News
C3’s Community Conversations on NBC29 News
NBC29 has invited local nonprofits to talk about their work in Central Virginia during their Community Conversations that air every Friday @ 4:00PM. Tune in to stay up to date, or check out our highlighted conversations here.
Charlottesville Community Engagement
Public health professional enters race for Charlottesville City Council
March 17, 2025
On March 3rd, a public hearing was held before the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors to discuss the proposed budget of $642,386,163. During the hearing, Sadhbh O'Flynn, a member of the Community Climate Collaborative's policy team, advocated for the allocation of funding in the FY26 budget specifically for climate initiatives. O'Flynn called for a dedicated $1 million to support these efforts. To learn more, read here.
29 NEWS
New resource hub helps people with energy assessments
March 11, 2025
With the help of C3 and a local energy alliance program, a new energy resource hub has launched, offering in-person assistance and energy assessment for owners, renters, and businesses. The hub assists with services such as rebates for energy efficient appliances and incentives for solar installation, ultimately helping participants save money and contribute to community climate goals. To learn more, click here.
Charlottesville Tomorrow
Charlottesville City Council expresses support for license plate readers across the city
February 7, 2025
Interested in finding ways to lower your energy bill? C3 has spearheaded a coalition to launch a new website featuring a variety of programs focused on energy efficiency and financial support for local homeowners, renters, and businesses. To learn more, read here.
29 NEWS
Free service offers energy saving, efficiency resources
February 5, 2025
Executive Director Susan Kruse discusses the launch of C3’s first online energy resource hub, a program that offers personalized advice on energy use and potential incentives. The hub provides consultations and makes a team of energy experts available to answer any questions. To learn more about Kruse’s thoughts on the program, click here.
CBS 19 NEWS
New hub connects residents to rebates, incentives
February 3, 2025
In collaboration with the Local Energy Alliance Program, Charlottesville, and Albemarle County, C3 has launched the Energy Resource Hub – a platform designed to connect community members with various energy-saving rebates and incentives, including those for energy-efficient appliances, HVAC systems, and weatherization. The hub’s goal is to curate local, utility, state, and federal energy efficiency programs for homeowners, renters, and businesses in the area. To explore more about this exciting initiative, click here.
CVILLE Right Now
Albemarle, Charlottesville, CC3, and LEAP Open EnergyResourceHub.org
February 3, 2025
C3’s Executive Director, Susan Kruse, appeared on WINA’s Morning News to discuss the launch of EnergyResourceHub.org. In Episode 702, Kruse highlights the importance of the Energy Resource Hub, especially in times when many struggle to improve the energy efficiency of their homes and businesses. The Hub offers a place for individuals to connect with experts who can help identify the most suitable incentives and guide them through next steps. To hear more of Kruse’s insights on the Hub, click here.
C-VILLE Weekly
Local organizations brace for impact of the incoming Trump administration
January 15, 2025
C3’s Executive Director Susan Kruse responded to President Trump’s pledge to limit funding for clean energy projects, raising concerns about the delayed rollout of home energy rebates approved in the Inflation Reduction Act that have yet to be fully deployed into states. Kruse emphasizes that, if such rebates are not deployed, C3 will further emphasize the role of localities in accelerating energy-efficiency. To read more about Kruse’s insights and C3’s upcoming projects, including the launch of an energy resource hub, click here.
29 NEWS
C3 looking for people to join them for solar ordinance public hearing
January 14, 2025
On Tuesday, January 14th, C3 hosted a workshop in advance of a public hearing on Albemarle County Planning Commission’s draft solar ordinance. The workshop aimed to guide community members on how to effectively make a public comment. The organization emphasized the importance of attending the hearing in order to address various projects and drafts within the ordinance. Read more here.
29 NEWS
Charlottesville climate group looks to connect with community
December 13, 2024
C3 is beginning to host a climate cafe, a place where community members and leaders can gather to discuss climate topics, every other month. In December, participants came to drink coffee and chat about electric vehicles. Read more about C3’s new program here.
29 NEWS
Two electric school buses purchased, coming to Charlottesville in 2025
December 3, 2024
C3 commends the Charlottesville Public Schools’ efforts to shift away from diesel, with two new electric school buses scheduled to operate within the school system in the fall of 2025. C3’s Climate Justice Policy Advocate, Sadhbh O’Flynn, asserts this initiative, part of the Clean School Bus Program, will contribute to the city’s progress toward its climate objectives. A year after the city applied for the federal rebates, C3 is advocating for Charlottesville to re-apply and secure more funding for a new fleet of electric buses. Read more here.
Cville Right Now
Community Climate Collaborative Director Discusses Local Climate Action
November 13, 2024
C3’s executive director, Susan Kruse, joined Cville Right Now Live to discuss what lies ahead for climate action following the recent election outcomes. Kruse emphasizes that, despite large-scale changes at the federal level, climate change can still be addressed at the local level. To learn more about how C3 is continuing to advance their work in light of the political shift, listen to the full conversation here.
NBC29
Betsy Peyton with WELLAWARE
June 28, 2024
WELLAWARE joins NBC29’s Community Conversation to discuss their upcoming event, Healthy Streets, Healthy People! There will be over 50 booths with activities from different organizations dedicated to making Charlottesville a better community. There will be free acupuncture, field games, raffles, and more! To learn more about WELLAWARE’s Event, click here. To watch Betsy Peyton’s Community Conversation, click here.
