Sustainable Communities Program

The Sustainable Communities Program (SCP) helps communities take steps to ensure that they are healthy and vibrant places in which to live, work, and play–both today and tomorrow. That vision is founded in the three pillars of sustainability–a healthy local environment, quality of life for citizens, and economic vitality. The program is tailored to each community to ensure that its specific needs, priorities, resources, and challenges are addressed. Through the program, the community establishes priorities, develops a plan, and takes action that leads to meaningful results for the people who live, work, and recreate there.

Communities work to address specific and appropriate issues within each of the fifteen broadly defined sustainability focus areas. Along the way, Audubon International will provide guidance, oversight, and technical assistance to help you share your success and promote the positive strides you have made to enhance and protect the livelihood of your community.

"This acknowledgement from Audubon International will aid in the promotion of our continued efforts to place environmental sustainability in the forefront of Town initiatives. For many years Hilton Head Island has been known for its great natural beauty and for innovative, environmentally sensitive practices. This achievement recognizes the Town's commitment and strides taken toward creating a sustainable environment."

- Drew Laughlin, Mayor, Town of Hilton Head Island

Download a one-page PDF overview of the Sustainable Communities Program

A Process for Community Change

There are three stages of the program that must be completed to receive and maintain certification. Each Stage is designed to educate and engage community members in the process of becoming a more sustainable community. Audubon International recognizes that some communities may find that the comprehensive, multi-year Sustainable Communities Program is too great of a commitment. As such, a new program has been created to provide a simpler starting point. Green Communities, which also serves as the first stage of the Sustainable Communities Program, establishes a baseline assessment of your community by focusing on environment, quality of life, and economic vitality. If the community decides to move on Stage 2, a goal-oriented vision plan will be developed. In Stage 3, reporting progress earns certification. An annual membership fee and progress reporting maintains the certification. Communities that successfully complete the three-stages earn designation as a Certified Audubon Sustainable Community.

Stage 1: Green Communities

(3-6 months)

Form a Steering Committee.
Appoint a Sustainability Coordinator.
Complete the Community Baseline Survey.
Survey Community: Treasuring Home.
Choose a Demonstration Project.

Stage 2: Sustainability Planning

(1-3 years)

Choose a Demonstration Site.
Complete a 20-year plan for the community.
Begin to disseminate monthly informational updates to media outlets.
Choose timelines and indicators for plan.

Stage 3: Progress Reporting and Certification

(1-2 years)

Collect and record surveys, project updates, partners and resources.
Complete progress reports, continuing to work towards outlined goals.
Compile information for case studies.

Annual program membership fees vary by sector and by the stage of the program.

Sector	Stage 1 Fee	Stage 2 Fee	Stage 3 Fee	Annual Fee
Private	$500	Contact Us	$500	$500
Public	$500	Contact Us	$500	$500

Note: The stage fees are one-time fees and must be paid in addition to the annual membership fee.

“The program has made us realize that we, the citizens of Williamston, are responsible for our future. As our small town seeks to compete in today’s global economy, we’ve increased our focus on the pillars of sustainability: our environment, our economy, and our people. We’ve realized that two of our significant strengths are our caring community and our undisturbed natural resources. As a result, we want to take care of our land, water, wildlife, and air as never before, because they will define our future."

- Dr. Tom Ward, Sustainability Coordinator, Town of Williamston