Sustainability Guide

The following plans are pivotal to shaping the future of Richmond. Each initiative aims to enhance our community's growth, sustainability, and quality of life. Click the links below to learn more about these exciting developments

Richmond 300-  The city-wide master plan that aims to prioritize equitable and sustainable growth in Richmond, Virginia, over the next 20 years. With a focus on environmental justice, walkability, and economic growth, the plan outlines six "Big Moves" to guide the implementation of its ambitious vision:

• Re-write the Zoning Ordinance

• Re-Imagine Priority Growth Nodes

• Expand Housing Opportunities

• Provide Greenways & Parks for All

• Reconnect the City

• Realign City Facilities

• Links to Master Plan & Other Plans

  • Oak Grove/Hillside/Bellemeade Community Plan

  • Cultural Heritage Stewardship Plan

  • Jackson Ward

  • City Center

  • Pulse Corridor Plan

  • Riverfront Plan

  • Downtown Plan

  • Hull Street Corridor Revitalization Plan

  • Shockoe Small Area Plan

  • VUU/Chamberlayne Neighborhood Plan

RVA Clean Water Plan (RVAH20) - From 2013 to 2017, a group of nearly 50 active stakeholders – water experts from government agencies, local educational institutions like Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Richmond, and regional non-profits – met regularly to discuss and shape the future of Richmond’s watersheds. During this time, we also held public community meetings and forums to gather input from Richmond’s citizens.

Richmond Connects -  Richmond Connects is about moving the City’s Equity Agenda forward.  It’s about empowering communities that have experienced past injustices by removing barriers to access and opportunity. The Path to Equity Policy Guide established 3 guiding principles and 10 equity factors, which will guide the Richmond Connects process. Richmond Connects is elevating voices of people and communities who have been harmed by past injustices, including low-income neighborhoods and those with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color residents.

RVAgreen 2050: Climate Equity Action Plan 2030 - is an equity-centered, community based, integrated climate action and climate resilience plan. It is a roadmap that lays out how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 45% by 2030, achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and help the community adapt to Richmond’s climate impacts of extreme heat, precipitation, and flooding. You can also click here to utilize the Climate Equity Index. 

Richmond INSPIRE (Imagining Neighborhood-Shaping Parks and Inclusive Recreation Experiences - It is a long-term community-directed roadmap that informs decision-making for the entire Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities (PRCF) department. 

The final plan will be a tool used by PRCF and the community to understand how to have meaningful, positive impact on the parks and recreation system.

Diamond District - The City of Richmond is seeking to redevelop 67.57 acres of under-developed, publicly-owned property along the I-95 east coast corridor into a mixed-use, mixed-income entertainment destination. The City has been preparing for a redevelopment of this strategic site for a number of years and, in the process, has relocated city functions, demolished buildings, and remediated the site except the baseball stadium and the Arthur Ashe Junior Athletic Center.

The Shockoe Project- Formerly The Enslaved African Heritage Campus, The Shockoe Project will create a comprehensive, experiential destination that places Richmond at the center of the American story by recognizing the history of enslaved and free Africans and people of African descent.  Anticipated components of The Shockoe Project include new indoor and outdoor programmed experiences including an Interpretive Center located on the north end of the first floor of the Main Street Station and site selection recommendations for a National Slavery Museum experience.  

James River Park System Master Plan - A plan for the protection, access, and enhancement of. Richmond's premier asset.

Vision Zero Network - Vision Zero is a multidisciplinary global strategy to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries, while increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all. First implemented in Sweden in the 1990s, Vision Zero has proved successful across Europe — and now it’s gaining momentum in major American cities.

Fall Line Trail - The Fall Line is a world-class, paved multi-use trail in Central Virginia that promises to transform the region for active transportation, connecting communities, and economic development. Originally named the Ashland to Petersburg Trail, this 43-mile trail traverses seven localities and two planning districts in a region of 1.3 million people.

The following books and podcasts offer diverse perspectives on sustainability and climate change, and environmental justice ranging from scientific analyses to societal implications and solutions. Reading these foundational works can deepen understanding and inspire action towards a more sustainable and resilient future. 

Sustainability

• “Our Common Future" (1987) by the World Commission on Environment and Development (WCD) - Also known as the Brundtland Report, this seminal publication introduced the concept of sustainable development and its importance for global well-being. 

• "Silent Spring" (1962) by Rachel Carson - Although focused primarily on environmental conservation and the impacts of pesticides, this book played a crucial role in raising awareness about the interconnectedness of human activities with nature and the need for sustainability. 

• "The Ecology of Commerce" (1993) by Paul Hawken - Hawken explores the relationship between business, sustainability, and environmental responsibility, advocating for a shift towards more sustainable practices in commerce. 

• "Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things" (2002) by William McDonough and Michael Braungart - This book presents a vision for a circular economy where products are designed to be reused or recycled indefinitely, minimizing waste and environmental impact. 

• "Limits to Growth: The 30-Year Update" (2004) by Donella H. Meadows, Jorgen Randers, and Dennis L. Meadows - Building on the original "Limits to Growth" report from 1972, this updated edition explores the implications of resource depletion, population growth, and environmental degradation for sustainability. 

• “Braiding Sweetgrass” (2013) by Robin Wall Kimmerer Braiding Sweetgrass explores reciprocal relationships between humans and the land, with a focus on the role of plants and botany in both Native American and Western European traditions.

Climate Change

• "The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History" (2014) by Elizabeth Kolbert - Kolbert examines the impact of human activities, including climate change, on biodiversity and ecosystems, highlighting the urgency of addressing environmental challenges. 

