Sustainability News

Chester County Prepares to Install Public Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

September 8, 2026

Chester County is excited to announce that installation has begun for Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations that will be open to the public in many locations across the county. The charging stations will be installed between Summer 2026 and Winter 2027. Level 2 charging stations deliver about 30 miles of range in one hour of charging time for a typical EV. There will be a small fee for using the stations that will cover the cost of the electricity and station management. Continue reading.

Two Surveys Reveal Local Perceptions About Climate Change

August 2026

This summer, the Chester County Planning Commission released two surveys to help inform the update that's underway of the county's Climate Action Plan. The results of the surveys will be considered when prioritizing actions in the plan and will help determine where to focus efforts on future community outreach and education programming. Continue reading.

East and West Goshen Townships to Compete in a Nature Challenge

August 2026

Beginning with a live kickoff event at Veteran's Pavilion in East Goshen Park at 12:00 p.m. on September 20, 2026, East Goshen and West Goshen townships will launch the "Goshen250 Nature Challenge," a friendly competition to identify 250 or more local plants, animals, birds, and insects in parks and neighborhoods within the townships.  Continue reading.

The Next Big Thing in Solar Power: Balcony Solar

August 2026

For decades residential solar photovoltaic systems have benefitted U.S. homeowners by reducing electricity bills through generating clean energy. Chester County's recent Climate Action Plan survey showed significant interest from residents in going solar, but that upfront costs remain a barrier. A new kind of solar might one day be the answer: plug-in Photovoltaic (PIPV) or 'balcony solar' systems.  Continue reading.

Chester County Library Unveils New Native Plant Garden

August 2026

The Chester County Library has recently transformed a portion of their property into a thriving native plant garden that will benefit pollinators, birds, and local wildlife. Replacing a large section of traditional turf, the garden showcases plants that have evolved alongside southeastern Pennsylvania's wildlife. Continue reading.

Safe Drinking Well Water Starts at Home

August 2026

Did you know that 36% of Chester County residents rely on private wells for their drinking water? Nearly 45% of Pennsylvanians have never tested their well water. Clean well water requires monitoring by the well owner. Continue reading.

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

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.