Last week, Mayor Greg Fischer joined with a national network of advocates, companies, government agencies, and utilities by proclaiming Wednesday, October 7th as Energy Efficiency Day in Louisville, drawing attention to the global climate crisis and its unequal impact on communities of color. Energy efficiency continues to be the cheapest, quickest, and cleanest way to reduce our utility costs, and it is essential to meeting Louisville's emissions reduction, renewable energy, and air quality goals.
To view a video message from the Mayor about Energy Efficiency Day, click here.
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Since 2007, the Louisville Energy Alliance (LEA) has challenged local Louisville businesses and organizations to increase their energy efficiency through the Kilowatt Crackdown. This year, the LEA has partnered with the Louisville Sustainability Council to present the 2020 Kilowatt Crackdown Awards during their virtual October Green Convene.
On Thursday, Oct. 15th from 11:30am - 1pm, the LEA will celebrate buildings owners and businesses who’ve moved the needle on energy efficiency. Buildings in Louisville that have made the most energy efficiency improvements in the last year will receive a Kilowatt Crackdown Award. In addition, there will be an informative panel discussion where experts will elaborate on the benefits of their energy efficiency improvements.
To register for FREE, click here.
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The Office of Advanced Planning and Sustainability's Cool Roof Rebate Program still has funding available for properties located in targeted high-heat areas, including Metro Council Districts 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 12, 14 and 15. The program aims to combat urban warming and reduce cooling costs for districts significantly impacted by Louisville's urban heat island. The rebate provides up to $1 per square foot of cool roof that is installed with an ENERGY STAR roofing product. Rebates are available for both residential and commercial buildings and offered on a first come, first serve basis.
Curious where previous cool roof installations have taken place in Louisville? Check out this new ArcGIS dashboard to find out more.
Know Waste Louisville Webinar Series
Louisville Metro's Waste Management District is continuing its "Know Waste" virtual webinar series to educate residents on recycling, food waste reduction, and reusing and repurposing products. Webinars will be offered every Thursday at 3pm from October 22nd to November 19th. To register, click here.
 Louisville Earth Walk
The Louisville Earth Walk, a non-competitive community event including a live 5k walk, at-home participation and virtual programming, is moving to Cherokee Park for its fourth year on Saturday, October 24th, 2020.
We invite you to join in support of a city-wide vision where every neighborhood has safe and clean water, air, and soil. This family-friendly event will celebrate our beautiful planet while raising both awareness and funds for the wonderful organizations in our city that work to protect and improve the quality of life for all of us.
For more information on how to register, click here.
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Louisville Sustainability Summit
The Louisville Sustainability Council has officially announced the agenda for the 2020 annual Louisville Sustainability Summit! Taking place virtually on November 14th from 12-4pm, the summit will focus on the theme: "Climate Crossroads: the Intersections of Climate and Social Justice."
This year, you will have the opportunity to hear from internationally-recognized climate justice leader Elizabeth Yeampierre, as well as a panel of local, regional, and national speakers with diverse backgrounds to speak about issues of race, health, and equity in relation to climate change.
To check out the full lineup of speakers and register for your ticket, click here.
Ohio Valley Mayors Aim For A Green Recovery Amid Coronavirus And Climate Change
In this article published by Ohio Valley ReSource, reporter Sydney Boles covers how Ohio Valley mayors are integrating sustainability into their economic recoveries amid the coronavirus pandemic, despite being in states that have disadvantaged renewable energy.
In one of the interviews, Louisville's brownfields program manager, Allison Smith, explains that "we don’t have the luxury of putting climate change on the back burner.” If we are going to rebuild our economies, we must do so in a way that is sustainable and resilient to future shocks.
To read the full article, click here.
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TARC Gets Millions from State Lawsuit to Replace 45 Buses with More Fuel-Efficient Ones
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Governor Andy Beshear recently announced that the Transit Authority of River City (TARC) will receive $4.7 million from the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust to replace 45 buses with ones that emit less and are better for Louisville's air quality.
To read more, click here.
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ACEEE Scorecard Report
The American Council for a Clean Energy Economy (ACEEE) just released its 2020 Clean Energy Scorecard Report, which analyzes the efforts of 100 major U.S. cities to make buildings and transportation more energy efficient and scale up the use of renewable energy. The report provides the most comprehensive national measuring stick for climate progress, as well a roadmap for future improvements.
This year, Louisville was ranked #48/100 and was highlighted for its achievements in the community-wide initiatives category. To view Louisville's summary Scorecard and other city fact sheets, click here.
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