Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, has made a significant step towards enhancing its sustainability efforts by appointing Sarah DeGrendel as the city’s first sustainability manager. This appointment follows the establishment of similar roles in other cities within the Lehigh Valley, marking Bethlehem as the second of the three major cities in the area to embrace this important position.
The move is a response to the urgent challenges posed by climate change, as outlined in Bethlehem’s Climate Action Plan, enacted in April 2021. Developed with the help of WSP Global INC, the plan aims to implement targeted policies, programs, and projects designed to mitigate the city’s environmental impact and bolster its resilience.
In her new role, DeGrendel is tasked with overseeing the implementation of the initiatives set forth in the Climate Action Plan. Jeff Irvine, a vice president at WSP’s sustainability team, emphasizes that her responsibilities include tracking progress towards climate goals and collecting necessary data to showcase the city’s advancements.
DeGrendel’s passion for environmental science, rooted in her formative years spent exploring nature, drives her current endeavors. She emphasizes the importance of public engagement and community building, stating that one of her priorities is to solidify relationships with city departments and local residents.
Since taking on her position, DeGrendel has engaged with nine implementation committees and is collaborating with local educational institutions such as Lehigh University and Moravian College to boost community involvement in sustainability initiatives. Her projects include sourcing eco-friendly food containers and tree planting initiatives on the city’s North Side.
Active participation in community meetings and events is also a priority for DeGrendel, as she looks to connect with residents and stakeholders. Lynn Rothman, chair of the Environmental Advisory Council, voiced her support for DeGrendel’s role, highlighting the benefits of having a dedicated coordinator for sustainability initiatives across the city’s departments.
As Bethlehem confronts the implications of climate change amid reduced federal actions on the issue, the establishment of this role is seen as both timely and necessary. DeGrendel aims to serve as a key resource for sustainability in the community, streamlining efforts and ensuring that the objectives of the Climate Action Plan are effectively pursued.
Source: https://thebrownandwhite.com/2025/03/20/bethlehem-appoints-first-sustainability-manager/