REPORT: Montgomery ranked 10th most sustainable town in U.S.

Montgomery, Alabama is the 10th most climate-conscious and sustainable town in the U.S. according to a report released by RYCOR HVAC, a New York heating and cooling company.

How the report was conducted

According to the report the ranking was determined by using the following initiatives that address climate change:

• Green Infrastructure — EnergyStar buildings 
• Farmer’s markets 
• Alternative fuel stations
• Walkability
• Public transit and Amtrak stations 

Bakersfield, California topped the list of most climate-conscious and sustainable towns in the U.S., followed by Lansing, Michigan, Wilmington, Delaware, Charlottesville, VA, Grand Junction, Colorado, Eugene, Oregon, San Luis Obispo, California, Duluth, Minnesota, Salinas, CA and Montgomery.

Montgomery’s Green Initiatives

Alabama’s Capital City has implemented several green initiatives over the past few years. They include:

• More than $6.5 million has been saved over the past six years, thanks to energy efficiency programs 
• Montgomery’s energy program has expanded from 12 City facilities in 2019 to 50 facilities in 2022
• Facilities are now realizing a reduction of 35 percent or more in energy use and emissions 
• In partnership with Alabama Power, converting 21,000+ street lights to energy-efficient LED lights throughout Montgomery
•  Intentional development to reclaim and regreen the community by transforming vacant properties into high-quality public greenspaces, like the Shady Street Park & Trailhead 

Building a smart sustainable city

In an Earth Day news release about Montgomery’s eco-friendly initiatives, Mayor Steven Reed told us why sustainability and conservation matters.

“Building a smart and sustainable city is essential to becoming a leader in this decade and beyond because it affords us the resiliency and quality of life that are key ingredients to future growth, job creation and development.” 

Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed 

What do you think of Montgomery cracking the top 10 list of most climate-conscious and sustainable towns? Tell us on social media by tagging us at @thebamabuzz