Board of Trustees

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2022 – 7:30 P.M. SKOKIE VILLAGE BOARD SPECIAL MEETING 1. Pledge of Allegiance led by Deputy Village Clerk Sylvia Luke. 2. Call meeting to order and roll call. 3. Presentations and Reports. Presentation of the Village’s next Sustainability Plan: A. Introduction by Max Slankard, Public Works Director. B. Skokie’s next Environmental Sustainability Plan by Ted Redmond, PaleBluedot, LLC. **go to** C. Sustainable Environmental Advisory Commission’s (SEAC) Waste Committee **go to** Recommendations by Jim McNelis, Vice Chair of SEAC. a. Food scrap composting b. Reduce refuse pick-up from twice weekly to once weekly c. Increase communications to reduce waste d. Explore hiring a sustainability staff position D. Food scrap composting update by Max Slankard, Director of Public Works. E. Results of Refuse Toter Usage and Capacity, Recycling Study and Communications **go to** Update by Liz Zimmerman, Assistant to Public Works Director. F. Community Development Initial Implementation Opportunities including Existing and **go to** Future Buildings by Johanna Nyden, Community Development Director. G. Municipal Fleet Inventory and Electric Vehicle Transition including Electric Vehicle **go to** Charging Infrastructure by Max Slankard, Public Works Director. H. Next Steps. a. November 21, 2022 Village Board Meeting Discussion on Sustainability. 4. Public Comment. (Up to 3 minutes per person.) 5. Adjournment. 602483  Return to Agenda 3B Environmental Sustainability Plan November 2022 Prepared By:  Return to Agenda Table of Contents Abbreviations Executive Summary Section 01 Introduction Section 02 Transportation and Mobility “ Section 03 Land Use and Housing Section 04 Buildings and Energy Section 05 Waste Management You cannot get through a single day without having Section 06 Water and Wastewater an impact on the world Section 07 Local Food and Agriculture around you. What you do Section 08 Green Space and Trees makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of Section 09 Health and Safety difference you want to make. Section 10 Economy — Jane Goodall Section 11 Implementation Appendix A Funding Sustainability Initiatives Memo Appendix B Supporting Research Documents Appendix C Skokie Climate Infographics Appendix D Potential Cost Savings Assumptions Appendix E Glossary of Terms Appendix F References Appendix G Acknowledgements Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 0-1  Return to Agenda Abbreviations See Appendix E for Glossary of Terms ACU Accessory Commercial Unit MWH Megawatt hour – 1,000 Kilowatt-hours ACU Accessory Dwelling Unit MSW Municipal Solid Waste BAU Business as usual MT Metric ton equivalent to 1,000 kg (also known as Metric BEV Battery electric vehicle Tonne) BIPOC Black, Indigenous, People of Color MMT Million Metric tons C&D Construction and demolition MTCO2e Metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent CAP Climate Action Plan N2O Nitrous Oxide CE Carbon Equivalent NOx Nitrogen Oxides CDP Carbon Disclosure Project NZE Net-Zero Emissions CFC Chlorofluorocarbons O3 Ozone CH4 Methane ODS Ozone Depleting Substances CHP Combined Heat and Power PACE Property Assessed Clean Energy CO2 Carbon dioxide PFC Perfluorocarbons CO2e Carbon dioxide equivalent PHEV Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle CSG Community Solar Garden PM2.5 Particulate matter of 2.5 micrometer diameter or less DOE U.S. Department of Energy POC People of Color EMS Emergency medical services PPA Power Purchase Agreement EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency PUB Public Utilities Board EV Electric vehicle REC Renewable Energy Credit EVSE Electric vehicle supply equipment SEAC Sustainable Environmental Advisory Commission FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency SO2 Sulfur Dioxide FTE Full-time equivalent SF6 Sulfur Hexafluoride GCoM Global Covenant of Mayors STAT Skokie Telecommunications and Technology Commission GDP Gross Domestic Product SULEV Super ultra-low emission vehicle GHG Greenhouse gas t Ton equivalent to 2,000 lbs (United States) GWP Global warming potential TOG Total Organic Gasses HFC Hydrofluorocarbons USGS U.S. Geological Survey ICE Internal combustion engine car VMT Vehicle miles traveled IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change VHT Vehicle hours traveled kWh Kilowatt-hour ZEV Zero emission vehicle LEV Low emission vehicle Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 0-2  Return to Agenda Executive Summary EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Village of Skokie developed the 2016- Commitment to Sustainability 2021 Environmental Sustainability Plan to The Village has a tradition of being a guide municipal and community action to leader in addressing sustainability and advance sustainability. In April 2022, the environmental issues. For almost four Village engaged paleBLUEdot for the decades, Skokie has made significant development of an updated strides towards improved community The Process Environmental Sustainability Plan to build on the success of the earlier plan and