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Sustainable Pennsylvania

Sustainable Pennsylvania

Municipal Certification Project

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Home › Participating Municipalities

Haverford Township

Delaware

—

Municipal Website
Population:50,431
Key Action:
Current Assessment:
Gold
Assessment History:

Stormwater and Flooding

Question:
A water infrastructure capital assessment has been completed and an improvement plan developed with a budget to ensure that investments are being made to water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure systems to keep pace with maintenance and operations to improve water quality, and green infrastructure strategies are prioritized over grey.
Answer:
A. Yes (documentation required)
Notes:
Township personnel meets with its engineers on a quarterly basis to identify sanitary and storm sewer needs. Please see 2025 adopted budget -specifically Fund 8 (Sanitary Sewer) which shows the Township's commitment to maintaining the sanitary sewer system. Please also see Fund 3 and 18 which includes the multi-year CIP and specific storm and sanitary sewer projects.
Question:
The municipality requires, incentivizes, or promotes green infrastructure techniques or "enhanced stormwater management" to mitigate runoff from onsite stormwater, such as pervious pavement, bioswales, and/or green roofs. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The municipality requires or incentivise new developments or redevelopments to utilize green infrastructure. (documentation required) - B. The municipality promotes green infrastructure through incentives, design guidelines, and/or support for educational programs/workshops.
Notes:
https://www.havtwp.org/Document_Library_Archive/BOC_Archive_AM/2024_Board_of_Commissioners_Agendas_and_Minutes.pdf (page 1327)
Question:
The municipality is working collaboratively with neighboring municipalities and community groups. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The community collaborates with other municipalities and authorities in their watershed to manage source water, treatment and distribution, sewage, and stormwater. - B. The municipality collaborates with (or has recruited/fostered) a watershed group or organization to protect and improve the wetlands and waterways located in the community's watersheds.
Notes:

Public Engagement

Question:
The municipality communicates regularly with the public about public meetings, municipal news, and other important information. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. The municipality has up-to-date council meeting schedules, agendas, and minutes posted online. - B. The municipality broadcasts public meetings on an online platform (Zoom, Facebook, Youtube, Vimeo, etc.) and has links to recorded public meetings on their municipal website. - C. Municipality communicates with the public via a regularly scheduled newsletter or regularly updated and dated web-based news postings. - D. Municipality regularly communicates via Facebook and/or Twitter or a specifically designed civic engagement app like Civic Plus or Nextdoor.
Notes:
Question:
A program exists to actively pursue and match residents and local businesses to volunteer opportunities, including board, committee, and commission positions, and others that will strengthen community engagement and improve capacity for community organizations. This must include an online portal where potential volunteers can enter their information.
Answer:
A. Yes (documentation required)
Notes:
This is in progress with Haverford Township Civic Council. https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=v6O0l-OCUkuBYhy1kZ9iG43H9WT6TDZJlQ9MPW0Q_uNUQ1BCSVVBN0FONDhCQkNVWlFBOTdLNDhWSi4u
Question:
Municipality works with schools and/or local nonprofits/community organizations to engage students about community issues such as waste reduction and recycling, public safety, wellness, conservation, nature, etc.
Answer:
A. Yes
Notes:
Question:
Municipal-sponsored events (Community Day, Light Up the Night, parades, etc.) have a sustainability-awareness component, i.e. have activities, displays, or a booth helping to explain measures attendees can take to improve their sustainability or to illustrate what the municipality is doing to improve community sustainability.
Answer:
A. 3 or more events annually
Notes:

Finances

Question:
The municipality utilizes the following best practices for creating, managing, and publicizing the municipal budget. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. There is an annual revenue-expenditure trend analysis conducted including 4 previous years. (documentation required) - B. The revenue-expenditure analysis projects the budget out for the next 3 years. (documentation required) - C. Funds equivalent to a minimum of 2 months worth of expenditures or revenue are carried over year to year. - D. When the final budget is advertised it includes working documents to help the public to better prepare themselves to comment on and/or support the final budget. - E. The municipal budget includes a written narrative explaining key points and goals to the public. This is required to earn additional points for including sustainability items in the budget. (documentation required)
Notes:
Question:
The budget includes a written narrative explaining the details of the budget including key points, goals, and/or changes to better communicate important details to the public. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The budget includes funding for the community sustainability program or efforts. - C. The budget includes funding for transportation projects that improve multimodal access and/or carbon reduction. (must go beyond maintenance or repaving work) - D. The budget includes funding for sustainable water projects. - E. The budget includes line items for land conservation or park projects. - F. The budget includes line items for Climate Action Plan or carbon reduction actions not related to other answers in this section.
Notes:
https://www.havtwp.org/Finance.html#TB
Question:
The municipality has financially assessed obligations for pensions, labor contract proposals for their duration, and other post-employment benefits.
Answer:
B. The municipality financially assesses each labor contract proposal for the contract's duration looking specifically at how the overall costs will affect the community's budget (looking at pensions, leave, healthcare, salaries, etc.).
Notes:
Obligations for funding pension benefits are funded for the long-term to at least 80%; however, we do not fund obligation for other post-employment benefits such as health care and instead "pay as we go."
Question:
The community has an up-to-date capital improvement plan. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A.The municipality has a capital improvement plan that was created within the last 5 years and/or was updated in the last 3 years. (documentation required) - B. The capital improve plan has implementable steps. - C. The capital improvement plan includes specific recommendations to make energy, water, waste, and/or equity improvements to new or existing infrastructure. - D. The municipality annually reports to the public on the progress of the capital improvement plan.
Notes:
The Township adopts a current plus 3 year CIP (most recently adopted for Capital Projects Fund Budget with CIP plan for 2025-2028 attached). The Township also had a recent Energy Audit performed (also attached). Findings and recommendations within the energy audit are taken into consideration before capital projects are implemented.

