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Climate Smart Communities Certification Report

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bronze Certified

This is the Climate Smart Communities Certification Report of Albany County. Albany County is a bronze certified Climate Smart Community.

Albany County was certified on September 25, 2021 with 176 points earned from 30 completed actions. Listed below is information regarding Albany County’s Climate Smart Communities efforts and materials associated with its certified actions.

The certification for Albany County will expire on September 30, 2026.

Contact Information

The designated Climate Smart Communities contact for Albany County is:

Name:Lucas Rogers
Title/Position:Senior Policy Analyst / County Executive
Address:112 State Street Room 1200
Albany, NY 12207

Actions Implemented

Each approved action and supporting documentation for which Albany County was approved for in 2021 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: The Albany County Climate Smart Communities Task Force was created to assist the County in meeting its climate and sustainability goals and advise its efforts to earn the DEC CSC Designation. The attached documents outline the formation, membership, and two meeting of the Task Force held in 2021.

    PE1 Action: CSC Coordinator

    10 Points
    Bronze Mandatory Silver Mandatory

    Program Summary: Executive Memo from the County Executive naming Albany County's CSC Coordinator

    PE1 Action: National/Regional Climate Program

    3 Points

    Program Summary: Notification Email from NYSERDA indicating Albany County is a Clean Energy Community Additionally, the County joined the County Climate Coalition in 2019. The Executive Order and Notification are attached.

    PE1 Action: Partnerships with Other Entities

    3 Points

    Program Summary: Albany County is both a member and a host of the Albany County Stormwater Coalition, a group made up of 11 member municipalities in Albany County. The County, and participating municipalities, recently drafted the Albany County Stormwater Coalition Stormwater Management Plan in fulfillment of MS4 Permit requirements. The Stormwater Coalition has also been involved in securing a grant to complete a model local law project, which created local laws for municipalities to adopt for green infrastructure and runoff best management practices. Albany County Stormwater Coalition Website: http://www.stormwateralbanycounty.org/stormwater-coalition/ Additionally, Albany County is participating in a consortium of municipalities that are jointly participating in a Streetlight purchase and conversion project with the New York Power Authority.

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

    PE2 Action: Government Operations GHG Inventory

    16 Points
    Bronze Priority Silver Priority

    Program Summary: Albany County completed a local government operations GHG inventory in 2014 (for a baseline year of 2013) under the Capital District Climate Smart Communities Program. This GHG Inventory was conducted to be in compliance with the Local Government Operations Protocol, and includes scope 1 and 2 emissions. The report is posted publicly on the county's Team Green website: https://www.albanycounty.com/government/team-green

    PE2 Action: Community GHG Inventory

    16 Points
    Bronze Priority Silver Priority

    Program Summary: In June of 2021, Albany County released a report of scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions (for the baseline year of 2010) that was based on the NYSERDA-funded regional GHG emissions inventory. The report includes includes a short narrative that explains the inventory results to the public and briefly describes how the GHG data relates to the community's profile and its goals. This report is also posted publicly on the county's Team Green website: https://www.albanycounty.com/government/team-green

  • 3. Decrease energy use.

    PE3 Action: Interior Lighting Upgrades

    2 Points

    Program Summary: Since 2017, Albany County has upgraded to LED lights in county buildings. Attached is a list of all the county buildings and the dates when some were upgraded to LEDs. Of all the county buildings, 27.4% now have LEDs. This figure was assessed using the square footage of the buildings in order to estimate the scope of the installations. National Grid assisted in conducting a Energy Savings Plan, which outlines the specific lighting upgrades to be done. Attached is a copy of that Energy Savings Plan, as well as the Purchase Order for the LEDs.

    PE3 Action: Benchmarking - Municipal Buildings

    2 Points

    Program Summary: This Policy commits the County to track building energy use and also to post information on the County's website on an annual basis. The County is currently benchmarking its buildings (as is referenced in their Energy Star building designations) and will be posting this information on the internet this year.

    PE3 Action: Green Building Standard for Government Buildings

    3 Points

    Program Summary: As per Resolution 411, which was adopted by the Albany County Legislature in 2011, the County specified that all new construction and rehabilitation of County-owned facilities would have to meet a minimum of LEED Silver for all new construction or rehabilitation projects to County-owned facilities (found on Page 4). The second document, the Albany County Sustainability Policy of 2014, states the same.

