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Community Climate Action
The Town’s commitment to climate action prioritizes equity by fostering a cleaner environment for all residents, particularly those in underserved areas who are disproportionately affected by climate change. This includes reducing carbon emissions while building a healthy, resilient community that is prepared to weather the irreversible impacts of climate change.
The Carrboro Connects Comprehensive Plan lays out a clear pathway to achieving the Town’s goal to reduce community greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2030.
PROGRESS:
The Green Neighborhoods Grant Program seeks to help bring neighbors together to pursue projects which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create natural areas that are more resilient to the impacts of climate change, and ultimately benefit the entire community. Funding up to $2,500 is available for neighborhood teams seeking to implement sustainable projects that align with the goals of the Town of Carrboro Climate Action Plan.
- Reducing Energy Burden for Low-Income Residents
The Town’s Housing and Community Services Department works to implement the Town’s affordable housing goals, which includes programs that fund home weatherization, critical home repairs and home preservation for low-income residents.
For more information and to apply: Housing and Community Services | Carrboro, NC - Official Website
Solarize Carrboro
In 2022 and 2023, the Town was a community partner in the highly successful Solarize the Triangle campaign. This community-based purchasing program for solar energy and battery storage helped Carrboro residents become more resilient, reduce energy expenses and save on the cost of renewable energy systems. As a result of these programs, Carrboro residents added 82 kW of solar power and 27 kW of battery power to their homes. These projects reduce the community's greenhouse gas emissions by 153,832 lbs. of CO2 annually.
This program ended in 2023 and is no longer accepting new solar projects.
SolSmart Gold
Carrboro is a SolSmart Gold community, which means that the Town has intentionally streamlined permitting, planning and zoning processes that can increase the time and money it takes to install a solar energy system. This designation sends a signal to solar companies that Carrboro is “open for solar business.”
The Green Neighborhoods Grant Program seeks to help bring neighbors together to pursue projects which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create natural areas that are more resilient to the impacts of climate change, and ultimately benefit the entire community. Funding up to $2,500 is available for neighborhood teams seeking to implement sustainable projects that align with the goals of the Town of Carrboro Climate Action Plan.
For more information, visit: Green Neighborhoods Grant
To keep the bus system free, the Town contributes funding to Chapel Hill Transit.
The Town adds and maintains sidewalks and greenways, implements traffic calming on busy streets, and encourages residents to bike or walk with programs such as Safe Routes to School, Ride with the Mayor, and Bike Month.
- Composting in Carrboro
Orange County currently offers residents the opportunity to compost their organic waste through six convenient drop-off locations. By composting, you not only help reduce waste in landfills but also contribute to the creation of nutrient-rich soil for our community.
Drop-off locations are strategically placed for accessibility, making it easy for residents to participate in composting. Whether you're a seasoned composter or just starting out, our program welcomes everyone interested in making a positive environmental impact.
To find the nearest drop-off location or learn more about our composting program, visit our dedicated webpage at Compost Drop-off
- Recycling
Orange County Solid Waste Management offers curbside recycling collection programs for residential dwellings/duplexes, multi-unit housing, and commercial entities. They also offer special drop-off recycling programs for things like batteries, cell phones, and electronics at the Waste & Recycling Centers.
WAYS YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE:
We all have a roll to play in combating climate change. The three most impactful things you can do:
1. Talk about it: Engage in conversations about climate change with friends, family, and community members to raise awareness and build collective action.
2. Work with others to identify and promote viable solutions that address climate change, such as increasing clean energy use and reducing food waste.
3. Reduce your personal carbon footprint: Make conscious choices in your daily life, such as using less energy, reducing consumption and waste, and investing in climate-friendly options.
A few ideas that hit the climate trifecta: saving money, living healthier, and helping the planet:
No Cost -
- Lower the blinds on hot, sunny days
- Wash your clothes in cold water
- Compost your food scraps at the compost drop-off station every Saturday at the Farmer’s Market
- Choose more vegetarian and vegan options
If you have a little money to spend –
- Reuse or repair items instead of replacing them
- Maintain your vehicle to improve fuel efficiency
- Replace old light bulbs with LEDs
- Invest in a low-flow showerhead
If you have a little more money to spend –
- Get a free home energy audit from Duke Energy to pinpoint projects that will save energy and implement them. Some things, like insulation and sealing air leaks or a smart thermostat, make a big difference without a huge price tag.
- There are IRA tax credits to: