Location: Dekalb County, Georgia

Scope of Work

DeKalb County initiated a project to develop a long-range, comprehensive energy and sustainability strategy for DeKalb County government and the community-at-large. The plan was outlined to address energy uses, water consumption, land use, transportation, procurement and local sustainable food.

The overall goal of the initiative was to promote and implement responsible management and effective stewardship of the County's built and natural environments by developing sustainable energy and water efficiency strategies and land use and transportation policies that maximize the opportunity for cost savings, environmental benefits, financial leverage and economic development.

S. L. King & Associates, Inc. (SLKA) served as the prime consultant preparing the management plan that focused on four areas: sustainable planning, energy, natural resources, and complete communities. SLKA implemented a holistic approach to sustainability during the effort for complete communities, emphasizing the integration of land use planning, walkable and biking development, as well as mixed use and transit-oriented development.

It was determined that as recommendations are implemented, energy cost savings will continue to be realized. The plan was also designed to improve quality of life for residents with recommendations to extend the residential recycling program, increase local food production, and work with MARTA to extend public transit.

The project was the winner of the ACCG Planning Process Award and included the following tasks implemented by SLKA:

  • Assembled and worked closely with Sustainability Steering Committee
  • Carbon footprint calculation
  • Energy audit of selected DeKalb County facilities
  • Analysis and development of conservation and cost control measures