State and Local Climate and Energy Program
Local Government Climate and Energy Strategy Series
Sustainable Communities
EPA, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Transportation formed the Partnership for Sustainable Communities to help communities nationwide increase transportation choices, improve access to affordable housing, and lower transportation costs while protecting the environment. The documents on this page are not Partnership-issued documents but will support Partnership goals by helping communities integrate energy efficiency in affordable housing, transportation efficiency, and smart growth principles into their climate protection programs.
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The Local Government Climate and Energy Strategy Series gives a straightforward overview of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction strategies that local governments can use to achieve economic, environmental, social, and human health benefits. The series covers energy efficiency, transportation, community planning and design, solid waste and materials management, and renewable energy.
Who should use the Strategy Series?
This series is designed for policy makers and program implementers interested in cost-effective climate and energy strategies, such as mayors, city or town council members, energy managers, city planners, metropolitan and regional planning organizations, and their private and nonprofit partners.
How can the Strategy Series help me?
Policymakers and program staff can use this series to decide which climate and energy strategies will work best for their communities. Each document focuses on one approach to reducing GHG emissions by providing an overview of:
- Benefits
- Planning and design
- Key stakeholders
- Policy mechanisms
- Implementation considerations
- Costs and funding opportunities
- Programs and resources that offer technical assistance
- Examples and case studies
Energy Efficiency
- Energy Efficiency in Local Government Operations (PDF) (72 pp, 5.3M), October 2011
- Energy Efficiency in K-12 Schools (PDF) (60 pp, 1.8M), May 2011
- Energy Efficiency in Affordable Housing (PDF) (60 pp, 3.2M), May 2011
- Energy-Efficient Product Procurement (PDF) (40 pp, 3.5M), September 2011
- Combined Heat and Power (PDF) (31 pp, 338K), DRAFT September 2008
- Energy Efficiency in Water and Wastewater Facilities, in development
Transportation
- Transportation Control Measures (PDF) (42 pp, 6.3M)
Community Planning and Design
- Smart Growth (PDF) (48 pp, 3.2M), May 2011
Solid Waste and Materials Management
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Resource Conservation and Recovery (PDF) (40 pp, 2.8M), September 2012
Renewable Energy
- Green Power Procurement (PDF) (36 pp, 547K), DRAFT May 2008
- On-Site Renewable Energy Generation (PDF) (43 pp, 796K), DRAFT May 2008
- Landfill Gas Energy (PDF) (34 pp, 2.1M), March 2012