Sustainability Dept Results of Sustainability Rebates Survey

Asheville -- August 29, 2024: Press Release: City of Asheville: Thanks to everyone who took our sustainability building

rebates survey! We are writing to give a quick update on the findings of the survey. 

We received a total of 34 responses and 65% of respondents don’t currently participate in the rebate program, mostly because they didn’t know that the program existed. 

Regarding potential changes to the rebate structure: 

85% (23 respondents) expressed that they would not support a cap on the number of rebates available to a single builder in a fiscal year. 
69% (18 respondents) are in favor of offering larger rebates for higher certification levels. 
77% (20 respondents) would support higher rebates for preserving existing trees rather than planting new ones. 
We received a variety of suggestions for additional rebates not currently included in the program, as well as some feedback on how to improve the program’s application process, particularly through streamlining and making the process entirely digital, or including it in the larger permitting process.

We are discussing possible changes with our Development Services Department and with builders associations to determine the actions with greatest impact and feasibility. We are also working on ways to improve and expand our outreach regarding the program. 

Thank you again to everyone who took the survey, stay tuned for another update when we have completed our analysis and made decisions regarding updates to the program.