2022 impact report
Milestones and
Momentum:
A Look Back on Five Years of Climate Action
"Partnering with the Community Climate Collaborative deepens our ability to advocate for specific, and often complex, climate justice recommendations. Caetano and the C3 team bring insights that amplify equity and community voice at the intersection of climate and food justice. We are so fortunate to partner with C3 and to have their unique expertise in our community.
-Jeanette Abi-Nader
Co-Executive Director, Cultivate Charlottesville
Vision
We believe the power to confront climate
change resides within our communities.
We believe citizens, businesses, and local
governments have the power to take action,
implement policy, and reduce emissions
right here at home in Virginia communities.
Mission
C3 catalyzes climate action at the community level
through collaboration, programs, and advocacy
which directly reduce climate pollution and elevate
the climate leadership of Virginia communities.
Dear friends,
Five years ago, C3 became your local climate organization. Since our inception, we have removed barriers to clean energy projects, advocated for local policy changes, and supported individual and corporate emissions reductions right at home. We were founded to serve community-level action, and five years later, our purpose still rings true—local climate action is more urgent than ever.
The passage of sweeping clean energy legislation at the federal and state levels created more opportunities for local project development. The time for action is now, and it will take all of us to reach our goals. With your help, C3 has built a community of climate leaders in every sector. Households, schools, local businesses, and nonprofit partners have all stepped up to the challenge and are taking action to reduce their emissions on ambitious timelines.
Despite the progress, solar and other climate solutions continue to face obstacles, from outdated zoning and municipal
codes to misinformation campaigns spreading doubts about local projects. That is why C3 is dedicated to investing
our resources in the essential systemic changes needed to achieve carbon neutrality. In C3 communities, climate
solutions can thrive because we prioritize building the foundations necessary for their success.
You are the reason for this progress so far, and we are ready to grow local climate action across Virginia. But we
cannot do it alone. Local businesses are essential, local decision-makers are essential, and local advocates will
play a critical role. C3 is ready to continue building a community for climate, and together, we can create a
cleaner, more sustainable future.
susan kruse
For climate and community,
"C3 played a huge role in getting us to where millions of dollars in new investments were included in the City's budget. I'm excited to see where we can go in expanding local climate action over the coming years."
-michael payne
Charlottesville City Council Member
2018
October 2018
C3 starts the Home Energy Challenge
Charlottesville Climate Collaborative launches
Fall 2017
our impact
The Community Climate Collaborative (C3) is a dynamic organization dedicated to addressing climate change at the community level. In our pursuit of averting the most severe climate consequences, we recognize the need for nimble action that seizes opportunities wherever they arise. When faced with obstacles at federal and state levels, we adapt and persistently advocate for action at the local level, where the majority of emissions originate. It is here that we see the greatest potential for immediate impact, even though it remains an underrepresented domain for climate action. At C3, we are committed to changing that.
Established in 2017 in Charlottesville, Virginia, C3 is driven by a deep belief in grassroots engagement, place-based initiatives, and systemic transformation. We engage individuals, businesses, and local governments to ignite action and advocacy in every sector. Our guiding principle is inclusivity, as we strive to bridge gaps and amplify historically marginalized voices to foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders. Through this collective effort, we build resilience and cultivate a sustainable future where everyone can thrive.
C3's impact is a testament to our commitment and effectiveness, rivaling that of larger and more established organizations. We have mobilized a coalition of 26 influential Virginia-based employers who are wholeheartedly dedicated to surpassing local emissions targets. Our distribution of Climate Action Kits has empowered thousands of elementary school students with climate knowledge and tools, nurturing the next generation of climate leaders. Our groundbreaking research on energy and transit equity has laid the foundation for equitable climate solutions. Additionally, we have provided support to thousands of constituents in their advocacy efforts, empowering them to make their voices heard by elected officials. These combined endeavors have set us on a trajectory to reduce over 21,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalent annually by 2027, and we are only beginning to scratch the surface of what is possible.
In this annual report, we invite you to delve deeper into our achievements, initiatives, and ongoing projects. Together, we can build upon our successes, confront the challenges ahead, and forge a path toward a resilient, just, and sustainable future for all.
