By Tara Fischer

Staff Writer

The Town of Berlin continues to make strides in sustainability, and last week the municipality’s efforts were recognized with a renewal of its Sustainable Maryland Certification.

Sustainable Maryland is a certification initiative for “municipalities in Maryland that want to go green, save money, and take steps to sustain their quality of life over the long term,” according to its website. The program is a collaboration between the Environmental Finance Center (EFC) at the University of Maryland and the Maryland Municipal League.

Berlin was one of 17 Maryland municipalities recognized at the Sustainable Maryland Awards Ceremony at the Maryland Municipal League’s annual fall conference. According to a press release issued by the Sustainable Maryland program, the town was certified at the Bronze Level. To be placed in the bronze category, a participating local government must obtain at least 150 points as determined by the environmental organization. Points are racked up through the implementation of community and health action steps. One such example, which scored 10 points, is Berlin’s public wi-fi zone that allows visitors to access the network downtown for free.

“Renewing Berlin’s Sustainable Maryland certification is a testament to our commitment to a greener, more resilient future for our community,” Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall said in the press release. “Through collaborative efforts, we’re not only safeguarding our natural resources but also building a healthier, more vibrant Berlin for generations to come. I’m proud of our team’s dedication to this important work and look forward to seeing our continued progress.”

According to Berlin Economic and Community Development Director Ivy Wells, to maintain the sustainability certification, the town must meet “specific environmental, economic, and social sustainability criteria each year, including efforts like reducing energy consumption, supporting local agriculture, and promoting waste production.”

The municipality’s Facebook page says that Berlin was the first town in Maryland to receive this certification back in 2012. The honor is valid for three years, which Berlin has sustained and renewed each cycle, making this the fifth consecutive recognition for the municipality.

Wells and Berlin Superintendent of Wastewater Meghan Pfaller were responsible for this year’s successful application process. On Nov. 8, Berlin was certified by Sustainable Maryland with 260 points, putting them into the bronze tier.

Berlin’s approved application, which highlights the sustainability steps, is available to the public on Sustainable Maryland’s website. In the Community Action category, some projects that pushed the town to its 260 points include the addition of murals to downtown, including Pollinator Way.

The official report describes the painting as “an interactive mural where kids hop from flower to flower learning about pollinators and also added bioretention gardens to help alleviate flooding in the alley.”

“The community loves learning about pollinators, and it helps keep the kids busy while waiting in line at Island Creamery,” the report continues.

Innovation demonstration projects like Take Pride in Berlin Week, food fairs such as the annual Peach Festival and the Berlin Farmers Market, wellness initiatives, including Berlin’s support of the Worcester County Health Department’s Just Walk program, and a comprehensive process for stormwater management are just a few examples of action steps that led to the town’s 2024 Sustainable Maryland recognition.

“Maintaining the Sustainable Maryland certification is important because it demonstrates our commitment to environmental stewardship and improving the quality of life for our residents,” Wells said. “It helps guide the town’s growth while balancing sustainability and economic development.”