Richmond Joins Better Communities Alliance

Announced by the White House during Smart Cities Week, the U.S. Department of Energy is launching the Better Communities Alliance (BCA), a groundbreaking collaborative effort among local governments, philanthropies, nonprofit organizations, and leading private companies to accelerate local clean energy progress and leadership across the country. Richmond is one of 60 partners and affiliates joining and announcing their commitments.

With 87 percent of total U.S. energy to be consumed in cities by 2030, America’s local governments are stepping up to the challenge. Through the BCA, city and county leaders are making commitments to reduce the wasted energy in homes and buildings, expand renewable energy and sustainable transportation options for their residents and businesses, harness new energy-saving technologies, and invest in resilient power systems and community infrastructure.

 As part of the Better Buildings Initiative, the BCA will support Richmond in achieving their clean energy goals and making their communities cleaner, healthier, smarter, and more economically competitive. In addition, the BCA will deliver new clean energy resources and technical assistance to local governments, and improve community access to DOE’s existing clean energy expertise and resources. It will also create actionable dialogues and peer exchange between public and private partners to identify opportunities for collaboration and progress.

There are 34 local governments serving 40 million Americans that are committed to the BCA and working to accelerate local clean energy progress and bolster leadership. Local government partners will receive streamlined access to Department of Energy clean energy resources, opportunities to apply for resources, access to forums for peer networking and expert dialogue, and federal recognition of clean energy achievements.