Sustainability
Overview
The Town of Ithaca is committed to being a leader in sustainability. The Town’s Green New Deal aims for an equitable transition to carbon-neutrality town-wide by 2030, recognizing there will be multiple benefits besides greenhouse gas reduction, including improved community health and economic vitality.
Goals
The Green New Deal Resolution was passed in 2020, sets the official sustainability goals for the Town of Ithaca. The Green New Deal Action Plan for 2025-2026 sets the current objectives for this year and the process of achieving them. The key goals for this year include the following:
- Meet electricity needs of Town government operations with 100% regionally sourced renewable electricity by 2025.
- Reduce emissions, or create offsets, from the Town fleet of vehicles by 50% from the 2010 levels by 2025.
- Reduce emissions by at least 10%
- Offset remaining emissions
- Achieve an equitable transition to carbon-neutrality town-wide by 2030
- Reduce net emissions by at least 85% through efficiency, conservation, and renewable energy
- Sequester carbon in the Town
- Offset remaining GHG emissions through regional initiatives
The Town of Ithaca updated the Green New Deal Action Plan for the next two years (2025- 2026). The Action Plan supports the Green New Deal Resolution- passed by the Town Board in 2020- and the 2014 Comprehensive Plan. It provides a path for implementation by detailing specific actions and outcomes. Read more below.
Current Initiatives
Energy Code Supplement
The Ithaca Energy Code Supplement (IECS) is in effect and applies to most new construction and major renovations. Individuals working on a project or with questions about eligibility can reach out to Town of Ithaca Code Enforcement and Zoning at codes@town.ithaca.ny.us or 607-273-1783.
Tompkins Green Energy Network (Community Choice Aggregation)
The Town and the City of Ithaca are working together to develop a Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) program. This opt-out program will allow the Town to procure energy supply service and distributed energy resources for eligible energy customers in our community.
Net-Zero Town Facilities By 2030
The Town conducted energy studies in 2019 (adopted April 2021) of Town Hall and Public Works, and is in discussion of how to implement the recommendations from the report, with the goal of attaining net-zero carbon facilities by 2030. For assistance tracking and reducing building energy use and water use, Town Hall joined the Ithaca 2030 District.
History of Sustainability in the Town of Ithaca
Learn more below about past achievements and how the Town of Ithaca has demonstrated its commitment to be a leader in sustainability for over a decade.
Get Involved!
Learn more about sustainable initiatives within and around the Town of Ithaca and find out ways to get involved!
Other Resources:
Town of Ithaca Large Scale Solar Overlay Zone
The Town of Ithaca amended its code (Chapter 270) for solar facilities. The revisions aim to assist with solar development by providing clear definitions and requirements. An updated large- scale solar overlay zone map shows where large- scale solar systems (maximum of 35 acres) are allowed within the Town of Ithaca.
Are you interested in developing large-scale solar within the Town of Ithaca? Please reach out to the Director of the Planning Department: cjrandall@townithacany.gov or 607-273-1721 ext 120.
Sustainability Planner
