One of the draft strategies in the RVAgreen 2050 equitable climate action and resilience action plan is to "make Richmond a leader in attracting companies that promote a circular economy through creative and innovative solutions to waste reduction and recovery.” What do you think? Provide your input by April 30!

Read more about the announcement of new jobs in Richmond in sustainable biotech below!

Media Advisory
Tuesday, April 20, 2021
Contact: Devin Wood
Cell: 804-484-4800
Devin.Wood@richmondgov.com

Governor Northam, Mayor Stoney announce sustainable biotech firm to expand operations in Richmond, creating 250 new jobs

Grenova Inc. to invest $10.6 million to increase production of pipette tip cleaning, washing and sterilizing machines

Richmond, VA — Governor Ralph Northam today announced that Grenova Inc., a Virginia-based sustainable biotech firm that designs, develops, and manufactures devices that wash and sterilize contaminated pipette tips for reuse, will invest $10.6 million to expand in the City of Richmond. The company will relocate its operations from Manchester to a larger facility in Scott’s Addition and increase capacity with new production lines in response to the shortage of pipette tips used for COVID-19 testing. Governor Northam joined company leaders at the site of Grenova’s future location at 1900 Ellen Road to celebrate the project, which will add 250 new jobs over the next three years.

“We are thrilled to celebrate this homegrown sustainable biotech firm expanding and adding to its workforce in Richmond,” said Governor Northam. “It is remarkable to see Virginia’s innovative life sciences businesses quickly adapt and respond to critical needs as we fight this pandemic. Grenova is an emerging industry leader that has achieved exponential growth in a short time, and I applaud the company for leveraging its technology and expertise to address a global shortage and reduce environmental waste.”

Founded in Richmond in 2014, Grenova’s mission is to help lower costs and reduce biohazard waste by delivering groundbreaking approaches in dealing with plastic consumables. The company’s product, Tipnovus™ enables laboratories to wash and sanitize pipette tips for reuse numerous times, cutting associated consumable costs by up to 96 percent. Ten pipette tips are used to fully conduct one COVID-19 test, resulting in a worldwide shortage of the plastic consumable. Grenova’s technology allows healthcare systems to safely wash and reuse the pipette tips used for testing, which has helped to end pipette tip shortages and improve access to COVID-19 testing while making labs more environmentally friendly. Due to demand for Grenova’s products, the company has quadrupled in size in the last year. Grenova sells products from its Richmond facility to laboratories and distributors across the United States, as well as in Europe and Asia.

“This expansion project is an important win that will create 250 new, high-quality jobs and help improve Richmond’s standing as a life sciences hub,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball. “Grenova is a great success story for the Commonwealth, and we are confident the region will continue to provide the business climate and workforce needed for years to come.”

“Our growth is a sign that the world is ready to rethink, reimagine, and reinvent the way plastic consumables like pipette tips are washed and reused within the life sciences industry and beyond,” said Ali Safavi, Founder and CEO of Grenova. “We’re proud to make our bold solution possible from our expanded headquarters in Richmond thanks to the Commonwealth’s thriving ecosystem of world-class talent, resources, and infrastructure.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Richmond to secure the project for the Commonwealth. Grenova Inc. is eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, and funding and services to support the company’s employee recruitment and training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

“Grenova’s sustainable solution for lab testing consumable products is a premier example of how great ideas and ingenuity flourish in the City of Richmond,” said Mayor Levar Stoney. “The City is thankful for the company’s capital investment and new job creation. Grenova’s new facility in Scott’s Addition demonstrates that entrepreneurial and life science ecosystems in Richmond are strong and continue to have a far-reaching impact.”

“The expansion of Grenova Inc. is wonderful news for Richmond,” said Congressman Donald McEachin. “Creating jobs and reducing biohazardous waste are two critical goals that are good for Richmond and for the Commonwealth. Once again, Virginia leads the way.”

“I am so pleased to see Grenova’s expansion to its new and larger facility in Scott’s Addition,” said Senator Ghazala Hashmi. “Grenova’s introduction of innovative technologies helps to address the global shortage of pipette tips during this pandemic and also highlights how we can reduce biohazard waste. This expansion will bring exciting new jobs opportunities and further talent development in Richmond.”

“I am happy to hear that Grenova Inc. will be expanding its operations in the City of Richmond,” said Delegate Jeffrey Bourne. “The work that the company is doing to reuse pipette tips is an essential cog in the machine that is our COVID-19 response. Grenova’s presence in Richmond continues to provide important jobs as well as contributes to Richmond’s status as a place for innovation and growth.”

