Laurel, MD (November 15, 2024) – The Environmental Finance Center at the University of Maryland announced that the City of Laurel was one of 17 Maryland municipalities honored at the Sustainable Maryland Awards Ceremony at the Maryland Municipal League’s annual Fall Conference on Thursday. The City was certified at the Silver level.

A detailed summary of Laurel’s sustainability Actions can be found in their Certification Report.

“We are honored to receive the Sustainable Maryland certification, which recognizes our commitment to creating a more sustainable future for our community,” said Mayor Keith Sydnor. “This achievement reflects the dedication of our entire team and community partners, who have worked tirelessly to implement environmentally responsible practices. We are proud of our progress and remain committed to leading by example for a healthier, greener future.”

 “The 17 towns achieving certification this year represent the leading edge of Maryland’s sustainability initiatives at the local level,” said Mike Hunninghake, Director of the Sustainable Maryland program. “Their efforts, and those of many towns and cities across the state, collectively move the needle in the right direction as we grapple with making communities climate-resilient, healthy and economically viable places to live for current and future generations. Sustainable Maryland is proud to support their vital work, which serves as a beacon of inspiration for other communities.”

Sustainable Maryland Certification: To achieve certification, municipalities are required to form a Green Team comprised of local residents, community leaders, municipal staff and officials; complete a variety sustainability-related Actions worth a total of at least 150 points for Bronze level certification, or 400 points for Silver level certification, and submit the appropriate documentation as evidence that the Sustainable Maryland Certified requirements have been satisfied. The Sustainable Maryland Action Menu can be seen here: https://sustainablemaryland.com/certification/actions

The complete list of 2024 newly certified (denoted by *) and re-certified communities includes:

Berlin (first certified in 2012, re-certified in 2015, 2021, and 2024)

 Bladensburg (first certified in 2013, re-certified in 2016, 2019 and 2024)

 Brunswick (first certified in 2015, re-certified in 2021 and 2024)

 Cheverly (first certified in 2013, re-certified in 2017, 2021 and 2024)

 Cottage City (first certified in 2018, recertified in 2021 and 2024) 

 Emmitsburg (first certified in 2015, re-certified in 2018, 2021 and 2024) 

 *Fairmount Heights (NEW)

 *Forest Heights (NEW)

 Glen Echo (first certified in 2021, re-certified in 2024) 

 Laurel (first certified in 2015, re-certified in 2018, 2021 and 2024)

 La Plata (first certified in 2021, re-certified in 2021)

 Mount Rainier (first certified in 2012, re-certified in 2015, 2018, 2012 and 2024)

 North Beach (first certified in 2017, re-certified in 2021 and 2024) 

 Poolesville (first certified in 2015, re-certified in 2018, 2021 and 2024)

 Rockville (first certified in 2012, re-certified in 2015, 2018, 2021 and 2024)

 *Somerset (NEW)

 Takoma Park (first certified in 2014, re-certified in 2017, 2020 and 2024)

2024 Sustainability Champion: This year’s Sustainability Champion is the City of Takoma Park which amassed an impressive 730 points on their application, more than any other community in 2024. 

A full report on each certified community’s Actions can be viewed here: http://sustainablemaryland.com/actions-certification/participating-communities/

 Sustainable Maryland Certified Municipalities as of 2024 (13th year of the program):

• Total Municipalities Sustainable Maryland Certified: 51 (32% of Maryland’s municipalities) 
• Total Municipalities Sustainable Maryland Registered: 90 (57% of Maryland’s municipalities) 

About Sustainable Maryland: Sustainable Maryland is an initiative of the Environmental Finance Center at the University of Maryland that is designed to support Maryland's 157 municipalities as they look for cost-effective and strategic ways to protect their natural assets and revitalize their communities. Using best practices in resource areas like water, energy, planning, health, food, and economy, a municipality can earn points toward sustainability certification. Sustainable Maryland offers a customizable menu of concrete actions, allowing communities to select initiatives that best fit their specific needs. This free and voluntary program, with the support of the Maryland Municipal League, the State of Maryland and the US Environmental Protection Agency helps communities choose a direction for their greening efforts; complete their chosen actions with help from program tools, trainings, expert guidance, and other resources; and be recognized statewide for their accomplishments. For more information about Sustainable Maryland: www.sustainablemaryland.com

For detailed information about Laurel’s sustainability initiatives, please contact Michele Blair, Sustainability Manager, MBlair@laurel.md.us, 301-725-5300 ext. 2203