Sustainability
The Town of Scarborough strives to enhance ecological integrity, livability, economic vitality, and resilience to ensure a high quality of life for all. The Town is committed to working with residents and businesses as well as local and regional partners as a leader in sustainability. The Town intends to be a recognized model for sustainable practices in municipal operations, to lead our community by example, and promote sustainable policies, regulations, and practices where practicable.
Climate Action Plan
The Town is beginning work on Sustaining Scarborough, our first Climate Action Plan. Sustaining Scarborough aims to be a practical, responsible, and crucial roadmap for managing climate change, reducing pollution, and protecting what we love.
Vulnerability Assessment
The Town completed a coastal flood Vulnerability Assessment in 2025 to understand current and future flooding risks. Learn more about the effort and view the results of the Assessment in an interactive StoryMap.
Sustainable Scarborough Day
Each fall, the Town hosts Sustainable Scarborough Day to bring together everyone from the environmentally conscious to the eco-curious for a day of learning and fun!
Land Conservation
In 2023, the Town passed a 30x30 resolution with the goal of conserving 30% of land in Scarborough by 2030. To help achieve the goal, an Open Space Plan was completed in 2025. Learn more about the Open Space Plan and track progress toward 30x30.
Waste & Recycling
Cutting down on waste by recycling is an important sustainable practice, but recycling needs to be done correctly. Learn more about waste and recycling and check out our Which Bin Wednesday Facebook album for tips!
Energy
Scarborough's Sustainability Committee works on programs and policies to increase energy efficiency and increase the use of renewable energy. The Committee meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 8:00 am at Town Hall.
Clean Water
Over the past decade, Scarborough has worked with partners to develop and implement management plans that aim to improve our local streams.
Piping Plovers
Each summer, endangered piping plovers call Scarborough's beaches home. Learn about how we're protecting the shorebirds and how you can get involved.