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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:
Here are a few of the ways the County and City are working to make our community more sustainable:
Renewable Energy
We are currently accepting applications for the SolarizeDurham program, part of Solarize the Triangle. We are pooling people who want to put solar systems on their houses, businesses, and non-profits to get prices that are 25% less than what you would pay on your own. You can even add battery storage! Find out more and apply for a free, no-obligation assessment!
Energy Conservation
Neighborhood Improvement Services offers free home energy savings workshops. Residents learn how energy is used and wasted in homes and things they can do to save energy and lower their bills.
Our partner, GoTriangle (Formerly Triangle Transit), offers incentives for alternative commuting (bus, carpool, vanpool, walking, biking) through the GoPerks program.
Pete Street
Pete Street is a neighbor-to-neighbor energy education and savings program developed by Clean Energy Durham. According to the UNC Environmental Finance Center, residents who attended neighborhood Pete Street Hands-On Workshops use an average of 17.5% less energy than residents that don't participate. If you are interested in implementing Pete Street in your own community, contact us and we will provide you with a complete set of materials you need including training manuals and materials.Transportation
The Durham Station Transportation Center links area bus, bike and rail transportation. In 2006, the City passed comprehensive bicycle and pedestrian plans, and the Durham Bike+Walk Implementation Plan in 2017, which map the road to healthier, more sustainable transportation. Both the City and County offer free electric vehicle charging stations throughout Durham that can be found through the Chargepoint system.Our partner, GoTriangle (Formerly Triangle Transit), offers incentives for alternative commuting (bus, carpool, vanpool, walking, biking) through the GoPerks program.
Water
Water Management 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).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.Ways to Get Involved