Learn and comment below by Oct. 27th
Sector Overview
The industry (industrial) sector includes industrial activities such as the processing and manufacturing of physical and chemical
materials. The Richmond region produces iron and steel, pulp and
paper, and ammonia, among other products. The majority of
emissions in this sector result from the combustion of fossil fuels to power
processes. Emissions from industrial processes can be difficult to reduce,
especially processes that involve chemical reactions that produce emissions
that cannot be avoided without changes to chemical processes. The measures
identified for this sector reflects current technological and policy trends to
reduce industrial emissions, including improving process efficiency and fuel
switching.
What are Industry's Main Sub-Sectors?
Measures
This measure prioritizes the selection of building materials with significantly lower carbon footprints. This reduces emissions from material manufacturing by encouraging the use of locally sourced products such as recycled materials, timber, and low-carbon concretes. Clean procurement frameworks set clear standards for public and private projects, driving demand for sustainable alternatives and fostering innovation in the building sector. Procurement standards require better reporting and documentation, increasing awareness and accountability for the carbon impacts of materials used. This measure not only cuts lifecycle emissions from construction but also supports local economies and advances environmental stewardship by promoting healthier, resource-efficient materials.
KEY ACTIONS
Outcomes
Category | Outcome |
Carbon Sequestration | Increased CO2 uptake from managed land area |
Stormwater Reduction | Less runoff from facilities with green infrastructure |
Wildlife Mobility | Increased biodiversity & wildlife movement in corridors |
Water Quality | Improved water quality via riparian buffers & nutrient reduction |
This measure aims to accelerate the adoption of agrivoltaics - the dual use of land for both agriculture and solar energy production - by addressing regulatory, land use, and educational barriers. The measure supports sustainable land management, renewable energy generation, and resilient food production systems within the region.
KEY ACTIONS
- Clarify zoning practices for agrivoltaics to reduce barriers for farmers while ensuring the protection of agricultural land.
- Work with Dominion Energy to discuss multi-use opportunities for land under or parallel to utility rights-of-way.
- Integrate Pollinator Smart practices in solar energy projects to enhance biodiversity and support ecosystem health.
- Establish a demonstration agrivoltaics project within the MSA.
- Work with Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) to share information about agrivoltaic options and any available grant or financing sources.
- Promote agrivoltaics to hops growers and vineyards in the MSA and establish a demonstration project.
Outcomes
Category | Outcome |
Renewable energy | Reduce GHG emissions from power generation by installing renewable energy |
Protect crops | Protect crops from extreme heat stress by shading from solar panels, improving moisture retention |
Implementation Partners
