities Certification Report

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silver Certified

This is the Climate Smart Communities Certification Report of Bedford, Town (Westchester). Bedford, Town (Westchester) is a silver certified Climate Smart Community.

Bedford, Town (Westchester) was certified on April 21, 2023 with 325 points earned from 37 completed actions. Listed below is information regarding Bedford, Town (Westchester)’s Climate Smart Communities efforts and materials associated with its certified actions.

The certification for Bedford, Town (Westchester) will expire on September 30, 2028.

Contact Information

The designated Climate Smart Communities contact for Bedford, Town (Westchester) is:

Name:Ellen Calves
Title/Position:Program Director / Bedford 2020, Inc.
Address:PO Box 812
Bedford Hills, NY 10507

Actions Implemented

Each approved action and supporting documentation for which Bedford, Town (Westchester) was approved for in 2023 appears below. Note: Standards for the actions below may have changed and the documentation listed may no longer satisfy requirements for that action.

  • 1. Build a climate-smart community.

    1.1 Pass a Resolution Adopting the CSC Pledge

    4 Points

    Program Summary:

    PE1 Action: CSC Task Force

    20 Points
    Bronze Mandatory Silver Mandatory

    Program Summary: We are applying for all 20 points available under this action. Attached in this application is the initial resolution "Task Force Resolution" calling for a CSC task force, the list of Bedford 2030 employees and board members who are members of the task force (including the groups they represent, if different than Bedford 2030) and records from two task force meetings held within the last year. The list of members is in the attached document titled “PE1_CSC_Task_Force_Members.pdf”. The meeting minutes are in the documents titled “PE1_Action_CSC_Task_Force_January_27.pdf” and “PE1_Action_CSC_Task_Force_February_10.pdf” and the resolution is in the attached document titled “Task Force Resolution”.

    PE1 Action: CSC Coordinator

    10 Points
    Bronze Mandatory Silver Mandatory

    Program Summary: Mariah Okrongly is Bedford 2030’s program director, and as such is the CSC Coordinator. Mariah is actively coordinating Bedford’s application to the CSC silver level certification, and is a core member of Bedford 2030, which serves as the Town of Bedford’s CSC task force. Evidence of this in the form of links to and screenshots from Bedford 2030’s website is attached in the document titled “PE1_Action_CSC_Coordinator_Supporting_Documents”. We have also included the original town resolution to name the program director of Bedford 2020 (now named Bedford 2030) as the CSC Coordinator (Document titled “PE1_CSC_Coordinator_Town_Resolution.pdf). We have also included meeting notes from two CSC Task Force meetings during which Mariah was present which have occurred within the last year (documents titled “PE1_Action_CSC_Task_Force_January_27.pdf” and “PE1_Action_CSC_Task_Force_February_10.pdf”).

    PE1 Action: National/Regional Climate Program

    3 Points

    Program Summary: Bedford is a participating member of NYSERDA’s Clean Energy Communities and also Sustainable Westchester. Below you will see the town’s active participation with Sustainable Westchester through a list of current members which includes Bedford. Also included is a link to NYSERDA's Clean Energy Communities in scorecard - most recently Bedford has taken the lead in the state.

  • 2. Inventory emissions, set goals, and plan for climate action.

