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City of Asheville committee to hold  climate justice public input session

  The Sustainability Advisory Committee on Energy and the Environment (SACEE) will hold a virtual public meeting at 6 p.m. Oct. 28. The City of Asheville declared a climate emergency when City Council approved and adopted Resolution 20-25 on Jan. 29, as endorsed by SACEE. In declaring this emergency, the City has [...]

Transit Station solar panels

City of Asheville ‘flips the switch’ on solar panels at renovated Transit Station

On Oct. 1, the City of Asheville “flipped the switch” on the photovoltaic array, commonly known as solar panels, at the recently renovated ART Transit Station on Coxe Avenue. This is the first City facility to include renewable energy production in a renovation or new construction project. The City is under contract or is in [...]

Place fall leaves in eco-friendly paper bags for collection by Asheville Sanitation

  To Asheville residents using paper bags for their fall leaves these past two years, we say thank you and keep up the good work! We’d encourage everyone else to follow their example. Paper bags cost about the same as plastic ones. They’re compostable and more eco-friendly. Below is a guide on how to use them effectively, with [...]

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Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer signs Climate Mayors letter urging Congressional leadership to advance a sustainable economic recovery

  The City of Asheville has a strong record and long-standing commitment to sustainability. That’s why Mayor Esther Manheimer signed on to a letter sent  by Climate Mayors to Congressional leaders urging bold action to protect our planet and build a more just economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.    “Because only bold action can tackle [...]

Climate Justice Initiative

In January 2020 Asheville City Council declared a Climate Emergency. The adopted Resolution 20-25 acknowledges the urgent need to combat climate change and the disproportionate impact of the climate crisis on low income communities and communities of color. Asheville’s Climate Justice Initiative explores and defines Climate Equity and Climate Justice with the City’s [...]

Food-Rescue-Program

City of Asheville selected to join other Southeastern cities to reduce food waste

  The City of Asheville’s Office of Sustainability will begin working alongside other innovative cities in the Southeast to develop and implement  food waste initiatives. The City was selected as a participant in the Natural Resources Defense Council  Food Matters Project. The Food Matters project partners with cities [...]

solar rooftop array

Solar energy systems to be installed on City of Asheville facilities as part of joint City-County renewable energy initiative

  On July 28, 2020, Asheville City Council approved the construction of onsite solar systems at five (5) City facilities. The five Asheville City sites are Wall Street Parking Deck, Burton Street Community Center, Shiloh Recreation Center, Fire Station 10 and Fire Station 11.    Collectively, this project will install a combined total of 259 kW of solar [...]

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Asheville Office of Sustainability offers tips on how to build resilience during COVID-19

  We are in a period of uncertainty, anxiety, and confusion. How do we come together to support each other, stay productive, and stay safe? How do we continue to advance our values of environmental and social justice? With the uncertainty posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is becoming more apparent that sustainability is not just [...]

solar panels on roof rendering

Solar panels to be installed on renovated ART Transit Station

  Beginning the week of June 1, the last phase of the ART Transit Station renovations will include the installation of the City’s first photovoltaic array, commonly referred to as solar panels. In all, 180 solar panels will be installed on the south-facing side of the passenger canopy to create a system designed to produce over [...]

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City of Asheville marks Earth Week by joining Amicus brief in objection to EPA power plant rule

  The City of Asheville continues its support of the creation of clean energy by signing an Amicus brief criticizing the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) Rule. The rule, we believe, fails  to reduce dangerous air pollution and address climate change, increasing health and safety risks for Americans, including [...]

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It’s the 50th anniversary of Earth Day — even during pandemic here are ways to observe it

    You may be staying home this Earth Day, but there’s still action you can take to honor and support Planet Earth April 22 — and every other day of the year. Emphasis on the word “action.”   That’s the message from EarthDay.org, which lists tons of ways you can advocate for Mother Earth from [...]