Sustainability News
Are you interested in learning about sustainability in Chester County? If so, then be sure to sign up for our Sustainability eNewsletter! Each issue will cover news and stories of the work happening in our communities, as well as tips, and other relevant information regarding sustainability in Chester County. The articles below have been featured in previous issues. Sign up for the quarterly eNewsletter so you don't miss out on any tips and resources not included below.
Spring 2026
View the complete Spring 2026 Sustainability eNewsletter.
There's Still Time to Go Solar Before Tax Incentives Expire
May 2026
Looking to make your energy costs predictable, reduce your operating costs, and lock in long-term value for your property? Solarize Greater Philadelphia and the PA Solar Center are working with commercial and nonprofit building owners from Philadelphia, Montgomery, Chester, Delaware or Bucks Counties to help install rooftop solar through the GET Solar program. Continue reading.
Help Shape How Chester County Addresses Climate Change
May 2026
Chester County is currently undertaking an update of its Climate Action Plan – a greenhouse gas reduction plan for county government and the greater community. Lots has changed since the plan was adopted in 2021, and Chester County planners are seeking input from those who live, work, and spend time in Chester County to better understand their priorities, concerns, and ideas related to climate change. Continue reading.
Chester County Planning Commission Prepares to Launch Open Space Accelerator Mini-Grant Program for Municipalities
May 2026
The Chester County Planning Commission is launching the Open Space Accelerator Mini-Grant Program in June 2026, offering municipalities a new opportunity to move priority open space projects from concept to action. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until funding is exhausted, so municipalities are encouraged to apply early. Continue reading.
Route 30 Pollinator Corridor
May 2026
In March, Keep Chester County Beautiful and the Easttown Township Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) held a webinar for residents, businesses, and organizations near the Route 30 Corridor to discuss opportunities for creating a "Route 30 Pollinator Corridor". Easttown's EAC members shared the story of their recent successful pollinator garden plantings in partnership with a local commercial property management company in Berwyn. Continue reading.
2026 Catch the Rain Property Owner Rebate Now Open!
May 2026
Chester County Water Resources Authority (CCWRA) is now accepting applications for the 2026 Catch the Rain Program. Funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Growing Greener Plus Grant, CCWRA launched the Catch the Rain program expansion to support practices that reduce stormwater runoff and improve water quality across the County. Continue reading.
Brightside Farm Park — Under the Tent
Winter 2026
View the complete Winter 2026 Sustainability eNewsletter.
Chester County Kicks Off Climate Action Plan Update
February 2026
Chester County has officially launched the update of its Climate Action Plan, marking the start of a countywide effort to take a fresh look at steps county government and the greater community can take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, prepare for changing conditions, and support healthier, more resilient communities. This update is in its early stages. Over the coming months, residents, municipalities, businesses, and organizations will have opportunities to get involved. Continue reading.
Westtown School Goes Solar
February 2026
This past fall, Westtown School announced the completion of a 2.1-megawatt solar array installed on its campus. Now fully operational, the array supplies approximately 90-91% of the school's annual electricity needs, generating more than 3 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean energy each year. The system features 550-watt bifacial solar panels, which collect energy from both the front and rear surfaces, and are mounted on a single-axis tracking system that follows the sun from east to west throughout the day, maximizing energy production. Continue reading.
ChesCo Connect Drives into the Future with Propane Buses
February 2026
The Chester County Department of Community Transit has begun replacing existing gasoline-powered Chesco Connect buses with new vehicles powered by propane. According to Chester County CEO David Byerman, the move to new vehicles aligns with key priorities in the County's Climate Action Plan and Strategic Plan. Continue reading.
To Celebrate America's 250th in Chester County — Be Part of the Greatest American Cleanup
February 2026
Keep Chester County Beautiful (KCCB) is leading a countywide effort to rally residents, volunteers, and local organizations in a coordinated beautification campaign to honor our nation's 250th anniversary year. Chester County has set an ambitious goal: 50 volunteer groups participating in cleanup and beautification activities by the end of 2026! Continue reading.
New Green Stormwater Infrastructure for The Garage Youth Center in Avondale
February 2026
Protecting the East Branch of White Clay Creek while strengthening community spaces was at the heart of the Garage Youth Center Green Stormwater Infrastructure project. Through this effort, rainwater that once flowed from roof to pavement and carried pollution into the creek is now captured and absorbed into the ground under a paved multi-purpose outdoor space at The Garage Youth Community Center in Avondale. Continue reading.