Sustainability and Resiliency Resources

Climate Action Plan

The City of Boynton is furthering its dedication to climate stewardship by adopting and implementing the 2020 Climate Action Plan.

The strategies in the Climate Action Plan are expected to produce a number of additional benefits for the people, economy, and environment of Boynton Beach:

  • Cost savings by reducing costs of electricity and vehicle fuel/maintenance
  • Economic development by promoting local green businesses and ecotourism
  • Public health by reducing air pollutants and promoting active lifestyles
  • Ecosystem protection by enhancing greenspace and reducing plastic pollution
  • Climate resilience by reducing urban heat and promoting resilient energy systems

The City and the Utility Department are committed to minimizing adverse effects on the environment by increasing positive impacts through programs and efficient day-to-day operations. These initiatives include implementing energy-saving practices and encouraging the use of renewable resources. By prioritizing these initiatives, the City and Utility Department strive to achieve a more sustainable and resilient future for the community.

Green Resources

To learn more about ways you can support sustainability and environmental stewardship in your home, please visit the below links.

Green Your Plate

Animal protein plays a significant role in contributing to the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Among the various protein sources, beef has the highest carbon footprint, producing 10 to 17 times more emissions than the equivalent amount of protein from plant-based sources like tofu, beans, or nuts. Minimizing meat consumption is widely recognized as one of the most powerful actions individuals can take to help combat climate change.

Composting

In the United States approximately 167 million tons of garbage and food scraps make their way to a landfill every year to be incinerated. When food scraps are left in landfills, they undergo anaerobic decomposition, which results in the production of methane gas. According to the U.S. EPA, food waste in landfills is the third largest contributor to methane emissions in both the United States and the world. However, when food scraps are transformed into compost and added to the soil, carbon is effectively sequestered, thereby aiding in the prevention of erosion and flooding.

Please be aware that the Solid Waste Authority (SWA) of Palm Beach County (PBC) does not currently allow the commercial door-to-door collection of food waste for a fee, the diversion of it from the system and/or the accumulation of it at an unpermitted location in competition with the SWA. However, SWA allows residents to compost their own food and yard waste without a permit and encourages institutions (country clubs, schools, restaurants, etc.) to compost food waste generated on-site and use the finish compost on-site as long as no material is brought in from off-site. 

EVs and EV Charging

Boynton Beach is committed to transforming the city into a community where people walk, bike, take transit, or carpool for most trips in a safe, accessible, and affordable transporting network. Use of alternative transportation can lead to cost effective savings when compared to fueling and maintenance of gasoline or diesel vehicles. There are ways to reduce your carbon footprint and save money while getting around town.

What are EVs?

Electric vehicles (EVs) are vehicles that run on electricity and can be connected to an external power source to charge up. The transportation sector is a major contributor to the release of greenhouse gases, which are causing climate change. While EVs are not completely free from greenhouse gas emissions, as energy production in Florida still generates these emissions, they do not emit harmful pollutants like traditional fossil fuel vehicles do. Electric vehicles could potentially qualify for up to $7,500 in federal tax credits.

EV Chargers

Did you know that the installation of EV chargers requires permits? Learn more on the requirements on the City of Boynton Beach's Building Department website. 

As Boynton Beach continues to support cleaner transportation options, understanding the different types of EV chargers can help drivers choose the best way to power their vehicle. 

EV Charging Stations

EV charging is generally grouped into three levels, each offering different speeds, electrical requirements, and ideal use cases.

Level 1 Charging

Level 1 charging uses a standard 120‑volt household outlet and is the slowest charging option.

  • Ideal for: Overnight charging at home or at workplaces.
  • Typical charging time: 8–32 hours for a full charge.
  • Power source: Regular 15–20 amp household circuit.

Level 2 Charging 

Level 2 charging uses a 240-volt connection - the same type of power used for appliances like electric dryers.

  • Ideal for: Homes, public parking lots, commercial properties, and municipal facilities.
  • Typical charging time: 4–6 hours for a full charge.
  • Often found at: City-owned parking lots and workplaces.

Level 3 Charging / DC Fast Charging (Rapid Charging)

Often referred to as DC Fast Charging, this is the quickest way to charge an EV.

  • Ideal for: High‑traffic corridors, long‑distance travel, and quick top‑offs.
  • Typical charging time: 25–40 minutes for a significant charge.
  • Requires: Specialized high‑voltage equipment (480‑volt or higher, three‑phase power).

The following “Level 2” EV charging stations are located at the following City facilities:

You can find additional charging stations throughout the U.S. using PlugShare 

Ridesharing and Alternative Modes of Transportation

Choosing alternatives to driving alone is an easy way to reduce traffic congestion, lower transportation costs, and decrease greenhouse gas emissions. Public transit, ridesharing, and rail options all offer convenient, affordable, and sustainable ways to travel throughout Boynton Beach and beyond.

Public Transit

Public transportation uses significantly less fuel and produces fewer emissions per passenger mile compared to private vehicles, making it a cost‑effective and environmentally friendly choice.

