Climate

The City is committed to mitigating and adapting to the effects of climate change. Actions Taken Ongoing implementation of 22 high impact activities as identified in the Municipal Climate Action Plan [MCAP].  The MCAP utilized impact, equity and feasibility to prioritize and sequence activities. The plan was approved by City Council in March 2023. Collaborated with UNC [...]

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Look ahead: City of Asheville projects and initiatives for the new year

Asheville residents can look upon the new year with optimism. Together, we’ve weathered a pandemic and a vaccine will be available this year. Even so, the City of Asheville’s response to COVID-19 will continue in the new year, in coordination with the state of North Carolina and Buncombe County. Residents can look forward to advances in [...]

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Asheville Mayor joins over 1,000 U.S. leaders in affirming commitment to global climate action on the 5th anniversary of the Paris Agreement 

Dec. 12 marks the five-year anniversary of the world coming together to sign on to the Paris Agreement and the City of Asheville is marking the moment by committing to a national mobilization for a clean energy economy and centering their own operations in pursuit of climate action. In doing so, Asheville joins over 1,000 [...]

Real-time Renewables – Monitoring Solar Energy Generation

In 2018, the City adopted a goal to power 100% of municipal operations with renewable energy by 2030. To achieve this goal, the City will need to invest in both on-site and off-site renewable energy generation . Solar energy and battery storage on city property was identified as a top priority by the community [...]

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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 [...]

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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 frontline community members [...]

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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 [...]

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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 [...]