Franklin’s Sustainability Movement
Franklin’s Sustainability movement started in 2008 with 250 interested citizens. Committees were then formed and goals were developed which made up the 2009 Sustainability Community Action Plan. The following are a few accomplishments from the initial plan:
- Implemented a City-wide curbside recycling program
- Established the Live Green Business Partnership-with 160 members and growing
- Adoption of Franklin’s Greenway and Open Space Masterplan
- The adoption of Municipal LEED Resolution
- The Construction of one of the Largest Municipal Green Buildings in Middle Tennessee-Police Headquarters
- Installation of energy efficient sports lighting at Jim Warren Park
- Creation of a long-term integrated water resources plan
- Placement of 2 Big Belly Solar Powered Trash Compactors in Downtown Franklin
- Municipal Composting facility for residential yard waste
- Installation of bike bollards and bike racks in Downtown Franklin
- Public-Private Partnership to install 200 kW solar array on City property
- Installation of Electric Vehicle charging stations in 2nd and 4th Ave parking garages
Live Green Documents:
2011 Franklin Solar Study
2011 Sustainable Development Best Practices Report
2010 Franklin Energy Inventory
2010 Franklin Greenways & Open Space Plan
2009 Sustainable Community Action Plan
2009 Municipal Services Action Plan
How You Can Get Involved
- Participate in the Curbside BlueBag Recycling Program. It’s easy and it saves the City money! Right now, almost half of eligible residents are participating and about 13% of all residential waste is being diverted from the landfill. You can purchase blue bags at your local grocery store and be sure to check what can be recycled. Share the news and urge your friends and neighbors to Blue Bag Recycle.
- Composting is also a great way to reduce waste.
- Join the Live Green Business Partnership and encourage businesses you frequent to sign up.
- Thinking about solar for your home or business?! Several businesses in Franklin already have rooftop arrays. For more information, visit the Tennessee Solar Institue.
- Attend the Sustainability Commission monthly meeting on the third Tuesday of the month at 4:00 p.m. at City Hall.
News & Upcoming Events
The Electric Vehicle (EV) Project is coming to Tennessee. The City is participating in the project and has 2 charging stations in both the 2nd Ave and the 4th Ave garages in Downtown Franklin. The City did not outlay any funds for the installation, but will pay any rise in the utility bill until a user fee is established. ECOtality is managing the planning and installation of the charging infrastructure.
Sustainable Features Map
Live Green Map-Find Recycling Centers, the Farmer’s Market, bike lanes, your home’s solar potential, and more on the Live Green Map.
If you have any questions, suggestions, or ideas please contact Andrew, at Franklin’s Planning and Sustainability Department at 615.550.6741.