    PE3 Action: Advanced Vehicles

    2 Points

    Program Summary: Albany County Resolution 411 from 2011 specifies, as part of the greater green and environmental purchasing policy outlined within the Resolution, that the County shall purchase at least 1/3 vehicles that are either hybrid vehicles or are of a similar standard in regards to energy efficiency. The 2014 Sustainability Policy reiterates this vehicle efficiency policy as part of the overall green purchasing policy (with the criteria established).

    PE3 Action: LED Traffic Signals

    3 Points

    Program Summary: Please find attached a list of the total number of traffic signals that Albany County either owns or pays DOT to maintain. This list also provides percentages of the number of traffic signals that were converted to LEDs, the total of which falls within the 51-75% range. Invoices of these LED upgrades are also attached.

    PE3 Action: Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy

    2 Points

    Program Summary: Resolution 411 which was adopted in 2011 establishes an environmental purchasing policy, and the Sustainability Policy of 2014 reaffirms this resolution and establishes more tangible criteria. As recycled materials and energy efficiency standards are included in the policies, but not local or organic goods, or forest stewardship standards, it is anticipated that the County will not get the full 4 points.

  • 4. Shift to clean, renewable energy.

    PE4 Action: Renewable Energy Feasibility Studies

    3 Points

    Program Summary: Albany County has expressed an interest in clean energy technologies such as solar PV. The County provided the New York Power Authority (“NYPA”) with locations to incorporate ground and rooftop solar arrays as well as a potential location at the Albany County Sheriff’s Department where parking lot canopies would be installed. The attached preliminary designs summarize site characteristics and depict scenarios for potential baseline capacities for the solar PV systems, and the county is requesting 3 points for this feasibility study for 1 renewable energy technology . This report was completed on March 5, 2019, per the included email.

    PE4 Action: Solar Energy Installation

    9 Points

    Program Summary: As the solar PV system was installed on this facility nearly 10 years ago (in 2006), specific purchase and specification documentation was not available. Therefore, the above documents display the system on County property (at the Hockey Facility) and the supporting links give evidence of the technology used, and system size.

  • 5. Use climate-smart materials management.

    PE5 Action: Waste Reduction Education Campaign

    2 Points

    Program Summary: The Albany County Soil and Water Conservation District has partnered with TerraCycle, who offers free recycling programs which are funded by brands, manufacturers, and retailers around the world, since 2013. We have participated in a variety of recycling opportunities, from empty tape dispensers to empty beauty care waste. Through this recycling program we have collected and recycled over 9,550 units and have kept them out of the waste stream. This opportunity has been promoted through the Conservation District newsletter as well as on their FaceBook Page and is open to all County residents. Residents have access to drop off bins during normal business hours or have a scheduled drop off location after hours. Using Conservation Project funds, the Conservation District has been able to offer 8 tire recycling events since 2012. Through these events over 7500 tires have been recycled. In 2020, over 100 Albany County residents participated in two events and approximately 1825 tires were removed from county roads, streambanks and private property to be sent to a tire recycling facility. In 2019 approximately 900 tires were recycled from more than 50 Albany County residents. These opportunities were promoted through local newspapers, FaceBook and via email to the District’s distribution list.

  • 6. Implement climate-smart land use.

    PE6 Action: Infrastructure for Biking and Walking

    7 Points

    Program Summary: The County has made expanding biking walking paths a priority, including the nine-mile Albany County Rail Trail. An overview of the rail trail is attached. and this link provides a history of the trail: https://www.albanycounty.com/departments/recreation/albany-county-helderberg-hudson-rail-trail/rail-trail-updates Signage and kiosks have been added to the trail to provide with information and assist with wayfinding. (Photo of a trailhead kiosk attached). Finally, the County has improved by parking by providing staff with secure, onsite parking for employees at the County's main office building to encourage biking to work. (See Bike Room Photo Attached)

    PE6 Action: Alternative-fuel Infrastructure

    18 Points
    Bronze Priority Silver Priority

    Program Summary: The County of Albany installed 8 charging stations in 2018, 4 for public use and 4 for fleet use. Additionally, the Albany County Airport Authority has installed 6 ports. Supporting Documentation includes NYSERDA Clean Fleet Award, NYSERDA charging station project submittal, and Airport charging station information. Public stations are available for charging at the Times Union Center in Downtown Albany, the Albany County Rail Trail, and Shaker Place Nursing Home.

  • 7. Enhance community resilience to climate change.