Regional Cooperation

Question:
The municipality utilizes written Intergovernmental Cooperative Agreements (ICA) to engage in multi-municipal endeavors. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The municipality has at least one written intergovernmental cooperation (ICA) agreement (updated in the last 15 years). (documentation required)
Notes:
Question:
The municipality and local public schools cooperate to share facilities and other resources. For example, the municipality assists with the cost of evening lifeguards for community use or the provision of crossing guards.
Answer:
A. Yes
Notes:
Question:
Municipal planning is coordinated with the school district and the two meet together at least once per year.
Answer:
A. Yes
Notes:
Question:
Municipality is an active participant in a Council of Governments and regularly attends functions, participates in projects, and pays dues.
Answer:
A. Yes
Notes:

Equitable Policies and Practices

Question:
Develop a diversity and inclusion vision and plan for the municipality. Required for Silver, Gold, and Platinum
Answer:
A. The municipality has developed a diversity and inclusion vision for the municipality. Required for Gold, and Platinum. (documentation required) - B. The municipality has adopted a broad and inclusive definition of workforce diversity within the hiring policy. Required for Silver, Gold and Platinum. (documentation required) - C. The municipality has developed a strategy or plan to achieve the diversity and inclusion vision. Required for Gold and Platinum. (documentation required)
Notes:
https://www.havtwp.org/Document_Library/Comp_Plan/Haverford_Comprehensive%20Plan_FINAL_ADOPTED_2025_06_09.pdf https://ecode360.com/14957123 https://ecode360.com/12190205 https://ecode360.com/12160414 https://www.havtwp.org/Boards_and_Commissions.html#sec7
Question:
The municipality has taken or regularly takes the following actions to ensure it is improving organizational diversity and inclusion. Some of these steps could be included as part of vision, strategy, or plan development. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. The municipality has a written policy to ensure a wide range of candidates are sought, encouraged to apply, and interviewed for all job openings. Required for Silver, Gold, and Platinum. (documentation required) - B. The municipality has undertaken a compensation analysis to determine that compensation is within wage and/or salary parameters for each respective position and any variation in pay is based upon legitimate, nondiscriminatory business factors. - C. The municipality has assessed organizational barriers to inclusion with the help of an employment professional. - D. The municipality has written job descriptions for every position and clear employment policies that have been reviewed by a solicitor or qualified labor attorney.
Notes:
https://ecode360.com/14957123
Question:
The municipality has held the following trainings (or had municipal officials attend) on state and federal laws within the last three years. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
B. Sexual Harassment - C. Americans with Disabilities Act - E. Other (PHRC Trainings, etc)
Notes:
Question:
The municipality has provided diversity, equity, and inclusivity training for municipal employees. These trainings must go beyond state and federal requirements. (documentation required) Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. Cultural Diversity - B. Implicit Bias - C. Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity (JEDI) Training
Notes:
Question:
The municipality has implemented policies to improve the creation of public policy that is equitable and to improve access to the political processes. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. The municipality publicizes efforts to make accessible and equitable infrastructure improvements.
Notes:

Operations Materials Management

Question:
All municipal buildings have an active recycling program. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. There is a active recycling program for all municipal operations. - B. The program includes composting. - C. The program includes informational signage at waste/recycling receptacles. - D. There is regular internal communications and training supporting the program and reminding employees.
Notes:
Question:
In which of the following ways does the municipality track its internal or operational waste? Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. We collect waste data from our hauler(s).
Notes:
From monthly invoicing from both waste and recycling haulers, we track tonnage. Please find most recent tracking attached.

