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Home > Public Works > Environmental
Environmental

Congratulations Harrisonburg for becoming VML Green Certified!

 

In April 2008, the Virginia Municipal League (VML) introduced the Green Government Challenge at regional Go Green Virginia forums across the Commonwealth. Forty-one (41) VML-member local governments participated in the Challenge and twenty-six (26) of them obtained the 100 points or more needed to receive certification. The City of Harrisonburg was awarded its certificate in October 2008 at VML’s annual conference.

 

Follow this link for more details on Harrisonburg's Green Initiatives and how we scored in the Green Government Challenge.

 

What is Harrisonburg Doing to be Green?

In each section, the first half of the list includes programs and projects by City of Harrisonburg (municipal operations), and the second half of the list includes programs and projects by our community.

Recycling & Waste Management:

The City provides curb side recycling services for #1 and #2 plastics, glass, metals, used motor oil, and other materials to all residents and businesses. The City also provides a monthly household hazardous waste collection site for residents. Find out more:

 

 

Transportation & Land Use:

The City of Harrisonburg's Comprehensive Plan designates areas as mixed use to promote traditional neighborhood development allowing the mix of residential, retail, and office and employment uses, as well as, having a circulation system that uses many modes of transportation. The City has a safe, reliable public transit (bus) system. Biking and walking are two other alternatives to driving a motorized vehicle. Not only do these alternatives help the environment but, they also help you stay active and save money.

 

 

Energy & Air Quality:

The City of Harrisonburg has been working to use less energy and are proud to report that it is a member of ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability. Some of our actions include: All of our traffic lights are LED, we discourage idling vehicles, we encourage turning off lights when not used, and the Harrisonburg Electric Commission uses energy efficient lighting whenever possible. Saving energy saves natural resources and saves us money.

  • ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability - City of Harrisonburg is a member.
  • Tree City USA Member since 2004.
  • School & Transit Buses use B5 (5% biodiesel)
  • Traffic Signals/Lights are low emitting diodes (LED)
  • Resource Recovery Facility is a waste to energy facility. In 2008, the RRF installed variable drive fans for increased energy efficiency.
  • Street Lights being switched to energy efficient High Pressure Sodium (88% of street lights are HPS).
  • Street lights operate by dusk to dawn sensors, only on when needed.
  • City's Public Works and Public Transit departments utilize waste oil for heating.
  • Police officers on bicycles division.
  • Harrisonburg Electric Commission

 

 

Streams & Water Quality:

The health of Blacks Run, our local stream, is in poor health. Storm water run off consisting of unhealthy levels of fecal coliform, sediment, nitrates and phosphates have led to a decrease in the ability for organisms to live in the stream. Progress has been made by our community to make the stream healthier. Notable actions the City of Harrisonburg has performed include our Annual Black's Run/ Downtown Clean Up Day, many stream bank restoration projects, construction of rain gardens and the Purcell Park Restoration Project.

 

 

Local Foods & Land Management:

Eating local is a great way to be "green". Instead of buying vegetables and fruits from across the country or from another part of the world (which creates a lot of pollution from transport), we have the opportunity to purchase many of  these same items from our local farmers. This stimulates and helps build our local economy.  

 

 

 

Other Community Initiatives and Organizations

 

Other Resources

Want to list your group here? Have comments or questions?

Contact Thanh Dang at thanhd(at)harrisonburgva.gov or (540) 434-5928

*The City of Harrisonburg provides these resources as a public service. Listing on this website does not mean that the City of Harrisonburg endorses any of the organizations or agencies or documentation referenced here. Mention of these organizations and agencies is for informational purposes only.


© 2008 City of Harrisonburg
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