Hillsborough Designated a "Cool City"

The N.C. Sierra Club designated Hillsborough as a “Cool City” in June 2007 for its efforts in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

“Orange County is leading the way in fighting global warming in North Carolina at the local level,” said Tom Jensen, Cool Cities coordinator for N.C. Sierra Club. “There is no other place in our state that has the same level of commitment to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions.”

In March 2007, Hillsborough signed the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, committing to work toward a 7 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions levels by 2012 from what they were in 1990.

The town has conducted an energy audit to help increase energy efficiency in its public buildings and has purchased a hybrid vehicle as part of its fleet.

The Sierra Club also has recognized Orange County, where Hillsborough is located, as a “Cool County” and the county’s two other towns — Chapel Hill and Carrboro — as Cool Cities. UNC has been recognized as a “Cool College.”