The City began identifying and initiating sustainability projects in 2008. The City looks for projects that result in cost savings, environmental benefits, and enhancements to quality of life. Franklin became the first city in Tennessee to be recognized by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) as a LEED Certified City, achieving the Silver Level Certification. The TVA has also recognized Franklin as a Platinum Community through the Valley Sustainable Communities Program.

Here are some of the accomplishments and initiatives: 

Waste Reduction and Recycling:

• Implemented a City-wide blue bin curbside recycling program with more than 60 percent participation.
• Municipal Composting Facility for residential yard waste;
• Awarded $55,000 Special Litter Reduction Grant to market recycling program and fund a Harpeth River cleanup; 
• Litter Prevention Campaign
• Batteries, Oil, Paint, Anti-freeze, and Electronics Recycling (BOPAE)

• 1.2 Megawatts of installed solar through public-private partnerships;
• Energy Savings of over $100,000/year at the wastewater treatment plant with no outlay of City funds. The plant is the City's largest user of electricity;
• LED Streetlight conversions of City owned lights including all of the I-65 high mast and mongoose fixtures as well as the decorative style lights in Downtown Franklin resulting in significant cost savings;
• Conversion of 2nd Avenue and 4th Avenue Parking Garage lights to LEDs;
• Installation of Electric Vehicle charging stations in 2nd and 4th Ave parking garages and Pinkerton Park;
• All traffic signals use LED lighting resulting in reduced operation and maintenance costs;
• The City used an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant to install efficient sports lighting and LED streetlights at Jim Warren Park; The Parks Department controls field lighting remotely to reduce utility costs;
• The GIS Department created a solar overlay that displays optimal locations for solar arrays;
• The City conducted a local government operations energy inventory measuring electricity, natural gas, and vehicle fuel usage in 2010;
• The Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved a Municipal LEED Resolution to pursue, if cost effective;
• The Police Headquarters is LEED Gold and has a green roof and utilizes geothermal;

• Approval of a Greenways and Open Space Master Plan;
• Completed a $212,000 Safe Routes to School Project to improve the tunnels underneath Hillsboro Road and Fieldstone Parkway and encourage alternative modes of transportation to Hunters Bend Elementary;     
• Installation of bike bollards and bike racks in Downtown Franklin; 
• Establishment of Harpeth River Blueway with six access points;
• Creation of a sidewalk gap fund to make pedestrian connections; 
• Received Honorable Mention from the Walk Friendly Communities

 Documents and Plans

2022 Transportation and Mobility Policy Guide
2022 Waste Reduction Policy Guide
2021 Energy Policy Guide

2020 Municipal Energy Usage

2018 LEED for Cities Silver Certification Overview

2013 Sustainability Action Plan 

2009 Sustainable Community Action Plan

2009 Municipal Services Action Plan 

How You Can Get Involved

• Participate in the Curbside Recycling Program.  It's easy and it saves the City money!  Right now, almost half of eligible residents are participating and about 15% of all residential waste is being diverted from the landfill. 

• Looking to get started, a student volunteer found this webpage helpful

• Sell, donate, or upcycle unwanted clothing. The textile industry has a significant environmental footprint from raw material production through the production process.  Check out this blog post for ideas. 

• Composting is also a great way to reduce waste.   

• Thinking about solar for your home or business?!  Several businesses in Franklin already have rooftop arrays.  For more information, visit the TVA resources page.  

• Also, a local Girl Scout Troop found this article informative and wanted to share it with the whole community:  https://www.angieslist.com/articles/green-solutions-your-home-and-family.htm

• Glass Recycling? A local student found this article helpful and wanted to pay it forward. 

• For environmental education games, crafts, and statistics, visit this webpage a STEAM student uses and wanted to share. 

• Attend the Sustainability Commission monthly meeting, usually the second Friday of each month at 8 am in City Hall. Check the City calendar for a list of all meetings.  

*Please email Andrew.orr@franklintn.gov with any sustainability ideas you have for the community.