Community Resources
The Sustainability Office organizes community education and outreach initiatives to enhance sustainability throughout Durham’s community, including presentations on sustainability and greenhouse gas emissions.
Here are a few of the ways the County and City are working to make our community more sustainable:
Renewable Energy
Durham County and the City of Durham have partnered with Central Pines Regional Council, Yes Solar Solutions, and Durham Community Land Trust on a pilot program to install no-cost solar energy systems on homes with residents meeting low-income criteria. As of June 2025, the County has installed solar for 18 homes! Check back soon for more successes on this project.
Learn more: Going Solar ☀️
Energy Burden & Emissions Reduction Program (EBERP)
The Energy Burden & Emissions Reduction Program (EBERP) is dedicated to lowering energy costs and enhancing home efficiency across Durham, Granville, and Orange County neighborhoods. Through neighborhood-driven energy upgrades, we’re making homes more efficient while also offering educational workshops and workforce training to build skills and create new opportunities.
Learn more: EBERP ⚡
Water
Protecting our water starts with responsible stormwater management and erosion control. Durham County's Stormwater and Erosion Control Division ensures clean and healthy watersheds through numerous programs, including:
- Erosion Control Program
- Stormwater Program
- Stormwater Utility Fee
Additionally, the City of Durham Water Management Department offers a $100 rebate to residents who install water-efficient toilets. The County Soil and Water Conservation District has rain barrels for sale (as well as wildflower seeds and boxes for birds and bats).
Transportation
Durham County is working to improve alternative transportation options including buses, biking, and walking. Find out more at the County Transportation Department.
A new Durham County Transit Plan was adopted in June 2023 and the 2017 Durham Bike+Walk Implementation Plan is currently being updated. Find out more about the update and how you can get involved.
Both the City and County offer free electric vehicle charging stations throughout Durham that can be found through PlugShare.
Our partner, GoTriangle, offers incentives for alternative commuting (bus, carpool, vanpool, walking, biking) through the GoPerks program.
Open Space
The Open Space and Trails Commission has offered a 20-year series of matching grants for projects in the community, facilitating playground construction, park land purchases, trail building, gardens, and other initiatives.
Beautification
Keep Durham Beautiful has opportunities for people and organizations to adopt trees, streams, parks, streets, and more. They also offer small grants for beautification projects.
