What started as an energy reduction initiative has since evolved into a leading force for circular economy and sustainability efforts in the region.
Today, Envision Charlotte drives innovative projects across the Charlotte area, working with a wide range of public and private partners to create a cleaner, more resilient, and sustainable future for the community.
The following is a timeline of our major milestones:
2011
Envision Charlotte was founded - In 2011 Envision Charlotte started as a first-of-its-kind public-private collaboration between Duke Energy, Cisco, and Charlotte Center City Partners to make commercial buildings in Charlotte’s urban core more energy efficient. Since that time, Envision Charlotte has evolved as a champion of circular and sustainability efforts and works on projects throughout the Charlotte area with a variety of partners from both the private and public sector.
Envision America was launched in 2016 after the Obama White House invited Envision Charlotte to participate in their national Smart Cities initiative. Building on Charlotte’s success, we created Envision America — a program designed to help other cities accelerate their own smart city projects. We brought 10 cities to Charlotte to work directly with federal agencies, industry leaders, and peer cities, creating a unique environment to fast-track solutions in energy, water, waste, and transportation. The program became a model for fostering collaboration and innovation in urban sustainability and technology.
2015
2016
Envision Charlotte proudly celebrated the success of our Energy Initiative, a groundbreaking effort that began in 2011 with a commitment to the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI). The goal was ambitious — reduce energy use by 20% over five years in Charlotte’s largest commercial buildings in the urban core. An impressive 61 of the 64 largest buildings in Uptown participated, demonstrating the power of collective action. Together, these buildings achieved a 19.2% reduction in energy use, resulting in more than $26 million in energy cost savings — a milestone that positioned Charlotte as a national leader in energy efficiency and smart city innovation.
Envision Charlotte organized a trip to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Barcelona, taking a delegation of Charlotte city leaders to learn firsthand how leading global cities are embracing the circular economy. The group explored innovative policies, business models, and community initiatives that transform waste into resources, keep materials in use, and drive economic growth. The experience inspired new ideas and partnerships, laying the groundwork for Charlotte’s own journey toward becoming a circular economy leader focused on reducing waste, creating local jobs, and building a more sustainable future.
2017
Envision Charlotte partnered with Metabolic, a global leader in circular economy research, to conduct a comprehensive study of Charlotte’s waste stream. The study analyzed key materials—plastics, textiles, organics, and construction & demolition (C&D) waste—and identified significant opportunities to reduce landfill waste and recover valuable resources. Metabolic provided both short- and long-term strategies to guide Charlotte’s transition to a circular economy, with a central recommendation to establish an Innovation Center. This center would serve as a hub for piloting circular solutions, supporting local entrepreneurs, and creating new markets for recycled materials—positioning Charlotte as a leader in circular innovation and sustainable economic development.
2018
Envision Charlotte proudly opened the Innovation Barn, a first-of-its-kind facility dedicated to advancing the circular economy in Charlotte. Designed as a hub for education, innovation, and collaboration, the Barn serves as a living laboratory where community members, entrepreneurs, and businesses can explore solutions to reduce waste, reuse materials, and rethink traditional systems. Through interactive exhibits, workshops, and partnerships, the Innovation Barn fosters hands-on learning and inspires new ideas that support a more sustainable, resilient, and circular future for Charlotte.