across our community
We are highlighting the best practices from our community partners that help us create a sustainable and resilient community.
Local partnerships enhance our ability to promote new innovative industries, environmental sustainability, and better-connected communities.
So many local businesses, non-profits, and governmental partners (e.g., Carrboro and Orange County) are doing their part to make Chapel Hill a place where people thrive. Our partners enhance sustainability and resilience by strengthening environmental stewardship, which helps us achieve our community goals.
Continue scrolling to find some of the best practices taken from Chapel Hill’s partners.
How local businesses do their part
Environmental Sustainability
Many local businesses are making sustainable choices and enjoying the economic and environmental benefits. Here are some ideas from local businesses and non-profits:
Installing green roofs
Composting and recycling
Installing electric vehicle charging stations or bike racks
Updating building infrastructure that conserves energy
university of north carolina
UNC Chapel Hill is a vital partner in our journey to resiliency and sustainability. With their help, we have created one of the largest fare-free bus systems in the country, a unique Launch Program to help start-ups succeed, and more.
The University itself is doing more to create opportunities for sustainability. For example, Sustainable Carolina’s focus on climate action, water, and waste reduction promotes environmental sustainability.
Chapel hill-carrboro school system
The Chapel Hill-Carrboro School System is committed to integrating sustainability into the education system. Environmental sustainability in the schools comes everywhere, from student-initiated programs to district policies. Some programs include:
Carrboro High School’s solar panels: These were installed after students pressed for a community sustainability campaign.
CHCCS compost project: Students from elementary and middle schools are expected to divert as much as 143 tons from the local landfill. This initiative was started by the Trash Terminators 2.0 student group at Phillips Middle School.
Green Ribbon Schools Award: This national award recognizes schools that promote sustainability and environmental education.
“To serve and advance the business interests of our community and build a sustainable community where business thrives.”
The Biennial Inter-City Visit & Leadership Conference connects business owners and allows them to learn from each other about the community’s assets and how to improve their own businesses.
Leadership Chapel Hill is designed to inform and develop emerging business leaders. By understanding the problems of the community, business leaders can make decisions that address them while continuing to develop economic opportunities.
Small Business Energy Initiative is a grant program that helps businesses become more energy-efficient. It is offered through the US Department of Energy, in partnership with Duke Energy and the Institute for Market Transformation.