Latest Sustainability News 

Durham County was selected to be a host organization for a full-time NC Climate Action Corps AmeriCorps Member to help our community address climate resilience related to urban heat! AmeriCorps Member Crystal Nowell is joining the Durham County Sustainability Team from October 2023 through September 2024 to help lead this initiative. 

Durham County, in partnership with the City of Durham and Durham Public Schools, is collaborating on the construction of a solar farm. This initiative aims to facilitate a swift and just transition of County operations to 80% renewable energy by 2030 and ultimately achieve 100% by 2050. Upon the farm's completion in 2025, the project is expected to supply 75% of the electricity consumed in County operations.

What We Do 

The mission of the Durham County Sustainability Office is to provide guidance, resources, and programs to County employees, businesses, and residents to protect and improve the environment in a just and equitable way.

The County Sustainability Office works with County employees to enhance how governmental operations by developing policies, providing education to staff, and promoting environmentally responsible leadership principles. Additionally, the Sustainability Office works with community members and organizations to enhance sustainable living through promoting and providing programs, educational resources, trainings, policy engagement, and technical assistance.

The main task of the County Sustainability Office is implementing Durham’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Plan. This plan, adopted in 2007, sets ambitious goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by government and the community by 2030. Learn more about Durham's progress in meeting these goals in the 2022 Greenhouse Gas Reduction Update. 

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.

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