energy

Asheville’s commitment to energy efficiency is evident through various initiatives aimed at reducing the city's carbon footprint and promoting renewable energy sources. The city has implemented projects to upgrade its municipal buildings with LED lighting and solar panels, significantly reducing electricity consumption. Additionally, Asheville has launched community-wide efforts to encourage residents and businesses to invest in energy-efficient practices. The city actively participates in regional partnerships seeking to promote the use of clean energy, such as solarize programs, which help lower the cost of solar installations through group purchasing. These efforts are coupled with educational campaigns to inform the public about the benefits of energy conservation and renewable energy sources. The Asheville Reduces Energy (ARE) program provides an integral framework for tracking and managing the city's energy usage, with the aim of continually improving efficiency. Energy audits are conducted regularly to identify areas for improvement, and incentives are offered to homeowners and businesses that demonstrate significant energy savings. Asheville encourages the development of green building standards and offers support for builders and developers who adopt such practices.

water

Water conservation and sustainability are key priorities for Asheville. The city manages several initiatives focused on safeguarding its water resources and promoting efficient water use among its inhabitants. Asheville's Water Resources Department operates with an eye on sustainability, ensuring the provision of clean, safe drinking water while maintaining the integrity of local watersheds. The city has invested in water infrastructure modernization, including the replacement and repair of aging pipes, which has led to a reduction in water loss through leaks. Public education campaigns highlight the importance of water-saving practices, both indoors and outdoors, and resources are provided to help residents and businesses incorporate water-efficient technologies and practices. Rebates are available for water customers who install rain barrels or high-efficiency toilets. Asheville also focuses on protecting water quality through rigorous testing and monitoring, as well as the implementation of stormwater management initiatives that curtail runoff and protect local waterways. Stormwater fees are utilized to fund these important environmental protection efforts, demonstrating Asheville's proactive stance on water efficiency and conservation.

transportation

Transportation efficiency in Asheville is a dynamic area that the city continues to develop and improve upon. The city's multimodal transportation plan underscores its commitment to offering residents a variety of efficient and environmentally friendly transportation options. Asheville invests in its public transit system to enhance service reliability and coverage, making it more accessible and convenient for users. Efforts to expand and maintain bicycle lanes and pedestrian pathways contribute to promoting alternative forms of transport. The city's bike-share and car-share programs are designed to reduce the number of vehicles on the road and foster a shared economy. To decrease transportation-related emissions, Asheville encourages the use of electric vehicles (EVs) through incentives such as EV charging station installations throughout the city. The 'Strive Not to Drive' campaign, an annual event, serves to educate the public about the benefits of using alternative transportation methods. Asheville is also exploring intelligent transportation systems to optimize traffic flow and reduce congestion. These initiatives are part of a comprehensive effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and provide equitable transportation options for all residents.

waste

In Asheville, waste reduction and recycling are core elements of the city's environmental strategy. The city operates a robust curbside recycling program and has introduced single-stream recycling to make the process more convenient for residents, thus increasing participation rates. Composting programs are actively promoted to divert organic waste from landfills, and there is a strong emphasis on education regarding proper waste separation and the environmental benefits of composting. The ‘Zero Waste AVL’ initiative reflects the city’s ambitious goal to significantly reduce landfill waste by embodying principles of the circular economy. Through partnerships with local businesses and organizations, Asheville encourages the adoption of sustainable waste management practices. Events such as hard-to-recycle item collections and hazardous waste disposals are commonplace, aimed at responsibly handling materials that would otherwise contribute to environmental pollution. The city also incentivizes waste reduction by offering resources and support to businesses that prioritize minimizing waste in their operations. Asheville's comprehensive strategy illustrates its dedication to waste reduction, recycling, and sustainable materials management.