• "This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. The Climate" (2014) by Naomi Klein - Klein explores the relationship between climate change and economic systems, arguing that addressing climate change requires fundamental changes to our economic and political structures. 

• "The Uninhabitable Earth: Life After Warming" (2019) by David Wallace-Wells - This book provides a sobering look at the potential consequences of unchecked climate change, urging readers to confront the realities of a warming planet and take meaningful action. 

• "Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming" (2017) edited by Paul Hawken - Drawdown presents a comprehensive analysis of solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reverse climate change, offering practical strategies for individuals, communities, and policymakers. 

• "Climate Changed: A Personal Journey through the Science" (2014) by Philippe Squarzoni - Combining personal narrative with scientific research, this graphic novel offers a compelling exploration of climate change and its impacts on ecosystems and societies. 

Environmental Justice 

• "Dumping in Dixie: Race, Class, and Environmental Quality" (1990) by Robert D. Bullard - This book is considered one of the foundational works in the field of environmental justice. Bullard examines the disproportionate siting of hazardous waste facilities in African American communities and highlights the intersection of race, class, and environmental health. 

• "Toxic Communities: Environmental Racism, Industrial Pollution, and Residential Mobility" (2014) by Dorceta E. Taylor - Taylor investigates the environmental inequalities faced by marginalized communities in the United States, examining the historical and systemic factors that contribute to environmental racism. 

• "The Quest for Environmental Justice: Human Rights and the Politics of Pollution" (2005) edited by Robert D. Bullard - This anthology brings together essays by leading scholars and activists on environmental justice issues worldwide, providing a comprehensive overview of the movement and its goals. 

• "Rooted in the Earth: Reclaiming the African American Environmental Heritage" (2010) by Dianne D. Glave - Glave explores the environmental history of African Americans and their contributions to environmentalism, challenging stereotypes and highlighting diverse perspectives on nature and conservation. 

Podcasts that focus on sustainability, climate change, and environmental justice 

• How to Save a Planet - Hosted by journalist Alex Blumberg and scientist Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, this podcast delves into various topics around climate change and actionable solutions. 

• The Energy Gang - A roundtable discussion featuring energy experts who discuss the latest in energy, cleantech, and the environment. 

• Outrage + Optimism - Hosted by Christiana Figueres, Tom Rivett-Carnac, and Paul Dickinson, this podcast explores the challenges and opportunities in tackling climate change. 

• Sustainababble - A light-hearted take on sustainability issues, hosted by Ol and Dave, who humorously tackle the green movement's ups and downs. 

• Living on Earth - Hosted by Steve Curwood, this show offers in-depth coverage of environmental news and issues. 

• Warm Regards - This podcast from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) features conversations with experts about weather, water, and climate. 

• Environmental Justice Now - This podcast discusses the struggles and triumphs in the fight for environmental justice, featuring activists and community leaders. 

• Broken Ground - Produced by the Southern Environmental Law Center, this podcast shares stories about environmental justice issues in the Southern United States. 

• The Coolest Show - Hosted by Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr., this podcast explores the intersection of culture and climate with a focus on environmental justice. 

• Degrees: Real talk about planet-saving careers - Hosted by Yesh Pavlik Slenk, this podcast explores how individuals are finding fulfilling careers in climate and environmental justice. 

• In This Climate - Produced by Indiana University, this podcast covers the complex environmental issues of our time, with a focus on equity and justice.. 

• No Place Like Home - Hosted by Mary Anne Hitt and Anna Jane Joyner, this podcast focuses on climate change with a strong emphasis on social justice and personal stories. 

• Green Dreamer - Hosted by Kamea Chayne, this podcast discusses sustainability and resilience with a focus on social and environmental justice. 

We envisions that all Richmonders, regardless of identity or neighborhood, thrive in a climate-resilient and climate-neutral community! Check out the opportunities to participate below. If you have any questions or feedback, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Office of Sustainability. 

• Sign up to receive our monthly newsletter here. It is the easiest way to stay up-to-date with opportunities for involvement in RVAgreen 2050 and all of Richmond’s equitable climate action and resilience efforts!  

• Follow us on Facebook, and Instagram at RVAgreen2050

• The Climate Equity Index is an interactive tool created by the Office of Sustainability. It can be used to explore factors that could make you and your community more susceptible to harm due to crises. Watch a short tutorial on the Climate Equity Index here.  

• Join the Sustainability Resilience Commission!  The Richmond Sustainability & Resilience Commission (“SRC”) is a 9-member public commission advancing climate action in Richmond. The SRC collaborates with the Richmond Office of Sustainability to implement the RVAgreen 2050 Climate Equity Action Plan 2030 and holds 6 annual meetings that are free and open to the public. All are welcome to attend and join the climate conversation.

• Talk to your circle – The best way to get involved to share what you have learned with family, friends, and neighbors!  

• We would like to gather general information about any services or programs your organization provides to Richmonders that promote sustainable practices and gauge how your team uses plastic materials. Examples of sustainable programs include energy-saving programs, composting initiatives, green infrastructure, etc.  Use this link to submit your resource:  RVAgreen 2050 Sustainability Resources Survey! 

• We also want your feedback on our workshop!  Please take some time to complete this short survey so we can continue to make this better: Sustainability Workshop Feedback Survey

Finally, The Office of Sustainability would love to support community events or programs that align with our work or engage community members in the field of sustainability. Please complete the Engagement Opportunity form to the best of your abilities and we will reach out to confirm if we can support your event.  If you have any questions or concerns feel free to reach out to Michael Smart at michael.smart@rva.gov.