Mayor Mantello Announces City of troy Receives Bronze Climate Smart Communities’ Certification • Troy, NY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 24, 2026

MAYOR MANTELLO ANNOUNCES CITY OF TROY ACHIEVES BRONZE CLIMATE SMART COMMUNITIES’ CERTIFICATION

Certification recognizes Troy’s commitment to local climate action, sustainability, and emissions reduction

(TROY, NY) – Mayor Carmella R. Mantello today announced that the City of Troy has officially achieved Bronze Climate Smart Communities (CSC) Certification, recognizing the City’s ongoing commitment to advancing local climate action, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and building a more sustainable and resilient community.

The New York State Climate Smart Communities program, established in 2009, provides guidance and support to local governments working to address climate change. The program is led by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), with support from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), Department of Health (DOH), Department of State (DOS), Department of Transportation (DOT), Department of Public Service (DPS), Division of Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), and New York Power Authority (NYPA).

Launched in 2014, the Climate Smart Communities Certification program recognizes communities that demonstrate leadership and make measurable progress on climate-related projects and initiatives. Communities begin the process by adopting the Climate Smart Communities pledge, committing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for the impacts of climate change. To date, 478 local governments representing nearly 18 million New Yorkers have adopted the Climate Smart Communities pledge.

“Achieving Bronze Climate Smart Communities Certification is an important recognition of the work we are doing right here in the City of Troy. This is about being responsible stewards of our city, investing in a cleaner and more sustainable future, and making sure Troy is prepared for the challenges ahead. I want to thank the hardworking and dedicated members of our City’s Sustainability Task Force for the time, effort, and commitment they have put into getting us to this point. This certification is a reflection of their work and their dedication to making Troy a better place. We are proud to achieve Bronze, but we are not stopping here. We look forward to continuing this important work and reaching the next level of certification.”

Council President Sue Steele said, “The City Council is thrilled at Troy achieving the Bronze Certified Climate Smart Community designation. This represents the dedicated work and partnership of citizen volunteers, administrative staff and the council represented by Council member Struber. It recognizes our commitment to the environment and positions us as a leader for other communities to emulate.”

To achieve certification, communities must demonstrate an active task force made up of residents and municipal representatives who work together to advance local climate action. Certified communities also undertake initiatives such as greenhouse gas inventories, which help identify local sources of emissions and opportunities to reduce them.

For the City of Troy, the Bronze Certification reflects the collaborative work underway to improve sustainability, strengthen infrastructure, reduce emissions, and make responsible investments that will benefit residents for years to come.

The Mantello Administration will continue building upon the work completed through the certification process and identifying additional opportunities to reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency, strengthen resiliency, and advance sustainable practices throughout Troy.

About Climate Smart Communities

New York State’s Climate Smart Communities program was established in 2009 to provide local governments with guidance and support as they pursue climate action. The program encourages municipalities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, prepare for the effects of climate change, and take meaningful local action to create more resilient communities.

The Climate Smart Communities Certification program recognizes communities for completing specific actions and demonstrating progress toward their climate goals. Certification is voluntary and provides municipalities with a framework for developing and implementing local climate initiatives.

###