THROUGH THE WOODS: The power of the Sun

PHILMONT—Philmont’s Climate Smart Task Force Chair Thomas Paino announced that Philmont’s application to become an official member of the Green Purchasing Communities (GPC) program has been approved. This program aims to make it easier for local governments to purchase commodities, services, and technology that have a lower environmental impact.

Members of the GPC program pledge to follow the GreenNY purchasing specifications that the New York State government uses to protect public health and the environment.

These criteria identify products that minimize the risks of discharging pollutants into the environment, maximize the use of recycled materials, and prioritize renewable resources.

“Much of Philmont’s Climate Smart Communities work addresses the apparent causes of GHG emissions—vehicles and buildings,” said Chair Paino in a press release.

“Approval as a member of the Green Purchasing Community helps us realize that nearly every aspect of municipal operations needs to be vetted to secure our future environment. However, determining the carbon footprint of even a paperclip can be complex. Now the process will be streamlined by following the standards established by the Green Purchasing Communities program. I take pride in knowing that Philmont is participating in all aspects of the Climate Smart Communities Program and accomplishing our Climate Smart goals.”

“Participating in the Green Purchasing Community Program streamlines the procurement process, while helping the environment,” said Philmont Mayor Brian Johnson, also in the release. “It’s also another credit for Philmont toward Bronze Certification.”

In 2019, Philmont was designated a Clean Energy Community by identifying four of ten “high impact actions”: (1) Unified Solar Permit; (2) Energy Code Enforcement Training; (3) Benchmarking Municipal Buildings; and (4) Clean Energy Upgrade and associated $35,000 NY State grant.

Since taking the Climate Smart Community pledge in October 2019 and establishing the Philmont Climate Smart Community Committee in March 2021, Philmont has completed LED change-out for 100% of Village street lighting, resulting in an estimated $4,800 per year reduction in energy costs; officially adopted the NYS Energy Stretch Code, making the village the first municipality in Columbia County to require further reduction in energy use than code requirement for all building permits; completed a lighting upgrade of the sewage treatment plant, resulting in a remarkable 80% reduction in energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions; participated in the 2023 Local Champions Program, a training and community-building program for those who are leading their municipality’s work on the Climate Smart Communities Program; installed an electric vehicle charging station in the Philmont Public Library parking lot; and launched a Community Solar Campaign and a Clean Heating & Cooling Campaign.

By becoming a Green Purchasing Community, Philmont accrues points toward becoming a Bronze Certified Climate Smart Community. Only premier local leaders in climate action in New York are Certified Climate Smart Communities (CSCs) as they must pass a stringent evaluation procedure that verifies they have completed a number of tangible initiatives aimed at mitigating and adapting to climate change.

State Department of Environmental Conservation Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said, “New York’s initiatives to reduce our environmental footprint are advancing actions across all levels of government, especially through the state’s Green Purchasing Communities Program. I applaud the village of Philmont for its efforts as an exemplary community leader by joining this program and look forward to working together to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help meet New York’s sustainability and climate goals.”

Philmont is on schedule to apply for Climate Smart Communities Bronze Certification in July 2024.