Tree Care and Financing Energy Efficiency Event July 26th

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July 21, 2017

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In this issue:

Speak on Proposed Tree Ordinance July 25th

Metro Council invites residents to share their opinions about the proposed tree ordinance on Tuesday, July 25th. You must sign up at the Clerk's Office (City Hall, 601 W Jefferson Street, 3rd Floor) starting one hour prior to the 2-4pm special meeting in Council Chambers. Speakers will be called in order of signup and have five minutes to make comments. No signups will be taken by phone or online. Read the current version of the proposed tree ordinance


Commercial Energy Use Event July 26th

Commercial and industrial energy users are invited to attend Making Cents of Energy, a free informational seminar sponsored by LG&E to learn about:

  • Financing energy efficiency via innovative strategies (e.g., EPAD, tax credits, rebates)
  • LG&E's rate structures
  • LG&E's business solar and solar share programs
  • LG&E's electric vehicle charging station program

When - Wednesday, July 26, 2017; 8 - 11am
Where - Spalding University, 845 S 3rd Street, Room 116
Cost - FREE!

LG&E logo

Louisville has more financing options for energy efficiency projects than ever before. Many options require no up-front capital. In fact, a well-designed upgrade can provide your business a positive cash flow from energy savings while paying off the capital investment for new equipment.

This workshop will provide a broad overview of financing options for energy efficiency and sustainability projects. Coffee and breakfast will be provided.

Register nowRead the full agenda.

This event is hosted by the Louisville Energy Alliance and sponsored by LG&E.


Arborist Applications Due July 31st

The Division of Community Forestry is hiring a Community Forestry Arborist. Learn more about the position and apply here. Applications are due July 31st. 


Stay Cool and Hydrated During Hot Weather

With extreme heat indexes reaching above 100, Louisville Metro Government officials are urging residents to stay cool, hydrated and informed. Here are a few ways to withstand hot weather: 

Stay cool

  • Stay in air-conditioned buildings, including shopping malls, the Louisville Free Public libraries, and Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation’s 13 community centers, where children and teens can also get a meal through Dare to Care. 
  • Connect with Metro United Way’s 2-1-1 information and referral service to locate an air-conditioned option in your area. Call 2-1-1, visit metrounitedway.org or text your ZIP code to 898211 (TXT211). 
  • Limit outdoor activity, especially midday when it is the hottest part of the day, and avoid direct sunlight. 
  • Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing. 
  • Check on at-risk friends, family and neighbors at least twice a day. 

Stay hydrated

  • Drink from two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside. 
  • Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. 
#cool502

Louisville’s Urban Heat Island contributes to the extreme warm temperatures. Visit the Urban Heat Island Project webpage to learn more, and share how you are helping to reduce Louisville's Urban Heat at #cool502.

Read more tips on dealing with extreme heat.


Check Out these Rebates

Tree Rebate Graphic

Shade Tree Rebate

Purchase a shade* tree and receive 40% off the purchase price up to $80. TreesLouisville is partnering with the Louisville Metro Division of Community Forestry. The program is open to all residents of Jefferson County.

*Shade trees are generally medium to large sized trees that have spreading canopies (e.g., oak, maple, linden, elm), though smaller species like redbuds and serviceberries also fall under this category. Dwarf ornamental varieties will not be eligible. If you have questions about whether your tree is eligible for a rebate, email info@treeslouisville.org.

Funding is first come, first served.

Read more about how to participate.

Cool Roof Rebate

Cool Roof Example

The Office of Sustainability's Cool Roof Rebate Program is funded with $100,000 for Fiscal Year 2017. Property Owners located in Metro Council Districts 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 12, 14 and 15 will received 60% of the funding. The program aims to combat urban warming as identified in the Urban Heat Management Study. The rebate provides up to $1 per square foot of cool roof, or ENERGY STAR roofing product.

The incentive is available for new or replacement steep-slope and flat or low-sloped roofs on residential and commercial buildings. Rebates are first come, first served. Read more about the program and apply.

lawn care equipment rebates

Electric Lawn Equipment Rebate

Rebates of up to $225 are available for purchasing electric lawn care equipment.

Learn about the residential rebate program.

Learn about rebates for professional lawn care equipment.


