Etna Borough
Evolve Environment :: Architecture

Etna Borough saw sustainability as an imperative to improve quality of life for the community in the face of persistent flooding, bad air quality, and economic challenges. The Etna EcoDistrict Plan outlines projects, programs, and places to integrate social equity, community resilience, and environmental stewardship into the fabric of the community. As a result of its commitment, Etna became the world’s first certified EcoDistrict. Other visible outcomes include setting a 2050 goal to be carbon neutral, acquiring property and initiating development of a community library, helping found and secure a $5 million endowment for a community land trust to provide affordable housing, and providing Idea Round-up grants to citizens to implement energy saving, flood resilience, and healthy food projects.