    PE2 Action: Government Operations GHG Inventory

    16 Points
    Bronze Priority Silver Priority

    Program Summary: Following is a link to a public post on the Bedford 2030 website to Bedford's Government Operations GHG Inventory Report published in October 2019. This public post also includes a link to a PDF of a data spreadsheet that clarifies municipal GHG measurements. See "Town of Bedford Municipal Energy" in the "Notes" section of this public post, using the URL below to access the data spreadsheet. (This data spreadsheet has also been uploaded as a supporting document for this action.) https://bedford2030.org/town-of-bedford-climate-action-plan-progress-report/ Attached is a copy of a Bedford's government operations GHG inventory report that was published (i.e., released to the public) within five years - October 2019 and is labeled PE2_Action_Government_Operations_GHG_Inventory_BedfordNY_CAP 2019.pdf. The methodology is on page 35 -36 . The specific municipality GHG Inventory for Bedford begins on page 17 & 21 of the 2019 CAP. The 2020 update can be found using the public link in the summary PDF (PE2_Action_Government_Operations_GHG_Inventory.pdf) that can also be found on Bedford2030’s website and on the town's website. The methodology is listed in the Appendix of the Oct 2019 progress report (35-36) Bedford 2020 Progress Report Methodology This Progress Report builds off of the baseline assessment completed by ICLEI in 2004 using its CACP tool. VHB calculated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions for the 2012 and 2017 Progress Reports. Calculations for 2017 data were completed by GHG accounting professionals per accepted industry standard methods and assumptions used to track progress in quantifying GHG emissions. Data collection processes are consistent with methods used for the 2012 Progress Report. Data was provided by the Town of Bedford through various data sources (e.g., utility providers, waste haulers, and municipal departments). Where information could not be obtained it was calculated by VHB using assumptions and emission factors from accepted standard industry sources (e.g., the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Energy Information Administration). It is also important to note that this analysis is an update to measure the progress since the 2004 Climate Action Plan (CAP) and is not a full GHG emissions inventory. The 2017 Progress Report relied on resources and data from the following sources: The Town of Bedford; Utility Providers; New York State Electric and Gas Corporation (NYSEG) Con Edison (ConEd) The Town of Bedford Waste Consultant; Westchester County Public Works; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – 2016 eGrid Factors; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – 2018 Emission Factors for Greenhouse Gas Inventories and Global Warming Potential factors; and U.S. Energy Information Administration – Energy Unit Calculations. At the time of the October 2019 Progress Report, the Town of Bedford Building stock did not have large refrigerant sources. In future inventories, if changes in the building stock warrant it, refrigerant sources will be included. At the time of the October 2019 Progress Report, the Town of Bedford did not have a landfill.

    PE2 Action: Government Operations Climate Action Plan

    16 Points
    Bronze Priority Silver Priority

    Program Summary: Attached is Bedford 2020 CAP (published within 10 years) which includes a government GHG inventory and initiatives for reducing municipal GHG emissions towards government targets. The uploaded town resolution and link on the summary PDF proves that the CAP was adopted by the local government as well as being released to the public. Finally, for public outreach, meeting minutes as well as a public article on how the community members can get involved are also attached to show the community’s access to review the CAP. The Minutes - Town Board Minutes - 2020 - June16reg.pdf show that the town voted to include the Climate Action Plan as part of the town's comprehensive plan and also in the resolution includes shows that the town adopt the CAP2030, held 3 town hall sessions to review and discussion CAP2030 and receive community input and what the GHG reduction goals are. Municipal reduction target on page 14 of CAP. Please use the following link to a public post on the Bedford 2030 website for Government GHG emissions/inventory found in the Bedford Progress Report, published in 2019, as well as in an additional link to a PDF of Town of the Bedford Municipal Energy data sheet in the Notes section of this post. (The PDF of this data sheet is also attached as supporting documentation for this action.) https://bedford2030.org/town-of-bedford-climate-action-plan-progress-report/ Data from the 2019 Bedford Progress Report was used as the basis for the Town of Bedford 2030 Climate Action Plan that was adopted in 2020. The Town of Bedford 2030 Climate Action Plan is available to the pubic on the homepage of the Bedford 2030 website: bedford2020.org (Scroll down to the bottom of the "Climate Action Areas 2030" section on the homepage.)

