Learning from EPA’s Climate Showcase Communities
You will need Adobe Reader to view some of the files on this page. See EPA’s About PDF page to learn more.Communities learn best from other communities. In the course of completing their climate and energy projects, EPA’s Climate Showcase Communities learned a lot that can help others interested in starting or expanding their own climate and energy programs. We have collected their knowledge, resources and tips here. These approaches can be used or adapted to fit the needs of communities across the country.
These Tip Sheets were inspired by the experiences and expertise of EPA’s Climate Showcase Communities (CSCs). Each Tip Sheet focuses on a different aspect of program implementation and highlights best practices and helpful resources and recommended resources for other communities interested in pursuing similar projects.
2. Community-based Social Marketing
Community-based social marketing (CBSM) uses direct neighbor-to-neighbor communication and influence to promote behavior change. In-person communications are often complemented by electronic social media tools.
3. Working Across Ideological Differences
Within communities, people have varying views when it comes to climate change. Many communities have found ways to work across ideological differences and focus on common values and goals.
4. Conducting and Evaluating Pilot Projects
Pilot projects are an opportunity to “test the waters” for your project on a small scale, provide insight and data on what works, and adjust your strategy for full-scale implementation.
6. Award and Certificate Programs
Award and certificate programs publicly recognize and reward organizations that meet criteria for achieving sustainability goals or win a competition among organizations.
9. Working with Early Adopters
“Early adopters” are businesses or individuals who participate in a program early on in its development and whose candid feedback help improve program delivery. They can be effective messengers to their peers and help your program build a track record of success.
10. Traditional Media Strategies
Traditional media—such as TV, radio, and print—can bring attention to newsworthy programs, raise their visibility, and motivate participation.
11. Identifying and Working with Experts
Expert individuals and organizations can help programs tap into knowledge and experience in program design and implementation, as well as helping them to evaluate program success.
18. Working with Institutional Partners
Partnering with organizations, such as other jurisdictions, utilities, complementary programs, community-based organizations, and others, can help you implement your program and achieve your collective goals.
19. Working in Small or Rural Communities
Small and rural communities are home to up to 80 percent of the population in some states. These communities offer several unique opportunities for engaging residents in sustainability initiatives, as well as challenges related to funding, access, and capacity.