The City of Richmond, through the Office of Sustainability, has partnered with Viridiant, Solar United Neighbors, and Henrico County to launch SolarizeRVA 2021, a campaign to help the greater Richmond region transition to clean solar power generated right here in our community. Viridiant is a mission-driven non-profit that exists to speed Virginia’s transition to a sustainable built environment powered by clean energy sources.

Our own Wendy Fewster, Office of Sustainability Climate Action Coordinator, participated in the SolarizeRVA program back in 2014. She said, “the whole process went very smoothly. They came out and took measurements for how much sunlight I was getting and the installation was very neat. And the best part was that I knew I was getting the best price!” 

Check out more information from Viridiant below:

It’s a great time to go solar. The federal tax credit of 26% is set to go down to 22% at the end of 2022. Installation on your roof takes just 1-3 days depending on the complexity of the operation, and 99% of the work is outside, so it really is a safe undertaking during social distancing. Our re-design of the Solarize model offers both consumers and industry partners more flexibility to get to the best solutions and best prices on a customer-by-customer basis.

A critical first step in going solar at your home is making cost-effective improvements that reduce your need for electricity. Why make solar kilowatthours just to waste them? That’s why Viridiant also offers professional home energy audits for a personalized analysis of energy use, comfort, durability, health, and safety issues in your home. We will also do a free solar analysis while we are on site.

Learn more about solar, home energy audits and other services provided by Viridiant's Community Energy Services Division by visiting viridiant.org/energy-services/ or register for an upcoming informational webinar at viridiant.org/events.

Why would I want solar panels?
Solar panels can help you save money in the long run and they help the environment. For example, a 6KW array has an installation cost of $10,400 (after tax credits) but it makes more than 8,000 kWh per year and saves $77 per month.  Additionally, the tax credit for solar panels is 26% this year and it will decrease so it is the perfect time to buy them!

What is the process?
First, using a recent electric bill and your address, your home is evaluated to see if it’s a good candidate.  Important factors are your annual electricity use, if you have adequate roof space with good orientation, and if that roof area receives enough sun during the course of the day. If everything looks good, a site visit will be scheduled to do a more detailed assessment of your home, nearby trees, the condition of your roof, and your goals. From there a proposal will be prepared for you. Once you sign off, permits will be obtained, panels will be installed, as well as a net meter. This whole process will take about 6 weeks from start to finish, with about a week with a crew on site.

How much will it cost?
Cost can vary depending on the specifics of your home and site.

How long is the warranty?
Warranties are typically 20-25 years.

Are the consultations free?
YES!

Is all of this COVID-friendly?
Yes. Most of the work is done outside of your home in a few days. 

Media Advisory
Wednesday, April 7, 2021
Contact: Alicia Zatcoff
Alicia.Zatcoff@RichmondGov.com

City seeking community input for RVAgreen 2050 climate action and resilience roadmap

Richmond, VA — Starting today, residents can participate in the development of RVAgreen 2050, the City of Richmond’s equity-centered climate action and resilience planning initiative. The Sustainability Office offers many ways for residents to provide feedback on the draft content here.

The objectives of the plan are to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 45% by 2030, achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and help the community adapt to Richmond’s climate impacts of extreme heat, precipitation, and flooding.

This community-wide initiative to develop and implement a roadmap of actions is using an innovative planning approach that centers community members on the frontlines of local climate impacts and works at the intersection of equity, mitigation, and climate resilience. RVAgreen 2050 also coordinates with other city planning processes, including Richmond 300, RVAH20, and Richmond Connects.

The city’s Office of Sustainability has created the RVAgreen 2050 Racial Equity & Environmental Justice Roundtable, a group of frontline community members with diverse lived experiences and paid for their time, and topical Working Groups composed of community stakeholders and city staff. These groups have begun to draft content for the first RVAgreen 2050 roadmap, which aims to achieve a 45% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and help the community adapt to Richmond’s climate impacts.

The city is now seeking community input and ideas on RVAgreen 2050 draft Vision, Objectives and Strategies.

From April 7 to April 30, community members can provide their input at their convenience via any of the following options:

Provide your thoughts online anytime: Review the full draft content and provide comments here. Two versions of our online survey (a 30-minute and 10-minute option) are live until April 30.

Attend an RVAgreen 2050 event in April: The Office of Sustainability is hosting weekly RVAgreen Gab virtual, informal discussions featuring community partners from each of the RVAgreen 2050 pathways:

• Thursday, April 8, 5 p.m.: Transportation & Mobility - featuring partners from GRTC, the City of Richmond, and Bike Walk RVA
• Thursday, April 15, 5 p.m.: Buildings & Energy - featuring partners from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and VCU Health Systems
• Thursday, April 22, 5 p.m.: Environment & Community - featuring partners from Science Museum of Virginia, Groundwork RVA, and City of Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities
• Thursday, April 29, 5 p.m.: Waste Reduction & Recovery - featuring partners from Keep Virginia Beautiful and the Chesapeake Climate Action Network

Visit the Office of Sustainability during virtual “office hours.” Sign up for a time slot to talk to Office of Sustainability staff about your ideas for RVAgreen 2050.

