For communities who want to “go green,” it can be nearly impossible to know where to start: what is the best solution for environmental problems? How do you know it will work? Where can you find funding for the project? Now, community leaders, nonprofit organizations and local governments in New York state need look no further than GreenProjectExchange.org.
Green Project Exchange (GPE) is an online resource that showcases innovative, environmentally-focused projects from across New York state. As a user-driven database, projects are posted to GPE by project leaders interested in sharing success stories, best practices and tested solutions that work. Users are encouraged to browse, borrow and brag—to dig in and get inspired, take on new projects and share their own experiences with the GPE community.
Developed by the Environmental Finance Center at Syracuse University, GPE is available as a free resource, thanks to support from the US Environmental Protection Agency.
“GPE is a great tool to help create sustainable communities across New York state. Our communities will benefit from the free-flow of idea sharing, demonstrated successes and resources between regions, counties and towns,” says Sara Pesek, director of the Environmental Finance Center. “GPE is the forum needed to create an inter-community dialogue surrounding local sustainability initiatives.”
In addition to the creative solutions found in each project, GPE users have access to a growing database of resources relevant to green projects. With projects from Sag Harbor to Plattsburgh in categories ranging from energy efficiency to sustainable materials management, there is something for everyone on GPE.
Project leaders are invited to register and share their solutions for sustainability. First-time project registrants will receive a welcome packet, complete with a 2 GB bamboo flash-drive preloaded with dozens of useful resources to help jumpstart new projects.
The Environmental Finance Center facilitates the development of sustainable and resilient communities across U.S. EPA Region 2 – New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and eight tribal nations. Located at the SyracuseCoE Center for Sustainable Community Solutions, EFC enhances the administrative and financial capacities of state and local government officials, nonprofit organizations, and private sectors to make change toward improved environmental infrastructure and quality of life.
