Office of Sustainability, City of Raleigh: Community Action Through Clean Energy and Urban Innovation
- Annerose Ross
- Apr 3
- 3 min read
Table of Contents
What Is the Office of Sustainability?
Why Urban Sustainability Efforts Matter
Raleigh’s Climate Action Plan: Key Goals
Programs That Power the Mission
Community Education & Clean Energy Resources
How Residents Can Engage
How Curate and Raleigh’s Values Align
Sources & Further Reading
What Is the Raleigh Office of Sustainability?
Raleigh’s Office of Sustainability, housed within the City’s Planning and Development Department, leads the charge on building a greener, more resilient city. Its work spans clean energy, carbon reduction, urban forestry, and environmental equity.
At the heart of its mission? Implementing Raleigh’s Community Climate Action Plan (CCAP), adopted to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050 and improve citywide quality of life through forward-thinking urban sustainability.
Why Urban Sustainability Efforts Matter
Cities are on the front lines of climate change, and they’re also where solutions can scale the fastest.
Over 70% of global carbon emissions come from cities [Source: UN Habitat]
Local policies affect transportation, energy, and development
Municipal programs shape how people live, commute, and consume
The Office of Sustainability creates actionable pathways for residents, businesses, and agencies to help Raleigh meet its environmental goals.
Raleigh’s Climate Action Plan: Key Goals
Raleigh’s CCAP outlines ambitious but achievable objectives, including:
80% GHG emissions reduction by 2050 (from 2007 levels)
Expand access to clean, renewable energy
Increase energy efficiency in city facilities
Improve urban heat resilience and air quality
Promote transportation alternatives like biking and EVs
These goals are measured across citywide systems — from infrastructure and energy use to community education and resiliency. Check out "Services: Climate Action and Sustainability" for all of the services offered.
Programs That Power the Mission
The Office of Sustainability leads or supports numerous programs tied to Raleigh’s climate action goals:
Residents and businesses can access clean energy through cooperative solar installations on community buildings. Check out the "Solarize the Triangle Program"!
Raleigh invests in tree canopy expansion and green stormwater infrastructure to lower heat island effects and reduce flooding risk.
City-owned buildings are being upgraded for energy efficiency, saving money and reducing emissions long-term.
The City is expanding its greenways and bike lanes, adding EV charging stations, and piloting walkable districts. (Check out their City's E-Bike Rebate Program)
Programs include composting pilots, clothing drop-offs, and efforts to create a more circular economy for municipal waste.
Community Education & Clean Energy Resources
Raleigh’s Office of Sustainability also offers tools and education to empower residents:
Free webinars and workshops on composting, energy use, and EVs
Energy-saving calculators and solar guides for homeowners
Mini-grants for local environmental projects
Environmental equity assessments to ensure community-wide access
Explore these resources here: raleighnc.gov/climate-action
How Residents Can Engage
Looking to get involved or support Raleigh’s sustainability goals?
Apply for a community grant or neighborhood tree planting
Attend a free workshop on home energy use
Ride your bike, carpool, or use EVs when possible
Advocate for sustainable development in your neighborhood
Enroll in renewable energy through local utility programs
Check out their Environmental Rewards Program
Every action, no matter how small, builds toward collective progress.
How Curate and Raleigh’s Values Align
Curate’s mission aligns closely with the work of Raleigh’s Office of Sustainability:
Our blog and platform help residents connect the dots between personal habits and global impact
We believe sustainability should feel accessible, not overwhelming, and Raleigh is showing how it’s done.
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