    PE2 Action: Community Climate Action Plan

    16 Points
    Bronze Priority Silver Priority

    Program Summary: Attached is Bedford 2020 CAP (published within 10 years) which includes a community GHG inventory and initiatives for reducing GHG emissions as a whole community while working towards community-wide targets. The uploaded town resolution and link on the summary PDF proves that the CAP was adopted by the local government as well as being released to the public. Finally, for public outreach, meeting minutes as well as a public article on how the community members can get involved are also attached to show the community’s access to review the CAP.

  • 3. Decrease energy use.

    PE3 Action: Government Building Energy Audits

    12 Points
    Bronze Priority Silver Priority

    Program Summary: The Town is submitting for 16 points and has proof that 85% (by square footage) of Bedford’s municipal buildings have ASHRAE level I, II or III audits. Using the included excel table below, “2022_Municipal_Buildings”, the total building count is 14. We have not counted 3 of the buildings in the square footage percentage. Both 60 Haines Road and North St are seasonal pool houses that are not heated or cooled. The third building is our water processing plant, listed on the spreadsheet as the Route 35 Water Plant. This buildings' energy used is concentrated on water processing, not heating and cooling. This information can be found in column L in the spreadsheet. Calculating the percentage of buildings by the total square feet of the remaining 11 buildings would be 44773/52386 which is 85%. See the Calculations Details in the summary document. Three of the buildings’ reports did not state what level of ASHRAE level they were. Using the attached “ASHRAE and CEC Energy Study Level Comparison” document, we were able to figure out which level they would be. Included in the summary document are the specific locations in the reports for the qualifications needed for ASHRAE Level I.

    PE3 Action: Benchmarking - Municipal Buildings

    4 Points

    Program Summary: Attached is the documentation of approval from NYSERDA that confirms completion of the related Clean Energy Communities high-impact actions.

    PE3 Action: Clean Energy Upgrades

    10 Points

    Program Summary: Bedford completed the Clean Energy Upgrades Actions through the NYSERDA CEC program for 10 points. The confirmation from NYSERDA is attached.

    PE3 Action: Advanced Vehicles

    2 Points

    Program Summary: We are looking for 2 points for the “deployment of 1 light-duty vehicle”. Attached in the document titled “PE3_AdvancedVehicles_Supporting_Documents” are photographs of the electric-powered Nissan Leaf that is operated by the Bedford Police Department. This meets the requirement of at least one advanced vehicle in the municipal fleet, and should be eligible for the two points available under this action.

    PE3 Action: LED Street Lights

    12 Points

    Program Summary: We are seeking 12 points (the full point value) for the LED street light action. Attached in the document titled “PE3_LED_Street_Lights_Supporting_Documents” are both confirmations from NYSERDA CEC program for approval of cobra head and decorative light fixture LED street lights, as well as a link to the NYSERDA Climate Smart Communities progress tracking website where Bedford is listed as having points for both actions. Showing evidence of NYSERDA approval for both cobra head and decorative light fixtures should qualify for all twelve points available under this action.

    PE3 Action: Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy

    3 Points

    Program Summary: Attached is the Town of Bedford’s Procurement Policy. On Page 8 of the document, the town outlines its Green Purchasing Policy which gives priority to purchases that are environmentally-friendly.

    PE3 Action: Energy Code Enforcement Training

    5 Points

    Program Summary: Town of Bedford completed energy code enforcement training and received credit for these points in the NYSERDA CEC program. Confirm from NYSERDA is attached.

  • 4. Shift to clean, renewable energy.

    PE4 Action: Heat Pumps

    12 Points

    Program Summary: We are looking to achieve 9 points plus an additional 3 for the completion of the CEC NYSERDA Clean Heating & Cooling campaign. A brief description of the heat pump installation can be found in the summary doc which outlines the location, installation date, size, and specification or purchase documents. This information is taken from the attached “3rd Submission Variable Refrigerant Flow Product Data” which gives a brief overview of the installation details on page 2 and the size and specifications can be found on page 6. In the summary document, on page 2, there are pictures of posted educational signage, public meeting minutes which mentions a planned celebration as well as a public link to The Town of Bedford’s website which states the new installation of the heat pump as well as the celebration. The system is currently in service as noted in the rental form that there is a new HVAC system - https://bedfordny.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/BHCH2022-All-Forms.pdf For the three additional points, attached is the email confirmation of the NYSERDA Clean Heating and Cooling Demo.