Community Wide Materials Management

Question:
The municipality has done an assessment or audit measuring the average annual tonnage sent to landfill or incinerator, the quality and volume of recycling, and the details of composting and hard to recycle collections.
Answer:
A. Yes (documentation required)
Notes:
Question:
What community-wide waste and recycling data does your municipality collect on an annual basis? Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options. (documentation required)
Answer:
A. Residential Collection - total waste sent to landfill or incinerator - B. Residential Collection - total recycling sent to Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) or equivalent - C. Residential Collection - total yard waste collected for composting
Notes:
Question:
The municipality contracts for residential solid waste and recycling collection as opposed to individual home owners contracting for the same.
Answer:
A. Yes
Notes:
Question:
The municipality collects or contracts for recycling collection at the curb.
Answer:
A. Yes, Required for Gold and Platinum.
Notes:
Question:
The municipality collects the following types of recyclable materials at the curb. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. Aluminum - B. Steel - C. MIxed fibers (paper or cardboard) - D. Glass - E. Plastics HDPE and PETE (#'s 1 and 2) - F. Plastics - Mixed Plastics (#'s 3 thru 7 - please check this if you collect any of these)
Notes:
Question:
The municipality has a recycling program that includes the following: Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. updated information on the website or in newsletters about recycling, guidelines for what is accepted, and recommendations for reducing, reusing, and repairing. - B. The municipality uses hang tags or sends notices to raise awareness on improving recycling quality. (documentation required) - C. The municipality provides free or very low cost recycling bins to improve the quality of the recycling stream. - D. The program includes curbside collection or a permanent drop off point for hard to recycle items and/or electronics.
Notes:
We put out information in our newsletters, on our website, and host recycling workshops. Attached is a screenshot of our upcoming recycling workshop. https://havtwp.org/Environment365.html
Question:
The municipality has a waste reduction ordinance for commercial and institutional facilities requiring they recycle at least 5 materials types, including but not limited to: mixed fiber (paper), glass, aluminum, steel, cardboard, #'s 1 and 2 plastics.
Answer:
A. Yes (documentation required)
Notes:
See attached Chapter 92 requiring recycling from commercial facilities.
Question:
The municipality supports or provides composting.
Answer:
A. The municipality provides curbside brush and leaves collection for at least 10 weeks in the fall. - C. Promotes education on backyard composting and reducing food waste.
Notes:
Question:
Municipality has an active litter prevention program.
Answer:
A. Yes
Notes:

Resiliency Planning

Question:
The community has conducted emergency communications planning and/or has adopted a reverse 911 system. This can be part of disaster preparedness process. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. Yes the community has conducted emergency communications planning. - B. The community uses a reverse 911 system.
Notes:

Sustainability Program

Question:
There is ongoing professional development for municipal personnel and officials that includes participating in programs with (at a minimum of once per year) Pennsylvania Municipal League, Local Government Academy, PA DCED or other Pennsylvania municipal training association programs.
Answer:
A. Yes, professional development has occured at a minimum of once per year for all or most staff and/or elected officials.
Notes:
HR staff attend the annual PELRAS Conference. Public Works staff attends PSATS. Other staff attends PML trainings.
Question:
The municipality has passed a resolution to affirm (or reaffirm) participation in the Sustainable Pennsylvania Community Certification Program. Required for Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.
Answer:
A. Yes. Required for Silver, Gold, and Platinum. (documentation required)
Notes:
Question:
The municipality has a sustainability program. Required for Gold and Platinum. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The municipality has a sustainability program that includes specific goals and guiding principles. This could be an ecodistrict or climate action plan but must include provisions for equity. Required for Gold and Platinum. (documentation required) - B. An executive/management-level municipal staff person has responsibility for management of the municipal sustainability program expressly included in their job description. (documentation required) - C. The goals of the sustainability program are aligned with the goals of the community's comprehensive plan. - D. There is ongoing training for municipal employees and officials with the goal of advancing the objectives of the municipal sustainability program.
Notes:
https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2023-12/haverford-township-climate-action-plan.pdf
Question:
The community has an active sustainability team, an Environmental Advisory Council (EAC), or comparable body that has at least one board member, one staff member, and one resident who is responsible for advising and/or creating policy and conducting outreach related to all three aspects of sustainability: Environment, Equity, and Economy. Required for Silver, Gold and Platinum.
Answer:
A. The municipality has an active sustainability team, EAC, or comparable committee that has incorporated all three aspects of sustainability. Required for Silver, Gold, and Platinum. (documentation required)
Notes:
https://www.havtwp.org/Boards_and_Commissions.html#sec3
Question:
The sustainability team has goals, and reports annually to the public on its progress towards achieving those goals. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The sustainability team has specific goals. - B. The sustainability team has annual operating funds from the municipality's annual budget. (documentation required)
Notes:
http://www.havtwp.org/Document_Library/Finance/2024_Approved_Budget.pdf page 25 - Environmental Projects & Advisory

Health and Wellness

Question:
The municipality supports local food access by assessing access, planning, and/or supporting programs or policies that increase local food access. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
C. The municipality supports educational programs for residents on the benefits of organic and locally purchased food. - D. The municipality supports local farmers markets or food stands in the community.
Notes:
Question:
The municipality has passed a zoning ordinance permitting urban or suburban agriculture (small-scale or accessory-use) by right and setting guidelines for urban or suburban livestock. Select all that apply.
Answer:
B. The municipality has guidelines permitting urban or suburban livestock in residential or mixed-use districts.
Notes:
https://ecode360.com/27362241#27362241
Question:
The municipality considers and promotes health and wellness. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. The municipality provides access to recreational opportunities and amenities to promote active and healthy lifestyles (this can include ecotourism, river/creek access for fishing, hiking and walking trails with programming, etc.). - B. The municipality runs, supports, and/or promotes, exercise and/or wellness programs for all age groups.
Notes:
Question:
The municipality provides information and education related to air quality issues. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
C. Municipality supports public education regarding reducing air pollution and emissions.
Notes:

Water Conservation

Question:
The municipal water, sewer authority, and/or water supplier has created and adopted a pricing structure designed to conserve water usage, where the price per unit increases with volume of water consumed or conveyed. (no volume discounts)
Answer:
A. Yes
Notes:
Question:
By what percentage has the municipality reduced its water use intensity compared to the baseline performance? Please calculate based on changes between the current year and base year reported above. See “more info” for calculation instructions.
Answer:
E. 15-19%
Notes:

Water Planning and Protection

Question:
The comprehensive plan (or separate water-specific plans that are currently in use - such as a One Water plan or a flood mitigation plan) includes recommendations for: Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. encouraging low impact development or enhanced stormwater management techniques to manage stormwater runoff and onsite stormwater infiltration where geologically effective. - B. protecting and preserving wetlands, waterways/riparian buffers.
Notes:
Question:
The municipality has an ordinance aimed to incentivize or mandate the protection and/or restoration of riparian buffers, wetlands, and waterways.
Answer:
A. Yes (documentation required)
Notes:
https://ecode360.com/12161400#12161400
Question:
The municipality is actively working to restore wetlands and riparian areas, expand or revise current minimum riparian buffer zones, and/or implement living shoreline programs to provide natural flood abatement, breeding habitat, and improved stream conditions.
Answer:
A. Yes (documentation required)
Notes:
Question:
The municipality has developed and implemented a Stormwater Management Plan of Best Management Practices including all 6 minimum control measures, including Public Education and Outreach, Public Participation, Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination, Construction Site Runoff Control, Post Construction Runoff Control, and Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping, to meet the MS4 requirements.
Answer:
A. Yes
Notes:

Planning and Zoning

Question:
The municipality regularly updates and effectively uses their comprehensive land use plan as a community engagement process and a guiding document. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
B. The comp plan includes implementable steps with specific timelines - C. The comp plan includes instructions for who is responsible for the implementable steps. - D. The comp plan includes mechanisms or guidelines for reporting progress towards those steps to the public and/or for making adjustments.
Notes:
https://www.havtwp.org/Comprehensive_Plan_Updates.html https://www.havtwp.org/Document_Library/Comp_Plan/Haverford_Comprehensive%20Plan_FINAL_ADOPTED_2025_06_09.pdf start at page 106
Question:
The municipality has up-to-date zoning and related ordinances that reflect the objectives of the comprehensive plan. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The municipal zoning ordinance was amended to achieve the goals of the most recent comp plan (flexibility will be granted where the comp plan was passed less than 24 months prior). - B. The municipality has an up-to-date subdivision and land development ordinance (SALDO) that reflects the objectives of the comprehensive plan.
Notes:
The Comp Plan was just adopted on June 9th, 2025, so the ordinances are currently being updated to align with the goals of the Comp Plan. It is not yet completed. https://ecode360.com/12186661 https://ecode360.com/12164403
Question:
Two or more of the municipality's planning officials (planning commission members, planning department staff, code officials) have attended trainings on the following land use topics. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
B. Stormwater best practices and policies (documentation required) - D. Complete streets or accessible transportation systems (documentation required)
Notes:
Director of Community Development confirmed her attendance at trainings related to the selected topics.

Equitable Housing

Question:
The municipality has a plan to improve access to affordable/equitable residential housing. The plan can be a part of the community's comprehensive plan or could be created by a community organization with municipal support. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. A plan has been created for how to close the needs gap for affordable/equitable residential housing. (documentation required) - B. The plan includes specific recommendations with timelines for how to achieve the goals of the plan.
Notes:
https://www.havtwp.org/Document_Library/Comp_Plan/Haverford_Comprehensive%20Plan_FINAL_ADOPTED_2025_06_09.pdf page 13 and page 105 adding housing in mixed-use areas of Township, new ZO District for housing to be added where commercial exists
Question:
The zoning ordinance provides for or accommodates a full range of housing opportunities.
Answer:
A. The municipality allows for more than 6 different types of housing (see the "more info" button for acceptable types). (documentation required)
Notes:
R-1 through R-9 Zoning Districts provides for all housing types/densities https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/4beb89bec2ab4947be5cd02d76ae132e/page/Page/?org=DCPD
Question:
An assessment has been completed analyzing the need for affordable/equitable housing in the community and region. It can be a part of the community's comprehensive planning process or completed by a community organization with municipal support. It is important that the assessment considers the region as a whole, because many communities have been segregated from the issues of the region they exist within. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. The municipality has created or supported the creation of an affordable/equitable housing assessment. (documentation required) - C. The assessment included considerations for access to transportation (including walkability and transit). - E. The assessment included considerations access to jobs.
Notes:
https://www.havtwp.org/Document_Library/Comp_Plan/Haverford_Comprehensive%20Plan_FINAL_ADOPTED_2025_06_09.pdf in land use, housing, and economic development chapter

