Town of Richmond -

Climate Smart Community Task Force Climate Smart Community Task Force

Climate Smart Communities (CSC) is an interagency New York State program that supports local efforts to meet the economic, social, and environmental challenges of climate change. The program offers leadership recognition, grants, and free technical assistance.

In January 2019 the Richmond Town Board passed a resolution adopting the CSC Pledge which is composed of the following tenets:

1. Pledge to be a Climate Smart Community.

2. Set goals, inventory emissions, plan for climate action.

3. Decrease community energy use.

4. Increase community use of renewable energy.

5. Realize benefits of recycling and other climate-smart solid waste management practices.

6. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the use of climate-smart land-use tools.

7. Enhance community resilience and prepare for the effects of climate change.

8. Support development of a green innovative economy.

9. Inform and inspire the public.

10. Commit to an evolving process of climate action.

In 2023, the Climate Smart Communities Task Force (CSCTF) was formed. Since its inception, CSCTF has taken a proactive approach to sustainability, spearheading numerous initiatives and documenting those already in process:

Conducted a comprehensive energy audit of Town Hall
Upgraded both indoor and outdoor municipal lighting to energy-efficient LEDs
A detailed inventory of the town’s vehicle fleet began to guide future transitions to cleaner transportation
Installed recycling and composting bins in Town Hall to reduce waste
Integrated sustainability-focused recommendations into the Town’s Comprehensive Plan
Replaced and resized culverts to better manage severe storm impacts
Upcoming Installation of an EV charging station at Town Hall

These and other forward-thinking measures serve to both reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build resilience against climate change. They will form a key part of the Town’s application for CSC certification, an achievement that could significantly enhance our eligibility for grant funding to support future improvement projects.

Certified Climate Smart Communities (CSCs) represent New York’s foremost leaders in local climate action. Local governments that are designated as Certified CSCs have undergone a rigorous review process to confirm their completion of a suite of concrete actions that mitigate and adapt to climate change.

The benefits of participating in the Climate Smart Communities (CSC) Certification program include the following:

Better scores on grant applications for some state funding programs, like DEC’s CSC Grants
State-level recognition for each community’s leadership
A robust framework to organize local climate action and highlight priorities
Streamlined access to resources, training, tools and expert guidance
Networking and sharing best practices with peers

By implementing certification actions, communities experience the following benefits:

Cost savings through greater efficiency
Greater energy independence and energy security
Improved air quality from switching to clean energy
Healthier, more walkable urban centers through smart growth
Conservation of green spaces for recreation and biodiversity
Reduction of future flood risk through climate change adaptation strategies
Investment in an economy that supports sustainability and green businesses
Greater engagement with residents who care about the future of their hometowns

As part of the Climate Smart Community application, the Town of Richmond has also received certification as a Clean Energy Community through the NYSERDA Clean Energy Community Program.

Partnering Organizations include:

Honeoye Valley Association: The HVA works on several projects on a regular basis to improve the quality of life for residents and users of Honeoye Lake. https://hvaweb.org/
Friends of Sandy Bottom Park: A community organization dedicated to maintaining Sandy Bottom Park in Honeoye, New York. https://www.facebook.com/SandyBottomPark
Honeoye Lake Watershed Task Force: https://www.honeoyelakewatershed.org/
Earth Care: A grassroots environmental organization dedicated the sustainability of the Honeoye Lake watershed and surrounding communities. Currently the only Color Your Community Green organization in Ontario County. @earthcarehoneoye
Town of Canadice: https://www.canadiceny.gov/

Ways to get Involved

1. Attend Task Force Meetings: Join our regular meetings to stay informed, share your ideas, and contribute to ongoing projects. Meeting minutes and other documents are available below.
2. Volunteer for Events: Help organize and run events. Your support is crucial for the success of these community initiatives.
3. Contribute Your Expertise: If you have skills in areas like renewable energy, environmental science, or community organizing, your expertise can greatly benefit our projects and initiatives.
4. Support Local Projects: Every bit of effort counts!
5. Spread Awareness: Use your voice to raise awareness about our climate initiatives. Share information on social media, talk to your neighbors, and help us build a stronger, more informed community.

Resources for the Public

Whether you're a homeowner, renter, or commercial property owner, you'll discover a range of resources designed to help you improve energy efficiency and reduce your carbon footprint. From step-by-step guidance on scheduling professional energy audits to insights on federal and state rebate programs, plus access to expert technical support, everything you need to make informed, impactful upgrades is right at your fingertips.

Energy Savings Programs