The city council's vision for Charlotte is to become a global leader in environmental sustainability, balancing economic growth with preserving natural resources. They aim to continuously improve, protect, and preserve the environment, community, and economy, while ensuring equity and resilience for current and future generations. Their approach includes managing energy, air, water, and waste effectively, practicing environmental stewardship in city operations and facilities, and using data and technology to reach environmental goals.
Charlotte is a city that has laid 18.6 miles of light rail and had a total transit ridership of over 22 million last year. The city has also introduced hybrid electric buses and has begun to install free electric vehicle charging at the curb. With 90 miles of bike lanes and a commitment to building at least 10 miles of sidewalk per year, it is a multi-modal city. Furthermore, the city boasts a 47% canopy coverage, with plans to increase that to 50% by 2050. They have also reduced energy consumption in 61 buildings in Uptown Charlotte by 19%.
Charlotte's Green Crown is a citywide voluntary program that recognizes eating and drinking establishments in the restaurant and beverage industry that implement environmentally sustainable practices. These include waste management, energy and water conservation, pollution reduction, and commitment to the community.
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte has adopted a Design Manual to guide the sustainable growth and construction of new buildings on its campus. The university is continually assessing best practices that can be implemented on campus to ensure efficiency and a reduced impact on the surroundings. The campus is increasingly commuter-friendly, with the design of the light rail, increased bike paths and storage, greenways throughout campus, and charging for electric vehicles. They have certified building design and construction using two systems: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and Green Globes, with several buildings having achieved these certifications.
When embarking on the journey of sustainable construction, carefully considering the diverse building practices and techniques that suit your project is crucial. However, one cannot overlook the significant role of location in this decision-making process. It is indeed gratifying to find an area that actively strives for an environmentally conscious future, providing an optimal backdrop for the construction of an Aerobarrier-integrated home.