In 2019, Fulton County Government and the Board of Commissioners made a critically important and historic commitment to sustainability and resiliency through the adoption of the Sustainability and Resilience Plan. The Plan was developed collaboratively in partnership with 2M Design Consultants, Inc., Khafra Engineering, Fulton County Citizens Commission on the Environment (FCCCE), community members and stakeholders, and various county departments including: Real Estate and Asset Management, Strategy and Performance Management, External Affairs and Public Works.
On February 16th, 2022, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners adopted updated goals for the 2019 Sustainability and Resilience Plan. A version of the original Plan that incorporates the updated goals is available here.
Our vision is to thrive as the premier county in Georgia for sustainability and resilience, protecting residents, visitors and environmental systems. Our mission is to deliver a transformational and straightforward sustainability action plan that incorporates resilience, social, environmental and economic responsibility, allowing residents and visitors to thrive now and in the future. The Plan seeks to achieve this vision and mission through six priority areas:
1. Climate Change Mitigation
2. Social Equity and Smart Transit
3. High-Performance County Infrastructure
4. Education and Outreach and Green Jobs Training Placement
5. Fostering Partnerships
6. Budgetary Appropriation
Information about progress made in each priority area can be found in the Priority Areas section of this webpage.
Develop renewable energy pilot study project by 2020
At the end of 2021, we will have reduced our CO2 emissions (greenhouse gas) by an estimated equivalent of 637 metric tons through our eight solar projects. In order to meet our 25% reduction target by 2025, we need to reduce emissions by an estimated 6,374 metric tons CO2 per year.
Resilience Hubs
Improve energy efficiency at Fulton County buildings by 20% by 2025
Transition 20% of fleet to alternative fuel vehicles by 2025
Increase the percentage of employees who are regularly using sustainable commute options to 20 percent by 2025
Divert surplus food and supplies from county events
Promote food self-sufficiency and food security for Fulton County residents through local partnerships and educational programs
Reduce or divert 20% of waste production in county facilities by 2025
Identify composting, natural cleaners, providing eco-friendly options, material reuse, etc.
Mitigate the use of polystyrene and plastic bag / plastic straws by vendors at county facilities, parks, and related events
Reduce overall potable water use and sewer needs by 20 percent by 2025 through water conservation, efficiency, and reuse at county facilities
Foster partnerships between organizations within Fulton County Government promoting sustainable homes, workplaces and communities
The Fulton County Citizens Commission on the Environment (FCCCE) is a commission appointed body of county residents with experience and commitment to the environment and sustainability. The commission meets monthly in collaboration with the Energy & Sustainability Manager, and works on environmental sustainability initiatives related to policy, programs, partnerships, resources, outreach, etc. in alignment with the Sustainability and Resilience Plan and issues of importance to the Commission and county communities.
Southeast Sustainability Directors Network (SSDN) is a collaborative peer-exchange of local govt. sustainability and resiliency professionals from across the region. SSDN addresses problems associated with climate change such as extreme weather, sea level rise, flooding, drought, and crop loss through sustainability efforts. They connect local government sustainability professionals throughout the region to accelerate, scale, and implement sustainable and resilient best practices so that communities are equipped to adapt to and mitigate climate change. The county has been a member since 2019 and has served on various committees and working groups that support our ability to implement the Sustainability and Resilience Plan and make a broader impact.
Other partnerships: county municipalities, Southface Institute, Emory HERCULES Stakeholder Advisory Board, The Partnership for Southern Equity and Just Energy and Growth Circles, West Atlanta Watershed Alliance, 2M Design Consultants, Urban Sustainability Directors Network, American Microgrid Solutions, Clean Energy Group, Georgia Water Tanks, Rocky Mountain Institute, World Resources Institute, Cherry Street Energy, City of Atlanta Office of Resilience, City of Savannah Sustainability, Georgia Tech, Georgia State University, Atlanta University Center, U.S. Dept. of Energy, Georgia Environmental Finance Authority, Athens-Clarke County, DeKalb County, Honeywell, Automated Logic, Control Concepts, Solar Stewards, NEMAC / Fernleaf, Keep North Fulton Beautiful, Georgia Power, BEAM for All, Environmental Community Action, Nexamp, GA Solar Energy Association, Environment Georgia, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance, Integral Group, PGAL, Heery/McAfee, Stonehill, CPACE Alliance, Urban Perform, Jones Sustainable Solutions Group, Gangstas to Growers and the Come Up Project, YMCA Atlanta, Purpose Built Schools.
In 2019, the county received a $50,000 matching grant from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority for the Cleveland Ave. solar installation.
In 2019, the county was awarded a rebate of nearly $195,000 from the Georgia Power Commercial Energy Efficiency program for energy efficiency improvement projects at the Justice Center. The project realizes an energy savings of about 20% or 3.6 million kilowatt hours annually, which is equivalent to the power used by about 346 homes in a year.
In 2020, the county received a $300,000 grant award from the Southeast Sustainability Directors Network (SSDN) and the Southeast Sustainable Communities Fund for the Resilience Hubs project in partnership with Southface Institute.
Top Performers
County has received National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Awards for Government Resiliency and working towards the creation of our first Resilience Hub, and LEED certifications of 32 libraries.