Office of Sustainability & Resilience 2025 Annual Progress Report

From the Chief Sustainability Officer

The Office of Sustainability and Resilience (OSR) enjoyed a busy and highly impactful 2025 with climate resilience remaining a top priority across all areas of our work. This progress report highlights key accomplishments and tracks the implementation of the City’s Strategic Energy Plan. Two of the year’s most significant milestones include the completion of a comprehensive, citywide tree canopy assessment, and the creation of an equity-based prioritization tool developed in close collaboration with a

specialized consultant. This tool strengthens our ability to make data-driven and equitable decisions by directing resources to neighborhoods with the greatest need. It also addresses the urban heat island effect, improves air quality, and advances Greensboro’s climate resilience goals. Collaboration was a defining theme throughout 2025 and reinforced how sustainability and resilience work together to build awareness and shape a future-leaning Greensboro. OSR participated in the state-led Planning for Extreme Heat Cohort, which helps local governments develop heat action plans using the NC Heat Action Plan Toolkit. We strengthened the City’s approach to addressing rising heat impacts thanks to expert-led sessions, peer networking, and technical resources. The experience also led to an interlocal taskforce with Guilford County and the City of High Point. Together, we completed a heat action plan and a County-wide extreme temperatures action plan that includes cold-weather preparedness. Building on this work, the City secured a $25,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation. It allocated $10,000 of the grant to the Community Safety Department for essential supplies during extreme temperatures, and the remaining fund are supporting tree-planting efforts. The City also received $20,000 from the National Environmental & Education Foundation to partner with local schools on a community-centered tree planting initiative. Our partners, community advocates, and volunteers contributed significantly to these accomplishments. We look forward to strengthening existing relationships and expanding our network as we remain, “In the Mix for 2026,” and continue to lead with climate resilience at the forefront of our efforts. Yours in service,

S. Shree Dorestant, DM Chief Sustainability Officer City of Greensboro

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