  • 5. Use climate-smart materials management.

    PE5 Action: Reuse Programs

    2 Points

    Program Summary: Attached is the required documentation for both a medium scale program, and a large scale program (in the document titled “PE5_Reuse_Program_Supporting_Materials”) which should qualify for six points. The TIOLI shed is a medium scale program because it has limited hours of operation (listed above), is only open during certain seasons, and is a permanent program. A TIOLI shed is the exact example used to define medium scale programs. Supporting Information attached includes: Documentation confirming that the program was active within the last two years. This takes the form of links to the facebook group for the program which has active users, and to the TIOLI website which posts hours and other helpful information.. Documentation outlining rules and regulations for use. This takes the form of a link to acceptable and non-acceptable items, the location, and sign-up sheet. Any materials demonstrating outreach and education to the community regarding the program. This takes the form of screenshots of the mailing list for the program. The Facebook page also applies to this category. Screenshots of the Bedford 2030 recycling guide which mentions the TIOLI shed. The large scale program for which we have provided documentation is the Bedford Recycling Center. In the document mentioned above titled “PE5_Reuse_Program_Supporting_Materials” we have included Screenshots of the Bedford 2030 recycling guide which contains guidelines and hours of operation for the recycling center An informative flier about the recycling center A link to the recycling program page on the town website

    PE5 Action: Waste Reduction Education Campaign

    2 Points

    Program Summary: This application should meet the requirements for the two points available under this action. Attached documents referenced are included in the submitted document entitled, “PE5_Waste_Reduction_Education_Campaign_Supporting_Documents”. The Town of Bedford has begun a Curbside Compost program aimed at reducing food waste by providing households with easy access to composting materials and an easy way of storing that compost other than on their own properties. Funding for Curbside Compost comes from a three year grant given to Bedford by NY State in 2020, funding the program through 2023 (A link to the program website is attached). Supporting documents include photos from events related to the program, educational and promotional posters, and screenshots of the town supervisor’s letters promoting the program. The photos attached are from the Earth Day Festival and Rooted Solutions launch which included information about the town’s curbside composting program. A description of the event follows: Rooted Solutions made its debut at the B2030 Earth Day Festival on April 24th 2022, with more than 30 organizations talking to approximately 400 visitors about natural solutions to climate change involving trees, native plants, climate friendly yard care, curbside and at-home composting and sustainable food sources. Participants commented on the high engagement level of the crowd, which was more widespread and diverse than in previous years.

    PE5 Action: Community Repair

    4 Points

    Program Summary: We are seeking 4 points for the Community Repair action. In the attached summary document, there is information for two repair cafe’s held in Bedford one on May 14th, 2022 and one on August 7th, 2021. Included for each repair cafe is the location, date, time, local government role, flyers for each event, photographs and sign-in sheets. These events were both held in the last five years.

    PE5 Action: Compost Bins for Residents

    2 Points

    Program Summary: Attached is a document containing links to information on composting and the Bedford 2020 Community Compost Program. These links include information on the cost of buying a composting bin and provide a coupon for buying a large composting bin for one’s yard. Additionally attached is the Bedford Community Compost Acceptable Items Guide.

