Ulster County Carbon Footprint Reduction Program

About the Program

Category: County Resiliency (Best in Category)

Year: 2015

Ulster County’s Carbon Footprint Reduction Program was developed by Ulster County Executive Mike Hein and the Ulster County Department of the Environment to reduce and mitigate the environmental footprint associated with municipal government operations. Municipal government operations across the nation consume significant amounts of energy due to the varied nature of government operations and historically Ulster County has not been an exception to that reality. The program serves as a great model and resource for other municipalities, counties and businesses of how to become more efficient and environmentally responsible. The implementation of this program has successfully and dramatically reduced Ulster County’s energy demand, increased our reliance on and commitment to renewable energy, and mitigated our carbon emissions where carbon emissions are not presently avoidable. All direct and indirect emissions that could not be avoided, reduced or replaced with sustainable alternatives were then offset by Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) and carbon credits (Climate Reserve Tonnes CRTs). The result is that Ulster County government is now a net carbon neutral operation. In fact, Ulster County is now the first and only county in the state of New York (and to our knowledge, the nation) to achieve true net-carbon neutrality. The County has a continued commitment to further avoid, reduce, and replace unsustainable energy use until offsets are no longer necessary in order to achieve carbon neutrality. County Executive Hein believes that it is important for county governments to demonstrate environmental stewardship in order to encourage businesses, residents and other municipalities to foster sustainable solutions. Combatting climate change often seems like a daunting task, but together we can make a profound impact on our environment and strengthen community resiliency.