sustainability. Over that timeframe, the Village has taken a number of steps to The work that went into develop- establish environmental sustainability and create a more sustainable community ing the 2022 Skokie Environmental climate resilience strategies and actions including: achieving a Clean Air Counts Sustainability Plan: through 2030. Gold Level community certification, This document is the result and was construction of a new CTA train station 8 months developed in collaboration with the furthering use of mass transit, planning timeframe Village’s Environmental Sustainability construction of a LEED certified Village’s Planning Team. Police Station, and thirty seven 900 Background consecutive years of Tree City USA designation. community members The Village of Skokie has a diverse providing input population of nearly 68,000 residents. It is In 2016, Skokie developed its first an urban community of just over ten Environmental Sustainability Plan whose 33 square miles in area situated approximately 15 miles north of downtown implementation was designed to extend through 2021. This plan builds on the planning team members Chicago and much of the community is an success of the first plan and establishes extension of the Chicago street grid environmental sustainability and climate 5 system. resilience strategies and actions to guide community-wide and municipal operations foundational research study documents sustainability improvements through 2030. 2 online community input survey efforts Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 0-3  Return to Agenda Our Challenge EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The complex systems that make up modern civilization result in stressors on the delicate balance of our ecosystems. The combustion of fossil fuels is warming earth’s atmosphere and changing our climate. Climate change is already affecting Skokie and all of Cook County. The impacts of Climate Change are projected to become much more severe in the coming decades2. These impacts also contribute to additional strain on vulnerable populations, social systems, and overall community resilience.3 By 2050, Skokie and all of Cook County’s climate can be expected to be: +4-5°F Warmer +15% higher average average annual temperature than today. annual rainfall than now. +15-20 more days +30% more heavy with high temperatures over 95°F annually. precipitation events annually. +69% more demand +20 days longer for air conditioning and energy needed. growing, allergy, and mosquito season. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 0-4  Return to Agenda Our Opportunity EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The impacts communities have on our Our Carbon Reduction Goal environment represent a major sustainable This plan seeks to re-affirm the Village’s development opportunity while commitment to the Metropolitan Mayors transformation of our energy system is Caucus’ Greenest Region Compact and essential in order to stop burning fossil support the State of Illinois’ emissions fuels—a necessity to address climate change reductions goals. To do so, the plan must To reduce community-wide GHG impacts. These transitions present an align itself within the IPCC-suggested emissions by 35% below 2020 levels opportunity for Skokie. Directing our energy greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goals by 2030, and achieve carbon investments into renewable sources will associated with the Paris Agreement of 26%- neutrality by 2050. make them more resilient and provide for 28% reduction by 2025 and 80% or greater local job creation. 4,5 Innovation, technology, reductions by 2050. These global and collective social change inherent in recommendations and state and national environmental sustainability can also support commitments were accounted for in the *Goal is equal to or greater than the goal established in the greater community abundance and shared Mayors Caucus Climate Action Plan; however, this plan formulation of appropriate carbon reduction uses 2020 as the baseline year due to prior year data equity. goals for Skokie: unavailability for the Village of Skokie. Goal excludes “scope 3” emissions. Community-Wide GHG Emissions by Skokie’s Carbon Reduction Pathway Sector in 2020 Path of anticipated GHG emissions levels if we do not act. Solid Waste Wastewater 4.9% 0.4% 2020 AVOIDED GHG Emissions 726,365 Metric Tons CO2e EMISSIONS 35% Below 2020 Transportation Energy 35.4% 59.3% Path of anticipated GHG emissions reductions by meeting goals of our plan. 2030 469,381 Metric Tons CO2e Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 0-5  Return to Agenda Our Plan EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Plan The Skokie Environmental Sustain- This Environmental Sustainability Plan is ability Plan: Next Steps and Implementation intended as a “living plan” rather than a static This Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan document. This means that the implementation phase of this plan should be is only the beginning of an ongoing process to addresses 9 sectors of sustainability and evaluate and advance the community’s