Get Informed

Discover how the City of Laurel is advancing sustainability and taking action to build a greener, more resilient community.

Green Living News

Stay informed about the latest developments and initiatives that are shaping Laurel’s sustainable future. View the presentation of Laurel's Sustainability Framework.

Environmental Achievement Highlights

The City of Laurel has made significant strides toward sustainability with initiatives that contribute to a cleaner environment and improve quality of life:

  • Recycling containers in City parks.
  • Adopting a Green Construction Code for all new homes and apartments.
  • Issuing 361 residential solar permits and 4 commercial solar permits.
  • Requiring new apartment complexes to have bio-retention ponds.
  • HVAC modifications on City buildings.
  • Coordinating with the State and County to install stormwater retention ponds.
  • Installing LED-equipped traffic signals and solar-powered pedestrian crosswalks.
  • Upgrading streetlights to use LED technology or solar power.
  • Using segways and bicycles for Police patrols.
  • Developed a Bicycle Master Plan.
  • Formed a Laurel Community Garden.
  • Giving away hundreds of trees to property owners.

Recycle Coach

Recycle Coach LogoThe City of Laurel Department of Public Works has an app and web site plug-in that contains all of the information people need to know, tailored specifically to their neighborhoods, about our residential garbage and recycling services.

Visit the Recycle Coach page for more information.

Our Sustainability Commitments

Laurel has earned recognition for its dedication to environmental stewardship through key programs and affiliations:

Since 2017

Climate Mayor

Since 1993

Tree City USA Green Logo

Since 2015

Sustainable Maryland Logo

Climate Mayors is a bipartisan network of more than 470 U.S. mayors demonstrating climate leadership through meaningful actions in their communities. Representing 48 states and 74 million Americans, the Climate Mayors coalition reflects U.S. cities' commitment to climate progress.

Since 2021

Maryland Green Registry Logo

The City of Laurel is proud to be a Maryland Green Registry member. This voluntary program demonstrates our commitment to a strong, proactive approach to environmental management.

The Tree City USA program is an initiative by the Arbor Day Foundation. Laurel shares this designation with more than 3,600 cities. Tree City USA provides communities with a four-step framework to maintain and grow their tree cover. It also gives them an avenue to celebrate their work, showing residents, visitors, and the entire country that they're committed to the mission of environmental change.

Sustainable Maryland is a certification program for municipalities in Maryland that want to go green, save money and take steps to sustain their quality of life over the long term. Sustainable Maryland is a collaborative effort between the Environmental Finance Center (EFC) at the University of Maryland and the Maryland Municipal League to replicate the success of the Sustainable Jersey initiative throughout the Mid-Atlantic States, beginning in Maryland.