Climate Protection

Got questions about programs and incentives that can help you save energy and reduce your carbon footprint? We have compiled a list of resources to get you started! 

Climate Action Plan

As part of its commitment to the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, the City of Charlottesville developed a Climate Action Plan to guide the city towards its emissions reductions goals. The Plan was adopted as an amendment to the 2021 Comprehensive Plan on January 17, 2023. Now that we are moving from climate action planning into implementation, we have published our 2023 Climate Action Work Plan. This is a high-level list of the climate-related initiatives and projects the City is working on this year to move our climate goals forward. It will serve as the foundation for our annual progress updates. We also invited partners across the community to include what they are doing to advance climate action in Charlottesville.

Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions  Reduction Goal

The City of Charlottesville has adopted a citywide GHG emissions reduction goal (which includes emissions resulting from residential, commercial, industrial, and governmental activities such as powering our buildings, transportation, waste, and water/wastewater). Learn more about Charlottesville's GHG emissions.  

  • Reduce GHG emissions to 45% below 2011 levels by 2030

  • Achieve carbon neutrality by 2050

This GHG emissions reduction goal was adopted by City Council on July 1, 2019 following two public comment periods and a presentation of a draft goal. Agenda memos for City Council on May 6, 2019 and July 1, 2019 include comments and feedback from the community as well as resolutions informing the future development of a climate action plan. 

  1. Keep Updated
  2. Supporting Documents
  3. Climate Commitments

Learn More and Stay Informed!


Sign up via Notify Me to receive notices when new Climate Action updates from the City are available. Select Climate Action in the list under "News Flash".

  1. Logo for Charlottesville Acting on Climate Together

    Charlottesville Provides Funding for Public Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging

    Charlottesville looks to expand it public charging network, relaunches EV Charging Grant Program. Read on...
  2. Logo for Charlottesville Acting on Climate Together

    Resilient Together to Host Virtual Open House

    SAVE THE DATE for the Resilient Together Virtual Open House on Thursday, November 16, 6PM-7:30PM for an engaging, interesting, and informative conversation on climate protection! Read on...
  3. Cville Energy Efficiency Day

    Charlottesville Proclaims October 4 as Energy Efficiency Day

    Charlottesville joins over 1000 communities and organizations in recognizing Energy Efficiency Day Read on...
  4. Logo for Charlottesville Acting on Climate Together

    Resilient Together. One Climate. One Community.

    We are excited to announce the launch of Resilient Together, a new collaboration between Albemarle County, the City of Charlottesville, and the University of Virginia. Read on...
  5. Logo for Charlottesville Acting on Climate Together

    2023 Climate Action Work Plan Posted

    Charlottesville’s Climate Program has released the 2023 Community Climate Action Work Plan Read on...
  6. Solarize Cville 2023 (Instagram Post (Square))

    Solarize Charlottesville Campaign is Open!

    Interested in solarizing your home? Solarize Virginia has made it easier and more affordable than ever! Read on...
  7. Cover of Charlottesville&#39s Heat Mitigation and Adaptation Guidebook

    New Resource: Heat Mitigation and Adaptation Guidebook

    As summer temperatures rise in Charlottesville, learn how to stay cool. Read on...
  8. Updated Inventory News Flash

    Charlottesville Releases Updated GHG Inventories

    Charlottesville releases 2020 and 2021 Greenhouse Gas Inventory numbers Read on...
  9. Join Us & Let&#39s Talk Climate

    Acting on Climate Together – March 15, 2023

    Join us on March 15th for Acting on Climate Together! Read on...
  10. Moving Forward on Climate

    Charlottesville Climate Action Plan has officially been adopted!

    On Tuesday, January 17, City Council officially adopted the Climate Action Plan as an amendment to the City’s Comprehensive Plan. Read on...
  11. Moving Forward on Climate

    Planning Commission votes to advance the Climate Action Plan

    Last night, on Dec. 13, 2022, at a joint meeting of the Charlottesville Planning Commission and City Council, the Planning Commission voted to recommend the Charlottesville Climate Action Plan as an amendment to the City’s Comprehensive Plan. Read on...
  12. Logo for Charlottesville Acting on Climate Together

    Adopting Charlottesville's Climate Action Plan

    Charlottesville's Climate Action Plan is moving forward for proposed adoption as an amendment to the City's Comprehensive Plan. This adoption process begins with a public hearing on December 13, 2022 with the Planning Commission and City Council. Read on...
  13. Logo for Charlottesville Acting on Climate Together

    Next Steps for Charlottesville's Climate Action Plan

    Last week, Charlottesville's Climate Action Plan was presented at a City Council work session. As part of moving the Climate Action Plan forward, the City continues to seek community feedback and involvement. Input is requested by Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022 Learn more ...
  14. Logo for Charlottesville Acting on Climate Together

    Charlottesville's Climate Action Plan Available Online

    Charlottesville’s Climate Action Plan is now available online and will be presented to City Council at the Monday, October 3, 2022 work session! Read on...
  15. Climate on Council Agenda

    Climate Action Plan to be Presented to City Council - 10/03/2022

    On October 3, 2022, the Climate Action Plan will be presented to City Council at their afternoon work session. Additionally, the City's Climate Protection Program has add a new staff member! Read on...
  16. Text announcing an &#34Acting on Climate Together&#34 Community Workshop

    Upcoming Climate Action Listening Sessions & Town Hall Community Workshop

    This August: Listening Sessions to provide an intentional space for voices in our community who are not traditionally involved in climate conversations, and, a Town Hall Community Workshop for all community members to provide input on GHG reductions. Read on...
  17. Logo for Charlottesville Acting on Climate Together

    New Climate Planning Materials Available

    New materials have been posted to the City's website for the Climate Action Plan and the Climate Vulnerability Assessment! Read on...
  18. Text announcing an &#34Acting on Climate Together&#34 Community Workshop

    Community Workshop: Help Charlottesville become Climate Resilient!

    Please join the conversation on Thursday, June 9, 5 PM - 7 PM for a virtual Community Workshop to discuss the City of Charlottesville's Climate Vulnerability Assessment. Register in advance of the workshop, and the Zoom link will be sent to your email. Read on...
  19. Solarize Charlottesville Logo

    Sign Up & Learn More about Solarize Charlottesville!

    The City of Charlottesville is working with the Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP) to bring another round of Solarize Charlottesville! Learn more & register for the June 7 virtual info session at SolarizeCville.org. Campaign ends June 30! Read on...
  20. Text announcing an &#34Acting on Climate Together&#34 Community Workshop

    Save the Date: June 9, 5PM - 7PM Community Workshop on Climate Vulnerabilities

    Please plan to join us, fellow community members, and community organizations on Thursday, June 9, 5PM - 7PM for a final, virtual, Community Workshop to inform Charlottesville's Climate Vulnerability Assessment! Read on...
  21. Event Name:  Fleet of the Future, Right-Sized and Electrified, Monday, May 23, 3-5PM

    Join Us at "The Fleet of the Future: Right Sized and Electrified"

    We are excited to partner with Albemarle County, Virginia Clean Cities, and the University of Virginia for a community showcase of electric equipment. Read more for event details and activity schedule! Read on...
  22. Climate Surveys

    Reminder - Climate Surveys Still Open, through May 20th!

    There's still time to inform the City's two climate planning processes that are underway! Two climate plans - Two surveys - Open through May 20th! Read on...
  23. Climate on Council Agenda

    Climate Action at City Council Work Session on Monday, April 18

    The City's Climate Protection Program will be presenting an update and preliminary content for the City's Climate Action Plan at the City Council Work Session on Monday, April 18, 4:00 pm. Read on...
  24. 510x510 (5)

    Surveys Open for Climate Action Planning

    Surveys to inform climate action planning - both greenhouse gas reductions and climate vulnerability - are open for community input until Friday, May 20, 2022. Read on...
  25. Charlottesville GHG Inventory Pie Chart Graphic

    GHG Emissions Data Updated on the City Website

    Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) Inventories measure and track community-wide GHGs associated with activities within the City of Charlottesville's community. The City's website has been updated to make this data more accessible to the community. Read on...
  26. Logo for Charlottesville Acting on Climate Together

    Summary Report from Community/Staff Forums Available - Climate Vulnerability Assessment Process

    As part of the Climate Vulnerability Assessment Process, community members and staff considered vulnerabilities in Charlottesville's community systems. A summary report of this input is now available online. Read on...
  27. Map of 2021 Data Collection Bike & Driving Routes

    Urban Heat Island Mapping Data - Now Available!

    Data and final report from the 2021 Urban Heat Island Mapping Campaign is now available! Read on...
  28. Event Promotion Image for Climate Action Together Event on 2022-01-20

    Join us on Jan. 20 for a Climate Action Together Roundtable Discussion

    Climate change, and its associated stress on our community, is upon us. Join the City of Charlottesville, Albemarle County, and the University of Virginia on January 20 for a roundtable discussion with local leaders in key affected community systems. Read on...
  29. Text image indicating newly adopted GHG Goals (45% by 2030 and Carbon Neutral by 2050)

    Charlottesville Adopted New GHG Reduction Goals

    On July 1, 2019, City of Charlottesville's City Council adopted new greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goals informed by community input and the challenge posed by climate change, including the recent IPCC report. The new goals aim to achieve a 45% reduction Read on...
  30. Text image requesting community input on draft GHG Goals and Climate Action Plan direction

    Draft GHG Goals Open for Public Comment

    At City Council's May 6, 2019 meeting, a compilation of community comments and input were presented along with draft greenhouse gas reduction goals. Community input was used to inform support for this level of commitment and to begin informing direction Read on...
  31. Text image announcing that the City joined the Global Covenant of Mayors Commitment

    Charlottesville Recommits to Climate Action

    City Council passed a resolution on June 19, 2017 as its "Response to the Announced US Withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement". The resolution indicates continued commitment on behalf of Charlottesville to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and Read on...
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