During a recent government meeting, Apex's Sustainability Coordinator, Don Reeves, presented the town's Apex Sustainability Action Plan, outlining a comprehensive strategy aimed at reducing the town's environmental impact over the next five years. The plan is a culmination of data collected from previous town records and director interviews, and it emphasizes collaboration across various departments to set measurable sustainability goals.

Reeves highlighted that the town's commitment to sustainability began in 2019 with the adoption of a clean energy resolution, which aims for 80% clean energy utilization by 2035 and 100% by 2050. Since then, Apex has made strides in sustainability, including the purchase of electric vehicles (EVs), installation of solar panels on municipal buildings, and expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

The action plan identifies three primary themes for initiatives: energy efficiency in facilities, clean mobility transitions, and waste management. These areas were chosen for their potential to significantly reduce the town's carbon footprint. Specific goals include improving energy efficiency, transitioning the fleet to sustainable options, and enhancing waste reduction practices.

During the discussion, council members raised questions about the timeline for transitioning the town's fleet to electric vehicles, with Reeves explaining that the timeline will depend on the current inventory and the lifespan of existing vehicles. He noted that while the goal is to achieve 100% EV adoption, practical considerations will dictate the pace of this transition.

Additionally, the council discussed the importance of tracking greenhouse gas emissions and the potential for a broader community engagement strategy to promote sustainable practices among residents. Reeves acknowledged the need for future updates to the plan that would address community involvement and regional collaboration, emphasizing that sustainability efforts must extend beyond town operations to include local businesses and residents.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue refining the sustainability plan and to report progress to the community, reinforcing Apex's ambition to become a leader in sustainability within the region.