ABOUT THE PLAN

What is a Sustainability Plan?

A sustainability plan is a strategic framework that addresses environmental, social, and economic challenges, creating a roadmap for long-term growth and resilience. It’s a comprehensive effort to ensure that resources are used efficiently, communities thrive, and future generations inherit a healthier and more equitable Birmingham.

Why Now?

Birmingham’s industrial past has left legacies of both progress and challenges. Many neighborhoods face environmental justice issues like proximity to heavy industry, limited access to green spaces, and economic disparities. Addressing these challenges through sustainability will help Birmingham improve public health, attract investment, and strengthen its role as a hub for innovation and growth.

Photo: Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children, Birmingham

Economic Growth

Environmental Stewardship

Quality of Life

Project Timeline

*Please note this timeline may be subject to change

Project Partners

City of Birmingham

Leading the effort and ensuring alignment with citywide goals is the Office of Resilience and Sustainability, along with the Department of Planning, Engineering, and Permits.

Lotus Engineering & Sustainability

Providing data analysis and expertise in sustainability action planning.

Hummingbird

Leading community engagement to ensure the voices of Birmingham’s residents drive the plan.

City vs. Regional Sustainability Planning: What’s the Difference?

The City of Birmingham’s Office of Resilience and Sustainability (ORS) is working to support multiple planning initiatives including the Birmingham Sustainability Plan and Birmingham-Hoover Metropolitan Statistical Area Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CAP). These planning efforts are distinct yet related.

Geography: The Birmingham Sustainability Plan is focused specifically on the City, while the CAP focuses on initiatives that impact the Counties of Bibb, Blount, Chilton, Jefferson, Shelby, St Clair, and Walker.

Focus: The Birmingham Sustainability Plan goal is to support the City’s Comprehensive Plan by addressing the city’s sustainability challenges including equity, social justice, environmental justice, air quality, soil contamination, water quality and efficiency, water quantity, energy and resource use, waste management, placemaking and equitable land use, and community health. The CAP core goal is to identify economy-wide strategies that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, while identifying co-benefits of emission reductions such as improved air quality, improved public health outcomes, and economic benefits.

Funding: The Sustainability Plan is funded through the City, while the CAP is funded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG).

Timeline: The Sustainability Plan is expected to be finalized in early 2026, while the CAP is expected to be finalized by December 2025.

Together these plans will help create a more sustainable and climate-resilient city and region by addressing environmental, social and economic challenges.