Nominate Environmental Heroes

If you know an individual or organization that has demonstrated a commitment to the environment, nominate them for a City of Raleigh Environmental Award.

Beginning December 2, Raleigh will accept nominations for the 2015 Environmental Awards to recognize those who are accomplishing outstanding work in environmental stewardship in our community. Awards are given in 12 categories, including the Raleigh Environmental Stewardship Award (RESA) and the Emerging Professional video Public Service Announcement awards for high school and college students.

Nomination application forms are available online at the City’s website or by calling the Raleigh Office of Sustainability at (919) 996-3070. 

Raleigh Ready for Winter Weather “Winter will be colder and drier than normal. The snowiest periods will be in early and mid-January." This frigid weather prediction for Raleigh is featured on The Old Farmer’s Almanac website. Not to worry, the City of Raleigh is already prepared for any snow or ice that falls our way. City crews have readied snow equipment, stored salt and salt brine, and made detailed plans for moving and removing snow and/or ice. “When a winter storm arises, we will activate our emergency inclement weather plan to clear roads and bridges of snow or ice and make conditions as safe as possible for citizens,” says City Manager Ruffin Hall. The City encourages residents who live or work in Raleigh to review their own emergency inclement weather plans.

Fuel & Fleet Transformation Plan Moves Forward In 2012 the Raleigh City Council approved the Office of Sustainability to develop a strategy/plan to reduce fossil fuel emissions and increase fuel efficiency within the municipal fleet. The plan also includes creating a fleet management program that examines the full lifecycle of vehicles, determining when it is best to retire, repair, or replace vehicles in favor of cleaner, more efficient options. This strategy involves understanding the average life, emissions factors, cost of a new vehicle over its lifecycle, and appropriate time for vehicle replacement for optimal efficiency. Energetics Incorporated was selected to conduct the fuel/fleet transformation study, and the completed report is expected in the first quarter of 2015.

Raleigh Forms Waste Reduction Task Force Raleigh City Council recently approved the development of an advisory task force to make recommendations to the City Council and City staff on waste reduction. The taskforce will advise on goals and implementation strategies, as well as suggest guiding principles. The principles will be developed with consideration of social equity, environmental impacts and fiscal impacts on the City of Raleigh and customers.

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.

PHOTO OF THE MONTH
Raleigh's EV Evolution in the Spotlight

The City of Raleigh’s electric vehicle infrastructure evolution and policy development have received positive reviews in local, national and international publications. Now, a case study documenting our role and successes in leading the way for plug-in and electric vehicle (PEV) adoption across the country is featured on the Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) website.

Seasonal Programs Underway

Grease Collection - Raleigh residents and places of worship can dispose of used cooking oil at no charge by placing it on the curb and calling the City’s Solid Waste Services Dept., (919) 996-6890, to arrange for pick-up now through January 15, 2015.

Seasonal Leaf Collection – Raleigh Public Works crews will collect loose leaves throughout the City at no additional cost to residential neighborhoods. Residents can check this schedule to determine when crews will be in their area. Crews will make one pass through each neighborhood prior to Christmas and a second pass after January 1. The service ends February 13.

Car Crashes vs. Emissions

Quick…

which are you more likely to die from: a car crash or car emissions?

If you are like most people, your gut screamed car crash. However, a recent study shows this question is not so easily answered, and the answer raises important new questions.

SUSTAINABILITY FACTS

· Americans throw away about 25% more trash between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. (Source: EPA)

· When decorating for the season use Energy Star energy efficient lighting such as LED outdoor holiday lights; they require 1/50th of the electricity of conventional lights and last 20-30 years. (Source: EPA)

DECEMBER

2 - Environmental Awards Nominations Open

City of Raleigh Office of Sustainability

(919) 996-3070

24-25 - City Holiday

Christmas

JANUARY

1 - City Holiday

New Year's Day

15 - Final Day of Grease Collection

(919) 996-6890

19 - City Holiday

Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday

City of Raleigh

Office of Sustainability

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