    PE5 Action: Residential Organic Waste Program

    14 Points

    Program Summary: We believe that we are eligible for all 22 points available under this action. Attached is a link to a website with Bedford’s yard waste program which contains a drop off component as well as curbside pickup for bags of yard waste. Additionally included are links to several different food waste programs; one drop off compost program, and one curbside pick up program that began as a pilot program, but has now been expanded community-wide. The links we have included contain information such as the kinds of materials accepted, sign-up details, and the logistics of the program that residents must understand to use it. Lastly, a link to a spreadsheet with calculations on compose tonnage dating back to 2017 is also included, along with a compost guide that educates participants on proper composting practices. All previously mentioned links are in the document titled “PE5_Residential_Organic_Waste_Disposal_Program_Supporting_Documents”. In the same document we have also included screenshots of our compost guide which outlines acceptable and unacceptable materials and best practices for composting.

  • 6. Implement climate-smart land use.

    PE6 Action: NYStretch Energy Code

    10 Points

    Program Summary: Attached is documentation of approval from NYSERDA for completion of the Clean Energy Communities NYStretch Energy Code high-impact action.

    PE6 Action: Alternative-fuel Infrastructure

    18 Points
    Bronze Priority Silver Priority

    Program Summary: We are seeking a total of 16 points - 14 points for 6 EV charging stations and an additional 2 points because a number of the stations are public. Attached are two invoices for the installation of six electric vehicle charging stations. The first invoice from 12-20-17 contains documentation for the installation of a total of six charging stations across town and the second invoice (307 Bedford Road) contains documentation for an additional one. Hours of operation and relationship to pricing is included with the first invoice for the installation of the charging station at Bedford Village Memorial Park. Also attached is a copy of a NYSEG Bill showing proof of use. Included is a photo document with current photos of all 6 charging stations. Below are screenshots of the six active chargers on Plugshare demonstrating that the chargers are currently active and available to the public.

    PE6 Action: Access to Public Transit

    5 Points

    Program Summary: We are seeking 4 points for this action. We have several parking lots to service our MetroNorth train station allowing community members to use public transportation to commute in Westchester to New York City. (1 point) There is a shuttle service called the Hart bus that provides transport from neighboring communities that do not have a MetroNorth station to access the Katonah station in Bedford. The shuttle bus provides access for residents of Ridgefield, CT and Lewisboro, NY (both communities without train stations) to use the Katonah station. (3 points) The shuttle is part of a regional transit system and incorporates other communities (1 point). Both train stations currently have bike parking and through Clean Energy Community, Bedford is installing additional bike barking (with shelter) at the Bedford Hills & Katonah station. Additionally, with two additional Clean Energy Community grants we are installing a covered bus shelter with solar lighting at the most used bus stop in Bedford. The location was chosen based on a study done by Westchester County.

    PE6 Action: Traffic Calming

    3 Points

    Program Summary: The Town of Bedford has implemented traffic calming measures at several locations in town throughout the past several years after taking into consideration feedback from residents as to where improvements must be made. Two projects; the rapid flash beacon pedestrian actuated crossing on route 117, and the speed hump and raised crosswalk on the village green are examples of traffic calming measures taken at an intersection. The addition of speed humps along Seminary Road, the conversion of the northern spur of Guard Hill Road at Route 22 to a one way street, and the addition of sidewalk and a new crosswalk on Church st adjacent to Babbitt Road all combine to equal over a mile of road throughout Bedford where traffic calming has been implemented. Screenshots from google earth showing the areas before and after the projects were completed are attached in the documents titled “PE6_Traffic_Calming_Supporting_Documents(1)”, “PE6_Traffic_Calming_Supporting_Documents(2)”, and PE6_Traffic_Calming_Supporting_Documents(3). Evidence of community feedback is in the attached document titled “PE6_Traffic_Calming_Community_Input”. This evidence includes a letter from the town supervisor inviting residents to a town board meeting to discuss the planned traffic calming measures on Cherry St, a resident petition that catalyzed the Seminary Rd traffic calming project, an email from a resident confirming that the crosswalk added to Church St was being used, and a letter to residents acknowledging their input into the project and adjusting plans accordingly. The plan for speed humps along seminary road following the petition from residents is also attached in the document titled “PE6_Traffic_Calming_Seminary_Road_proposed_speed_humps.pdf”. We have also attached a memo from the meetings where the speed humps on Cherry Street were discussed (titled “PE6_Traffic_Calming_Cherry_Speed_Tables_4-18.pdf”). This should be eligible for all seven points under this action.

