How is Richmond going green?

If you’re concerned about your carbon footprint, Richmond, Virginia, may be the right city for you. Real estate in Richmond is affordable and located in an area run by officials and businesses doing their part to increase local sustainability.

According to the City of Richmond website, Mayor Dwight C. Jones and his administration are working to improve Richmond’s sustainability to better ensure that citizens’ quality of life is as high as possible. The mayor’s plan focuses on improving five key points, which include economic development, energy, environment, open space and land use and transportation.

Here are two green projects in Richmond:

1. The City of Richmond Green Alley Program. Over 100 alleys have been transformed into green spaces since the inception of this program in 2006. Benefits of the repurposed alleys include the reduction of stormwater runoff, reduced stress on the sewer system, filtered silt and pollutants and reduced heat.   

2. The Green Roof. The roof of the Richmond Department of Public Utilities’ (DPU) Wastewater Treatment Plant has been covered in green. Vegetation was planted in fall of 2010 to increase energy savings by insulating the buildings, reducing noise levels, providing a habitat for local wildlife and catching storm water.