Local Resources Last updated or reviewed on June 26, 2024 The City of Asheville works to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change in City planning and operations and encourages community members and business owners to also take action. Below are some resources to become more sustainable and to help mitigate and adapt to climate change. Reduce Energy Bills The City supports the Blue Horizons Project (BHP) which helps residents and businesses reduce energy use and costs. The following programs are available to City of Asheville residents and businesses as part of the Blue Horizons Project: Energy Savers Network provides free energy-efficiency upgrades for qualified low-income households with the help of trained volunteers. Neighbor to Neighbor provides no-cost solar energy systems to income-qualified Buncombe County residents. Electrify Asheville Buncombe is a local campaign including an online platform and marketplace. This resource can help residents develop an electrification plan, connect with trusted and knowledgeable contractors, and to understand and access rebates and financing to support adoption of clean, energy-efficient home upgrades. These Simple Home Energy Saving Tips can help anyone reduce their home energy consumption. <span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> <span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> Rebates The City offers residential fee rebates for permits through the Department of Development Services pertaining to: Solar Energy Installations Energy Efficient Homes Shade Trees Local Food The City has adopted a food policy action plan to support increased access to locally grown, healthy foods for community members. The resources and programs below support residents to learn more about where our food comes from, connect with local farmers, learn food production and preparation skills, and build a strong, resilient local food system. Some of the resources include access to community food production or pollinator gardening space. Community Gardening and Food Education AVL Edibles Map Community Gardens Community Garden Network food production and preservation events Connect with local food producers and participate in our local food system Community Supported Agriculture Farms in our region EBT/SNAP benefits to purchase local food Farmer’s Markets (Tailgate Markets) NC 10% Campaign WNC Food Systems Coalition Support Pollinators and Biodiversity Did you know that in 2012 the City of Asheville earned its Bee City, USA designation? Learn more and prepare your pollinator habitat at home or on City-owned property! Reduce Waste Did you know the City has a goal to reduce waste by 50% by 2050? Learn more about composting at home or at City & County Food Scraps Drop-Off programs on this webpage Click Here to visit the Sanitation Division to find details about waste collection For more information on recycling correctly visit the City’s recycling webpage Use the Waste Wizard Tool on AVL Collects to see what you can recycle! Improve Resilience The City recently created the Climate Resilience Resource Guide for property owners to identify best management strategies from threats identified through the climate resilience assessment. Use SimpliCity.ashevillenc.gov to access personal property information including climate threats and vulnerabilites alongside actions you can take to increase your household and neighborhood resilience. Contact Kiera Bulan, Sustainability Manager (828) 620-0664
