City Sustainability Goals

Go Green - Winston-Salem - Sustainability Today and Tomorrow

Sustainability Goals identified by Legacy 2030 include:

  • Chapter 7, Objective 3: Environmentally Sensitive and Sustainable Development - Develop and redevelop land in a manner that will meet our future needs while protecting our natural areas and resources. Low-impact development and the LEED program are examples of ways in which we can achieve this goal.
  • Chapter 7, Objective 5: Energy conservation, Efficiency and Alternatives - Increase energy conservation and efficiency in all sectors of development to promote a sustainable energy future. Our community can move towards accomplishing this goal by using renewable energy resources such as solar, using more alternative fuel vehicles, and reducing overall energy use as individuals and a community.
  • Chapter 7, Objective 8: Environmental Regulations - Encourage the creation and enforcement of science-based and cost effective environmental regulations at a city and county level.
  • Chapter 7, Objective 9: Environmental and Sustainability Awareness - Increase community understanding of the area's natural systems and related environmental and sustainability issues. In order to do this, it is recommended that the city keep an open dialogue with citizens related to environmental issues as well as continuing to promote environmental programs such as Community Roots Day and Big Sweep.

Goals identified in Resolution #20-0499 Approving a Goal of 100% Clean Renewable Energy by 2050 and Creation of Green Jobs:

  • Incorporate energy conservation measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions for buildings and vehicle fleets where feasible with a target of 40% reduction by 2025
  • Strive to utilize 50% clean and renewable energy for its buildings and vehicle fleets where feasible by 2030, with a complete transition to 100% clean and renewable in all city operations by 2050
  • Develop programs to assist vulnerable communities in reducing their energy costs and increasing their neighborhoods' environmental quality of living
  • Promote green job training, job creation, and economic growth