Sustain Louisville September Newsletter

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September 30, 2021

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In this issue:

Celebrate Drive Electric Week with our Virtual Electric Fleet Showcase

EV Fleet Showcase Promo Image

Get plugged into electric fleet solutions!

Tomorrow, October 1 at 10:30 a.m., join local organizations who are on a journey to drive clean in Louisville. Hear their success stories, learn about local resources, and ask a panel about how they are transitioning their fleets to green vehicles. Register at tinyurl.com/EVFleets.

Find other National Drive Electric Week events at DriveElectricWeek.org!


Parkland Plaza Groundbreaking Ceremony

Parkland Plaza Mayor Fischer

Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer, community partners and Parkland residents gathered last Saturday, September 25, for a ceremonial groundbreaking for Parkland Plaza, a new community-designed public space in the heart of the Parkland neighborhood.

Community members are working together to transform a vacant and underutilized asphalt parking lot. Construction will begin in mid-October to create a green oasis that will serve as a community venue and green space, and an additional lot that will be transformed into a natural playground.

“Parkland Plaza is the perfect example of community coming together to create something beautiful and functional for the benefit of all Louisvillians, and particularly Parkland residents. This project would not be possible without the residents of the Parkland neighborhood and our many fantastic nonprofit and private partners,” said Mayor Fischer. “I want to thank everyone who has been involved in the creation of Parkland Plaza for their hard work.” Learn more about the project at ParklandPlaza.com


Google Launches Tree Canopy Insights

Google Tree Canopy Inights

Louisville Metro Government is proud to partner with Google to launch the AI-powered Tree Canopy Insights to pinpoint where we need to plant more trees in Louisville. This real-time data will be critical to helping us make progress towards tackling the devastating effects of climate change. Access the tool at insights.sustainability.google/labs/treecanopy.

Learn more about how Louisville and other cities are using these insights to target tree canopy efforts and build climate resilience.


New Grant Available for Electric Lawn Equipment

Lawn Care for Cleaner Air Logo

Louisville Metro Air Pollution Control District is pleased to announce the inaugural Lawn Care for Cleaner Air Community Equipment Grant Program! The grant will award a package of brand-new professional-grade electric lawn equipment to a local nonprofit organization. 

The package of equipment is valued at $1,256 and includes an electric mower, trimmer, blower, and extra rechargeable battery that powers all three tools. In addition to providing brand-new equipment to an organization that needs it, the grant also aims to expand and encourage the usage of electric-powered lawn equipment.

“Last year, I and our Metro Council committed to 100% clean energy community-wide by 2040. This grant aligns with that goal, and I thank our Air Pollution Control District for their efforts to improve the air we breathe and the health of all our residents,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. Apply by October 31.


Keynote Speaker Announced for Louisville Sustainability Summit

Image of Sustainability Summit Keynote Jasmine Crowe

The Louisville Sustainability Council is pleased to announce that the Keynote Speaker for the 8th annual Louisville Sustainability Summit is Jasmine Crowe!

Jasmine Crowe is an award-winning social entrepreneur working to make the world a better place. In 2017, after years of feeding people experiencing homelessness from her own kitchen, she launched Goodr, a sustainable waste management company that leverages technology to combat hunger and reduce food waste.

Don't miss Jasmine's keynote presentation on November 10! Register at louisvillesustainabilitycouncil.org/summit.


ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager Training

PM Training

The Louisville Energy Alliance is excited to offer a free training opportunity to assist local property owners and managers to start their energy efficiency journey. In the Portfolio Manager Training three-part series, participants will learn everything from the basics of entering building and energy data into the software to the more advanced functions of setting goals and targets for their energy improvements. Technical experts will be on-site to assist.

The final 2 sessions will be October 8 and 22 at 8:30 a.m. Register at tinyurl.com/PMTrainingLEA.


Upcoming Events

10/1: Energy Democracy & Utility Regulation

Energy Democracy PSC Workshop

How can Kentuckians promote renewable energy and support a just transition? The Public Service Commission (PSC) makes important decisions every day about our energy and water systems: everything from regulating monopoly utilities and setting rates to overseeing planning for the future. At the Energy Democracy Workshop on October 1 at 12:00 p.m., learn how the PSC works and how you can play a role in ensuring it on is a voice for the public!

10/23: Louisville Earth Walk

Louisville Earth Walk

Louisville Metro Office of Advanced Planning & Sustainability is proud to sponsor the 5th Annual Louisville Earth Walk on Saturday, October 23. There are two free registration options: in-person at Cherokee Park and a virtual option that allows you to participate from wherever you are. Register and donate at LouisvilleEarthWalk.org. Support our local nonprofits protecting our environment!

10/23: Green Heart Tree Planting

Green Heart Tree Planting

Louisville Grows needs YOU to join the tree planting team on Saturday, October 23! Help work toward the Green Heart Project, the first clinical trial to test if increasing green space and infrastructure in a neighborhood improves human health and air quality. No tree planting experience is necessary! See COVID safety protocols and sign up at www.tinyurl.com/GHoct2021

10/12 and 10/30: FREE Tree Giveaway

Tree Overload

No tricks, only TREEts this October! TreesLouisville is distributing 500 trees through TWO tree giveaways. On October 12, they will be at the Parkland Plaza distributing trees ONLY to residents living in Districts 1-6. On October 30, they will be at Shawnee Park handing out 400 trees to all Louisville residents! Follow TreesLouisville to learn more.


Recommended Resource

Climate Solutions at Work

Climate Solutions at Work

Project Drawdown’s Drawdown Labs has released a new report, Climate Solutions at Work, to guide employees looking to improve their organizations’ efforts on climate action as well as organizations that want to get more employees involved in climate solutions. This employee-focused tool is helpful for anyone looking to make the most of their roles and identify opportunities within their organizations to increase momentum towards climate solutions. Download the report.

Learn more about Project Drawdown's overall framework for global climate solutions here.

leed for cities

Louisville is rated as a LEED City for its sustainability achievements. The rating was awarded in November 2018 by U.S. Green Building Council when the STAR Community Rating System was fully integrated into LEED for Cities and Communities certification programs.