text over emergency lights that says September is Emergency Preparedness Month

September is Emergency Preparedness Month: Blue skies actions help to build resiliency for neighborhoods and families

As changes in climate continue to impact our local weather patterns, the Asheville region expects more frequent and more intense weather events. There are actions we can take individually and as a community that will help build our resilience during emergency events and that will also support in “blue skies” times.  Blue-skies actions, meaning the good [...]

house under construction

Sustainability Department shares results of sustainability rebates survey

Thanks to everyone who took our sustainability building rebates survey! We are writing to give a quick update on the findings of the survey.  We received a total of 34 responses and 65% of respondents don’t currently participate in the rebate program, mostly because they didn’t know that the program existed.  Regarding potential changes to the rebate [...]

white styrofoam cup and green plastic bag with word plastic reduction initiative

Single-use plastic reduction initiative comes to a close

It is the City of Asheville’s mission to support a thriving local economy and a clean, healthy environment. Community cleanliness was identified by City Council as an area of concern and in October 2022, Asheville City Council directed the Sustainability Department to take a phased approach to reduce the consumption of single-use plastic.  The first phase [...]

two women sitting on bench, one holds reusable water bottle, the other holds styrofoam cup

Less Plastic Asheville: That’s a wrap!

This past spring, the City of Asheville conducted a voluntary initiative called “Less Plastic Asheville Challenge” inviting Asheville residents to reduce their single-use plastic consumption. The City supported community member efforts by providing information, resources, and a little friendly competition. The campaign ran from February 19 – May 31 and consisted of two key components: [...]

house under construction

Calling all Asheville homebuilders: Share your input on sustainability rebates

The City of Asheville is reevaluating its Sustainability Rebate Program and wants to hear directly from local home builders. The program currently provides rebates on permit fees for new or renovated one and two family dwellings built under the North Carolina Residential Code that include above-minimum state code elements like solar panels, energy efficiency upgrades, [...]

drink this that shows a view of reservoir, not that showing bottles of water

Bottled water vs. tap water? In Asheville, the answer is easy.

In recent years, many cities have been in the news when water from their distribution systems did not meet national safe drinking water standards. It’s easy to understand why more and more residents are feeling concerned about their water. Some are choosing bottled water over tap, because they think it’s a safer alternative. However, take [...]

spring free store information

Donate and attend the Spring Free Store in May!

Did you know the City of Asheville has a goal to reduce landfill waste by 50% by 2035?  Please join us in being part of the solution! The Spring Free Store is a  fun “shopping” event that is good for your wallet and for the planet. The Spring Free Store is like a yard sale, but [...]

electrify buncombe logo

Electrify Asheville-Buncombe brings an “Electrification” Marketplace to local residents

Buncombe County and the City of Asheville are partnering on a unique program designed to support Asheville and Buncombe County’s clean-energy goals. The innovative program, Electrify Asheville-Buncombe, provides support to residents of Asheville and Buncombe County by helping homeowners explore new proven electric technologies, choose participating local contractors, and get help with identifying discount purchase [...]

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