What we do Last updated or reviewed on January 6, 2026 The City of Asheville has a strong track record and long-standing commitment to sustainability. The Sustainability Department was established in 2008 to integrate sustainable design, technology, and practices into municipal operations, infrastructure, and services. The department is responsible for implementing City Council’s strategic goals and resolutions related to sustainability throughout the organization. Doing the Work Listed below are the plans, assessments, and policies that guide the work of the Sustainability Department. Guiding Documents Municipal Climate Action Plan The Sustainability Management Plan Climate Resiliency Assessment Moving to 100 Percent: Renewable Energy Transition Pathways Analysis for Buncombe County and the City of Asheville Policies 4% annual carbon reduction goal for municipal operations 2% annual carbon reduction goal for municipal operations Food policy action plan 50% municipal solid waste reduction goal by 2035 100% renewable energy goal for municipal operations by 2030 Climate Emergency and Emergency Mobilization Effort to Restore a Safe Climate Annual Reports The Sustainability Department provides annual updates to the department’s work, which can be found below: FY25 Annual Report FY24 Annual Report Asheville Community Carbon Footprint In 2021 the Sustainability Department worked with a student from the Lenoir Rhyne Masters of Sustainability Studies program to measure the carbon footprint of the city at large. The carbon emissions from 2019 for the city of Asheville are summed up in this infographic. Text only version Community Partners The Sustainability Department partners with the following local nonprofits to implement community programs: Asheville Buncombe Food Policy Council Asheville Greenworks Bee City USA – Asheville Bountiful Cities Connect Address 70 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801 Mailing Address PO Box 7148, Asheville, NC 28802 Phone Number 828-259-5558 Email Address bherring@ashevillenc.gov Business HoursMonday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.Sustainability DirectorBridget Herring Related Services Dispose of large, seasonal or unusual items Information about disposing of large or unusual items such as furniture, household hazardous waste, or appliances. As well as instructions for brush, leaves, or Christmas trees. Recycling guidelines Information on what can be recycled, how to prepare items for collection, and composting. Explore Related ServicesRelated Projects Resilience Hub Mapping In September 2024, Tropical Storm Helene devastated Western North Carolina, causing flooding and damage across Asheville and Buncombe County. In the wake of this disaster, something remarkable emerged: neighbors helped neighbors, community spaces transformed into distribution centers, and trusted local organizations rapidly mobilized to provide critical services. These spontaneous resilience hubs became lifelines for thousands of residents when traditional systems were unavailable or overwhelmed. Electrify ABC Electrify Asheville-Buncombe County is a pilot program supporting home energy efficiency and electrification upgrades as one way to move toward the City supported goal of powering Buncombe county with 100% renewable energy by 2042. Food Waste Reduction Initiative The Food Waste Reduction Initiative aims to provide useful information and tips to residents seeking ways to reduce their household food waste, pilot opportunities for community compost drop sites, elevate the message of food waste reduction, and model food waste reduction initiatives in city facilities. Explore Related ProjectsSustainability News Unlocking Resources for Resilience and Energy Savings Join Us for a C-PACE Info Session on March 18! Posted on March 12, 2026 by Sam Parada Click to read more. Boost your garden with biochar: Free workshop and giveaway March 27 Posted on March 12, 2026March 12, 2026 by Jim Wilson Spring planting is just around the corner, and this year you can treat your soil to some carbon-rich biochar charged with compost. Food scraps program adds new drop-off location Posted on March 5, 2026March 5, 2026 by Jim Wilson The newest drop-off site at the North Asheville Community Center is accessible 24/7 and uses locally made Bearicade Bins to keep curious and hungry wildlife from exploring. Explore Sustainability News
Dispose of large, seasonal or unusual items Information about disposing of large or unusual items such as furniture, household hazardous waste, or appliances. As well as instructions for brush, leaves, or Christmas trees.
Recycling guidelines Information on what can be recycled, how to prepare items for collection, and composting.
Resilience Hub Mapping In September 2024, Tropical Storm Helene devastated Western North Carolina, causing flooding and damage across Asheville and Buncombe County. In the wake of this disaster, something remarkable emerged: neighbors helped neighbors, community spaces transformed into distribution centers, and trusted local organizations rapidly mobilized to provide critical services. These spontaneous resilience hubs became lifelines for thousands of residents when traditional systems were unavailable or overwhelmed.
Electrify ABC Electrify Asheville-Buncombe County is a pilot program supporting home energy efficiency and electrification upgrades as one way to move toward the City supported goal of powering Buncombe county with 100% renewable energy by 2042.
Food Waste Reduction Initiative The Food Waste Reduction Initiative aims to provide useful information and tips to residents seeking ways to reduce their household food waste, pilot opportunities for community compost drop sites, elevate the message of food waste reduction, and model food waste reduction initiatives in city facilities.
Unlocking Resources for Resilience and Energy Savings Join Us for a C-PACE Info Session on March 18! Posted on March 12, 2026 by Sam Parada Click to read more.
Boost your garden with biochar: Free workshop and giveaway March 27 Posted on March 12, 2026March 12, 2026 by Jim Wilson Spring planting is just around the corner, and this year you can treat your soil to some carbon-rich biochar charged with compost.
Food scraps program adds new drop-off location Posted on March 5, 2026March 5, 2026 by Jim Wilson The newest drop-off site at the North Asheville Community Center is accessible 24/7 and uses locally made Bearicade Bins to keep curious and hungry wildlife from exploring.
