Mayor's Commission on Climate Change

 In 2017 Mayor Kenneth Alexander signed the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy. By signing this commitment, the city agreed to establish a plan to address climate change mitigation and adaptation. To advise the city on a Climate Action Plan, City Council unanimously established the Mayor’s Advisory Commission on Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation in 2018. The Commission is comprised of experts, advocates, residents, business, and nonprofit leaders to help craft an implementation-focused roadmap to address Norfolk’s changing climate.

The Commission focused on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to further position our city as a vibrant, resilient, healthy, and economically flourishing city. The Climate Action Plan includes strategies for the city to optimize its energy efficiency, to utilize clean renewable energy resources, and to review internal policies and practices. The Climate Action Plan was adopted by Council in 2019. 

The commission focused on targets and strategies within following goal areas in the plan:

• Renewable Energy Production: Increase usage of renewable energy
• Buildings & Energy Use/Efficiency: Increase building and operation energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption
• Transportation: Increase energy efficiency, use of clean energy, and reduce vehicle reliance
• Consumption & Waste: First reduce, then reuse, then recycle
• Food & Agriculture:  Create and promote a sustainable food system
• Engagement, Outreach, & Education: Environmental education and engagement

Norfolk Climate Action Plan