Sustainability Manager Updates

The 2025 Climate Action Plan Annual Meeting was Nov. 20 at 9 AM. Hear progress updates and 2026 priorities below:

2025 Progress:

1. Ongoing conversations with Lehigh Valley Planning Commission (LVPC) for Green Ribbon Commission Development.
2. ​​​Continued Partnership with the LVPC, BASD, LANTA, the Bethlehem Parking Authority (BPA) and Bethlehem Authority (BA).
3. Increased engagement and connection with Lehigh and Moravian University.

1. Increase Bethlehem’s Large Organization's participation in LV Sustainable Business Program (via NNC).
2. Partner with LVPC in developing and launching the Lehigh Valley Green Ribbon Commission along with the Mayors of Bethlehem, Allentown, and Easton.
3. Support Lehigh and Moravian University Climate projects and identify new avenues for collaboration.
4. Bethlehem Carbon Challenge development.

2025 Progress:

1. Created City Website Sustainability Page.
2. Translated CAP folders on WeBuild.Bethlehem-pa.gov for Spanish-friendly access.
3. Updated the Climate Challenge participation survey and achieved a 50% increase in participation.
4. Maintained Presence at key community committees.
5. Partnered with Allentown & Easton for regional social media outreach.
6. Supported the LV Sustainable Business Program (NNC).

1. Develop/Launch Climate Challenge Recognition Program.
2. Establish internal tracking to actively support Climate Challenge participants.
3. Increase engagement with local businesses via the LV Sustainable Business Program.
4. Create a separate Bethlehem Sustainability social media account.
5. Expand CAP communication strategies through public education campaigns with EAC partnership.
6. Formalize and expand partnership with BASD for student involvement.

2025 Progress:

1. Continued Community Gardens & Weekly Farm Stand.
2. Supported the Blue Zones Food Hub (Phase 1) & Food Policy Council.
3. Deployed Big Belly smart trash cans.
4. Supported community clean-ups & the Lehigh Trash Mapping project.
5. Conducted survey on restaurant plastic use.
6. Investigated developing a public recycling pilot.

1. Increase participation in Community Gardens and CSA Farm Stands.
2. Support Blue Zones Food Hub and Food Policy Council initiatives.
3. Pilot a targeted public recycling program.
4. Implement cost-effective waste reduction improvements at large festivals.
5. Conduct research and encourage household composting practices.
6. Develop targeted waste education based on Lehigh Trash Mapping results.
7. Develop a support plan based on results of the restaurant plastic use survey.

2025 Progress

1. ​Completed 40-in-10 Parks and Recreation Plan.
2. Completed Urban Forest Master Plan.
3. Passed the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO).
4. Planted 36 trees.

2026 Goals

1. Implement 40-in-10 Parks and Recreation Plan.
2. Implement Urban Forest Master Plan strategies.
3. Update citywide tree inventory.
4. Update tree ordinance.

2025 Progress

1. Kicked off Complete Streets Plan and Broad Street project.
2. Began Safe Routes to School Project with Blue Zones.
3. Conducted education programs.
4. Implemented pedestrian safety improvements (20 crosswalks, 7 bulb outs).
5. Passed the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO).

2026 Goals

1. Finalize Complete Streets Plan.
2. Advance Broad Street design.
3. Convert Linden Street to Two-Way.
4. Execute final phase of South Bethlehem Greenway.
5. Close the final gap in Monocacy Way Trail.

Broad Street Design

2025 Progress

1. Expanded Solar Readiness through joining SolSmart.
2. Assessed multiple city buildings for solar potential.
3. Distributed Renewable Energy purchasing options via the Bethlehem Climate Challenge.
4. Applied to the NREL Energy to Communities (E2C).
5. Explored and perused Combined Heat and Power (CHP)at Wastewater Treatment Plant.
6. Updated "The Star" with 238 LED bulbs, achieving 75% monthly electric savings.

2026 Goals

1. Achieve SolSmart designation.
2. Adopt SolarAPP+ for online solar permitting and create dedicated City solar webpage.
3. Update building codes (2021 IECC).
4. Launch/Join a Community Solar Co-Op
5. Support new renewable installations in the City.
6. Explore conduit financing models for large-scale green infrastructure.

2025 Progress

1. Supported weatherization and home efficiency incentives & The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
2. Promoted the Federal Home Energy Tax Credit to residents.
3. Advanced the Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) project.
4. Organized the first Lehigh Valley C-PACE financing webinar.
5. Tracked Pennsylvania's adoption process for the 2021 IECC energy codes.

2026 Goals

1. Adopt 2021 IECC Codes for new construction.
2. Increase Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)/Efficiency Access via targeted outreach.
3. Promote C-PACE Financing to developers.
4. Complete EECBG Projects.
5. Disclose City Energy Data to the public (ENERGY STAR).

2025 Progress

1. Completed 2024 Municipal GHG Inventory and CDP Climate Reporting.
2. Purchase 100% renewable natural gas for municipal operations.
3. Integrated CAP strategies in planning, assessing, and completing city project.
4. Added 4 low-emission vehicles (2 EV, 2 Hybrid) to the city fleet.
5. Integrated CAP recommendations into city policies and ordinances.
6. Participated in Shared Energy Manager Program.
7. Integrated Sustainability Manager into key city committees.

2026 Goals

1. Complete 2024 Community GHG Inventory and submit annual CDP and Sustainable PA Reporting.
2. Carry out recommendations from facility energy assessments.
3. Target new solar PV integrations.
4. Continue electrifying City fleet.
5. Further engage municipal authorities for partnerships to pursue CAP goals.
6. Present new ordinance proposals to City Council (e.g., EV charging, solar, Dark Sky).

2025 Progress

1. Continued Partnerships (ex. Southside Ambassadors).
2. Health Neighborhood Initiatives.
3. Career Development.
4. Park and Trail Improvements
5. Green Space/Gardening (Community Action Development Bethlehem (CADB) Supported).

2026 Goals

1. Exploring alternative funding options due to new federal/state policies.
2. Continue to support strategic partnership with community groups towards existing and new programs (CADB, Adopt a Spot, Blue Zones, etc.).
3. Continue to integrate Environmental Justice (EJ) criteria into city plans (Ex: Complete Streets plans).
4. Develop Apprentice Program.