For decades, Lower Merion Township government has been committed to preserving the beauty and character of Lower Merion's natural resources. In more recent years, great strides have been made by Township Commissioners, staff, and advisory committees to minimize the Township’s impacts on resource consumption, waste, and greenhouse gas emissions, and to help residents connect with the natural environment.

In 2011, an energy audit of Township facilities led to several energy efficiency initiatives, including adopting a Green Building Resolution for Township facilities, adding a green roof to Ludington Library and geothermal HVAC for the Bala Cynwyd Library, and replacing all the Township street lights with energy-saving LED lights. The Public Works Department continuously evaluates the feasibility of low-emission vehicles and maintenance equipment and uses them whenever possible. The Building and Planning Department prioritizes connectivity, walkability, multimodal transportation, stormwater management, and land conservation with their plans and zoning. Seventy-one percent (512 acres) of the parkland managed by the Parks and Recreation Department is devoted to resource protection and passive recreation, and parcels are connected wherever possible to create natural corridors that are ecologically beneficial. The Lower Merion Township bicycle and pedestrian network is currently being developed and will link parks, natural areas and the Schuylkill River with neighborhoods, business districts, schools and adjacent municipalities and accommodate multiple forms of environmentally friendly transportation. For its part, the Board of Commissioners authorized the purchase of 100% renewable electricity in 2019 and again in 2021, adopted Resolution No 2019-18 authorizing the Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) to oversee a community-wide sustainability planning process, and adopted Resolution No 2021-16 authorizing the Township and EAC to formulate an Energy Transition Plan and resolving to phase out the use of fossil fuels in the Township’s buildings and fleet by 2045. For a detailed list of Energy Conservation Initiatives taken though December 2019, please click here.

Click "+" on any of the sections below to learn more about sustainability in Township services.