Who we work with     Accomplishments     

Renew Rocktown is a coalition of Harrisonburg organizations committed to climate action and environmental sustainability. We value inclusiveness and community-driven participation and we recognize the intersection of environmental sustainability and social-justice issues.

With a fierce dedication to future generations we envision a higher quality of life for all, with:

• Clean rivers
• Dignified and sustainable jobs
• Healthy and secure food
• Accessible and sustainable energy and modes of transportation
• Closed waste loops
• Dignified housing

We believe that individuals and communities have the power to create a brighter future in which human life is not dependent on environmental degradation.

Who we work with

We have had the pleasure of working with the city, local business leaders, students, professors, community members and other local organizations including, non-profits, churches and neighborhood groups.

Some groups we have worked with include but are not limited to:

• JMU Office of Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability
• EMU Center for Sustainable Climate solutions
• Gains Group Architects
• Vine & Fig, a branch of New Community Project
• Climate Action Alliance of the Valley
• Voluntary Gas Tax
• Earth Keepers
• Climate Justice Coalition
• Matchbox Realty
• Shalom Mennonite Congregation
• Environmental Performance Standards Advisory Committee
• City Comprehensive Planning Committees
• Community Mennonite Church
• Institute for Constructive Advocacy and Dialogue

Accomplishments

Partner organizations are in parenthesis.

• Successfully lobbied city to create the Environmental Performance Standards Committee (Renew Rocktown)
• Achieved more than 65 energy audits and trained 200 middle and high school students in understanding audits (Gaines Group Architect)
• 140+ installations achieved through four valley solar co-ops. (Climate Action Alliance of the Valley)
• Helped install largest solar array in H’burg for Gift and Thrift: 320 panels, 114kW (Voluntary Gas Tax provided seed funding)
• Created sustainable low-carbon experimentation living center (Vine & Fig)
• Northend Greenway pedestrian and bicycle path (Vine & Fig)
• Organized four community gardens in underserved neighborhoods (Vine &Fig)