The Community Climate Action Plan was first released in 2021. It aims to reduce city-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 80% by 2050. The CCAP lays out a plan for Raleigh to reduce GHG emissions from energy use, transportation, and waste. It also plans to build community resilience to the impacts of climate change and support climate equity in Raleigh. The plan was developed with the help of over 150 Raleigh stakeholders, including experts, leaders, community organizations, and official city staff.
The city has been working on climate action since 2007, focusing on identifying, testing, evaluating, and implementing innovative technologies, policies and programs. Strategic partnerships and financing approaches for the sustainability efforts are also being considered. Part of this work has included pilot and demonstration projects, along with grants that have offset costs.
Raleigh has also focused on the potential incorporation of renewable energy resources to improve operational resilience and provide lifetime cost savings to the city. The 2019 Transportation Electrification Study provides guidance on how the city and community could work toward supporting the increasing number of electric vehicles and the increasing interest in charging locations for electric vehicles. The Climate Energy Action Plan (CEAP) in 2012 provides an integrated framework for Raleigh’s continued leadership in energy, climate, and sustainability.
Raleigh benefits from the engagement of community organizations in sustainability efforts. For example, the Wake County Economic Development Office announced the creation of a new Business Sustainability Roundtable (BSR). This roundtable includes public and private institutions like the Raleigh Chamber, NC State University’s Office of Partnerships. The group plans to use United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as guidelines for the organization. The roundtable aims to make Wake County and the Research Triangle region a global innovator in sustainability.
The city also recognizes and encourages local environmental projects. One such project is the Walnut Creek Wetland Community Partnership (WCWCP), which was recognized for its environmental and community impacts. The WCWCP was formed in 2014 by residents and organizations interested in the community surrounding the Walnut Creek wetlands in SE Raleigh. It works to identify and implement improvement projects in the watershed, with the wetlands acting as sponges and filters to control flooding and provide clean water. The partnership invites residents and organizations active in the community to join them in their mission. More on WCWCP
Some more of the key sustainability initiatives in Raleigh include:
For more visit the Raleigh Sustainability Service Unit page.
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.