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Green Durham
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The Sustainability Office works with City and County employees to improve how government does business by developing policies, educating staff, and promoting the ethics of environmentally responsible leadership.
The Sustainability Office also works with people and organizations in the community to enhance sustainable living through public education, sponsored events, and other outreach as needed.
The main task of the Sustainability Office is implementing Durham’s Greenshouse Gas Emissions Reduction Plan. This plan, adopted in 2007, sets ambitious goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by government and the community by 2030.
Mission
The mission of the Durham City/County Sustainability Office is to help protect and improve Durham’s environment through wise use of natural resources by providing guidance and resources to City and County employees, businesses, and citizens.
Community
Activities
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Durham Energy Fair
October 26, 2010
The Durham City-County Sustainability Office held an Energy Fair with a wide range of exhibitors sharing information on how to save energy at home, on the road, and at work. The fair took place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Durham Main Library, 300 N. Roxboro St. There was not a charge to attend. |
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What is Sustainability?
Sustainable communities meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. To achieve this goal, truly sustainable communities are environmentally healthy, socially responsible, and financially secure.
A healthy environment is rich in living resources, with clean air, water, and soil – providing for human and environmental well-being. Fair, just government and citizenry together ensure that the needs of everyone in the community are met. Financial security depends on and supports social and environmental health.
More Greener Durham
What Durham is Doing
In addition to creating the Durham Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and Local Action Plan, the City, County, and MPO are already taking action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Durham.
LED Traffic Signals
The City of Durham and the North Carolina Department of Transportation are installing energy efficient LED traffic signals throughout Durham. These traffic signals save operating costs and prevent greenhouse gas emissions from power generation.
Bike Patrol
The Durham Police Department has a bicycle squad that patrols downtown. These bicycles reduce fuel use and increase accessibility for officers in downtown.
Energy Efficient Buildings
Durham County and Durham Public Schools require that all new County and school buildings are LEED certified. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. These energy efficient buildings save energy costs and provide healthier places to work and learn.
Showerhead Exchanges
The Durham Water Management Department provides information on water conservation. The department sells low flow showerheads at City Hall and at community events. These showerheads conserve water and conserve the energy used to heat the water. To purchase a low flow showerhead, contact the Durham Water Management Department at (919) 560-4381.
Transit
The City of Durham, Durham County, the DCHC MPO, DATA, and the Triangle Transit Authority work together to provide transportation choices for travel within Durham and beyond. Go Triangle, a partnership of public transportation agencies, and organizations funded to promote commuter benefits in the Triangle, has information on commuting in the Triangle.
Bicycling and Walking
The City of Durham, Durham County, and the DCHC MPO have recently created a City Pedestrian Plan and a County Bicycle Plan for Durham. In addition, the Durham Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee provides information and promotes bicycling and walking in Durham.
More actions that the City and County and other local organizations are taking to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are included in section 6 of the adopted plan.
For more information about Greener Durham, contact:
Tobin L. Freid
Sustainability Manager
Sustainability@durhamcountync.gov
(919) 560-7999
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