characterized by intermittent measurement of climate resilience resilience, GHG emissions, and overall progress and plan adjustments. As a “living sustainability goals. The plan includes an plan,” the 2030 goals should be seen as a guiding constant and recognition should be Implementation section providing a framework through 43 strategies achieving community- for launching, guiding, monitoring, and given that initial implementation actions may wide goals evaluating the execution of this plan. The not yet fully achieve plan goals. Intermittent Implementation section includes cross-cutting plan progress measurements and adjustments should identify additional action recommendations for specific next steps, and support for important supported by 189 actions detailing steps to be actions, or increases in action implementation taken implementation considerations that support targets as needed to meet the ultimate 2030 multiple sectors. As performance data and targets and GHG reduction goal. outcomes are uncovered during the implementation phase, adjustments to during an 8 year implementation quantitative goals, milestones, and detailed timeframe actions should be made responsively. Implementation is For Everyone Environmental sustainability is broad. Imple- menting this plan must be equally broad. Some actions in this plan will need to be led by the Village Board, Village departments, and/or the business community. In addition, there are steps that households and individu- als can take to make an impact. Ultimately, achieving the visionary goals outlined in this plan will require engagement and a sense of responsibility not only by the Village of Skokie leadership and staff, but by the community as well. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 0-6  Return to Agenda INTRODUCTION Introduction Click here to return to TOC Current Annual Indicators in Skokie In 2016, Skokie developed its first Environmental Sustainability Plan whose implementation was designed to extend through 2021. That plan was developed over an eight-year period and guided sustainability actions in five sectors. In April 2022, the Village engaged paleBLUEdot for the development of an updated Environmental Sustainability Plan to build on the success of the first plan and establish environmental sustainability, climate resilience strategies and actions to guide community-wide and municipal operations sustainability improvements through 2030. 726,365 506 Million This document is the result and was developed over an eight-month period metric tons of GHG vehicle miles driven emissions in collaboration with the Village’s Environmental Sustainability Planning Team. What is an Environmental Sustainability Plan Sustainability plans are comprehensive road maps that outline the specific strategies and actions that a community will implement to increase community sustainability. 2.7 Billion 24,035 Why Create an Environmental Sustainability Plan gallons of water tons of solid waste The creation and dedicated implementation of a sustainability plan is an consumed generated organized way for a municipality to contribute to improving community resilience while addressing key environmental concerns. Sustainability action can also create investment in innovation, jobs, and actions that save households and businesses money while improving quality of life— particularly among the community’s most vulnerable populations. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 1-1  Return to Agenda Community Benefits INTRODUCTION Common Co-Benefits of Sustainability Reduced Costs Improved Air Quality Co-Benefits of Sustainability Planning According to the World Health Organization, studies are increasingly showing that the imple- mentation of sustainability policies leads to both cost savings and improvement in health. Improved Energy Resili- Reduced Pollution As an example, the actions communities take to reduce GHG emissions in various sectors, ence including housing, transportation, and energy have many co-benefits that go beyond climate change mitigation. Co-benefits to sustainability planning include reduced air pollution, re- duced health risks, increased resource efficiency, improved local economic security, and im- proved resilience of ecosystems and our built environment.1,2,3,4 Improved Public Health Jobs / Economic Development Positive Financial Impacts Sustainability actions have direct and indirect financial impacts (e.g. savings from re- duced fuel consumption). Studies show that air pollution benefits of sustainability actions Safer Streets Reduced Traffic can cover a significant part of the cost of those initiatives.5 Still others help avoid costs Congestion through increased resilience such as reducing dependence on fossil fuels – estimated at $5 per metric ton of GHG reduction.6 Health benefits may offer the most significant financial opportunity. One study estimated global average health co-benefits of $58-380 per metric ton of GHG. Improved Community Protected / Enhanced Ecosystems Resilience Improved Quality of Life The actions included in this and other sustainability plans support a