Department of Environment & Conservation
Robert Martineau, Commissioner

Green Initiatives

Featured Article: Calfee River Land Farms

 

Solar power's vast potential makes it one of the most promising sources of clean, renewable energy. The amount of solar energy that reaches the Earth each hour is equivalent to the amount of energy used by humans worldwide each year.

 

Mission Statement

Green initiatives promote a more sustainable Tennessee by establishing key partnerships to strategically allocate resources. We provide enhanced communication tools that foster a network of support and information transfer.

 

We create meaningful, lasting improvements for environmental quality and economic vitality in Tennessee by actively engaging stakeholders such as manufacturers, institutions, and local government; bringing together effective resources; implementing proven measures and strategies; and securing funding opportunities for both internal measures and external projects including federal grants, and private funding and foundations.

 

We will also provide a capacity for the Department of Environment and Conservation in the Office of Sustainable Practices to initiate projects for important emerging issues including:

Clean Tennessee Energy Grants

The Clean Tennessee Energy Grant Program selects and funds projects that best result in a reduction of emissions and pollutants. The Clean Tennessee Energy Program provides financial assistance to government agencies (local) utility districts, and private businesses/organizations in Tennessee to purchase, install, and construct energy projects.

Unwanted Pharmaceutical Take Back Program

This program is a partnership with the Department and local law enforcement and solid waste officials across Tennessee which allows for the ability of all citizens to be able to properly dispose of unwanted pharmaceuticals. Please visit the list of participating law enforcements.

Tennessee Radon Program

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas. It is released during the natural decay of uranium, which is found in most rock and soil. Radon is odorless, invisible, and without taste.