    PE7 Action: Climate-resilient Hazard Mitigation Plan

    4 Points

    Program Summary: Section 2.2 of HMP discusses Climate Change predictions. The plan documents how climate change may affect a community’s vulnerability to flooding, heat waves, drought, and extreme precipitation events. Pages 9-11 of the report discuss how the predictions were made, utilizing NYSERDA's ClimAID. Climate change projections were updated in September 2014 through the release of the Supplement to NYSERDA Report 11-18. The 2011 ClimAID report and 2014 Supplement highlight the need for Albany County to prepare for the following climate change projections and predications: heat waves, summer drought, rate of occurrence, heavy downpours, major changes, and coastal flooding. The Hazard Mitigation Plan is publicly available here: https://www.albanycounty.com/departments/public-works

    PE7 Action: Conserve Natural Areas

    8 Points

    Program Summary: Albany County has conducted many actions within its jurisdictional powers to protect habitat and naturally significant areas. Firstly, the County established that they could convey lands to local land conservancies for conservation and preservation (Albany County – Conveyance Law, Resolution 280). To date, since that law was passed (1992), the County has reviewed over 5,000 parcels to determine their quality as natural habitat (Albany County – Open Space Program 2014). The Open Space Program has enabled the County to transfer property back to the Pine Bush (for endangered species protection, and wetlands), a jurisdiction given surrounding State Wildlife Management Area, and Reforestation Area holdings, and other preserve or trail systems. The last document (Albany County – Resolution – Land Conservancy) is an example of a recent conveyance in which the County conveyed land to the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy for addition into the Winn Preserve.

    PE7 Action: Green Infrastructure

    4 Points

    Program Summary: Albany County has been recognized as a leader in stormwater management. Not only did the County and County-affiliated entities help to form the Stormwater Management Coalition (the two websites above), but also have implemented a number of green infrastructure projects over the past decade. The maps (County Routes 402-410, 259-252, and 403) are of recent road reconstruction projects which have had GI incorporated into the design, which ultimately reduced runoff and increased pervious surface, and the Albany County GI Project descriptions offer a summary of each project. The links above provide access to an additional GI Project – the Shaker Heritage Site, which is a rain garden demonstration project. The Green Infrastructure Policy document highlights efforts through the Stormwater Coalition and the result of the model local law project.

    PE7 Action: Culverts & Dams

    6 Points

    Program Summary: Albany County replaced an undersized CMP squash culvert with a corrugated structural steel plate arch. The new structure increases hydraulic opening by 248% and should be able to withstand a 100-year storm event flow. Attached are plan documents, project description, a site location map, and before and after photos. The project was completed in November 2019. The existing culvert was replaced to correct deficiencies, pass a larger storm event, stabilize the overall site, and provide necessary scour protection. The existing superstructure and appurtenances suffered failure and collapse and temporary repairs had stabilized the site for the time being. Structural deterioration and flood events resulted in scour at the culvert ends and wing walls and loss of soil along the length of the culvert, and separation of the end section pipe from the existing culvert itself.

    PE7 Action: Water Conservation & Reuse

    4 Points

    Program Summary: Through the County Water Quality Coordinating Committee, demonstrations were provided on how to utilize rain barrels. Over 100 rain barrels were sold to the public. In 2009 the Albany County Soil and Water Conserva]on District began working with New England Rain Barrel Company to offer discounted barrels. Using Conserva]on Project funding the District was able to give a $10 discount to the first 100 customers. In 2009 they sold over 135 and in 2010 they sold over 40. Unfortunately this company went out of business in 2011, so they had to research another company to get barrels from, taking into account the design and price. The Conserva]on District was able to offer rain barrels again in 2013 with a new supplier. Since 2013 they have sold over 280 barrels. They sold out in early 2020 and have had a difficult time restocking due to COVID shipping issues, however they have a list of over 20 individuals looking for them, and are working on having them back in stock spring/summer 2021.