continued improvement to the community’s quality of life. Studies indicate that successful implementation of many sustainability actions will result in increased mobility options, job creation, and reductions in Improved Social Improved Mobility poverty and inequality.8 Connectivity Improved Natural Resources Increasing sustainability and addressing global warming could help lessen the harmful im- pacts of climate change on the ecosystems that now provide us with multiple benefits.9 In- Improved Community Improved Quality of creasing Skokie’s community-wide tree canopy to meet the goals of this sustainability plan, Equity Life for instance, could increase the economic benefit provided by the community’s trees by as much as $300,000 annually while other actions can result in improved access to green space for residents.10 Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 1-2  Return to Agenda Climate Change Impacts INTRODUCTION Looking Back From 1980 through 2018, Skokie has experienced: Climate Change in Illinois Climate change is a global phenomenon that creates local impacts. It presents one of the Increase in annual most profound challenges of our time. A broad international consensus exists among average temperature: 1.13° atmospheric scientists that the earth’s climate system is being destabilized in response to Increase in annual elevated levels of GHG emissions in the atmosphere. Two changes to Illinois’ climate are precipitation: 5.7% occurring already: shorter winters with fewer cold extremes, and heavier precipitation. Increase in heavy precipitation: 34% Climate Change in Skokie The climate in the Village of Skokie has already changed. From 1980 through 2018, the Increase in days >95: 2 days community has experienced an increase in annual average temperature, an increase in the Decrease in days <32: -9 days number of days above 95 degrees, an increase in the number of heavy rain events, and a Growing season increase: 10 days decrease in the number of days below 32 degrees .12,13 Some of the most significant changes in the climate relate to variability. Climate variability can be seen in the changes in annual precipitation for Skokie. Overall annual precipitation Looking Forward has increased; however, this increase is not evenly distributed throughout the year. Fall and winter precipitation have increased up to 15.5%, while spring and summer precipitation have By 2100 Skokie can remained nearly unchanged.14,15 anticipate:12 , 19 Increase in annual The community’s climate is anticipated to continue to warm through this century and average temperature: 9°-12°F beyond. Precipitation is anticipated to likely increase in all seasons particularly in the spring and fall. The primary changes to climate characteristics for the community include: Increase in annual precipitation: 15% • Warmer annual average temperatures with a more significant warming in winter Increase in heavy precipitation: 30% months • Increase in extreme heat days Increase in days >95: 55 days • Increase in heavy rain fall events with increase in flood potential Decrease in days <32: -58 days • Increase in time between precipitation with increase in drought potential • Greater variability in temperature and precipitation trends Growing season increase: 59 days Air Conditioning Demand increase: 178% Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 1-3  Return to Agenda INTRODUCTION Economic Risk of Climate Climate Risks to Skokie Change to Skokie by 2100 The projected changes to the community’s climate in the coming decades represent Future economic and social impacts potential risks to residents. These risks are inequitably felt and are particularly acute in of climate change include impacts to populations especially vulnerable to them such as children, seniors, and those with agriculture (including food costs), disabilities (see the Skokie Climate Vulnerability Assessment for more information). Below energy costs, labor impacts, death are some of the more significant risks to the community’s population: rates, and crime impacts among others. The estimated economic impacts for Skokie are:16 Extreme Heat and Weather Certain groups of people are more at risk for stress, health impacts, or death related to $98,401,604 extreme weather events including tornadoes, wind storms, lightning, winter storms, hail Annual Cost Impact storms, and cold waves. Vulnerability to heat stress can be increased by certain variables (in 2018 dollars)* including the presence of health conditions like diabetes and heart conditions, demographic and socioeconomic factors, and surrounding land cover. Social Cost of Carbon “Social Cost of Carbon” is measure of the share of climate change Air Quality economic harm and impacts from Climate change is expected to affect air quality through several pathways including emitting one ton of carbon dioxide production and potency of allergens and pollen, and increased regional concentrations of into the atmosphere. For Skokie it ozone, increased potential of smoke from wildfires, and increased particulate air pollution can be calculated as follows: and dust. Estimated Economic