3430 Court House Drive
Ellicott City, MD 21043
United States
Our Mission
The Howard County Office of Community Sustainability aims to protect and enhance the quality of life in our communities by addressing environmental and economic issues affecting County citizens and future generations. Guided by principles of science, ingenuity, sustainability and stewardship, the Office engages in water quality, economic development, agriculture, energy and education initiatives.
Howard County boasts the state’s oldest Office of Sustainability and works to coordinate efforts throughout other Howard County Departments, governments through out the state and region, and community institutions.
Sustainability Projects & Initiatives
Climate Action and Resiliency Plan and Climate Forward Dashboard
Climate Action and Resiliency Plan and Climate Forward Dashboard
This 2023 Climate Action and Resiliency Plan builds on Howard County’s existing efforts to reduce emissions, increase resiliency, and achieve environmental equity. This plan identifies strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, sequester carbon, and achieve greater resilience against the increases in extreme weather that are projected to occur.
Howard County Climate Forward serves as a science-based and shovel ready workplan for every department and level of Howard County government. It also includes some recommendations for what partners and individuals can do. In addition, Climate Forward is the County's first climate plan to add a focus on climate resiliency and environmental justice.
Climate Action and Resiliency Plan (published June 2023)
Climate Forward Dashboard: Real-time plan progress
Climate Forward Annual Report
The Annual Report offers a look at the County's work in each of eight climate change mitigation and resiliency focus areas and provides an update on climate-related governance and funding.
HoCo Climate Forward First Annual Report (published October 2024)
GreenFest
Howard County's annual celebration of Earth Day and environmental stewardship. Features local vendors and non profits, a native plant sale, workshops, food, and more.
Live Green Howard
Contains information on a wide variety of sustainability issues.
Clean Water Howard
Focuses on stormwater management. Find information about the Watershed Protection and Restoration Fee.
Environmental Sustainability Board
Consisting of 13 members, the Board assists in the implementation of the County’s environmental agenda, providing both advice and review. Board members include experts in energy, air/water quality, environmental governance, community outreach and education, transit, green building, and environmental health.