energy

Lexington, KY has been making strides in energy efficiency, spearheaded by the 'Live Green Lexington' initiative. Efforts include upgrading public lighting to LED technology, significantly cutting down the energy use and costs. The city has established incentives for businesses and homeowners that invest in energy-efficient improvements, encouraging the uptake of green building standards. Lexington's Energy Improvement Program offers financing options for commercial properties to implement energy-efficient technologies. Moreover, there are solar tax incentives in place, which have accelerated the installation of solar panels on residential and commercial properties, contributing to a cleaner energy mix. The city also passionately supports the 'Empower Lexington' program aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions through community action. Local utility programs provide free energy audits to help identify ways for consumers to save energy. In the residential sector, efforts have been made to increase the efficiency of heating and cooling systems, which are the largest energy consumers in Kentucky homes. The city also promotes the use of Energy Star-rated appliances through awareness campaigns.

water

Water conservation is a critical focus for Lexington, with the city continuously improving its water infrastructure to prevent leaks and conserve this precious resource. 'Live Green Lexington’ campaigns actively educate the public on reducing water waste, such as fixing leaks and using water-efficient fixtures. The city offers a rain barrel program which encourages residents to collect rainwater for gardening to reduce dependence on treated water. Incentive programs are available for businesses that implement water-saving technologies. Lexington's stormwater quality management efforts include public education on reducing pollutants in runoff and a stormwater incentive program for properties that utilize best management practices. The city's investment in water treatment technology ensures that water quality meets or exceeds all federal and state standards. Furthermore, the Division of Water has modernized water meters across Lexington to improve billing accuracy and detect leaks faster. The city has also promoted the use of green infrastructure to manage stormwater, providing both water quality and conservation benefits.

transportation

Lexington is working towards creating a more efficient transportation system that caters to the needs of its growing population. The city's transportation plan includes the expansion and enhancement of the public transit system, Lextran, which has been transitioning to more fuel-efficient and hybrid buses to reduce emissions. Initiatives such as the 'Commuter Challenge' incentivize residents to use alternative transportation, such as biking, walking, or carpooling, to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality. The city's commitment to a more walkable and bike-friendly environment is evident in its continued expansion of bike lanes and pedestrian paths. This development is supported by programs like Bike Lexington, which promotes cycling through community events and education. There are also incentives for businesses that encourage employees to use alternative transportation, such as telecommuting, flexible work schedules, and providing bike racks. The Bluegrass Airport's modernization efforts have enhanced regional connectivity while aiming for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.

waste

Lexington's waste management infrastructure emphasizes recycling and composting alongside traditional waste collection services. The city has an efficient single-stream recycling program, which accepts a wide range of materials, simplifying the recycling process for its inhabitants and increasing participation. 'Live Green Lexington' also runs an outreach program to educate the public on proper waste disposal and the benefits of recycling. The city offers free paper shredding events and hazardous waste disposal services to minimize the improper disposal of potentially harmful materials. Yard waste is collected and composted, with the resulting organic material available for purchase by residents. The 'Recycle and Live Green' incentive offers rewards for residents who recycle regularly. On the commercial side, businesses are encouraged to audit their waste and adopt zero-waste policies where possible. Local waste reduction grants are available for businesses seeking to minimize their environmental impact. Additionally, the city has been actively working on improving electronic waste recycling, diverting substantial quantities of e-waste from landfills.