  • 7. Enhance community resilience to climate change.

    PE7 Action: Cooling Centers

    4 Points

    Program Summary: We are seeking 4 points for the establishment and promotion of cooling centers in Bedford.

  • 8. Support a green innovation economy.

    PE8 Action: Farmers’ Markets

    3 Points

    Program Summary: In the document titled “PE8_Farmer's_Market_Supporting_Documents” we have attached documentation of a program where the local government has made funds available for low income residents to use at local farmers markets. The screenshot included was taken from a town distributed email newsletter. In the same attached document we have provided links to websites where the government has promoted local farmers markets by providing directions and hours of operation. Dates are within the past year, as evidenced by the link to a news article from July 2021. The John Jay Homestead Farmers Market which is promoted by the Town of Bedford and included in the food stamp program is open on Saturdays from May to October every year, which is more than ten days per year. This should qualify for all three points available under this action.

    PE8 Action: PACE Financing

    7 Points

    Program Summary: Attached is the confirmation for the completion of the NYSERDA Clean Energy Communities PACE Financing high-impact action. Also attached is the current list of participating municipalities which includes Bedford. Additionally, attached is the resolution that enacts a program to allow qualified property owners to receive financing from the Energy Improvement Corporation towards the installation of renewable energy systems and Bedford's C-PACE Financing Program. Also included is a notification of NYSERDA’s approval of Bedford’s Clean Energy Communities Energize NY Finance documentation.

    PE8 Action: Community Choice Aggregation

    18 Points

    Program Summary: Attached is a notification from NYSERDA approving the town’s CCA High Impact Action submission. Also attached is a press release stating Bedford’s designation as a Clean Energy Community, which lists implementation of CCA as one of its four high impact actions. For the current contracts, attached is the NYSEG contract and the just-ended ConEd contract. NYSEG, which covers the majority of the Town of Bedford, was paused and re-launched mid-March. The ConEd contract ended on 6/30/22 and the town is currently soliciting bids for a November 1st restart. The Town of Bedford is submitting for 18 points, and census data from census.gov for confirmation of the population is attached.

    PE8 Action: Community Campaigns

    12 Points

    Program Summary: We are seeking 12 points for this action because we have completed all 4 of the CEC Community Campaigns. Attached in the document titled “PE8_Community_Campaigns_Supporting_Documents” are email confirmations of NYSERDA approval for the completion of the Community Solar Community Campaign Demand Response Community Campaign, Clean Heating and Cooling Community Electric Vehicles Community Campaign Also included in the documentation are the dates of our 4 community campaigns.

  • 9. Inform and inspire the public.

    PE9 Action: Climate Change Education & Engagement

    8 Points
    Bronze Priority Silver Priority

    Program Summary: We are seeking all 8 points for this action. Bedford 2030 is the local government’s community engagement strategy, producing community engagement and education materials, running public events, and working with local businesses to implement programs that help residents get involved with climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. In the attached document titled “Climate_Change_Education_and_Engagement_Mitigation” is a collection of images and links that illustrate the goal, partners, audience, and methods of engagement for our climate mitigation efforts. In the attached document titled Climate_Change_Education_and_Engagement_Adaptation” are links and images that illustrate the goal, partners, audience, and methods of engagement for our climate adaptation efforts. The document titled “Climate_Change_Education_and_Engagement_Supporting_Documents” contains links to information about two public events from the past year that have engaged and educated the community on these issues, as well as some links to the Bedford 2030 website, and some supervisors newsletters that contain information about different programs and events run by Bedford 2030 in pursuit of these goals. We have also attached the 2020 Climate Action plan (document titled “PE9_Climate_Change_Education_and_Engagement_CAP2030-r16-int”) and the Bedford 2030 Relaunch Report (document titled “PE9_Climate_Change_Education_and_Engagement_RelaunchReport2020”).

