City of Charlottesville Has a "Green City Vision" for Fleet

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - It's no secret the City of Charlottesville works hard to call itself a "green city." Leaders have enacted countless "green" initiatives to keep the city on the cutting-edge of environmentalism, reported http://www.nbc29.com/.

Charlottesville city councilors will get an update from city staff on how certain green initiatives are working, and what else can be done to keep the green vision going.

According to Charlottesville's environmental staff, the "green city vision" doesn't just concern city councilors.

"It isn't just a very liberal, tree-hugging perspective. It's something that applies to everybody because we all have an interest in living comfortable and having resources available," said Kristel Riddervold, Charlottesville environmental administrator.

Charlottesville prides itself on its earth-friendly initiatives.

"Everything from storm water, to buying more hybrid vehicles for our city fleet, to making our city building energy efficient," said Charlottesville Mayor Dave Norris.

Currently, as the councilors and staff members revisit their vision, they're realizing even more can be done. "We're not content, we're not satisfied that we're doing enough, there's always more that we could be doing," said Norris.

"I don't think there's a thing as enough, I mean I don't think you can just check off and say yes, 2008 was great, we should just keep doing that," added Riddervold.

The city is proposing to create a Climate and Sustainability Action Plan in which Albemarle, Charlottesville and the University of Virginia would work together on emissions issues.

"We want to do things that are not only going to benefit the environment but improve the quality of life and save money," said Norris.

The Citizens Committee on Environmental Sustainability will also make recommendations to the city at an upcoming meeting. Those include a solar feasibility study as well as a safe chemical management program.

Mayor Norris says the efforts are already paying off. The city's green roof cost nearly $500,000. The roof, along with other changes in the city building, is supposed cut city hall's electric bill by 40 percent.