Local green communities certification in Maryland

Sustainable Maryland Certified, a new program from the University of Maryland and the Maryland Municipal League, will assist communities in planning and implementing “green” practices, which may help them cope with tight budgets.

The program, which the university says is based on a successful model in New Jersey, is expected to be attractive to smaller communities. A community will be certified if it wins 150 points. Points are earned by setting up programs to address issues such as global warming, energy, pollution, land use, air and water quality, health equity, support for local businesses, sustainable agriculture, green building, and transportation.

The first certifications in the program will be awarded in the fall of 2012. The Finance Center hopes that eventually communities earning certification will receive priority when applying for state development funds.