SSDN Members Leading on Green Building
24/7 Wall St. just released its list of U.S. Cities Leading the Green Building Revolution — and we’re proud to see SSDN member communities featured! 👏 Shoutout to the City of New Orleans, LA; the City of Arlington, VA; and the City of Alexandria, Virginia; in our network showing how local policy and leadership can…
Read MoreLeave the Leaves
Fall leaves are nature’s mulch and habitat. By letting leaves stay where they fall, we: ✅ Provide shelter for pollinators and other beneficial insects ✅ Protect and enrich soil ✅ Cut down on yard waste headed to landfills ✅ Save time, money, and energy Learn what our member communities are doing to encourage residents to…
Read MoreRichmond Battles Heat with New Cool Kit
The City of Richmond’s Office of Sustainability (an SSDN member community) just released its first-ever heat mitigation guide, the Richmond Cool Kit, with 25 evidence-based strategies to help city staff and community members tackle extreme heat. It’s a timely, practical resource designed to cool down both public and private spaces—because every degree matters. We’re proud…
Read MoreWhat’s in Your Energy/Water Efficiency Kit?
LED lightbulbs? Low-flow showerheads? Our sustainability experts recently discussed what items they provide to homeowners and renters as part of their community sustainability efforts as well as which items had an impact and what items just weren’t effective. These kits help community members try out items they might not otherwise purchase so they can see…
Read MoreWhat’s the Buzz about Bee Cities?
Pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are essential to healthy ecosystems, local agriculture, and biodiversity—but they’re in trouble. That’s where Bee City USA steps in, helping communities take meaningful steps to protect these vital species. Becoming a Bee City means your community commits to: ✅ Creating and enhancing pollinator habitats ✅ Educating the public about…
Read MoreInspiration to Anticipation: SSDN’s 2025 Annual Meeting
“Feeling gratitude for SSDN bringing together such a thoughtful and driven community committed to local climate action and collective impact.”- Alannah Irwin, Boynton Beach, FL Dear SSDN Community, As the energy from our recent gathering in Richmond begins to settle, we find ourselves reflecting on connections made, inspiration found, and knowledge gained and shared. For…
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