Partner Spotlight: Hampton Roads Planning District Commission / askHRgreen
The Hampton Roads Planning District Commission and askHRgreen connect regional priorities with community engagement to address environmental concerns across Hampton Roads.
Tell us a little about Hampton Roads Planning District Commission / askHRgreen
The Hampton Roads Planning District Commission (HRPDC) is one of 21 planning district commissions across Virginia, bringing together local governments to collaborate on shared opportunities and challenges facing the Hampton Roads region. HRPDC supports long-range planning, data analysis, and implementation of regional programs focused on the economy, resilience, housing, transportation, and the environment. One program of HRPDC is the askHRgreen environmental education program. Through askHRgreen, regional environmental priorities are translated into simple, everyday actions residents, businesses, and schools can take to protect local water quality, reduce waste, conserve energy, and support sustainable investments in public infrastructure. Together, HRPDC and askHRgreen connect regional priorities with community engagement to address environmental concerns across Hampton Roads.
How does Hampton Roads Planning District Commission / askHRgreen help Virginians reduce their energy consumption?
HRPDC advances energy efficiency at a regional scale through planning initiatives such as the Climate Action Plan, which identifies near-term, implementation-ready strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Many of these strategies focus on energy efficiency including improvements to building energy efficiency and investments in alternative transportation and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. askHRgreen complements this work by helping residents understand how they can reduce energy use in their own homes, schools, and workplaces. By promoting actions like switching to LED lighting, choosing ENERGY STAR® appliances, and reducing unnecessary energy use, askHRgreen empowers Hampton Roads residents to support regional energy goals through simple, achievable steps.
What are some ways Hampton Roads Planning District Commission / askHRgreen works locally to embrace energy efficiency?
Locally, HRPDC partners with cities, counties, utilities, and organizations to support energy-efficient planning and projects throughout Hampton Roads. This includes coordinating regional discussions on energy and climate priorities, supporting local sustainability plans, and helping communities access technical assistance and funding opportunities. askHRgreen reinforces these efforts through outreach and education, sharing seasonal energy-saving tips, highlighting local initiatives, and promoting sustainable living practices tailored to the Hampton Roads community. Together, the two ensure energy efficiency efforts are both strategically planned and widely understood.
How can Virginians get involved with Hampton Roads Planning District Commission / askHRgreen?
Residents can engage with HRPDC by participating in regional initiatives, providing input through public meetings and surveys, and staying informed about regional projects that shape the future of Hampton Roads. Hampton Roads residents can also connect through their local governments which work closely with HRPDC to reflect community priorities in regional decision-making. Through askHRgreen, Hampton Roads residents, businesses, and schools can take a more hands-on role. Programs like Bay Star recognize individuals and organizations that commit to sustainable practices while community grant programs support projects that advance energy conservation and clean communities. To learn more and get involved, visit askHRgreen.org.