Risk of Climate Change: Flooding $98,401,604 According to the latest National Climate Assessment, the frequency of heavy precipitation Annual Cost Impact events has already increased for the nation as a whole as well as for Illinois specifically. ÷ These heavy rain events are projected to increase throughout Illinois. Increases in both Annual GHG Emissions: extreme precipitation and total precipitation are likely to increasingly contribute to flash 726,365 flooding. Metric Tons Estimated Localized = Food Insecurity Social Cost of Carbon: Climate change is likely to destabilize cropping systems, interrupt transportation networks and trigger food shortages and spikes in food cost. $135* Per Ton Infrastructure Failure Extreme weather events, flooding and flash flooding, as well as increasing daily stresses caused by increasing climate variability, all represent potential causes of failure of our aging * Figure does not include increased infrastructure. Power outages, road damage, bridge collapse, and water infrastructure healthcare costs due to increased illness and disease, nor increased property failure each represent significant physical climate risks to the community - especially damage due to increased extreme individuals who are climate vulnerable. weather events. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 1-4  Return to Agenda GHG Emissions INTRODUCTION What Are GHGs? A GHG is a molecule in the atmosphere which does not react to 2020 Community-Wide Consumption Data light energy in the visible range, but does react to light energy in The following are the raw consumption data reported as the the infrared range like that which is emitted from the Earth after foundation of the Village of Skokie’s 2020 GHG Emissions: being warmed by the sun. The most common GHGs include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). Natural Gas: Share of total Why do GHGs Matter? Residential consumption (therms) 12,650,971 33.6% GHGs let the sun's light shine onto the Earth's surface, but they Commercial consumption (therms) 21,423,528 56.9% trap the heat that reflects back up into the atmosphere. In this way, they act like the insulating glass walls of a greenhouse. The Industrial consumption (therms) 3,489,254 9.5% more GHGs there are the more heat that is trapped in our Electricity: atmosphere and the more we experience the impacts of global warming. Residential consumption (MWh) 120,004 27.6% Commercial consumption (MWh) 301,028 69.4% What can we do to reduce GHGs? Industrial consumption (MWh) 13,430 3% GHGs can be reduced by making changes to the key GHG sectors throughout our community—particularly through the reduction and elimination of fossil fuel combustion and the advancement of Transportation: clean energy sources. Community-wide Vehicle Miles Traveled (Thousand Miles): 505,562 2020 Community-Wide GHG Emissions* Solid Waste:** Total Solid waste handled (tons) 24,035 Solid waste recycled (tons) 4,943 20.6% Solid waste composted (tons) 582 2.4% 14 (compost) 568 (yard waste) Total solid waste landfilled (tons) 18,511 76% Water: Total water consumption (million gallons) 2,658 * Excludes “scope 3” emissions. ** Data is for single-family households up to 4-flats within the community. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 1-5  Return to Agenda INTRODUCTION Our Carbon Reduction Goal Survey of Regional Community Carbon Reduction Goals This plan seeks to re-affirm the Village’s commitment to the Metropolitan Mayors Chicago, IL Reduce GHG emissions 80% from 1990 levels by 2050 Caucus’ Greenest Region Compact and support the State of Illinois’ emissions reductions goals. Reduce GHG emissions by 45% by 2030 and become carbon neutral by Deerfield, IL 2050 To do so, the plan must align itself within the IPCC suggested carbon emission reduction Eau Claire, WI 100% renewable energy and carbon neutrality by 2050 goals associated with the Paris Agreement of 26%-28% reduction by 2025 and 80% or greater Community-wide carbon neutrality by 2050, zero waste by 2050 and reductions by 2050. These global Evanston, IL 100% renewable electricity by 2030. Carbon neutrality for municipal oper- recommendations and state and national ations by 2035 . commitments were accounted for in the 40% to 50% below 2019 levels by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by La Crosse, WI formulation of appropriate carbon reduction 2050. goals for Skokie: Madison, WI 100% renewable energy and net-zero emissions by 2030 To reduce community-wide Maplewood, MN Reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 20 percent of the City’s 2015 baseline levels by 2050 (an 80 percent reduction). GHG emissions by 35% below 2020 levels by 2030, and Reduce community-wide net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 45% Milwaukee, WI and net zero GHG emissions By 2050, or sooner achieve carbon neutrality by 100% renewable energy for city operations by 2022 and citywide electrici- 2050. Minneapolis, MN ty by 2030 This community-wide goal is reflected in Northbrook, IL 35% below 2010 levels by 2030 and 80% below 2010 levels by 2050 strategies established for individual sectors. Sector goals related to GHG emissions Reduce community-wide GHG emissions by 60% by 2030, carbon neutral Oak Park, IL by 2050. Achieve carbon neutral municipal operations by 2035. reductions are designed to balance reduction across all sectors and achieve the Rochester, MN 100% renewable energy citywide by 2031 across all sectors overall emissions goals set forth for the community. The goals seek to strike a balance Carbon neutral municipal operations by 2030, carbon neutral citywide by between achievability while also stretching for St Paul, MN 2050 improvement beyond business-as-usual. 25% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 and an 80% reduc- Urbana, IL tion in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 from a 2007 baseline Winona, MN Carbon neutral citywide by 2050 * Net Zero emissions refers to a community for which, on an annual basis, all GHG emissions result- ing from community-wide operations are offset by carbon-free energy production . Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 1-6  Return to Agenda Planning Process INTRODUCTION The Process This Environmental Sustainability Plan was developed in collaboration with a 33-person planning team of community members, and Village of Skokie staff. The planning team was organized into sub-teams aligned with each of the sectors included in this plan (see Plan Framework). The plan was developed through a number of planning workshops from May 2022 through August 2022. The goals and actions identified in the Environmental Sustainability Plan are grounded in community input, expert analysis, and best practices from other cities throughout the United States. Strategic goals and detailed actions were developed, refined, prioritized, and finalized by the Planning Team through a series of workshop meetings. The result of this process is a collaboratively created, co-authored plan which directly integrates the voices of Skokie community members and Village of Skokie staff. Research Based Planning In support of establishing the goals, strategies, and actions included in this plan, paleBLUEdot also produced a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Projection, a Climate Vulnerability Assessment, a community-wide Renewable Energy Potentials Study, a community-wide Ground Cover, Tree Canopy, and Carbon Sequestration Study, and a Climate Action Baseline Assessment. These assessments created the foundation of the Environmental Sustainability Planning process (see Appendix A for more information). Gathering Community Input Understanding the perspectives of community members and broad community input is key to any successful community sustainability or climate planning effort. With that in mind, the Village of Skokie held community input meetings and provided presentations to the Sustainable Environmental Advisory Commission. The intent of each of these was to help the Village identify environmental sustainability needs, opportunities, priorities, and issues for the community. The Village also issued a community survey to collect input from a broad range of community members. This survey was designed as an online questionnaire with random self-selected engagement. The survey was designed by paleBLUEdot and reviewed for edit by Village of Skokie staff. The survey was made available online on a dedicated webpage and received a total of 820 responses. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 1-7  Return to Agenda INTRODUCTION Finalizing Skokie Plan Actions A preliminary draft of actions were reviewed against action-screening criteria which enabled the Planning Team to evaluate and prioritize the actions to be incorporated in the final Environmental Sustainability Plan. The screening criteria were established by the Planning Team and included: • Effectiveness/Impact: How likely is it the action will work to • Potential For Success: Do these strategies have a track record for address the goal? Will it impact a large portion of the targeted success locally or in other communities? Does this strategy “fit” emissions sector or population? our community well? • Equity of Implementation: Will this action positively support • Game-Changer: Is this action “visionary”? Does it have the advancing equity within the community or address an existing potential to bring about, or contribute to bringing about, a inequity in the community, such as disproportionate poor air fundamental change in the way the subject of the action is quality, access to transit, flood risk, etc? Does the action address thought about or done? Does this action have the potential of the needs of vulnerable and historically marginalized populations? helping to create a fundamental shift towards a more sustainable, Does the action reduce vulnerability for all populations? Is it fair? climate-smart sector (transportation, energy, adaptation, etc)? Are there undesirable unintended consequences? Skokie Concern Over Skokie Impacted by Climate Change Climate Change Impacts According to the Village’s According to the Village’s Community Survey, 88% of Community Survey, over 90% of respondents have been