Accepted into the DEQ Virginia Environmental Excellence Program (VEEP)
- In 2002, the Town was given Environmental Enterprise (E2) status.
- In 2006, the Town was awarded Exemplary Environmental Enterprise (E3) status.
Joined the National Partnership for Environmental Priorities (NPEP)
- Blacksburg was the first municipality in nation to participate in US EPA Program.
- Lead has been eliminated from wheel balancing weights in the entire fleet.
Awarded an EPA Resource Conservation Challenge (RCC) Grant
- The Town was awarded $95,000 by EPA Region III.
- Lead, cadmium, and mercury has been reduced in the community.
Recycling Program
- Residential curbside recycling service has been provided for over 15 years.
- All Town facilities have recycling services including collection of batteries, cell phones and other electronics.
Household Hazardous Waste Collection
- The Town has Provided HHW collection days for residents for over 10 years.
- Proper storage and handling of all universal or hazardous wastes produced has been provided.
Electronics and battery collections
- Blacksburg has partnered with the YMCA Thrift Store to act as an E-Waste collection point as part of the US EPA Resource Conservation Challenge grant. The Thrift Store also collects alkaline and rechargeable batteries.
- The Downtown Merchants of Blacksburg are collecting batteries and compact fluorescent lamps at all locations. Collection boxes are financed by the EPA RCC Grant and are provided free of charge to the merchants. In return, Blacksburg residents have a convenient and free means by which to recycle these products.
Tree Programs
- Blacksburg has been a Tree USA City recipient for over 10 years
- A Municipal Tree Nursery was established in 2007 to provide a 2 to 1 replacement for trees requiring removal on Town property.
B20 Blend Biodiesel Fuel
- In May 2007, a conversion program was implemented.
- The entire Public Works and Parks & Recreation departments' fleet of diesel fueled vehicles and equipment has been converted to B20.
- Blacksburg Transit is participating in a pilot program with one bus and one Access van.
Energy Performance Contract
- The contract was Implemented in 2003 with Johnson Controls, Inc.
- $850k in energy efficient equipment upgrades has been completed.
Climate Protection
- The Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement was signed.
- The Town was accepted into ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability Program.
- Blacksburg received recognition in the Sierra Club’s Cool Cities Program
- In February 2007, the Mayor’s Task Force on Climate Protection and Sustainability was formed.
The Town of Blacksburg partnered with the Virginia Tech Department of Urban Affairs and Planning to begin a Green House Gas (GHG) inventory.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System
- The Director of Public Works is a LEED Accredited Professional.
- The Blacksburg Motor Company is a LEED Registered Renovation Project.
Community Environmental Awareness
- The “First Annual Environmental Awareness Week” celebration was held in August 2006.
- The Town helped form “Sustainable Blacksburg,” an independent community partnership and winner of the Virginia Sustainable Building Network’s “2007 Most Sustainable Community Program” award.
- Blacksburg hosted “Sustainability Week 2007” in partnership with Virginia Tech and Sustainable Blacksburg.
For more information on the Town of Blacksburg's Environmental Management Program, call the Town of Blacksburg's Environmental Manager at (540) 558-0786 or email sgarrison@blacksburg.gov.