Human Scale Development

Question:
The comprehensive plan encourages walkable/mixed use development. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The plan calls for retail, offices, commercial services, housing, and civic uses to exist in same district. - B. The plan calls for publicly accessible areas within walkable/mixed use neighborhoods. - C. The plan calls for compact housing and street design to encourage access to all amenities in those districts.
Notes:
Question:
The zoning and SALDO ordinances promote walkable, mixed use development. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. The zoning ordinance, SALDO, or district overlays have districts that permit retail, officies, commercial services, housing, and civic uses in the same district. (documentation required) - C. Storefront requirements, signage, and street design are oriented towards the pedestrian.
Notes:
The Comp Plan was just adopted on June 9th, 2025, so the ordinances are currently being updated to align with the goals of the Comp Plan. It is not yet completed. https://ecode360.com/12186661 https://ecode360.com/12164403 https://www.havtwp.org/Document_Library/Comp_Plan/Haverford_Comprehensive%20Plan_FINAL_ADOPTED_2025_06_09.pdf
Question:
The municipality has plans or policies to increase or improve Transit Oriented Development (TOD) in the community. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. The municipal comprehensive plan (or related plan) includes recommendations for improving and/or expanding Transit Oriented Development (TOD).
Notes:

Community Wide Greenhouse Gas Mitigation

Question:
A greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory has been completed or updated for the entire community within the last 7 years. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The municipality conducted a greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory for the entire community within the last 7 years. This could be part of a larger regional GHG Inventory. Required for Gold (documentation required) - B. The municipality created a GHG mitigation plan or climate action plan (CAP) that includes specific recommended goals/actions for the short, medium and long term. This could be part of a larger regional GHG mitigation plan or CAP as long as it mentions - D. The municipality has done more than one GHG inventory and has seen a reduction in GHG pollution. (required for platinum)
Notes:
https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2023-12/haverford-township-climate-action-plan.pdf
Question:
The community has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by what percentage since tracking began? Required for Platinum. Use the slider to select the correct percentage.
Answer:
18
Notes:
Question:
The municipal comprehensive plan contains an energy conservation element that states an energy reduction goal, or makes specific suggestions for how the municipality can encourage and/or incentivize energy conservation and efficiency. Recommendations might include plans to increase walkability, increase efficacy of energy code enforcement, add/improve energy incentives to the development process, etc. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The comprehensive plan contains an energy reduction goal or directly refers to the community's climate action plan. (documentation required) - B. The comprehensive plan makes specific recommendations for how the municipality can promote, encourage, or incentivize energy efficiency and reduction. (documentation required)
Notes:
https://www.havtwp.org/Document_Library/Comp_Plan/Haverford_Comprehensive%20Plan_FINAL_ADOPTED_2025_06_09.pdf natural resources conservation and sustainability plan section
Question:
Municipal support is provided to a public program for residents and businesses to conserve energy, promote renewable energy sources, and mitigate carbon emissions. Municipal support can come in the form of direct funding, in-kind donations of time and/or physical resources, and/or assistance with community outreach. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. The municipality provides support for a public program to promote renewable energy. (documentation required) - B. The municipality provides support for a public program to promote energy efficiency. (documentation required) - D. The municipality provides support for a program that encourages or incentivizes residents to convert HVAC systems and large appliances (stove, water heater, and dryer) to electric power. (documentation required)
Notes:
https://havtwp.org/Enviro365/Energy.html https://solarizedelco.org/
Question:
The municipality has passed a resolution committing to making the transition to 100% renewable energy, such as Sierra Club's Ready for 100 initiative.
Answer:
A. Yes
Notes:
https://www.havtwp.org/Enviro365/Havtwp_Environmental_Initiatives_Intro.html
Question:
The municipality has achieved the following Solsmart designation.
Answer:
A. Yes, the municipality has achieved a Solsmart Designation of Bronze. (documentation required)
Notes:
https://solsmart.org/designee/haverford-township
Question:
The municipality has implemented and is actively enforcing Pennsylvania's energy-efficiency building codes. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
B. Municipal code officials have received training on the energy-efficiency codes.
Notes:

Economic Development

Question:
The municipality supports local businesses and main street or economic development programs. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The municipality has an active main street program or economic development corporation. (documentation required) - B. The municipality is collaborating with local businesses to make pedestrian improvements to encourage more foot traffic. (documentation required) - C. The municipality supports an initiative to encourage residents to buy local.
Notes:
https://www.havtwp.org/News/Haverford_Safe_Streets_for_All.html https://discoverhaverford.org/ https://www.havtwp.org/News/BRMM_Grant_Program.html https://discoverhaverford.org/matching-grant
Question:
The municipality has policies to incentivize or encourage small-scale developers and developments. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
C. The municipality supports small scale developers with special financing tools or programs. (documentation required)
Notes:
https://www.havtwp.org/Document_Library/Comp_Plan/Haverford_Comprehensive%20Plan_FINAL_ADOPTED_2025_06_09.pdf chapter on land use, housing, and ED, goal 2, objective 2, rec 2 Support Discover Haverford and organizations like it, to attract anchor commercial businesses, ensure livability of the walksheds, and create well-rounded commercial corridors. https://discoverhaverford.org/
Question:
The municipality supports or collaborates with a main street program or local economic development corporation to offer training/support for women- or minority-owned businesses.
Answer:
A. Yes (documentation required)
Notes:
In 2023/2024, the Township sponsored and financially funded a grant program for WMBE in Haverford Township.
Question:
The municipality supports or collaborates with a workforce development program to help at-risk populations, or those transitioning away from extractive industries, obtain meaningful employment.
Answer:
A. Yes (documentation required)
Notes:
https://www.havtwp.org/News/Havtwp_EWaste_Events_Info_Page.html
Question:
The municipality maintains or supports program/s to recognize local businesses or leaders who encourage or improve sustainability. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The municipality recognizes local business or community leaders who foster sustainability in the community or region, either with awards or with posts in local newsletters or on social media.
Notes:

Community Revitalization

Question:
The municipality is actively working to remediate blighted, vacant, and/or abandoned buildings and/or brownfields in their community. Select all that apply.
Answer:
C. The municipality manages or participates in an active program to put blighted, abandoned, or brownfield properties back into productive use. (documentation required)
Notes:
https://ecode360.com/35906788#35906790
Question:
The municipality has elected to administer and enforce Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code (UCC) and the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC). Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The municipality administers the UCC. - B. The municipality administers the IMPC.
Notes:
Question:
The municipality operates a rental inspection program for all non-owner occupied buildings. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The municipality manages a rental inspection program. (documentation required) - D. Code enforcement officers are trained on the rental inspection program.
Notes:
https://www.haverfordtownship.org/Building_and_Codes_Department.html#sec4
Question:
A demolition ordinance has been adopted that includes provisions to ensure the mitigation of harmful pollutants including lead and asbestos.
Answer:
A. Yes (documentation required)
Notes:
We permit demolitions, and it includes a check off for hazardous/lead/asbestos. https://www.havtwp.org/Document_Library/Building_and_Codes/Requirements_for_Demolition_Permits_v1..pdf
Question:
A Historic Review Commission is active.
Answer:
A. Yes
Notes:
https://www.havtwp.org/Boards_and_Commissions.html#sec6

Innovations

Question:
Are there any sustainability actions that your community has taken that are not represented by the questions in the other sections? (points will be awarded during the review)
Answer:
A. Yes (documentation required)
Notes:
https://www.havtwp.org/Plastic_Free.html

Organization Details

Question:
On our Sustainable PA website, we will create a profile recognizing your community when you earn certification. Please provide a quote from an elected official or staff member on the value of sustainability in your community. Please see the More Info button for where it will be used. Please provide the name and title/position of the person who the quote should be attributed to in the first text box below, and provide the quote in the user comments box below that.
Answer:
Dave Burman, Township Manager
Notes:
Haverford Township is committed to ongoing environmental stewardship and fostering a sustainable and resilient community for generations to come. We leverage and will continue to leverage common-sense approaches and innovative policies uniquely suited to our local government's capabilities in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address existing climate risks such as stormwater flooding and extreme heat.
Question:
On your municipality's profile page on the Sustainable PA website, we ask that each community share one action or project related to sustainability which the community would like to highlight. Please provide a description of what you would like to highlight in the comments section below. Please click on the "More Info" button to see how it will look on a community profile.
Answer:
Riparian Forested Buffers
Notes:
Haverford Township is dedicated to improving the health of its riparian zones. Over the past five years, the Township has installed over five acres of forested buffers and plans to continue to maintain and expand these spaces as time goes on.

Land Conservation Management

Question:
The municipal comprehensive plan includes recommendations: Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options. (documentation required)
Answer:
A. for protecting woodlands and increasing tree cover in the municipality. - B. for preserving environmentally sensitive and/or ecologically significant areas. - E. for expanding and/or improving parks, recreational spaces, and open space. - F. connecting parks and open with greenways and trails. - G. to expand park access so a majority of residents are within a walkable distance to a park. (must be under 1 mile - suggest 1/2 mile and have a goal of at least 90% of population)
Notes:
https://www.havtwp.org/Document_Library/Comp_Plan/Haverford_Comprehensive%20Plan_FINAL_ADOPTED_2025_06_09.pdf
Question:
Municipal land use ordinances protect or expand valuable green space and ecologically important assets including: Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. improving parks/recreation, publicly accessible open space with greenways designated to connect parks and trails (documentation required) - B. zones or districts where ecologically valuable green space and productive agricultural areas are maintained and/or expanded (documentation required) - D. tree/woodland replacement criteria
Notes:
https://ecode360.com/12165204 https://ecode360.com/12436039#12436039
Question:
The municipality has written policies and/or incentives to conserve environmentally and ecologically sensitive places, including: (documentation required) Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. Slopes over 25% and/or slide prone soils and geology
Notes:
https://ecode360.com/12188114#12188114 https://ecode360.com/12164237

Parks and Habitat Programs

Question:
The municipality has been actively building out green space and parks to ensure access to all citizens. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. The municipality has built or is in the process of building trail or walkable connections to all major parks, green spaces, and significant community amenities (grocery stores, community centers, libraries, etc...). (documentation required) - C. Parks that have been built or redesigned in the last 10 years included a robust public input process.
Notes:
https://www.haverfordtownship.org/Photo_Gallery_Images/2024/HavTwp_Photo_Gallery_Pennsy_Trail_Ribbon_Cutting_09072024.html https://www.havtwp.org/PROS.html
Question:
Sustainable landscape maintenance practices are used for all parks and municipal grounds. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
B. The municipality has deployed alternatives to grass lawns on publicly owned green space, including replacing lawns with meadows, native plants, and trees. (documentation required) - F. The municipality limits water use by planting appropriate native species and timing waterings to conserve water.
Notes:
Question:
The municipality has passed an exception for no-mow or natural alternatives to residential lawns to aid in the absorption of stormwater, improve pollinator habitat and lower carbon emissions. Select all that apply.
Answer:
B. The municipality provides information about this practice and its benefits on the municipal website.
Notes:
https://www.havtwp.org/Enviro365/Garden_&_Lawn_Care.html

