BETHLEHEM — The state’s Department of Environmental Conservation has recognized the town of Bethlehem as a Silver Certified Climate Smart Community, joining 20 other municipalities across the state that have achieved the certification.

Bethlehem earned the certification for its work on sustainability, including:

— Conserving nearly 700 acres of open space over the last seven years ;

— Expanding the town’s compost facility, which is the only place for food-scraps composting in the Capital Region ;

— Completing the award-winning Bethlehem Forward Comprehensive Plan Update;

— Purchasing electric vehicles for the town fleet and installing public charging stations for electric vehicles;

— Building a 3.75 MW town-owned solar farm and installing solar panels on the Parks and Recreation administration building ; and

— Improving and expanding infrastructure to support walking and cycling.

“Climate change is affecting all of our lives, and we need to work together both to adapt to it and to take substantive actions to reduce it,” said Bethlehem Supervisor David VanLuven, in a release from the town announcing the award.

“Earning status as a Silver Certified Climate Smart Community demonstrates that when the town of Bethlehem commits to climate action, we deliver — thanks to the unstoppable dedication of our volunteers and staff,” said councilwoman Maureen Cunningham in the release. “We’re not stopping here — we’re ready to keep raising the bar for a more sustainable future.”

Communities certified as part of the state’s Climate Smart program accumulate points for planning and implementing actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve community resilience. The town of Bethlehem, town of Dryden, and village of Nyack all achieved silver certification for the first time.

Three communities successfully met the criteria for bronze, joining approximately 150 other certified bronze communities.

— Melissa Hale-Spencer