Durham Strategic Plan Dashboard
Prosperity
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Initiative: 5.21 Develop a community centered carbon neutrality and renewable energy strategy
Thriving & Vibrant Environment
Description
This initiative will develop a Triangle Regional Climate Action Plan that prioritizes equity and environmental justice by fostering a clean energy transition for all residents, particularly those in underserved areas that are disproportionately impacted by climate change. As of 2023, 29% of Durham County residents live in disadvantaged areas as quantified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This is much higher than our neighboring counties of Orange County (0% disadvantaged areas) and Wake County (11% disadvantaged areas).
Key Measures & Data Analysis
The 2025 Comprehensive Climate Action Plan shows that, in 2022, the region's net GHG emissions were 20.1 metric tons of CO2-equivalent, with transportation and buildings responsible for 87% of total emissions. Without additional intervention, regional emissions are projected to decline by 33% by 2050 due to cleaner energy and technology improvements; however, this is a far distance from net zero.
The Plan outlines five priority regional actions: scaling up weatherization and electrification, reducing transportation demand, advancing regional waste solutions, promoting land-based carbon sequestration, and supporting local government initiatives.
Disturbing forests and converting them to other uses creates new emissions, while cities are trying to reduce emissions from sources like transportation and buildings. Therefore, controlling deforestation as well as increasing urban forestry and greenspace preservation are essential. The report also suggests that, by 2050, emissions will be dominated by transportation despite cleaner vehicles. Transportation demand reduction and efficient mobility strategies are critical solutions -- in addition to promoting and using cleaner vehicles.
Durham County Emissions by Source (MT CO2e)
Why is it important?
The Regional Climate Action Plan will create a roadmap to achieve our Durham City/County Comprehensive Plan goal of 100% carbon neutrality by 2050. A community-wide strategy will create a pathway for City residents, neighborhoods, businesses and institutions to reduce their carbon footprints and serve as the foundation that will guide evaluation of future grant applications, budget decisions, and other resource allocation questions related to decarbonization.
What have we been doing?
Staff have supported and participated in the development of a regional Comprehensive Climate Action Plan through the Central Pines Regional Council (CPRC) and the U.S. EPA's Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program (CPRG).
Key activities include:
• Contributing to the development of the Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP), which is now complete.
• Advancing the Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP), submitted in Fall 2025 and approved in April 2026.
• Continuing work on the LMI Solarize program to expand solar access for low- and moderate-income residents (this work expected to be complete in 2026).
What's next?
Since the Climate Action Plan has just been finalized, we will review and analyze the findings for the region and disseminate the information to the relevant political and administrative bodies of the City and County. Further action to be discussed and determined. It will be essential to communicate that emissions reductions from improvements in energy efficiency, electric vehicles, and use of renewable energy will not solve for a net zero solution if communities continue to release additional carbon stores by adding emissions from new deforestation and soil depletion.
• CPRG Comprehensive Climate Action Plan – Completed in April 2026 — to establish a shared roadmap for community-centered carbon neutrality across the region.
City Website Home Page: Durham, NC | Official Website (durhamnc.gov)
Budget Website Page: Budget & Management Services Department | Durham, NC (durhamnc.gov)
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