Sustainable Raleigh News: Volume 3, Issue 3

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CITY OF RALEIGH OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY

Economic Strength...Environmental Stewardship...Social Equity.

Raleigh 4STAR

The City of Raleigh has added another “first” to its accolades for sustainability: it is the first community in North Carolina to achieve certification through the national STAR Community Rating System (STAR), receiving a 4-STAR Community Rating.

 

STAR is a robust sustainability rating system for cities, towns and counties; communities evaluate themselves across seven goal areas related to sustainability. Ten additional communities have achieved a 4-STAR rating including Austin, TX; Tucson, AZ; and Washington, DC.

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Raleigh Union Station Groundbreaking

Breaking New Ground:
Raleigh Union Station

State and local officials recently marked the ceremonial groundbreaking for Raleigh Union Station, the passenger rail station in Downtown Raleigh, with a “strong cities” message and the celebratory  turning of soil. Scheduled to open in 2017, the new passenger rail station will replace the existing Amtrak Station on Cabarrus Street which routinely experiences overcrowding and lacks the adequate platform size to serve longer trains.

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Michael Tiemann

Nexus of Open Source + Sustainable Agriculture

What does an open source development model have in common with sustainable agriculture? It turns out quite a bit. Michael Tiemann, Red Hat Vice President of Open Source Affairs, delivered a Ted-esque talk as the City of Raleigh 2015 Environmental Awards keynote speaker, explaining the nexus through concepts such as "open source is like topsoil," The Omnivore's Dilemma and Raleigh's environmentalism and local foods leadership that's "human-friendly." Watch his speech.

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Sky

Fuel What Matters

Get where you need to go and go easy on emissions with Fuel What Matters, NC's media campaign and go-to source to learn about walking, biking, transit, fuel conservation and cleaner transportation fuels: biodiesel, electricity, ethanol, natural gas and propane. You can also learn more about greening your fleet.

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Raleigh Convention Center Solar

Raleigh a Solar Star

Raleigh has more solar panels than most major American cities, ranking 13th among dozens of metropolitan areas analyzed in a new report. The Oak City’s spot in the “solar sweet 16” is a result of a significant growth of rooftop solar in the city. “Raleigh is a star when it comes to solar power,” said Dave Rogers, director of Environment North Carolina. 

 

Solar Marketplace

EnergySage and the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center at

NC State University are partnering to help consumers and businesses make well-informed and profitable decisions about solar energy adoption through an online marketplace, potentially pairing customers and providers.

WELCOME...

to the City of Raleigh Office of Sustainability bimonthly newsletter. We hope you enjoy our news, click the links to learn more, and forward it to others who may be interested. To receive future issues, sign up for Sustainable Raleigh through MyRaleigh Subscriptions.

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RESA Winners

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

Raleigh Honors Environmental Heroes

The City of Raleigh presented its 2015 Environmental Awards on April 22, awarding honors in 12 categories to recognize local individuals and organizations demonstrating a commitment to protecting or improving the environment. In addition, the event's inaugural M&I Homes Urban Agriculture Awards rewarded 14 local urban ag initiatives with up to $1,000 to start or expand their efforts.

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Solar Energy 101

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems can generate clean, cost-effective power anywhere the sun shines. This video shows how a PV panel converts the energy of the sun into renewable electricity to power homes and businesses.

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SUSTAINABILITY FACT

Did you know? B Corps are certified businesses that meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. Today, a growing community of more than 1,000 Certified B Corps from 33 countries and 60+ industries are working together toward 1 unifying goal: redefine success in business. Learn more at this free event June 17.

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CALENDAR

JUNE

1 - UDC Talks: Celebrating Culture in the City

City of Raleigh Museum

Noon - 1:30 p.m.

 

3, 10, 17, 24 - Raleigh Downtown Farmers Market

City Plaza on Fayetteville Street

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

 

13 - Beginning Worm Composting

(preregistration required; search for class 174025)

Walnut Creek Wetland Center

10 a.m. - Noon

 

24 - Free Business Productivity Training for Small Business Owners

(preregistration required)

Solid Waste Services Facility

2 - 4 p.m.


JULY

1, 8, 15, 22, 29 - Raleigh Downtown Farmers Market

City Plaza on Fayetteville Street

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

 

3 - City Holiday

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City of Raleigh
Office of Sustainability

222 West Hargett Street #307
Raleigh, NC 27601
(919) 996-3070
Twitter @RaleighGoGreen
SustainableRaleigh@raleighnc.gov