Initiatives
In September 2006, Roanoke joined ICLEI—Local Governments for Sustainability and agreed to participate in its “Cities for Climate Protection Campaign.” ICLEI is an international association of local governments and national and regional local government organizations that have made a commitment to sustainable development. Roanoke was the first city in Virginia to sign onto this important initiative, which committed the city to reducing local emissions that contribute to global warming by addressing ICLEI’s five milestones:
- Conduct a baseline emissions inventory and forecast
- Adopt an emission reduction target for the forecast year
- Develop a Local Action Plan
- Implement policies and procedures
- Monitor and verify results
Roanoke’s local government takes an active role in environmental preservation, including the following initiatives:
The city has adopted an Urban Forestry Plan with a goal to increase the city’s tree canopy from approximately 32 percent to 40 percent over a period of 10 years. Since 2003, the city has planted approximately 2,100 new trees. In addition, the city launched its Commemorative Tree Program in 2003 allowing citizens to donate a tree in honor or memory of friends and family. Locations are available for Commemorative Trees in city parks and along city streets and greenways.
Roanoke’s residential and commercial recycling program continues to lead the way in the Roanoke Valley. During the past four years, more than 10,500 tons of would-be trash has been recycled, saving approximately $400,000 in tipping fees.
City staff has replaced and installed new energy-efficient air conditioning and heating units at Parks and Recreation, Williamson Road Library Branch, Raleigh Court Library Branch, Fire Stations #13 and #2.
City crews provided major repairs to the Jail HVAC system that should avoid at least $1 million costs previously projected by an outside contractor; and developed a method to shut down boilers during the summer at the Public Works Service Center, and the Municipal Building.
In 2006, the city initiated a lighting replacement/efficiency program to install energy-efficient lighting and motion sensors in parts of the Municipal Building.
Staff replaced a 125-gallon water heater at the Jail and a similar unit at the Municipal Building with energy-efficient water heater units.
To save water, city staff installed water-free urinals in Municipal South and the Public Works Service Center. New water-free urinals will be included in the renovation of Municipal North, the new Fire Administration Building and in the new addition to the Roanoke Civic Center.
The city is also making it a priority to purchase flex-fuel vehicles when possible; all diesel fuel purchased as of October 2006 will be ultra low sulfur diesel.
One hybrid vehicle is currently in the city’s fleet, and plans are in place to purchase more hybrids during the upcoming year.
More LED lights are used on city vehicles, particularly Police and Fire.
The city’s Fleet Management Division has implemented practices such as:
— monitoring all fuel deliveries to document the delivery and any spills that occur during the filling process, thus controlling the impact of spilled hazardous materials;
— crushing and draining oil filters, then disposing of them off-site for protection to on-site operations from contamination;
— recycling and reusing anti-freeze, instead of disposing of it; and
— recovering Freon and synthetic Freon to protect from allowing these substances into the atmosphere.
Environmental Management Systems have been put in place in the Transportation, Solid Waste, and Fleet Management divisions to monitor significant environmental impacts in the area of water conservation, engine idling, storm water maintenance, leaks from vehicles, recycling, proper disposal of hazardous wastes and spillage of fuel during fueling transfers.
More than 190 cities, towns, and counties in the United States, as well as more than 770 communities worldwide currently participate in the “Cities for Climate Protection Campaign.” Participating jurisdictions benefit by reducing pollution, cleaning up the air, and improving the quality of life for residents; they also have access to a global network of local governments that act to protect the climate through innovative and proven projects. In addition, ICLEI provides technical assistance, emissions analysis software, case studies, training workshops, publications, and other learning, networking and recognition opportunities.
In December 2006, the City of Roanoke began purchasing bio-diesel fuel as a demonstration of its continued commitment to environmental preservation. The vehicles in Roanoke’s fleet that currently use diesel, as well as Roanoke City School buses, were fueled with B-2—a blend of 100 percent bio-diesel and diesel fuel. In April 2007, the city upgraded to using B-5 bio-diesel fuel.