Celebrating GA’s Sustainability Momentum

Across Georgia SSDN members are leading the way in sustainability action.

At the 2025 Cobb County Sustainability Expo, our Georgia Policy Manager Joy Ward joined local m

embers to spotlight how regional collaboration is accelerating progress across the state. With more than 400 attendees, the event underscored SSDN’s belief that regional challenges require regional solutions—and Georgia is proving just that.

At the 2025 Cobb County Sustainability Expo (pictured), our Georgia Policy Manager Joy Ward joined local members to spotlight how regional collaboration is accelerating progress across the state.

In Athens-Clarke County, exciting strides are being made toward their goal of 100% clean and renewable energy by 2035. EV fleet upgrades, solar-ready building policies, energy audits, and a new solar array on the library are demonstrating local leadership in action. The new solar panels alone will save at least $25,000 annually by reducing power bills, and will prevent the emission of 100 tons of carbon into the atmosphere every year. Read more here

.

And did you know? Georgia SSDN members are leading the charge in urban tree reforestation efforts. Atlanta is now recognized as the U.S. city with the most tree coverage, highlighting the powerful environmental and psychological benefits of urban greenery (Washington Post, Niko Kommenda). Trees Atlanta commends Dekalb County member, Gordon Kenna, and the Lavista Community with their Trees Atlanta 2025 Tree Champion - Neighborhood award for their work to replant hundreds of trees along Oak Grove Lavista Road (Trees Atlanta).

Kudos to Georgia’s communities for setting the pace toward a more sustainable Southeast!