The actions you and your family take at home can make a difference and help RVAgreen 2050 create an equitable, healthy, resilient community!

Buildings & Energy

• Track your household energy consumption.

• Learn about income- and age-qualifying home weatherization programs from Viridiant and Project:HOMES. 

• Lower your home electricity bill.

• Save money through energy conservation measures.

• Save on lighting with energy efficient bulbs - LEDs and compact fluorescents (CFLs) are cheaper to light and they last a lot longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.

• Control phantom loads - appliances and electronics that use energy when powered off but still plugged in.

• Install a programmable thermostat.

• Get rid of extra refrigerators or freezers that constantly draw electricity.

• Turn off electronic devices and powerstrips when not in use.

• Set your hot water heater thermostat no higher than 120°F and insulate the hot water tank.

• Purchase Energy Star rated high-efficiency appliances and products.

• The city offers partial abatement of real estate taxes for qualifying rehabilitated or replacement structures.

• Enroll your home in Dominion Energy Green Power.

• Provide environmentally friendly heat for household water and heating with solar.

• Learn about income- and age-qualifying home weatherization.

• Consider installing solar on your home:

  • Learn more about solar options for your home (click on the "Solar" tab at the top of the page)

  • Learn about solar financing options and incentives for your home (click on the "Solar" tab at the top of the page)

• Use this free Low-Income Internet Guide to learn about cost-effective internet options and how to qualify for assistance programs.

Transportation & Mobility

• Take Richmond's new bike share.

• Ride public transit with GRTC - the new GRTC Pulse bus rapid transit system is up and running!

• Use your GRTC Unlimited Ride Pass to receive discounts at participating merchants.

• Earn rewards with RideFinders when you walk, bike, carpool, or take transit.

• Determine your fuel use and look for ways to save.

• Learn about the City of Richmond’s Vision Zero Plan for safe and equitable mobility.

• Read Richmond’s multi-modal transportation plan, Richmond Connects.

• Determine if an electric vehicle is right for you and check out these resources from Dominion Energy Virginia:

  • Savings Calculator

  • Commute Calculator

  • CO2 Reduction Calculator

  • EV Model Basic Information

• Find electric vehicle charging stations by entering your destination here using this map from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center

• Look for Federal incentives on alternative fuel vehicles here and check here for Virginia specific information. All information provided by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center

Waste

• Reduce, Reuse, Refuse, Recycle! The best way to reduce waste is to not create it in the first place. The next time you are offered disposable utensils, food or drink containers, or bags while eating out or shopping, say, “no thanks!” and bring your own reusable items!

• Recycle curbside and earn rewards!

• Find out how much trash you throw away.

• Go paperless at home and at work.

• E-cycle your old electronics. 

• Shop at Farmer’s Markets - you’ll support local farmers, eat seasonal which is healthier for you and the environment.

• Compost at home to reduce waste and produce rich soil for your home garden.

• Drink clean, great tasting city tap water to cut down on plastic waste and save money.

• Reuse leftover materials and support upcycling by shopping at local flea markets.

• Donate clothes to your local thrift store or a charitable organization.

• Buy clothes and home goods second-hand! Learn about the environmental and social impact of a single cotton t-shirt.

Environment & Climate Resilience  

• Prepare for increased rainfall and flood risk conditions.

• Learn about RVA H2O, a City of Richmond program designed to reduce pollution, decrease flooding, and keep our waters fishable and swimmable.

• Receive a stormwater credit by installing control measures such as a rain garden, vegetated filtered strips or stormwater storage.

• Reduce the amount of water you use at home:

  • Look for the WaterSense logo to use water saving devices like low-flow water fixtures, faucets and toilets.

  • Cut back on high-water use foods.  

• Consider planting trees on your property to enhance the urban tree canopy.

• Help protect the James River by becoming a River Hero Home.

• See how much hotter your hometown is than when you were born.

• Create a Certified Wildlife Habitat right in your backyard.

• Learn what you can do to reduce urban heat islands.

• Do a climate check to find your home's risk from climate change.

• Find your home's flood risk.