NBC29
Sadhbh O'Flynn with Community Climate Collaborative
June 21, 2024
C3 Climate Policy Manager Sadhbh O'Flynn spoke with NBC29 about the Transit Strategic Plan. This non-binding plan will take place over 10 years to optimize the bus route and system. The initiative behind the Strategic Plan is to promote a more equitable route for the greater Charlottesville area. To further the Zero Emission Transition Plan by 2027, O’Flynn hopes the Charlottesville Area Transit will purchase diesel-hybrid buses for their expanding fleet, reducing emissions quickly and efficiently. To learn more, click here.
Energy News Network
Charlottesville, Virginia, shows how small cities can take a lead on zero-emissions public transit
June 6, 2024
This summer, C3 and the City of Charlottesville are continuing to progress their goal to have 0 emissions by 2050. A local Kimley-Horn study found that by transitioning to battery electric or cell fuel buses would reduce greenhouse gasses between 94-99%. This insightful study has put more pressure on the city to continue to transition to a more sustainable fleet. On June 17th, the city counsel is scheduled to vote on the Charlottesville Area Transit Strategic Plan. Read more here.
29 News
C3 praises Charlottesville, Albemarle Co. climate budgets
May 20, 2024
Susan Kruse, Executive Director of C3, praised the City of Charlottesville for its steps towards a more sustainable future through its current budget. Kruse stated housing, transportation, and businesses were the key factors in the budget for a great energy efficient Charlottesville. Read more about Kruse’s praise here.
C’ville Right Now
C3 executive director praises city, county climate budgets
May 13, 2024
Susan Kruse, Executive Director of C3 praised the City of Charlottesville for its continuous efforts to cut emissions by 45% by 2030. Kruse states funding from the city has helped budget for affordable housing and transportation access. Read more here.
29 News
C3 awarding thousands to micro businesses to improve their energy-efficiency
May 10, 2024
C3 is awarding micro businesses with $20,000 grants to upgrade to more energy efficient solutions! Coles Jennings states 10 businesses will receive the grant, but all businesses who do apply will receive a free energy walk through. Apply here or to learn more and read the article here.
Virginia Mercury
Climate group expanding to Richmond will focus on businesses’ energy efficiency
May 6, 2024
C3 has expanded to Richmond to further local businesses’ goals of reducing carbon emissions, which make up 28% of Virginia’s average annual emissions. Learn more about how your business can easily reduce emissions and save money for a more sustainable planet.
29 NEWS
Light House Studio Teams up with the Community Climate Collaborative
April 20, 2024
C3 teamed up with the Light House Studio to create films and animations to bring awareness to climate change. Students engaged with C3 in the classroom by learning about climate solutions. Inspired by the teachings, students have begun directing and acting in their own self-made films. Read more here.
Cavalier Daily
U.VA. Office of Sustainability announces Sustainability Leadership Award recipients
April 12, 2024
Susan Kruse, Executive Director of C3, praised the City of Charlottesville for its steps towards a more sustainable future through its current budget. Kruse stated housing, transportation, and businesses were the key factors in the budget for a great energy efficient Charlottesville. Read more about Kruse’s praise here.
VPM NPR
Stoney proposes new funds for climate resilience grants
March 29, 2024
Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney is re-funding the Neighborhood Climate Resiliency Grant program to progress Richmond’s RVAGreen2050: Climate Equity Action Plan. In 2023, C3 received a $20,000 grant to study how much household income is forgone to energy. Stoney hopes to use the conclusion from C3’s study to further enact his Equity Action Plan through the Office of Sustainability. Read more about Mayor Stoney’s progress here.
29 NEWS
Albemarle students receive Climate Action Kits from Charlottesville Group
March 28, 2024
Sarah Delgado with C3 visited Mountain View Elementary School to deliver hundreds of Climate Action Kits and taught students that finding sustainable solutions is fun. She explained, “It’s so important for us to be educating these children at a young age about climate solutions, because this is a problem that they’re going to end up inheriting from us in the future.” Read the article here.
The Daily Progress
Op-Ed: It’s time for Charlottesville City Council to get on the bus
February 14, 2024
C3 Executive Director Susan Kruse writes about Charlottesville Area Transit’s proposed zero-emission bus fleet transition. This proposal outlines the goals, methods, and timeline of a plan to reach carbon neutrality 10 years ahead of the City of Charlottesville’s current goal. Though there is much work to be done in the city, CAT’s proposal is a source of hope for the carbon-neutral future of Charlottesville. Read the op-ed here.
NBC29
The Center Making Strides
January 29, 2024
C3 Green Business Alliance member The Center was recognized for making significant progress in reducing both carbon emissions and costs while transitioning into a new facility. Read the NBC 29 article here.
WINA
Future Fuel of Charlottesville Transit
January 25, 2024
Executive Director Susan Kruse joins WINA to discuss possible fuel sources in the future for Charlottesville Area Transit. C3 has recommended a zero-emission bus fleet transition to CAT and the City of Charlottesville, and CAT has developed a phased plan to trial two new fuel sources. To hear more about this ongoing conversation, access the podcast episode here.
CBS 19
Highlighting success in efforts to reduce emissions, carbon footprint
January 22, 2024
C3’s newest case study showcases impressive carbon emission reductions at The Center at Belvedere. Since their participation in C3’s Green Business Alliance – an initiative created for businesses committed to managing their energy use – The Center has successfully reduced both their environmental impact and utility costs via the implementation of LED lights and sensors, a rooftop solar array, and more. To learn more about C3’s role and the Center at Belvedere’s progress in emission reductions, click here.