Georgia County Government - May/June 2008 - (Page 63)

NACoNews Green Government Initiative Launches Searchable Database hrough the National Association of C ou nt ies (NAC o) Green Government Initiative, the association has launched a “green counties” searchable database of counties implementing pro-environment and energy efficient practices, policies and programs. The database contains copies of county policies, program descriptions, case studies, job descriptions, resolutions and more. Users can search by keyword, state, county size, type of document or issue areas such as climate change, green buildings, renewable energy, land use, purchasing and waste management to learn about their programs and initiatives. “America’s counties are at the forefront laying the groundwork for more environmentally friendly ways of delivering critical services to residents and implementing more energy-efficient ways of doing business,” said NACo Executive Director Larry E. Naake. “Our green counties database is where you will fi nd the most up-to-date information on what counties are doing.” Through the database, for example, a user would learn that Maricopa County, Ariz., is replacing its county fleet of 2,000 vehicles with hybrids and fuel-efficient vehicles. A user would also learn that San Bernardino County, Calif., waives building permit fees where solar panels, wind turbines or tankless water heaters are installed and gives priority planning review to builders meeting the state’s green builder standards. Naake said NACo will continue to solicit updated green government information from its member counties and incorporate the information into the database. T NACo Green Government Initiative Launched in 2007, the NACo Green Government Initiative provides comprehensive resources for local governments on all things green, including energy, air quality, transportation, water quality, land use, purchasing and recycling. NACo serves as a catalyst between local governments and the private sector to facilitate green government best practices, products and policies that result in financial and environmental savings. “Since its launch last year, NACo’s Green Government Initiative has witnessed exceptional growth among counties and businesses,” Naake said. “Today, 17 companies and organizations have partnered with NACo as sponsors of the initiative, including IBM, General Motors, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and Office Depot.” Through the Green Government Initiative, NACo is increasing education and outreach on all things green; helping educate counties and helping them educate the public; promoting environmentally preferable purchasing practices and facilitating open dialogues with the private sector. Various green policies and programs benefit communities through lower energy bills, open space preservation, air quality improvements, reduced traffic congestion, improved transportation choices, and economic development and job creation through energy conservation and new technologies. ■ Visit www.naco.org for more information. “America’s counties are at the forefront laying the groundwork for more environmentally friendly ways of delivering critical services to residents and implementing more energy-efficient ways of doing business. Our green counties database is where you will find the most up-to-date information on what counties are doing.” –NACo Executive Director Larry E. Naake MAY/JUNE 2008 www.accg.org 63 http://www.naco.org http://www.accg.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Georgia County Government - May 2008

Georgia County Government - May 2008 Contents President’s Message County Matters ACCG 2008 Annual Meeting: Highlights County Focus: Clayton County Negotiating a Professional Service Firm Contract: Part 3 Counties Get Involved in Efforts to End Sexual Abuse of Children Smart Growth Scorecard Gives Communities a Way to Grade New Developments Wireless Technologies Critical for First Responders Research Corner: The ACCG Policy Process RDCs Assist the USS Georgia Flag Project Extension News: Animals Take Spotlight in Disaster Planning Georgia’s Grand Old Courthouses: Grady County NACo News: Green Initiative Launches Searchable Database Insurance News: ACCG Announces New Inmate Medical Savings Program County Parade Index of Advertisers

Georgia County Government - May 2008

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