Richmond explores circular-economy innovation center; city releases 'Cool Kit' to fight urban heat

Tara Wharton, sustainability manager in Richmond’s Office of Sustainability, proposed that the city pursue a circular-economy innovation center modeled on Charlotte’s Innovation Barn and described local assets that could support the idea, including university partnerships, manufacturing heritage and emerging private-sector interest.

Wharton described the circular economy as "an economic system that aims to minimize waste and pollution by keeping products, materials, and resources in use for as long as possible" and outlined revenue and programming examples from Charlotte: onsite business incubation (plastics processing, glass crushing, urban lumber), public tours, and revenue-generating amenities such as coffee shops and retail selling upcycled goods. She said Charlotte’s model mixes public ownership of a facility (a long-term nominal lease) with corporate sponsors, grants, tenant rent and earned revenue.

Wharton said Richmond is conducting a materials-flow analysis focusing on construction and demolition debris, institutional food waste, textiles and plastics and that the city has potential local partners including Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) programs, local textile artisans, and reuse organizations such as Goodwill of Central Virginia. She said some private-sector firms already working on reuse and washing of plastics have expressed interest in partnerships and that the city is exploring city-owned properties and potential anchor tenants for an innovation center.

Following that presentation, Daniel Klein, sustainability coordinator, introduced the Richmond Cool Kit, an urban-heat mitigation guide that lists 25 strategies for staff, neighborhoods and property owners. Klein described four categories: urban greening (street trees, green infrastructure), blue infrastructure (splash pads, fountains), shade (shade structures, shade sails) and smart surfaces/depaving (lighter paving, impervious-surface removal). He said the guide points to the city’s Sustainable Design Standards and supplies questions and resources staff can use when designing public projects.

Committee members noted the projected rise in extreme-heat days cited in the Cool Kit: historically one day over 100°F, rising to five days annually in a mid-century window and many more late-century. Members asked about property and site options for a circular hub, likely partners such as mattress recyclers and Goodwill, and potential revenue and tax implications for mixed-use or commercial tenants. Wharton said staff would follow up on property questions and provide additional financial and partner details as planning progresses.

No committee vote was taken; the presentations were informational and staff said they will continue partnership building and technical analysis.