personally respondents are moderately, very, or impacted by the effects of climate extremely concerned over potential change: impacts of climate change: 12% 88% No Yes Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 1-8  Return to Agenda Plan Framework INTRODUCTION This Environmental Sustainability Plan includes an implementation framework designed to achieve community-wide goals for sustainability, resilience, and GHG reduction. The plan is structured around a unifying framework organized by nine community-wide sectors. Each of these sector areas is described in a separate section with background considerations on the subject covered. In the beginning of each section, there is an identification of equity considerations that should be addressed during the ongoing implementation of each action. Sectors have over-arching strategies established to meet 2030 goals and detailed actions for implementation. Strategies are specific statements of Plan Strategies direction that expand on the sustainability vision and GHG reduction goals and guide decisions about future public policy, community investment, and actions. The goals included in Transportation and Mobility Land Use and Housing these strategy statements should be TM 1: Decrease community-wide VMT by 5% LH 1: Increase average population per seen as a vision. The Village may find by 2030 through increased biking, walking, developed acre by 10% by 2030 (from 11.3 shared mobility, and eMobility. residents per acre of developed land to 12.4). some goals are readily surpassed while others may prove more challenging TM 2: Increase public transit access and LH 2: Reduce share of population living in high than anticipated. As outlined in Section commuter ridership from 8.9% to 11% by 2030. energy poverty from 15.4% to 10% by 2030. 10 Implementation, the plan should be TM 3: Increase electric vehicle (EV) utilization to LH 3: Update community plans, zoning, and seen as a living document and its 15% of community-wide rolling stock by 2030 design standards to increase housing and progress should be reviewed regularly (from approximately 174 vehicles to 8,100 plug- community resilience to the impacts of climate in and full battery electric vehicles community- change, including flooding, heat island, and and adjusted as appropriate. wide). extreme weather particularly for populations TM 4: Establish viable renewable diesel and/or most vulnerable. Actions are detailed items that could be biodiesel sources to serve community by 2025. completed in order to carry out the Achieve 50% diesel consumption replacement vision and strategies identified in the with renewable diesel and/or biodiesel by 2030. plan. Each sector of this plan includes TM 5: Increase utilization of work-from-home a menu of actions to be considered and for Skokie workers from 4.7% to 6% by 2030. prioritized into annual workplans TM 6: Reduce community-wide off-road and developed by Village staff. See Section lawn equipment annual emissions 30% by 2030. 11 Implementation, cross-cutting action CC 1-1 for more information on TM 7: Reduce fossil fuel consumption in Village operations by 30% by 2030. the annual workplan recommendation. * VMT = Vehicle Miles Traveled. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 1-9  Return to Agenda INTRODUCTION Plan Strategies Buildings and Energy Waste Management Local Food and Agriculture BE 1: Improve total community-wide residential, WM 1: Decrease landfill waste by 10% by 2030 LF 1: Increase availability and resilience of commercial, institutional, and industrial building (for Village-collected solid waste of single- locally-produced food. energy efficiency by 15% by 2030. family households up to 4-flats). LF 2: Increase access to locally-produced food, BE 2: Increase adoption of high-performance WM 2: Increase the number of commercial particularly serving food-insecure individuals. building construction technology, achieving properties and condos that recycle and use 0.5% Net Zero households, commercial, and organics collection through incentives and LF 3: Reduce food waste and hunger, achieve a institutional properties community-wide by mandates. 50% reduction in food insecurity community- 2030. WM 3: Increase organics diversion rate for wide by 2030. BE 3: Achieve 5% residential, commercial, single-family households up to 4-flats from industrial, and institutional building "fuel switch- 2.4% of total solid waste handled to 8% by 2030. ing" from on-site fossil fuel combustion to electrification by 2030. WM 4: Increase landfill diversion of recyclable materials 10% by 2030 while decreasing con- BE 4: Increase on-site renewable energy from tamination of recycling collections. (for Village- 0.12% to 2% of residential, commercial, collected solid waste of single-family industrial, and institutional electric use by 2030. households up to 4-flats). BE 5: Increase residential, commercial, WM 5: Increase diversion of potential industrial, and institutional green electricity recoverables, hazardous waste, and Green Space and Trees purchasing (wind and solar source) community- construction and demolition waste 25% by GS 1: Increase tree cover, particularly in the wide to 15% by 2030. 