Climate Smart Kingston

Climate Smart Kingston Vision and Mission
Adopted March 30, 2016

Vision
The City of Kingston will be a ‘Model City’ of energy, environmental and economic sustainability by 2020 within city government operations and throughout the community.

Mission
The City of Kingston will become a Model Sustainable City by:
• Reducing overall energy consumption, improving air quality and the quality of life through energy efficiency, conservation and renewable energy
• Encouraging mixed use development; minimizing sprawl
• Shifting to modes of transportation that are less dependent on fossil fuels
• Reducing waste
• Collaborating with city employees, businesses and residents to achieve our vision
• Preparing for climate change
• Leading by example and inspiring others
• Measuring and monitoring our progress
• Maximizing economic opportunities for the local workforce
• Being good stewards of public dollars
• Being inclusive of all sectors of the population

The City of Kingston is a Climate Smart Community, along with dozens of others throughout the state. Kingston is actively engaged in the Department of Environmental Conservation's Climate Smart Communities Program. The Climate Smart Kingston Commission convenes monthly to strategize, plan, and implement the goals of Kingston's Climate Action Plan.

Since 2009, the Climate Smart and Green Jobs Task Force (now Climate Smart Kingston Commission) has been an advocate for citywide sustainability, energy-efficiency and quality-of-life for Kingston residents.

See what Kingston has achieved, with collaborative efforts of Climate Smart Kingston and City government: Kingston Community Sustainability Profile

Quick Tips

How Residents Of Kingston Can Live A More Sustainable Lifestyle

The city of Kingston, New York has been working steadily to become a leader in economic, environmental, and energy sustainability in the past years. In 2016, Kingston launched its efforts to become a Model City by 2020 and had been a long-running member of Climate Smart Communities in New York. While the city’s efforts to promote and cultivate a more sustainable way of living and doing business has been notable, a large part of the initiative lies with its most important members: its residents. Making conscious switches to more sustainable options in your daily life can make a formidable difference to the city’s initiative- and you would be surprised at the number of programs in place to help you along the way.

 Explore Green Power Options Within The City Of Kingston

The city of Kingston has a 100 percent renewable energy transition roadmap in place and is creating a Climate Action Plan to achieve its goals. A significant feature of its push toward renewable energy sources is the promotion of local solar farms. The Kingston Community Solar program is available to both homeowners and renters, including those living in an HOA community. It is offered through Clearway Community Solar. Alternatively, if you do opt to install solar panels yourself, you can benefit from a 26 percent federal investment tax credit. It is also helpful to practice sustainable energy usage at home by reducing your heating and cooling, investing in a programmable thermostat and, swapping light fixtures for LED alternatives. 

Reuse, Recycle, And Repair

Second-hand and thrift buying has gotten a facelift in recent years. Scouring second-hand stores in Kingston like Kingston Consignment and The Happy Apple can not only reduce wastage but can also save you money. To reduce food wastage, business owners can also distribute unused food to the homeless or soup kitchens. However, keep in mind that dumpster diving is illegal so it may be best to arrange a pick-up scheme close to the establishment’s closing time.

 Switch Your Grocery Shopping To A Farmer's Market

Shopping at a farmer's market can do several things for your bid to lead a more sustainable lifestyle. Firstly, it helps to reduce food wastage and supports the community of local farmers. Most times, larger supermarkets and businesses opt not to stock imperfect produce which can then be tossed away. Additionally, shopping at a farmer's market can be much cheaper and ensures you get fresh produce, eliminating the middleman. The city of Kingston runs a year-round farmer's market in Uptown Kingston that is held every Saturday from May to November. Pop along and lend your support to all the local producers of delicious, fresh food. 

These are just a handful of ways that residents of Kingston can lead a more sustainable lifestyle. With these initiatives and more in the pipeline, Kingston is on the road to being a leader in sustainability.

Climate Smart Kingston History 

In 2014, the participants of Climate Smart Kingston, along with the Mayor decided that this group and the city would be well-served by a transition from a task force to an advisory committee under the appointment of the Mayor. The Common Council agreed, resolving so in Resolution #120 of 2014 and now a new 11-member committee called the Climate Smart Kingston Commission has been established to prioritize energy and sustainability initiatives particularly as outlined in Kingston’s Climate Action Plan, to engage community stakeholders and act as a resource to support climate smart decisions.

On February 5th, 2016 the Mayor appointed the Climate Smart Kingston Commission. This Commission will be led by Julie Noble, Environmental Education and Sustainability Coordinator and Climate Smart Community Coordinator, for the City of Kingston.  

The Climate Smart Kingston Commissioners (date appointed, date term expires) include:

Voting: 

Bradley Borquist

Elizabeth Broad

Chaya Huber 

Melissa Iachetta

Zane McDonald 

Kevin McEvoy 

Roberto Rivera

Dan Smith

Karen Sullivan 

Cal Trumann 

Non-Voting: 

Michael D'Arcy 

vacancy

vacancy

Ex-Officio:

Suzanne Cahill, Planning Director

representative, Community and Economic Development Office

Julie Noble, Parks and Recreation Department, Sustainability Coordinator 

Carl Frankel, Common Council Designee

Arielle Gartenstein, City Engineer Designee

Edward Norman, DPW Superintendent or Designee 

New York State Assemblywoman Sarahana Shrestha Office Designee 

The Commission met for the first time on March 30th, 2016. At this meeting the commission established a formal meeting schedule, vision, mission, goals, and focus areas.  

All Climate Smart Kingston Commission meetings are open to the public. The Commission will meet the 4th Wednesday of each month, at Kingston City Hall, Common Council Chambers, 5:00-6:30pm, or VIRTUALLY as necessary during COVID.

Kingston Certified Silver Climate Smart Community

In the Spring and Summer of 2013, Kingston participated in the Climate Smart Communities Certification Program Pilot. As one of 8 communities throughout the state participating, Kingston was able to conduct a self-guided evaluation of our local climate actions as a means towards measuring and ranking Kingston's efforts towards sustainability among it's peer communities. The CSC Certification Program is designed to support municipal efforts to meet economic, social and environmental challenges posed by climate change. A ranking of Silver demonstrates Kingston's commitment to and leadership in the area of sustainability. 

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