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Office of Sustainability Logo

In service to and in partnership with the community, the Office of Sustainability is a resource and advocate for strategies and actions that contribute to a healthy environment and a resilient Charlottesville. Guided by stewardship, innovation, and equity, we strive to achieve community prosperity and a thriving future for all.

The Office of Sustainability collaborates with departments and partners in the community to deliver a green city. 

What Does it Mean to Be a Green City?

The City Council Vision Statement for 2025 described a vision for Charlottesville to be a Green City. 

Charlottesville citizens live in a community with a vibrant urban forest, tree-lined streets, and lush green neighborhoods. We have an extensive natural trail system, along with healthy rivers and streams. We have clean air and water, we emphasize recycling and reuse, and we minimize stormwater runoff. Our homes and buildings are sustainably designed and energy efficient.

What Is Sustainability?

Sustainability is essentially defined as being a process or a state that can be maintained at a certain level indefinitely. In other words, it means meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

A sustainable community means to work together within our community to create an attractive, clean area in which to live, and to protect the natural resources upon which all life is dependent - for example using energy and water more efficiently, managing our waste through recycling and composting, producing less waste, and reducing pollution.

Our Work

The Office of Sustainability supports a number of internal and public-facing efforts including:

View the Environmental Sustainability Division’s 2020 Program Summary.

Office of Sustainability News & Highlights

Check Out our New Climate and Sustainability Action Dashboard!

Climate Dashboard Image

Click Here to Explore our Dashboard (Link)

This dashboard showcases the progress the City has made on the goals identified within the Clime Action Plan. 

Save Water This Summer!

Utilize these summer storms to help you save water down the road by collecting rain water in a rain barrel!
Did you know that the City has a $30 Rain Barrel Rebate (for up to 2 rain barrels!)?

Submit your Rain Barrel Rebate Request Electronically (LINK)

Charlottesville Rain Barrel Rebate Form (PDF)

To Qualify for the Rebate you Must:

  • Be a home / rental property owner
  • Certify installation on a property inside City limits
  • Have a City water account in good standing
  • Provide us with a receipt for the rain barrel
  • Purchase the rain barrel after April 20, 2009
  • Rebates are funded as monies are available; once depleted no more rebates are available

Check out the Water Conservation Rebates & Incentives Page for more information. 

Rain Barrel

Additional Resources:

Government Websites by CivicPlus®
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