Sustainability

 The Sustainability Division was created in 2023 under the Public Works Department to strengthen the City of Hendersonville’s commitment to sustainability. The division is also responsible for incorporating City Council’s goals and City Resolutions pertaining to sustainability within the organization. Our sustainability efforts are divided into five key focus areas: energy, transportation, waste management, water, and land management. These efforts are aimed at reducing our overall impact on the environment while strengthening our communities, especially those underserved to ensure we have a prosperous future now, and for generations to come.

 As stated in Resolution R-21-53, the City Council recognizes the following core values and beliefs related to sustainability that should be upheld:

• The City will evaluate the environmental sustainability of all projects and programs while maintaining a solid relationship with residential and business development;
• The City believes that it is our responsibility to protect all our natural resources and the environment through the implementation of sustainable and responsible projects;
• The City must lead by example by evaluating all city operations to ensure they protect or repair the natural environment and are environmentally sustainable; and
• The City will prioritize the protection of existing tree canopy and the development of greenspaces and parks.

 Adopted May, 2024 the Sustainability Strategic Plan outlines measurable goals and actions to reduce the City's overall impact on the environment while strengthening our communities, to ensure we have a prosperous future now, and for generations to come. This plan addresses challenges with a path forward on actionable and measurable opportunities to reduce the City’s municipal greenhouse gas emissions, GHG by 30% by 2035.

Visit the Sustainability Strategic Plan page for more information. 

 Annual Reports:

2024 Sustainability Strategic Plan Annual Report

Policies:

Listed below are the plans, assessments, and policies that guide the work of the Sustainability Division. More policies are available in each of the sidebar focus area categories found on this page.

Resolution R-24-31: Sustainable Facilities Policy

Programs:

Click on the program images below to learn more.

Water Conservation Rebate Program

Our Water Conservation Rebate Program for commercial and residential customers who take steps to reduce their overall water use through purchasing high-efficiency plumbing fixtures including toilets, dishwashers, customer side shut-off valves, and washing machines. 

Brooklyn Community Garden

The Brooklyn Community Garden is Hendersonville's first and only community garden. Located adjacent to Sullivan Park in the historic 7th Avenue district, this community garden was started in 2011 with the City recently completing an extensive expansion and revitalization effort in 2024. Those interested can apply for a garden plot which includes communal, private, children's, and ADA beds. 

Discounted Compost Bin & Rain Barrel Program

The City of Hendersonville is pleased to offer residents an opportunity to support sustainability at home through our Rain Barrel and Compost Bin Program. These tools provide simple, affordable ways to conserve water, reduce waste, and protect our environment, right from your backyard!                                                                                                                                                                              

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