    PE9 Action: Energy Reduction Campaign

    5 Points

    Program Summary: We are seeking 5 points for implementation of the Building Energy Coach program as an energy reduction campaign in Bedford. Attached is a summary document that includes links for both the Town of Bedford’s website as well as Bedford2030’s website, advertising Bob the Energy Coach and the Energy Coach Challenge. Included in the summary document are campaign results as well. Additionally, attached is a Town of Bedford Supervisor newsletter that markets Bob the Energy Coach who helps homeowners save energy and make a plan to reduce their personal emissions.

    PE9 Action: Local Climate Action Website

    3 Points

    Program Summary: We have attached a document titled “PE9_Local_Climate_Action_Website_Supporting_Documents” which contains the following: 1) a description of the local government’s efforts related to climate change mitigation and adaptation (as shown in the environmental justice and progress report links) 2) how local residents and businesses can get involved with these efforts (as shown through the link to the “join us” page of the Bedford 2030 website) and 3) a summary of actions that businesses and residents can take to reduce their emissions (as shown through the resources page of the Bedford 2030 website). This should qualify for all three points available under this action.

    PE9 Action: Social Media

    3 Points

    Program Summary: In the document titled PE9_Social_Media_Supporting_Documents we have provided links to and photos from three separate Bedford 2030 social media accounts which have been active throughout the past year promoting clean energy and climate initiatives. Bedford2030 is the nonprofit that works with the Town of Bedford to implement their Climate Action Plan. Bedford2030 works on behalf of the town’s goals. Additionally attached are links to and photos from the Town of Bedford’s facebook page which is also active, and has been promoting clean energy and climate initiatives. This should qualify for all three points available under this action.

  • 10. Engage in an evolving process of climate action.

    PE10 Action: Updates to Strategies & Plans

    4 Points

    Program Summary: The Town of Bedford adopted their first Climate Action Plan in 2010 and updated the plan and readopted it in 2020. All the links shared in the supporting documents are publicly available and the meetings references are public Town Board of Bedford meetings.

  • 11. Innovation

    Innovation: New Innovative Actions

    3 Points

    Program Summary: The Town of Bedford passed legislation and implemented the first goat grazing project in the community to create a new pathway for tackling invasive species removal without the use of gas powered lawn equipment or chemicals. Attached is a write up of the law passage and project implementation. No other CSC action is focused the specific tackling of invasive species. Bedford is a pioneer in drafting the legislation that accommodated goat crazing as a solution to invasive species and can be an example to other communities focused on reduction of chemical and gas powered equipment use in their own municipalities. This not only has an environmental impact in the economy but paves the way and sets an example within Bedford and the state of New York that there are viable alternatives to chemicals and lawn equipment that are natural and support local farmers.

  • 12. Performance

    Performance: Reduce GHGs from Government Facilities

    25 Points

    Program Summary: We are seeking 25 points for this action for reducing government GHG emissions from facilities/stationary energy by 21% between 2004 and 2017. Attached is the Town of Bedford’s October 2019 CAP Progress Report on its greenhouse gas emissions reductions. The inventory covers both municipal and community greenhouse gas emissions and documents a reduction in emissions from municipal energy usage. See pages 14-17 of this report for government emissions reduction related to stationary energy. Also attached is a data spreadsheet that clarifies municipal GHG measurements in the Town of Bedford's 2019 report.

    Performance: Reduce GHGs from Government Vehicles

    25 Points

    Program Summary: We are seeking 25 points for this action for reducing GHG emissions from town vehicles by 23% between 2004 and 2017. Attached is the Town of Bedford’s 2019 CAP. See pages 20-22 for details about the related GHG calculations and actions that have been implemented to reduce emissions.