Palm Tran

Palm Tran is the regional bus service for Palm Beach County. Palm Tran offers frequent and convenient service in and around the City of Boynton Beach, City Hall, and to and from the Tri-Rail station. Routes servicing Boynton Beach are 1, 2, 3, 70, 71, and 73. Click here for Route Information and Maps. More questions? visit www.palmtran.org or call 561-841-4BUS (4287)

Tri-Rail

Tri-Rail is South Florida’s tri-county commuter rail system, which operates 18 stations along the I-95 corridor of Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade Counties. Tri-Rail services the City of Boynton Beach with a station at I-95 and Gateway Boulevard. For train schedules, fares, and additional Information, https://www.tri-rail.com/ or call 800-TRI-RAIL (874-7245) / 954-783-6030

Brightline

South Florida’s new high-speed train does not stop in Boynton Beach, but it is a car-free option for traveling from Miami to Orlando, with stops in Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and West Palm Beach. For more information, visit https://www.gobrightline.com/

Solar

The City of Boynton Beach is dedicated to simplifying and reducing the cost for residents and businesses to adopt solar energy. In addition to expedited permitting, the City offers the Energy Edge Rebate Program to provide rebates to residents and businesses that install eligible energy-efficiency improvements, solar energy, or electric vehicle supply equipment. Sol Smart

In 2018, Boynton Beach achieved the highest level of recognition from the national SolSmart program. SolSmart is a nationwide program that offers technical assistance and recognition, supported by the U.S. Department of Energy SunShot Initiative through the Solar Powering America by Recognizing Communities (SPARC) initiative. Its purpose is to acknowledge communities that have taken significant measures to overcome local obstacles to solar energy and promote the development of well-established local solar markets. 

Learn more about Boynton Beach’s SolSmart Gold Designation here.

Sol Smart

Benefits of solar:

  • Reduction on monthly electric bills
  •  Increased home value
  •  Tax incentives
  •  Reduced greenhouse gas emissions

Solar Project Permits

For permit applications, updates, fees, or inspections, please visit the City of Boynton’s Building Division here.

Florida Solar Laws

Florida law prohibits any entity, including homeowner associations, from prohibiting the installation of solar or other renewable energy devices on Florida buildings. Any restrictions must not impair the performance or increase the cost of a solar system: Title XI 163.04

Florida’s “net metering” rules allow utility customers who connect a solar PV system to the electric grid to sell electricity back to the utility company and have the cost deducted from their monthly bill. To be eligible, the customer must apply with the utility company and have their electric meter replaced with one that measures excess power supplied to the grid: Title XXVII 366.91

Switch Together Boynton Beach 

We launched Switch Together to help you understand your solar options and save money. Switch Together Boynton Beach is open for registrations. Join our newsletter to receive more Switch Together updates.

Boynton Beach is pleased to support this program, which helps homeowners and small businesses secure a quality rooftop solar installation. The program also offers discounted prices for optional add-ons such as battery storage, and electric vehicle chargers.

Using group buying and the expertise of nonprofit Solar United Neighbors, Switch Together ensures that participants get a great deal and have the information needed to make an informed decision.

How does Switch Together work?

Switch Together organizes groups of residents who are interested in going solar, together. By organizing a group purchase for solar panels, Switch Together can get a better deal for everyone in the group.


  1. Registration: Sign up online today. It’s free to join. There’s no obligation to make a purchase.
  2. Auction: Pre-vetted installers participate in an auction. The best bid wins.
  3. Personalized Recommendation: You'll get a personal installation proposal based on your registration details.
  4. Make Your Decision: Once you get the offer, you can decide if you want to accept and proceed with a site survey. If you choose to accept, you will be asked to pay a small deposit towards the full cost of your solar installation.
  5. Installation: If you accept your recommendation, Switch Together will transfer you to the installer that won the auction. The installer will contact you for a survey and set an installation date. The survey will verify your roof's suitability and result in a final offer.

Sign up for free at SwitchTogether.com/Solar/BoyntonBeach

Solar Resources

Plastic Waste Reduction

The City of Boynton Beach encourages its residents to reduce single-use plastics to help keep our environment clean and litter-free.

Why is reducing plastic waste important?

  •  Plastic waste can travel thousands of miles, polluting the environment and killing marine life.
  •  Every year, more than 10 million tons of plastic waste enter the ocean. This is the equivalent to one garbage truck of plastic every minute.
  •  Marine animals have a high risk of eating or become entangled in plastic.
  •  By 2050, it is estimated that there will be more plastic in the ocean than there will be fish.
  •  More than 40% of plastic is single use, meaning it gets used once and then thrown away.
  •  Polystyrene, a type of foam plastic used in a variety of consumer products, breaks down into microplastics that are extremely difficult to detect and remove from the environment.
  •  Other than incinerated plastics, every bit of plastic we’ve ever created is still on our planet in some form.
  •  Manufacturing plastic requires an enormous amount of energy and resources.

Whenever possible:

  • Refuse disposable plastic.
  • Reduce your use of goods that contain excessive plastic packaging and parts.
  • Reuse durable bottles, bags, dishes, utensils, straws, and to-go containers.
  • Recycle plastic bottles and containers, cans, glass, and cartons in your Blue bin, and paper products in your Yellow bin.

Tips:

  • Carry your own reusable water bottle, utensils and shopping bags.
  • Choose glass, metal, paper, wood, and other reusable materials over plastic.
  • Skip the straw or if needed opt for a silicon or stainless-steel straw.
  • Support brands and businesses that align with your environmental beliefs.

To demonstrate its ongoing dedication to creating a more sustainable city, on April 20, 2021, the City of Boynton Beach passed Ordinance No. 21-012 to prohibit the use of polystyrene foam, balloons, and confetti on all city-owned property, including parks and beaches.

Recycled


Plastic Waste Reduction Resources: