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Our Plan
Acting on Climate Together
The Climate Action Plan explains where emissions in the City come from and presents strategies and actions that can be taken to reduce them.
Development of this plan was led by the City of Charlottesville’s Climate Protection Program within the Environmental Sustainability Division of the Department of Public Works.
A multi-layered approach was used to inform the plan, including:
- Community input through focus groups, large group meetings, listening sessions, and an online survey
- Alignment with other locality plans
- Review of climate action plans from peer communities across the nation, Commonwealth, and local region
- City staff and stakeholder expertise
Community Strategies and Actions
Explore the strategies and actions laid out in the Charlottesville Climate Action Plan
| Action | Description | Status |
Action 1 | Education/Encouragement | |
Action 2 | Develop recommended lists of solar-ready, EV-ready, and energy design standards | |
Action 3 | Integrate recommended lists of climate-related design standards into the zoning code and zoning incentives as well as in the Standards and Design Manual | |
Action 4 | Streamline and offer expedited permitting for renewable energy installations. | |
Action 5 | Connect energy standards with City-provided funding for buildings/constructionmaximize the benefit of using their space for photovoltaics (e.g., feed-in tariff, third-party lease agreements, roof space rental). | |
Action 6 | Advocate for higher energy efficiency standards in state’s building code update |
| Action | Description | Status |
Action 1 | Education/Encouragement | |
Action 2 | Increase participation by low-income households in fully funded programs for energy efficiency improvements and solar energy systems | |
Action 3 | Develop and identify funding assistance programs designed for midincome households | |
Action 4 | Evaluate and increase resource support for commercial buildings | |
Action 5 | Develop and promote resource material specific to historic buildings | |
Action 6 | Review permitting processes, timelines, and fees for incentivizing and streamlining solar and EV permits, referencing targets from the SolSmart program. | |
Action 7 | Advocate for a commercial building energy benchmarking program |
| Action | Description | Status |
Action 1 | Continued support of the Virginia Clean Economy Act, ensuring renewable sources for grid-supplied electricity in Charlottesville | |
Action 2 | Prioritize transition to electric for the Miscellaneous Heating Fuels that contribute to the Buildings and Energy sector emissions | |
Action 3 | Complete analysis of decarbonization options for Charlottesville Gas through the Decarbonization of Gas Utility Study | |
Action 4 | Ensure the zoning code is supportive of renewable energy systems |
| Action | Description | Status |
Action 1 | Establish specific targets for increasing travel mode share of walking, biking, and transit ridership | |
Action 2 | Create walkable, bikeable, and transit-served neighborhoods | |
Action 3 | Include Transportation Demand Management Planning for sites in the zoning code | |
Action 4 | Develop a mobility plan approach that seeks to leverage and interconnect bicycle, pedestrian, and transit infrastructure networks along with parking and the Future Land Use Map density areas | |
Action 5 | Continue planning and investment in a well-connected network of trails, shared use paths, sidewalks, and bike lanes | |
Action 6 | When planning and funding transportation projects, prioritize filling in connectivity gaps with a focus on connecting bus stops to adjacent roadways, Safe Routes to School, food access pathways, and providing safe and smooth transitions where bicycle, sidewalk, and trail infrastructure stops | |
Action 7 | Include increasing transit ridership as a considered criteria for transportation investments | |
Action 8 | Work within Charlottesville’s representation in the MPO/TJPDC to advocate for criteria that supports transit ridership |
| Action | Description | Status |
Action 1 | Support increased adoption by Virginia and the Federal government of high fuel efficiency vehicle standards | |
Action 2 | Education/Engagement | |
Action 3 | Financial Incentives for purchase of electric or other alternatively fueled vehicles |
| Action | Description | Status |
Action 1 | Develop a network of publicly accessible EV charging stations to meet the needs of visitors, commuters, renters, and residents without onsite parking | |
Action 2 | Align EV charging planning with the TJPDC’s EV Charging Station Study (2021) | |
Action 3 | Increase EV Charging at workplace & commuter parking locations | |
Action 4 | Identify EV-ready code standards for integration with zoning and city-funding processes | |
Action 5 | Include EV-ready requirements for parking lot sizes that are over an established minimum size | |
Action 6 | Develop and include EV charging site standards and guidelines in the Standards and Design Manual to balance EV charging with public access, safety, and the different types of workplace and home parking locations available in Charlottesville | |
Action 7 | Ensure emergency response protocols and training for EV charging equipment are in place | |
Action 8 | Consider electric bicycles in overall charging station planning and implementation |
| Action | Description | Status |
Action 1 | Expand availability and access to regional trails and shared use paths for recreation, commuting, and other daily travel activities | |
Action 2 | Encourage behaviors such as daisy-chaining trips, remote work, anti-idling, and a “5-minute walk” approach | |
Action 3 | Research and examine operations models and strategies to ensure access to bicycle and pedestrian routes and transit stops during and after inclement weather events |
| Action | Description | Status |
Action 1 | Adopt a Sustainable Materials Management policy | |
Action 2 | Scope Charlottesville’s full waste system, including key partners and actors | |
Action 3 | Adopt a waste generation reduction target and an organics diversion target | |
Action 4 | Education/Engagement (waste reduction, preferred materials, landfill alternatives) | |
Action 5 | For future zoning updates, consider how to support and provide space for the collection of multiple waste streams at businesses and residences | |
Action 6 | For future zoning updates, consider whether zoning changes are needed to support onsite composting |
| Action | Description | Status |
Action 1 | Working with community networks, identify meaningful ways to increase diversion of edible food to gleaning/donation programs | |
Action 2 | Increase education and engagement about food waste and waste reduction options |
| Action | Description | Status |
Action 1 | Add organics collection for yard waste and household compostables to the set of City-provided curbside waste services | |
Action 2 | Evaluate and propose options for expanding organics collection options for City non-curbside waste collection customers, including residential and commercial/organizational entities | |
Action 3 | Provide organics material collection for municipal government and school facilities and sites | |
Action 4 | Promote backyard composting strategies and resources, including an outreach focus to community, school, and urban agriculture gardens | |
Action 5 | Prioritize where possible consistency of signage, messaging, and waste stream separation across the Charlottesville-Albemarle-UVA region |
| Action | Description | Status |
Action 1 | Update and implement a robust Urban Forest Management Plan, including tree preservation, planting, and maintenance; management; removal of invasive plant species; and a tree canopy cover goal | |
Action 2 | Integrate tree canopy shade with high-priority walkable, bikeable, and transit corridors to increase comfort and health-safety for users |
| Action | Description | Status |
Action 1 | Education/Engagement on tree maintenance and care, selection, and placement (“the right tree in the right place”) as well as invasive species management | |
Action 2 | Update code standards for trees | |
Action 3 | Review and pursue potential incentives and penalties for property owners to preserve, increase, and maintain tree canopy |
| Action | Description | Status |
Action 1 | Identify, integrate, and incentivize climate-focused nature based solutions in the zoning code and other guides as appropriate | |
Action 2 | Complete a planning concept evaluation for establishing a “emerald necklace/green bracelet” or connected network of parks and natural resources within Charlottesville to be integrated with bicycle & pedestrian network routes | |
Action 3 | Work to acquire lands to expand public parkland and green necklace/ bracelet and protect land-based carbon sinks | |
Action 4 | Identify and adopt practices to accommodate trees and greenspace along with density, utility lines, and fire/emergency response access in the City’s zoning ordinance and incorporate any updates (if needed) in the Standards and Design Manual | |
Action 5 | Establish a minimum tree canopy or other shade cover minimum for new parking lots and incentives for shading or conversion of existing parking lots | |
Action 6 | Encourage trees for shading around buildings, with recommendations to preserve rooftop access for solar energy systems | |
Action 7 | Integrate climate-related design objectives, outcomes, and recommendations into the Small Area Plan development template | |
Action 8 | Increase education and outreach about greenspace options and benefits, including green roofs, urban gardens, small plot or balcony gardens, soil amendments such as biochar and compost, and transitioning lawns and hardscapes to native plants & drought-tolerant plants | |
Action 9 | Include urban food gardens in the zoning code as a listed allowable use for residential and commercial properties | |
Action 10 | Increase the number of community agriculture gardens through preservation of space, with a particular focus in areas identified as lacking access to healthy food and sites associated with or near to affordable housing developments |
| Action | Description | Status |
Action 1 | Increase participation in funding programs available from the Federal and State governments as well as from utility companies | |
Action 2 | Apply for funding through federal grant programs (such as the 2021 IIJA, and 2022 IRA) to support emission reduction actions in City government & school buildings as well as within the community. Funding uses should consider physical improvements – such as energy retrofits, EV charging installations, and renewable energy systems paired with battery storage – as well as for green financing programs and incentives | |
Action 3 | Review the City’s funding incentive programs and local authority with the aim of aligning with and increasing local leverage of financial incentives from the federal government, state government, and utilities. This should include, but may not be limited to, tax incentives, rebates, and service fees related to new onsite renewable energy systems, EV charging infrastructure, and purchase of new or used EVs | |
Action 4 | Integrate climate criteria into local and regional infrastructure funding processes, including both planning and project development stages (e.g., MPO’s Long Range Transportation Plan) | |
Action 5 | Explore establishing a Charlottesville Climate Action Fund, working in partnership with local community-based foundation(s) to enable leveraging public funds, private donations, and other grant and foundation funding sources to serve our community. Uses of the fund should consider leveraging other funding pathways – such as C-PACE for affordable housing developments and green financing programs for low- & middle-income residents – as well as supporting community-led climate projects and engaging the community through crowd sourced donations and direction of funding | |
Action 6 | Develop ‘shovel-ready’ project concepts with that could be submitted as new grant programs and funding rounds come available. These could include projects that are City-led, Community-led, or City-Community partnership projects |
| Action | Description | Status |
Action 1 | For government- and utility-provided funded energy programs that have eligibility criteria, such as household income thresholds or resident’s age, identify programs within the local government that have aligned eligibility criteria and work cross-departmentally to increase outreach to residents informing them of additional service programs they may be eligible for | |
Action 2 | Review the City’s funding programs for building and site improvements to identify and propose options for integrating low-carbon and no-carbon standards, as well as supporting future integration of GHG emissionreducing items. Example proposals could be to adopt energy efficient standards for insulation ratings or EV-ready and solar-ready building elements | |
Action 3 | Review all City-provided rebates and incentives related to increasing energy efficiency and renewable energy use and co-locate links to them on the City website for easy reference | |
Action 4 | Examine and pursue use of the City’s billing systems and authority to provide funding pathways that address the split incentive challenge and utilize non-local government funding sources, such Commercial PACE (C-PACE) and on- bill repayment programs |
| Action | Description | Status |
Action 1 | Pursue financing program models that can address rental property challenges | |
Action 2 | Establish or authorize a Commercial PACE program | |
Action 3 | Advocate for and support the state receiving funding to establish a state-level Green Bank | |
Action 4 | Support continuation of Virginia’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) |
Municipal Strategies and Actions
Explore the City operations strategies and actions laid out in the Charlottesville Climate Action Plan
| Action | Description | Status |
Action 1 | Implement an Energy Savings Performance Contract to achieve scale and depth of energy improvements while leveraging City funds and reducing pressure on staff capacity | |
Action 2 | Integrate evaluation of energy demand needs when upgrading or replacing equipment, and opt for lower carbon energy sources when suitable equipment options are available | |
Action 3 | Adopt internal coordination and process adjustments to support ongoing holistic evaluation of energy needs within the City’s buildings | |
Action 4 | Establish a regular schedule for retro-commissioning, controls settings review, and performing preventative maintenance. Incorporate schedule into annual workplans and energy management reports | |
Action 5 | Identify and formalize opportunities to manage and reduce occupied building hours while maximizing use of facility space across the building portfolio. Consider schedule adjustments, remote work, and hour-shifted work schedules | |
Action 6 | Engage, educate, and encourage building occupants on behavior practices that reduce emissions | |
Action 7 | Continue to operate in accordance with the 2019 Energy and Water Management Policy | |
Action 8 | Develop and adopt a Comprehensive retrofit policy and Retro-commissioning policy | |
Action 9 | Publish building performance metrics: Benchmarking disclosure for municipal buildings; Utility dashboard; ENERGY STAR score portfolio target; Annual municipal Energy and Water Management Report |
| Action | Description | Status |
Action 1 | Develop and adopt energy-based (EUI) design standards for new construction depth of energy improvements while leveraging City funds and reducing pressure on staff capacity | |
Action 2 | Integrate new building standards into the City’s Green Building Policy with consideration of integrated renewable energy systems, solar-ready, and EV ready aspects | |
Action 3 | Develop a process to screen new construction projects for net zero potential | |
Action 4 | Evaluate by 2025 a cost, operations, and energy analysis comparison of adopted EUI standard vs. net zero construction for at least one project (current or past) to inform future project planning |
| Action | Description | Status |
Action 1 | Integrate renewable energy systems – or solar-ready standards – into all new construction projects. If solar-ready standards, ensure solar PV will be added within 2 years | |
Action 2 | Establish a coordinated schedule for roof replacement and installation of rooftop solar energy systems | |
Action 3 | Through energy efficiency improvements, building energy standards, and energy storage, maximize the percentage of total electricity use that is provided by onsite renewable energy | |
Action 4 | Implement Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) to install solar energy systems at City facilities at scale and with reduced dependency on CIP funding | |
Action 5 | Assess and track offsite options for achieving carbon neutral electricity, such as RECs, carbon sequestration offsets, Dominion’s Green Power Program | |
Action 6 | Assess and pursue Virtual Power Purchase Agreements (VPPAs) to secure carbon and renewable energy credit attributes |
| Action | Description | Status |
Action 1 | Increase awareness of facility energy performance in project planningall new construction projects. If solar-ready standards, ensure solar PV will be added within 2 years | |
Action 2 | Introduce opportunities for holistic consideration of facility improvements in CIP project planning | |
Action 3 | Integrate climate and energy capital projects along with CIP-funded projects into annual workplans | |
Action 4 | Involve Finance, Procurement, Risk, and Budget earlier than normal in capital improvement planning when pursuing energy procurement and energy service contracting structures | |
Action 5 | Establish a process by which cost savings from climate and energy improvement projects can be tracked and applied towards the next round of improvements | |
Action 6 | Provide training resources as needed and identified for project teams, first responders, and maintenance personnel |
| Action | Description | Status |
Action 1 | Establish and fund a conversion plan for Dominion-owned lighting to LEDs; Coordinate project timelines with City streetscape projects that would include lighting replacements, additions, or relocations | |
Action 2 | Develop conversion plan of suitable LED alternatives for City-owned lighting; Compile comprehensive lighting inventory across departments for City-owned lighting; Identify and secure approvals where necessary for suitable LED alternatives; Include any identified LED model standards in the City’s Standards and Design Manual | |
Action 3 | Develop a plan to complete conversion of remaining non-LED Traffic Signals to LEDs | |
Action 4 | Consider how energy cost savings from lighting conversion projects could be used to fund subsequent conversion rounds |
| Action | Description | Status |
Action 1 | Develop and implement a Green Fleet policy with commitments to: fuel efficiency, transitioning to EVs when suitable vehicle models are available, behavior and training components, remote meeting and alternative travel mode options, improve ability for data tracking of vehicle energy use throughout the Fleet | |
Action 2 | Develop site standards for EV charging installations to meet accessibility, safety, and energy management, and data tracking needs (Fleet, School Buses, & Transit) |
| Action | Description | Status |
Action 1 | Complete the Transit Alternative Fuels Transition Study, including the Environmental/Health Addendum | |
Action 2 | Initiate a Transit Pathways to Carbon Neutrality by 2050 Assessment | |
Action 3 | Work with City zoning to investigate options to increase easement access for bus stops along new developments on transit corridors | |
Action 4 | Work with Public Works and other relevant departments to research and investigate models to improve bus stop access during and post-storm events | |
Action 5 | Work with other Virginia localities on Federal and State standards limits |
| Action | Description | Status |
Action 1 | Evaluate and begin integrating EV School Buses into the City’s pupil transportation fleetEnvironmental/Health Addendum |
| Action | Description | Status |
Action 1 | Determine a method for tracking the amount of fuel used for non-motor vehicle use (ex. landscaping equipment) | |
Action 2 | Develop a plan to convert City-owned gasoline and diesel-powered assets to electric; Evaluate suitable electric alternatives and the potential for replacement prior to end of equipment life; Coordinate with the Energy Management Program on charging practices and data tracking needs | |
Action 3 | Reduce mowing areas on City properties, including right-of-ways, by establishing natural habitats for pollinators with native and drought-tolerant plants; As part of planning for this effort, consult the community to identify and preserve informal access pathways |
| Action | Description | Status |
Action 1 | Complete compilation and review of a full listing of all City-owned and leased properties, identifying key aspects such as responsibility for maintenance, operations, and property upgrades as well as any operational minimum requirements and information on building age and past retrofits | |
Action 2 | Incorporate the expectation and support for tenants of City-owned and leased properties to be responsible for contributing to reducing community GHG emissions | |
Action 3 | Develop a plan to assess properties for current energy standard baselines and develop recommended energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades, including consideration of supporting EV charging and energy storage backup systems | |
Action 4 | Evaluate complementary funding structures and sources to support completion of GHG emissions-reducing upgrades and to adequately address the split incentive of upgrade costs to the City versus financial benefit to the tenants |
| Action | Description | Status |
Action 1 | Complete the Decarbonization of Gas Utility Study and share results of the study with City Council | |
Action 2 | Work with BP to better understand its carbon offset program, evaluate its reliability, and be able to compare its benefits to other emissions reductions actions | |
Action 3 | Consider a commitment to make Charlottesville Gas fully carbon neutral – throughout its service territory – by 2050 | |
Action 4 | Review the Gas Main Extension Policy for opportunities to align with climate action commitments | |
Action 5 | Evaluate additional funding and enhancements for energy efficiency property upgrade rebates and the CGEEP | |
Action 6 | Evaluation of a carbon fee for gas customers |
| Action | Description | Status |
Action 1 | Adopt a commitment to high-quality standards for carbon credit purchases, using the Oxford Principles for Net Zero Aligned Carbon Offsetting and Second Nature Carbon Markets & Offsets Guidance, and work with regional partners and stakeholders to develop a process to guide and evaluate potential future purchases of offsets by the City, including a method of comparison of investments in offsets to investments in local emission-reduction projects | |
Action 2 | Work regionally with partners to develop educational materials that can help community members and organizations understand carbon offsets and the associated considerations | |
Action 3 | Consider establishing an advisory group for evaluating and recommending future purchases by the City to offset operations and service activities |
Our Plan
Implementing the Plan
Implementing Charlottesville’s Community Climate Action Plan will take all of us!
The Climate Action Plan is designed to be strategic and “living”. The strategies are enduring and set us up to meet our emissions reduction goals, while the key actions are like a to-do list of items that will be completed and updated over time. Each year, Climate Program Staff publishes a climate action workplan to help the community understand what actions are currently being worked on.
As we continue to make progress towards our goals, we will provide annual updates on climate action in the community and every five years we will fully review and update the plan.
