sustainability initiativeS begin with a foundation of diversity, justice, equity, and inclusion woven throughout the process
RESIDENTIAL OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT
The WSIZ has a goal to build and sustain an innovation ecosystem for climate and energy technologies. Relying on extensive community engagement efforts, this project will prioritize the development and expansion of programs and access to resources, specifically for the community in and around Wheaton, MD, while simultaneously reducing the barriers to equal opportunity and furthering efforts to promote sustainability.
Every sustainability initiative begins with a foundation of diversity, justice, equity, and inclusion woven throughout the process, which reflects the eclectic background and culture of the residents of Wheaton. The WSIZ team is dedicated to engaging the community in education and outreach that promotes sustainable communities with a visibly green and healthy environmental footprint.
Our goal is to facilitate community collaboration to create more green space in the Wheaton community. The project team will work with local businesses, civic leaders and residents to enable new, and enhance existing attractive and popular physical improvements such as community gardens, sustainable parklets and urban reforestation, rain garden installation and stormwater mitigation, and much more.
COMMUNITY GOALS
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Promote availability of financing from the recently established Montgomery County Green Bank for energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements and upgrades for businesses and households. Wheaton is designated as an "equity emphasis area" with high priority eligibility for Green Bank lending.
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Encourage Community Solar and Related Cooperative Initiatives in Wheaton to expand access to rooftop and community solar projects and make solar more affordable to the Wheaton business and residential communities.
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Increase access to clean energy transportation options. Promote the installation of electric vehicle charging stations, including for electric bikes; encourage local electric car sharing; and foster the expansion of dedicated bike lanes, secure bike parking, and public-private bike sharing services and facilities.
