Green Community Criteria
Criteria 1: As-of-Right Siting - Renewable / Alternative Energy
Provide for the as-of-right siting of:
- renewable or alternative energy generating facilities;
- renewable or alternative energy research and development (R&D) facilities, or;
- renewable or alternative energy manufacturing facilities in designated locations.
Criteria 2: Expedited Permitting
Adopt an expedited application and permitting process under which these energy facilities may be sited within the municipality and which shall not exceed 1 year from the date of initial application to the date of final approval.
Criteria 3: Energy Baseline / 20 Percent Energy Reduction Plan
Establish an energy use baseline inventory for municipal buildings, vehicles, street and traffic lighting prior to submitting a designation form, and put in place a comprehensive program designed to reduce this baseline by 20 percent within 5 years of initial participation in the program.
Criteria 4: Purchase Only Fuel-Efficient Vehicles
Purchase only fuel-efficient vehicles for municipal use whenever such vehicles are commercially available and practicable.
Criteria 5: Minimize Life-Cycle Costs
Require all new residential construction over 3,000 square feet and all new commercial and industrial real estate construction to minimize, to the extent feasible, the life-cycle cost of the facility by utilizing energy efficiency, water conservation and other renewable or alternative energy technologies.