energy

Wilkes-Barre, PA, has shown a commitment to improving energy efficiency through various actions and initiatives. The city has implemented LED streetlight retrofits to reduce municipal energy consumption. Efforts have been made to encourage local businesses and residents to participate in energy-saving programs offered by utility companies, such as PPL Electric Utilities' energy efficiency rebate program. The city has explored options for utilizing renewable energy sources, including solar installations on municipal buildings. Energy audits are becoming more common for residential and commercial buildings, leading to improvements in insulation and HVAC systems. The city has also been a proponent of green building standards, which are evident in some of the newer construction projects. Homeowners have been incentivized to upgrade appliances to ENERGY STAR-rated products, which has had a positive impact on household energy savings. There is an increasing trend in the community towards energy conservation awareness and education, leading to behavior changes that contribute to lower energy consumption. Though these efforts are a step in the right direction, continuous investment and community engagement are needed to maintain and enhance the city's energy efficiency trajectory.

water

In Wilkes-Barre, water efficiency measures have been progressively implemented to ensure sustainable use and management of water resources. The city's infrastructure has been updated with the replacement and repair of aged water lines, reducing water loss due to leaks and breaks. There's a focus on regular maintenance schedules for the water distribution system to prevent major disruptions and conserve water. Rain barrel programs and stormwater management initiatives have been introduced to reduce runoff and promote water conservation among homeowners. The city also supports low-impact development practices to decrease stormwater volumes and improve water quality. Water treatment facilities in the area have adopted advanced processes to enhance the efficiency of water purification and reduce chemical usage. Rebates and incentives for water-efficient appliances have been offered to residents, encouraging the adoption of products that save water. Educational programs advocating water conservation are conducted in schools and community centers. Despite these measures, challenges such as aging infrastructure and climate variability require ongoing attention and investment to ensure continued water efficiency.

transportation

Transportation efficiency in Wilkes-Barre has seen improvements with a push towards sustainable and efficient transit options. The Luzerne County Transportation Authority (LCTA) provides public bus services, which have been optimized with route adjustments to better serve the community's needs. Initiatives to promote ride-sharing and carpooling have reduced single-occupancy vehicle trips, lessening traffic congestion and emissions. The city has seen an increase in the use of alternative transportation modes, including biking and walking, supported by the development of bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. The downtown area is becoming more transit-oriented, with efforts to create a more walkable urban center. Investments in electric vehicle (EV) charging stations have started, aiming to support the transition to electric vehicles. The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport has introduced measures to improve operational efficiency and reduce its carbon footprint. However, the city's transportation system requires continuous enhancements, such as expanding public transit coverage and availability, to meet residents' demands and to further decrease transportation-related energy consumption.

waste

Wilkes-Barre has actively engaged in waste reduction and recycling programs to manage its municipal waste efficiently. The city provides curbside recycling collection services, which has been instrumental in diverting recyclables from landfills. The single-stream recycling system allows residents to place all recyclable materials into one container, simplifying the process and increasing participation rates. The city also hosts special collection events for hazardous waste and electronics, ensuring proper disposal and recycling of these items. There's a growing culture of reducing single-use plastics among residents and businesses, partly due to educational efforts by local environmental organizations. The city has seen improvements in its waste management systems through the adoption of new technologies and practices, such as the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles for waste collection, which also contributes to lowering the carbon footprint. Businesses are encouraged to conduct waste audits and implement reduction strategies. While these efforts have positively impacted waste management in the city, ongoing public engagement and stricter enforcement of waste regulations are necessary to further reduce the waste sent to landfills.