What are sustainability plans, why are they important, how does it fit into the statewide plan to mitigate the effects of climate change, and how can/should EACs be involved? Nicole Faraguna, Director of Policy Planning will will share an overview of the agency’s sustainability measures to mitigate climate change, including energy reduction and efficiencies, increased reliance on renewable energy and green vehicles, sustainable forest and land management practices, and efforts to green the Department’s programs and services. She will also discuss DCNR grant programs that support sustainability through planning, conservation, and best practices. Katherine Targett Gross, Sustainability Officer with Lehigh University will share an overview of Lehigh’s Sustainability Strategic Plan 2030, a 10-year strategic plan that establishes a long-term vision for sustainability on campus. She will discuss the strategic planning process – timeline, what was involved, who was involved, opportunities/challenges, etc as well as how Lehigh set the scope for the 113 goals in the 2030 Plan and plans to measure progress.. Jon Lesher, Principal Environmental Planner with the Montgomery County Planning Commission will share an overview of County climate change and sustainability efforts, and how EACs can benefit from this work. The County’s work includes policies that benefit Montgomery County communities and Planning Commission projects that can assist the sustainability work being done by municipalities and EACs. There will be a focus on lesson learned that can be replicated throughout the state. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of the importance of sustainability planning, and an EAC’s part in the process.