Transportation Planning

Question:
The comprehensive plan includes transportation-related recommendations and/or goals related to climate change, equitable access, and improving community health outcomes. Those transportation-related recommendations or goals include: (documentation required) Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. Lowering carbon emissions - B. Improving overall safety outcomes (vision zero) - C. Improving community health outcomes through active transportation - D. increasing equitable access to all modes of transportation - F. Increasing bicycle, transit, and pedestrian commuting - E. Reducing Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMTs)
Notes:
https://www.havtwp.org/Document_Library/Comp_Plan/Haverford_Comprehensive%20Plan_FINAL_ADOPTED_2025_06_09.pdf transportation section - 69 to 81
Question:
Community Leaders are actively involved with regional planning discussions/processes around improved transit and active transportation options. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. Municipal leaders actively attend and support regional transportation planning initiatives or collaborations, including for example with a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), County, Council of Government (COG) or other regional organization. - B. The regional organization that the municipality is involved with, has created a transit or active transportation plan.
Notes:

Mobility Options

Question:
The municipality has built out a bicycle infrastructure network that reaches a significant portion of the population (within 1/2 mile); the infrastructure must be constituted primarily of protected or separated bike lanes, and/or dedicated trails, and less than 50% of the system is comprised of 'share the road (sharrows)' or 'on road/unseparated ' routes. (documentation required)
Answer:
A. The municipality has bicycle infrastructure that reaches 25% of the population.
Notes:
https://www.havtrail.com/bikemap/bikeroad.htm https://www.havtwp.org/Document_Library/PROS_Plan/Haverford%20PROS%20Plan_February_2024.pdf page 51
Question:
The municipality is developing and maintaining residential multimodal infrastructure. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The municipality is developing and maintaining bicycling and walking trails that extend and connect the community's sidewalks, key community assets/amenities, and park systems.
Notes:
Question:
The municipality has passed transit policies or built transit related infrastructure. Select all that apply.
Answer:
The municipality actively promotes the use of transit on its website, newsletter, and/or other communication networks. - The municipality has zoning overlay district or special rules to encourage transit oriented development (TOD) for areas with high frequency transit. (documentation required)
Notes:
https://www.havtwp.org/Document_Library/Comp_Plan/Haverford_Comprehensive%20Plan_FINAL_ADOPTED_2025_06_09.pdf https://havtwp.org/Document_Library/Comp_Plan/HT_Comprehensive_Plan_Draft_1_04142022.pdf https://haverfordclimateaction.org/ https://havtwp.org/Enviro365/Travel.html
Question:
The municipality has created and is implementing plans and policies to improve bicycle infrastructure and increase bicycle usage. Select all that apply.
Answer:
C. The municipality actively promotes bicycling with information provided on its website, newsletter, and/or other communication networks. - D. Regional public transit permits bicycles on its vehicles and/or has bike storage at key locations. - E. The municipality has bike racks at key locations around the town. - F. Police are trained on the rights and responsibilities of bicyclists and state law on passing bicycles.
Notes:
https://www.haverfordtownship.org/Enviro365/Travel.html

Vehicle Carbon Reduction and Efficiency

Question:
The municipality is taking steps to improve Electric Vehicle (EV) adoption in the community. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. The municipality has assessed EV Infrastructure and created a plan for where the municipal government should install chargers on government owned property. - B. Public electric vehicle charging stations are available at all or most municipally owned lots. (documentation required) - C. Municipality provides information about available EV charging infrastructure on its website.
Notes:
https://www.havtwp.org/Document_Library/Environmental_Initiatives/Electric_Vehicle_Charging_Station.pdf https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dep/newsroom/the-shapiro-administration-awards-23-million-to-schools-businesses-and-local-governments-working-to-switch-to-zero--or-low-emission-vehicles.html#:~:text=Zero%2DEmission%20Electric%20Vehicle%20Program,their%20future%20EV%20fleet%20expansion.
Question:
The municipality has completed a vehicle fleet assessment to analyze the potential for lower- or zero-carbon vehicles, right-sizing vehicles for the job/trip requirement, replacing older diesel trucks or equipment with cleaner technology. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
D. The municipality has replaced one or more vehicles with hybrids or electric vehicles. (documentation required)
Notes:

Energy Use, Conservation and Green Building

Municipal Energy Use
Question:
Do you track your energy usage? Required for Gold and Platinum. Select all that apply.
Answer:
B. We use a data management system (e.g., ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager) to monitor and record our energy use. (documentation required)
Notes:
Still getting everything connected between PECO and Energy Star Portfolio Manager, but all the building information is inputted. We also track it ourselves.
Question:
To what extent has the municipality engaged in an energy audit for municipally owned buildings? Select all that apply. See below for required documentation. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
B. We have undergone a professionally-conducted energy audit. (documentation required) - C. We have implemented some of the recommendations from the energy audit.
Notes:
Practical Energy Solutions a division of Spotts, Stevens, and McCoy
Question:
Do you have a year or more worth of data to share about the municipality's energy use? If so, please select "yes" below and then click "more info" for instructions on how to report. Please note: you must submit this data to earn points for quantified energy reductions in the following questions.
Answer:
A. Yes (documentation required)
Notes:
Question:
By what percentage has the municipality reduced its energy use intensity compared to the baseline performance? Please calculate based on changes between the current year and base year you reported above. See “more info” for calculation instructions. A reduction is required for Platinum.
Answer:
C. 5-9%
Notes:
Question:
The municipality owns or leases, on site or off, a renewable energy system/s. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
C. The municipality owns geothermal wells for heating or cooling. (documentation required)
Notes:
https://elibrary.dcnr.pa.gov/PDFProvider.ashx?action=PDFStream&docID=1737750&chksum=&revision=0&docName=ord+Reserve&nativeExt=pdf&PromptToSave=False&Size=429674&ViewerMode=2&overlay=0
Question:
Municipality has retrofitted or replaced at least 90% of street lights, outdoor lighting, and traffic signals with LED bulbs. Select all that apply.
Answer:
B. Yes (documentation required)
Notes:
I have more documents if needed.
Question:
The municipality has trained building operators to fine-tune building operations to conserve energy (i.e., building retuning training) and has created guidelines for how to maintain operations. Select all that apply.
Answer:
A. The municipal officials in charge of building maintenance and operations have been to at least one course on building retuning in the last 5 years.
Notes:

Governance and Community Engagement

Public Safety
Question:
The municipality has evaluated the efficacy of the community's emergency preparedness systems and has a plan for maintenance or improvement. Select all that apply.
Answer:
B. The municipality has a public safety plan to ensure staffing and financial resources keep pace with needs for Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical Services. (documentation required)
Notes:
Fire and EMS study completed. It said the document was too large to upload when I tried, but I have it if needed.
Question:
The municipality collaborates with neighboring municipalities in the provision of public safety services. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
A. Municipality maintains updated public safety mutual aid agreements with neighboring municipalities and shares resources. - B. Municipality participates in a regional service program or contracts services to or through other municipalities for firefighting services. - C. Municipality participates in a regional service program or contracts services to or through other municipalities for police. - D. Municipality participates in a regional service program or contracts services to or through other municipalities for EMS.
Notes:
Question:
The municipality has assessed the state of the opioid epidemic or drug related incidences in their community, created a response plan, and has policies in place to mitigate the problem. Select all that apply. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
C. The municipality has a formal policy for all public safety officers to carry Narcan for use on members of the public. (documentation required) - D. The municipality has Narcan and information for recovery services available for the general public. - E. The municipality has a policy where police officers are encouraged to exercise discretionary authority at point of contact to divert individuals to a community-based, harm-reduction intervention for law violations driven by unmet behavioral health need - F. The municipality has hired or works with an agency to provide a social worker to accompany law enforcement officers for certain types of calls.
Notes:
https://www.havtwp.org/Document_Library/Directives/Chapter_Six/6_2_8_Naloxone_Administration.pdf https://www.havtwp.org/Police_Department/Directives.html#gsc.tab=0 https://www.havtwp.org/Document_Library/Directives/Chapter_Two/2_7_8_Mental_Health.pdf
Question:
Municipal public safety officers have participated in equity training. Please note: This question limits maximum points making it possible to earn 100% credit without choosing all answer options.
Answer:
B Public safety officers have participated in an implicit bias and/or diversity and inclusion training designed for public safety personnel. (documentation required)
Notes:
All Police receive this training routinely.
Question:
The police chief or other public safety officers offer a regular public forum (quarterly at the minimum) providing an opportunity for the public to discuss community concerns with police commanders. For example: 'Coffee with Chief' or regular neighborhood community meetings.
Answer:
A. Yes
Notes:

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About Sustainable Pennsylvania

Sustainable Pennsylvania, a joint project of the Pennsylvania Municipal League and Sustainable Pittsburgh, is a voluntary performance recognition program designed to help municipalities set and achieve sustainability goals, save money, conserve resources, and foster a vibrant community.

Pennsylvania Municipal League

The Pennsylvania Municipal League is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization established in 1900 as an advocate for Pennsylvania’s 3rd class cities. Today, The League represents participating Pennsylvania cities, boroughs, townships, home rule communities and towns that all share The League’s municipal policy interests.

The mission of the Pennsylvania Municipal League is to strengthen, empower and advocate for effective local government.

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Sustainable PGH is a nonprofit committed to building the knowledge, perspective, and ability needed to create a better tomorrow for our region.

Contact us

Email info@sustainablepa.org or reach out directly to Bailey Rocco (PML) at brocco@pml.org or (717) 236-9469, or contact Sawyer Sidelinger (Sustainable Pittsburgh) at ssidelinger@sustainablepittsburgh.org or by phone at (412) 258-6642.

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