July 2019
December 2020
September 2021
C3 publishes report: Transit Equity and Climate
December 2022
April 2023
July 2020
January 2021
C3 expands its energy efficiency grants program for SWaM businesses with the help of the CIC, City and County governments, and an anonymous foundation
June 2021
C3 launches high school internship program and holds first Climate Justice Summer Program
May 2022
C3 endorses Hexagon Energy's Woodridge Solar Project and publishes petition with 439 signatures urging Albemarle County to approve the project
Charlottesville becomes first city in the Commonwealth to announce ambitious climate goals after a unanimous vote
City adopts budget including $5 million for climate initiatives
C3 publishes report: Uncovering Energy Inequity
C3 releases sign on letter in support of clean cars legislation in the General Assembly (C3 spearheaded the letter on behalf of 9 cities/counties, representing more than 1 million Virginians)
4th graders at Agnor Hurt receive first set of Climate Action Kits
C3 celebrates the first year of the GBA with a 28% emissions reduction
2019
2020
2021
2023
C3 commences fuel-switching project with LEAP
C3 sends letters to City Council and County Board of Supervisors asking them to embrace a goal of 45% GHG reduction by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050 signed by:
927 Community Members
7 Independent Schools
41 businesses/organizations
C3 launches the Driving Climate Solutions campaign to put climate leaders behind the wheel of an EV
October 2019
Albemarle County Board of Supervisors unanimously votes to match the City’s climate goals
2022
August 2021
C3 publishes report: Lessons Learned in Residential Electrification
February 2020
C3 changes its name from Charlottesville to Community Climate Collaborative
C3 celebrates the installation of its Climate Justice mural on the American Red Cross Building
C3 presents first Green Business Alliance cohort
C3 creates sign-on letter to strengthen the City's CAP (Charlottesville's planning commission voted unanimously to adopt the CAP as an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan in 2023
October 2022
C3 celebrates five years of climate action, advocacy, and leadership with our "Party for the Planet," presenting awards to 11 local businesses, nonprofits, and individuals who are leading on climate
May 2021
November 2021
March 2019
October 2020
empowering communities with data-driven solutions
C3’s reports extend beyond data compilation; they also serve as a catalyst for change. Our 2021 Transit Equity and Climate report identified 14 recommendations for improving Charlottesville’s public transit system. The ensuing advocacy campaign influenced Charlottesville City Council to allocate an additional $3 million to increase route frequency for the Charlottesville Area Transit. This investment makes public transit a more viable option and demonstrates our community’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint while improving access to essential services.
By harnessing the power of knowledge, C3 emboldens individuals to advocate for change and helps local governments make informed decisions that can lead communities to a just, carbon-zero future.
I’m proud to say that through our collaborations with local leaders, we’ve built trusting partnerships and implemented effective climate solutions that prioritize equity and justice and truly reflect the unique needs of our community.
— Caetano de Campos Lopes
C3’s Director of Climate Policy
C3 believes that knowledge is power. Merging rigorous data analysis and community feedback, we have published groundbreaking reports and policy recommendations that provide accurate, unbiased information for decision-makers and constituents alike. And over the years, C3’s reports have brought climate justice to the forefront, uncovering the intersections between climate and systemic challenges faced by historically marginalized groups, particularly communities of color and those that are economically disadvantaged.
Top Five: Policy Stats
2,000
2,000 signatures on our petitions
1,000
1,000 residents and community leaders engaged through our outreach strategies
11
11 policy recommendation letters
100
100 partner organizations endorsed our recommendations and petitions
$10M
$10 million invested in climate solutions by Charlottesville City and Albemarle County governments
Diversifying the definition of climate leadership
Addressing climate change requires a collaborative movement that embraces and amplifies all voices. C3 reaches beyond the traditional environmental groups, bringing in those who have been historically excluded from climate conversations to foster a more robust and inclusive movement. Our programs serve youth, low-income households, and communities of color, and we join coalitions with social justice groups, housing advocates, and faith communities. Our Green Business Alliance (GBA) unites visionary leaders across a range of industries, including construction, renewable energy, fossil fuels, healthcare, and banking.
Our collaborative efforts yield far-reaching results, as exemplified during the 2021 Virginia General Assembly when the Virginia Automotive Dealers Association (VADA) reversed their previous opposition of clean cars legislation. This shift was directly influenced by the engagement of C3 business partner, Carter Myers Automotive, with
Creating recommendations for the Charlottesville Climate Action Plan in collaboration with diverse partners and community members was such a rewarding experience. I am proud to have worked on a project that embodies our shared values of justice and climate change mitigation.
— Katie Ebinger,
C3’s Climate Policy Analyst
VADA leadership. Ultimately, VADA supported the state-level adoption of more stringent clean car standards.
C3 takes a unique approach to collaboration by helping partners identify tangible connections to climate and realize their vital role in shaping solutions. This is how C3 builds climate leadership from the ground up.
Top Community Partners
Reframing Perspectives on Climate Change
emissions with C3’s assistance, and 500 households that participated in our Home Energy Challenge. We uplift big and small climate victories alike. From a small business owner installing a switch to conserve energy to Sentara Healthcare enlisting our services for energy benchmarking across their hospital network, every climate win is celebrated.
Throughout all of our communications, our message remains the same: together, our communities can lead on climate.
C3 is working to foster a collective culture around localized climate action where the success of our partners inspires others to take action.
One highlight for me in amplifying our work to a statewide audience was the launch of the Green Business Alliance with Governor Northam recognizing our 16 founding members. This first-of-its-kind alliance takes C3’s earlier work with business and sustainability to a new level, filling a necessary niche in the climate arena.
— Teri Strother
C3’s Director of Communications
Despite 74% of Virginians believing in global warming, only a third engage in occasional discussions about climate. Even then, such discussions often spiral into despair. That’s why C3 reshapes the narrative around climate change, shifting from anxiety and helplessness to action and empowerment. We leverage positive messaging and success stories to educate our partners in ways that make them feel more capable and ready to act.
Since 2017, we have recognized 25 local climate leaders, 233 organizations that have reduced
Top Five: Climate Wins
3,500
Delivered over 3,500 Climate Action Activity Kits to 4th and 5th graders in Albemarle County and Charlottesville City schools.
carbon neutrality
Charlottesville City and Albemarle County unanimously voted to adopt ambitious community-wide carbon neutrality goals
26
26 locally-based businesses and nonprofits joined our Green Business Alliance and thus far have reduced 5,300 Metric Tons of carbon emissions
9
9 cities and counties unified to expand access to clean cars in the General Assembly
30,000
Albemarle County embraces clean energy generation with its approval of the Woodridge Solar project, estimated to power the equivalent of 30,000 homes — more than half of Albemarle households.
Leading Communities to a Carbon-Neutral Future
Local governments across Virginia are setting the destination for carbon neutrality, but achieving these climate goals requires collective action beyond the scope of municipal operations. Every individual, business, and organization has a role to play in reducing our community’s greenhouse gas emissions. Since its beginning, C3 has offered holistic programs to support climate leadership in all sectors of our community. Whether it’s helping businesses reduce their carbon footprint, promoting climate education in schools, mitigating energy burden for families, or advocating for policy change that removes barriers to action, C3 helps communities identify opportunities while also providing the tools, guidance, and support to turn these opportunities into action.
Our combined efforts are projected to reduce more than 21,000 metric tons of CO2e per year by 2027. C3 is committed to remaining a trusted resource, leading the communities we serve toward a carbon-neutral future, and demonstrating what is possible.
My best moments working with our businesses are the things that often go unnoticed: a facility manager monitoring thermostats to save energy, a small business receiving an efficient appliance in the nick of time, or an employee implementing office-wide composting. Climate needs all hands on deck, and I love that our work enables actions both large and small across the business community.
— Coles Jennings
C3’s Director of Corporate Sustainability
Top Five: Community Resources for Reducing Emissions
Virginia Transit Tool
Solar Climate Justice Scorecard
Energy Burden Calculator
Climate Action Incentives
Make Your Own Impact Guide Book
As a local elected representative, I found C3's unbiased information invaluable in making policy decisions that move Charlottesville toward being, not only a city that faces the realities and challenges of climate change, but does so focused on equity and the disproportionate energy burden placed on many of our residents
-Sena Magill
Former Charlottesville City Council Member
CLIMATE AND JUSTICE ARE INHERENTLY CONNECTED; WE CANNOT SOLVE ONE WITHOUT ADDRESSING THE OTHER.
The causes and impacts of climate change unfairly disadvantage communities of color and other marginalized
groups that already face systemic and social injustices. For this reason, the Community Climate Collaborative
operates as more than a climate organization. We work at the nexus of climate change and other systemic
issues that exist in our communities and are exacerbated by climate change – such as affordable housing,
mobility, land use and zoning, food insecurity, and health.
We believe that, in pursuit of our vision for a climate-just future, we must also seek systems-level changes that
promote justice and ensure no one in our community is harmed, oppressed, and/or left behind. And our solutions to address
these systemic issues must include a diversity of voices and perspectives, especially from those who are most affected, in order to optimize creative outcomes and enhance our chances of success. As such, the C3 team is committed to infusing diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) into all aspects of our work, including in our hiring and recruitment practices, program development and implementation, and partnerships with individuals and other organizations.
Through our equity-centered campaigns, C3 seeks to engage, elevate, and empower members of our community who - despite bearing the greatest past, present, and/or future burdens of climate change - have traditionally been left out of climate conversations. C3 strives to create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere - within our organization, the communities we serve, and the broader environmental movement - for all people regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, ability, or religion.
We also understand that this work is ongoing and requires continuous reflection, education, and action. That is why the C3 staff and board of directors will continuously seek out opportunities to expand our knowledge and practice of DEIJ. We want to remain a trusted resource for our community, not only for climate issues, but for DEIJ as well.
We invite our supporters to follow us on our journey and, if you haven’t already, join in this commitment to DEIJ. Together, we can achieve a more just, sustainable, and healthy future for all.
2022 financials & What's next
Amidst a dynamic and ever-evolving landscape, C3 remained steadfast in our mission of promoting climate action and social equity in Virginia communities. In 2022, we made significant progress toward our goals, navigating challenges and capitalizing on opportunities to position our community for a prosperous and sustainable future.
With the momentum of our five-year anniversary behind us, we are setting our sights on ambitious goals that will expand our impact across Virginia. The top five priorities that are next for C3 include:
Expanding operations and hiring staff to serve additional Virginia communities, starting with Richmond
Leading a just transition to decarbonize the municipal gas utility in Charlottesville and Richmond
Activating businesses across Virginia to embrace climate leadership
Securing commitments from our local decision-makers for safe, viable, and clean public transit systems and increase ridership
Growing our network of individuals taking climate action in their homes
Our donors’ support will be pivotal in achieving these objectives. Every gift made to C3 helps bring our vision into focus, and we look forward to forging collaborations with our donors, supporters, and partners as we work collectively toward the realization of our shared goals. Thank you for your support!