Care for your Trees - Here's How

Louisville ordinance requires property owners to obtain a permit when planting, trimming treating or removing a tree in the public right-of-way adjacent to your property. Read more about tree permitting. Explore general information regarding trees on the Division of Community Forestry webpage

Newly planted trees

Tree Watering Guidelines

It's hot outside. Make sure you are watering your newly planted trees properly using these guidelines: 

At time of planting:  After a tree has been properly planted, it needs to be watered immediately.

Year 1:  The first year that the tree is in the ground, it needs to be watered weekly. Enough water should be applied so that the tree receives the equivalent of one (1) inch of rainfall weekly* when temperatures are in the high 70s (°F) and above. The watering schedule should start approximately in May and conclude in October as the trees enter into dormancy for the winter months.  

Year 2:  Water the tree every other week from May through October, or when temperatures are in the high 70s (°F) and above.

Year 3:  Water the tree once a month from May through October, or when temperatures are in the high 70s (°F) and above.

*If a rainfall event produces more than one (1) inch of rain, there is no need to water the tree.  Over watering can damage the tree. Watering bags are encouraged (see photo).


Save the Date - Oct 27th Sustainability Summit

Save the date

Louisville Metro's Office of Sustainability and the Louisville Sustainability Council invite you to save the date for the 2017 Sustainability Summit:

When: Friday, October 27th, 2017

More details are coming soon.


Think Twice about Releasing Balloons

There is an ordinance in Louisville prohibiting the release of "lighter than air latex rubber balloons and plastic mylar balloons." Balloons create an ecological problem when they are carried east by prevailing winds to the Atlantic Ocean. Balloons are eaten by dolphins, sea turtles, seabirds and migratory waterfowl, sometimes resulting in the death of these animals by intestinal blockage. Read Louisville Metro Ordinance 91.160.


Partner Events and More

Bernheim's Electric Vehicle Charging Station Celebration

When: Saturday July 22nd from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Where: Bernheim Welcome Center, 2075 Clermont Road in Clermont, Kentucky

Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest will celebrate the recent install of its first electric vehicle (EV) charging station this weekend. The dual pedestal EV charger, located prominently in the welcome center's parking lot, will be officially unveiled at this event. Instead of a ribbon cutting, there will be a ceremonial planting at the base of the charger to mark the occasion. The event will also feature an educational tour/hike. The charger was installed by EVolveKY.

RSVP to info@EVolveKY.org.

Call for Artists - Vision Russell Gateway Murals & Information Session

When: Monday, July 24th at 3pm
Where: Metro Development Center, 444 S 5th Street, 1st Floor

The Vision Russell team will host an information session on the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for artists to paint murals in the Russell neighborhood. Artists will be selected to design and implement mural projects on railroad overpasses and viaducts in the Russell neighborhood. Mural projects must be completed before December 2017. Project budgets will range between $20,000 and $40,000 per site. Artists or artist teams may apply. 

The submission deadline is July 31, 2017. For more information contact Louisville Metro Public Art at (502) 574-1554.

Comprehensive Plan Meetings

Work groups for Louisville Metro's Comprehensive Plan revision will begin meeting again in August. Topics include mobility, community form, community facilities, livability & environment, housing and marketplace. Work groups are where much of the analysis and public input is heard. Sign up for a work group today.

Read about the Zoo's New Recycling Program

In "Wet-Dry Recycling at the Louisville Zoo," Louisville Metro Public Works Public Education Coordinator Global Field Program student Karen Maynard describes how a new recycling model for guests and employees at the Louisville Zoo is increasing recycling rates and helping support the zoo's mission. Zoo guests and employees no longer have to choose between recycling and trash. Instead, they chose from wet waste (is compostable and includes food scraps, liquids and napkins) and dry waste (everything else except trash from bathrooms, which is considered "true trash" is taken to the landfill). By separating wet and dry waste at the source, far less trash goes into the landfill and the recovery of recyclables increases.

Get Involved

The Office of Sustainability partners with the non-profit Louisville Sustainability Council (LSC). The LSC’s mission is to engage and collaborate with the community to facilitate the achievement of Louisville’s sustainability goals. The organization works to improve health and quality of life in Louisville by catalyzing community action to promote citywide sustainability. Everyone is encouraged to learn more and get involved.

four star community rating

Louisville is rated as a 4-STAR Community for its sustainability achievements. The rating was awarded in August 2015 by STAR Communities.