Bring RVAgreen 2050 to your community meeting:  Email rvagreen@richmondgov.com to ask a member of the Office of Sustainability to attend your virtual community meeting to present on RVAgreen 2050, the opportunities to provide input, and answer your questions.

Help spread the word: Use the images and content in the RVAgreen 2050 Community Engagement Toolkit at rvagreen2050.com/engagement-toolkit to help the Office of Sustainability gather as much community input as possible on the draft content by April 30, 2021.

For more information about RVAgreen 2050, please visit rvagreen2050.com.

With winter wrapping up, it is time to start thinking about spring cleaning and we encourage you to consider the environment as you clean this year! Here are some ways to reduce clutter and clean your house while helping the environment.

Use reusable wipes and scrubbers
Instead of using paper towels, which create more waste for the environment, buy some reusable wipes and scrubbers. You can even create cloth rags to clean with or get some natural sponges. They also last longer and can help you save money. 

Use earth-friendly cleaning products
Regular cleaning products can leave toxic chemicals in rivers and streams. There are lots of non-toxic alternatives so try and use those instead. Don't know where to start? Buy some plant-based, biodegradable laundry soap. 

Use natural air freshener
The “clean” smell that we associate with normal air fresheners could be contaminating your house with chemicals. As an alternative, simply open your windows to freshen your house. You could also buy some plants to improve indoor air quality.

Hang clothes
A typical dryer uses 5 kilowatts of electricity for each hour it is left running. Try line-drying your clothes to save energy and money.     

Start recycling, especially electronics
Rather than just trashing all of your unwanted things, try to donate them, sell them in a yard sale, and recycle! Securis, CVWMA’s electronics recycling event vendor, now has a facility in Richmond located at 8419 Glazebrook Avenue (near Staples Mill and Hermitage Roads). They they will host events on the first Saturday of every month from 10 am-2 pm to collect e-waste. Check out the next event on April 3!

Check out the following links for more tips and resources:

• Sierra Club - Green Spring Cleaning Tips
• HowStuffWorks - Green Spring Cleaning Tips
• Central Virginia Waste Management Authority - Richmond Recycling Information

The Science Museum of Virginia's new RVAir initiative is seeking volunteer citizen scientists to help study air quality in Richmond neighborhoods. From the RVAir website:

According to our project partners at the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, the Richmond region experienced zero unhealthy ozone air quality days for the first time since monitoring began in the 1970s in 2019 (yay!). However, the National Asthma and Allergy Foundation consistently ranks Richmond as the second worst city in the U.S. Why might this be?

Unfortunately, air quality ratings for the entire Richmond area is based on data from only two locations! We know from studies in other cities that local changes in the environment such as wide streets, traffic volume, close proximity to interstates and the number of trees lining streets can significantly change the amount of pollution in the air we breathe.

By getting local experts (you!) to help us get locally-specific air quality data throughout Richmond, we can help create home-grown solutions to Richmond’s climate resiliency challenge.

Kendra Norrell, the City's Office of Sustainability Community Engagement Coordinator, recently participated in the initiative. Read more about her experience below.

On Monday, August 17, 2020, the Science Museum of Virginia (the Museum), through the Institute of Museum and Library Services, started the public engagement phase of their air quality testing project in Richmond. This is the perfect opportunity for anyone in the Richmond area that has ever wanted to participate in community science! The RVAir program (which you can read more about at smv.org/explore/rvair) is the Museum’s newest community science project. 

I went to the Museum to help collect “concentrations of airborne pollution known as particulate matter (PM)” between the Museum and the Branch Museum of Architecture and Design. When I arrived at the Museum (wearing my face mask) I was provided with all of the equipment needed to collect air samples (pictured). The activity was very simple. Community scientists wear the air sensor and walk from the Museum to the destination on the pre-printed map and back to the Museum. You can come with a walking partner, or be paired when you arrive, for accuracy and companionship. 

Devin Jefferson, the Community Science Catalyst for the Museum, wants this project to be an opportunity that focuses on community engagement and advocacy through a scientific lens, similar to the 2017 Urban Heat Island Assessment. If you are interested in becoming a citizen scientist with the Museum click here or visit smv.org/explore/rvair.