The City of Charlottesville, in support of its Environmental Sustainability Policy, is working to advance air quality and public health, reduced energy consumption and economic development goals for the area.  These are some of the ways the City is protecting and improving environmental quality for residents and visitors alike:

Greening the City Fleet

An emphasis has been placed on the use of gas-electric hybrid vehicles and compressed natural gas, as well as the introduction of Biodiesel (B20) in all school buses, CTS buses and diesel trucks. 

Using Biodiesel leads to improved air quality from reduced emissions and supports a domestic, renewable energy source.

For more information on the city's use of alternative fuels and hybrid vehicles, CLICK HERE.

Green Buildings and Green Building Practice

The Charlottesville Downtown Transit Station (DTS) has been awarded the prestigious LEED (The U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold Environmental Certification.   The DTS was designed and built with sustainability in mind, featuring a geothermal heating and cooling system, a cool roof, and it consumes 40% less water and 30% less electricity than a conventional building.  Much of the material used in the building is comprised of recycled contents and was manufactured locally.

For further information on the Downtown Transit Station, please CLICK HERE

Tree City USA Charlottesville was declared a Tree City USA in 2007.  The Tree City USA® program, sponsored by The Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters, provides direction, technical assistance, public attention, and national recognition for urban and community forestry programs throughout the USA.  Our target for Charlottesville, through an Urban Forest Management Program, is to achieve a 40% tree canopy coverage.  For further information please CLICK HERE

 

Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan

The City has undertaken a major new effort to build trails within parks to create loops for walking and biking, and also to connect parks, schools, and other public spaces to each other.

• CLICK HERE for details of the trails within the City.
• CLICK HERE for the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan of Charlottesville.

Environmental Management System (EMS) An Environmental Management System (EMS) is a set of processes and practices that enable an organization to reduce its environmental impacts and increase its operating efficiency. The City is in the process of developing and implementing an EMS throughout its operations to protect the environment and the health and safety of its employees and citizens.

 

City Markets

• City Market offers fresh produce, herbs, plants, grass feed meats, crafts, and baked goods from local vendors every Saturday from 7:00 a.m. until 12 noon from April-October.  CLICK HERE for details.
• Farmers in the Park is every Wednesday from May 30th to Sept 26th.  CLICK HERE for details.
• For details on the City Holiday Market, CLICK HERE