PITTSTON – The City of Pittston recently announced it is among a select group of high performing municipalities to become certified through the Sustainable Pennsylvania program.

Pittston is recognized at the Silver Level of certification for meeting the program’s rigorous performance criteria, which provide a foundational approach for building communities that thrive.

Sustainable Pennsylvania is managed by the Pennsylvania Municipal League (The League), in partnership with Sustainable Pittsburgh, and is designed for municipalities that are working to save money, conserve resources, and serve vibrant communities.

The certification is offered statewide, recognizing boroughs, townships, cities, and home rule communities across the Commonwealth. The League and Sustainable Pittsburgh applaud local governments for their demonstrated commitment and sustainability performance.

In earning the Silver Certification, Pittston is acknowledged for its progress in such areas as community design and land use, energy efficiency, health and wellness, intergovernmental cooperation, recycling and waste reduction, fiscal controls, and internal management and operations.

Details about Pittston’s certification within these topics can be found at SustainablePA.org

“One of the components of the city’s long range strategic comprehensive plan is sustainability.” City of Pittston Mayor Michael Lombardo, said. “I am extremely pleased that the city received Silver status and the affirmation that we are close to Gold status. I would like to acknowledge the hard work of our city staff laying the foundation for this recognition and I would like to specifically thank Shannon Bonacci and Jenna Strzelecki for stewarding the application process. The future continues to be bright in the City of Pittston.”

The City of Pittston also recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Southland Industries to perform an energy audit on all City, Redevelopment Authority, and Pittston Housing Authority entities. This would allow the city to apply for energy credits through the Biden administration and implement the use of solar energy. These changes would help residents offset utility costs and promote green energy throughout the City of Pittston.

“We are thrilled about our recent agreement with Southland Industries to perform an energy audit on all City, Redevelopment Authority, and Pittston Housing Authority Properties,” Shannon Bonacci, Pittston deputy city administrator, said. “Our goal is to decrease municipal energy waste and look to alternatives like solar where feasible. We plan to take advantage of Renewable Energy Production Tax Credits through the Inflation Reduction Act which will help further our goal of a better tomorrow for residence.”