The City of Roswell has once again earned Platinum-Level Green Community certification, the highest distinction available through the Atlanta Regional Commission’s (ARC) Green Communities Program, in November 2025.
Roswell has participated in the Green Communities Program since 2009 and has successfully recertified every five years by meeting rigorous sustainability standards.
The program evaluates local governments across 80 criteria in categories such as energy efficiency, water conservation, transportation, recycling, land use, education, and innovation.
“Achieving Platinum status again reflects Roswell’s long-standing commitment to being a responsible steward of our environment,” said Mayor Mary Robichaux. “Sustainability isn’t a trend for us it’s a shared value that guides how we plan, build, and ensure that the city we pass on to our children is even better than the one we inherited.”
The ARC Green Communities Program evaluates local governments across 80 criteria in categories:
Green Building, Energy Efficiency, Green Power, Water Use Reduction and Efficiency, Trees and Greenspace, Transportation, Recycling and Waste Reduction, Land Use, Education, and Innovation.
Roswell’s Platinum designation reflects ongoing efforts across City operations and community programs, including:
Green and Energy-Efficient Buildings
The City has installed cool roofs on eight municipal buildings resulting in annual energy savings.
Water Efficiency and Watershed Protection
Rain barrels are in place at several City locations, including the Adult Recreation Center, Art Center West, and historic sites such as Smith Plantation, Bulloch Hall, and Barrington Hall. The City has also installed permeable pavement on Myrtle Street to improve stormwater management while educating the public on sustainable infrastructure.
Sustainable Land Use
Roswell has prioritized adaptive reuse of existing structures, including the renovation of a former residential home into Art Center West, the conversion of the Don White House into a rental facility, and the preservation of former farmland for community use.
Recycling and Waste Reduction
The City hosts two household hazardous waste collection events each year, providing residents a safe way to dispose of paints, pesticides, cleaners, bulbs, and aerosols. Glass recycling is available at City facilities and the Roswell Recycling Center.
Transportation Choices and Air Quality
Roswell operates ten propane-fueled City vehicles and also provides four public electric vehicle charging stations and has maintained its Bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community designation since 2006—the first city in Georgia to earn the recognition.
Innovation
Initiatives include energy-saving skylights at East Roswell Park Gym, a Citywide Certified Wildlife Habitat designation through the National Wildlife Federation, and public-private partnerships focused on expanding tree canopy coverage.
This Platinum-Level certification reflects Roswell’s long-standing partnership with the ARC and its continued commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and responsible growth.
The Green Communities Story Map highlights just some of the green initiatives that certified Green Communities have implemented to lighten their environmental footprints.
For more information, visit https://www.roswellgov.com/discover-us/roswell-green/.