    PE7 Action: Water-smart Landscaping

    1 Points

    Program Summary: Through Soil Testing & Nutrient Management Plans for local livestock and dairy farms, educators have helped to protect local streams, lakes, wells and groundwater. CCE Regional Horticultural Teams are educating producers on trickle irrigation, no till, cover crops, etc. and other conservation measures. Albany County Soil and Water Conservation District (ACSWCD) – CCE Collaboration The ACSWCD funded, designed and installed 9 Rain Gardens, many of which the CCE Master Gardeners assisted with (had a small committee of 3 or 4 that were part of the team). Rain Gardens are between 50 – 100 sq ft each. Some of these were in partnership with the Stormwater Coalition or with a watershed coalition depending on the location. There are currently 4 Rain Gardens that are still maintained and in use. The District also created and maintains a Plant Material Center that is used to restock these gardens when needed. Rain Garden sites include: Shaker Heritage Site, 24 Martin Road, Voorheesville, Vietnam Memorial in Cohoes, and Cook Park. The ACSWCD in collaboration with CCE conducted Rain Garden maintenance training several years ago. The District created a maintenance brochure that was distributed to the municipalities. The Master Gardener Coordinator answered maintenance questions at the time, but the municipalities were given the responsibility for maintaining the gardens and hopefully continue to do so (with the exception of the Martin Road garden at the CCE building and the Shaker site). * For photos see ACSWCD.

  • 8. Support a green innovation economy.

    PE8 Action: Green Economic Development Plans

    4 Points

    Program Summary: Albany County adapted an Economic Development Plan in 2020 that seeks to promote development of green industries in the community. The main goal for Albany County for promoting development of green industries in the community lies in the initiative to establish Albany County as Clean Energy Hub. This action plan should evaluate opportunities in multiple sectors, including, but not limited to: energy efficiency, electric vehicles, renewable energy generation (e.g., solar, wind, small-scale hydroelectric), microgrids, and organic waste diversion. This action plan will provide the roadmap for Albany County and its partners to secure funding and pursue capital projects that reduce the county's carbon footprint, improve air quality, increase efficiency, and improve the resiliency and reliability of the county's electrical grid. This action plan should also be accompanied by several supporting analyses, such as the quantification of current and future electrical energy demand and the identification suitable sites for renewable energy development that are compatible with existing land uses (i.e., renewable energy development should not compromise agricultural and/or natural resource conservation uses).

    PE8 Action: Buy Local/Buy Green Campaign

    2 Points

    Program Summary: In 2020, Albany County launched a Shop Local campaign to provide support for struggling businesses as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. This campaign was featured on both Albany County's website and as an article for News10, links below and pdfs of both are provided as documentation. Albany County Executive McCoy, in an effort to promote the campaign, released the following statement on this initiative is: “Our local businesses have contributed so much to our neighborhoods and they donate to our nonprofits, some for generations. And for every dollar you spend patronizing them, 48 cents stays within your local community. Compare that to 14 cents when you shop at a chain store. I’m asking residents to give back to those who have been disproportionately impacted by the Coronavirus. That is the message of our Shop Local campaign.” Albany County website: https://www.albanycounty.com/Home/Components/News/News/475/59?npage=12 News10: https://www.news10.com/news/local-news/shop-local-campaign-launched-in-albany-county/

    PE8 Action: PACE Financing

    7 Points

    Program Summary: In 2019, Albany County established a financing program under Local Law Number 'G' for 2019: A Local Law of the County of Albany, New York to Establish a Sustainable Energy Loan Program (Open C-PACE), as well as a Resolution. The program has been implemented and is advertised on the county's website, per the attachment in the supporting documentation for this action.

    PE8 Action: Rooftop Solarize Campaign

    5 Points

    Program Summary: In 2015, Albany County Executive McCoy established Solarize Albany to promote solar energy by facilitating installation of residential solar energy systems by members of the community. Enclosed with this submission is NYSERDA's approval of this program, as well as a list of community customers who have taken part in Solarize Albany. The website for this initiative is: https://www.solarizealbany.org

  • 9. Inform and inspire the public.

    PE9 Action: Local Climate Action Website

    3 Points

    Program Summary: Albany County runs the Team Green website, where they post relevant links, resources, and reports regarding the actions that the County is undertaking in regards to climate change adaptation, mitigation, and ecosystem and environmental health. The website is updated regularly and citizens are encouraged to offer their personal tips and notable projects. Albany County Team Green: https://www.albanycounty.com/government/team-green

    PE9 Action: Social Media

    3 Points

    Program Summary: The County Executive is passionate about relaying climate action successes and driving action within Albany County. The Executive regularly reports on notable clean energy, environmental, and resiliency developments within the County directly to County residents. County Executive Daniel McCoy’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/McCoyAlbanyCountyExec/ County Executive Daniel McCoy’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/mccoycountyexec

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