2030. priority neighborhoods, from 25.5% to 28% by BE 6: Increase resilience of community-wide 2030 and 31% by 2040. building stock to the impacts of climate change GS 2: Replace 8% of turf community-wide with (increased flood control and green alternative natives or other plants or reduce infrastructure, etc). maintenance cycles that benefit pollinators and BE 7: Improve total municipal building energy increase stormwater benefits by 2030. efficiency by 15% by 2030 (electricity and Water and Wastewater GS 3: Reduce heat island effect through com- natural gas). munity-wide “dark” impervious surface coverage W 1: Promote increased water conservation BE 8: Achieve 15% municipal building thermal community-wide with a targeted reduction of reduction by 5% from 28.5% to 23.5% (320 “fuel switching" from on-site fossil fuel 7.5% by 2030 (199 million gallons conserved acres) by 2030 and 15% (960 acres) by 2040. combustion to electrification by 2030. annually by 2030). Reductions should be prioritized in neighbor- hoods identified with higher heat island BE 9: Increase on-site renewable energy to 7.5% W 2: Update design standards and implement impacts. of Village operations electricity consumption by plans to meet projected climate change storm GS 4: Increase climate, flooding, and extreme 2030. water and flood mitigation requirements. heat resilience and biodiversity supportiveness W 3: Educate, engage, and empower the public of the community’s parks and open spaces. on water quality and conservation. GS 5: Increase connectivity, accessibility, and equity of community’s parks and open spaces. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 1-10  Return to Agenda INTRODUCTION Plan Strategies Health and Safety Economy Cross-Cutting* HS 1: Assist the community's populations who EC 1: Develop the economic potential related to CC 1: Continue to build internal capacity for sup- are vulnerable to air quality, extreme tempera- sustainability and climate action. port of environmental sustainability plan imple- ture, flooding, and power/infrastructure failure mentation. in preparing for and mitigating climate change EC 2: Improve access to training related to sus- impacts. tainable economy fields to improve an equitable CC 2: Facilitate external support needed for En- workforce. vironmental Sustainability Plan implementation. HS 2: Educate, engage, and empower the public on health and safety risks of climate change EC 3: Develop and implement an education plan CC 3: Establish sustainable financing and main- impacts. to support more climate-impact resilience in tain appropriate funding to support the Village’s businesses. Sustainability Plan implementation. HS 3: Ensure that the Village's mission-critical, emergency services, and health care facilities EC 4: Promote sustainable businesses who are are prepared for impacts of air quality, extreme Green America or B Corp certified. * Actions which are foundational recommendations that heat, and cold, flooding, and power/ apply to multiple sectors. See Section 11 Implementation. infrastructure failure. HS 4: Strengthen community response capacity and social support networks for populations who are vulnerable to air quality, extreme tem- perature, flooding, and power/infrastructure failure impacts. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 1-11  Return to Agenda Cumulative Economic Plan Impacts Savings Potential of INTRODUCTION Estimated City-Wide GHG Reductions Included in This Plan* Implementing the Plan Long-term emission reduction potentials of the strategies and actions included in this plan Through 2030 have been modeled based on projected energy and fuel reductions and adoption rates of Transportation Economic Potential*: renewable energy and low/no emission transportation modes outlined in the strategies and Sector Savings: $280,800,000 actions. From this modeling, we know that with the successful implementation of the Sector Cost Increases: ‐$47,900,000 strategies of this plan, community-wide annual GHG emissions are projected to drop Potential Sector Net Cost Savings: 256,984 metric tons below 2020 levels by 2030. The potential cumulative GHG emissions $232,900,000 reductions over the eight-year implementation period are estimated at over 860,000 metric tons - an elimination of over 16.9 billion cubic feet of human-made GHG atmosphere Buildings + Energy Economic Potential*: resulting from this Environmental Sustainability Plan. Sector Savings: $86,800,000 Sector Cost Increases: ‐$-26,300,000 Potential Sector Net Cost Savings: Community GHG Reductions Wedge Diagram Community GHG Reductions by Sector by 2030 + $60,500,000 Projected Total Business- as-Usual Emissions Transportation Solid Waste Wastewater Energy Waste Reduction Economic Potential*: 53% 5% 1% 41% Residential Savings: $25,800,000 Reductions by Sector: Commercial Savings: $6,500,000 Potential Sector Net Cost Savings: 2020 726,365 + $32,300,000 Metric Tons CO2e Social Cost of Avoided Carbon: Remaining Emissions + $117,000,000 Following Reductions Cumulative Community Savings Potential: 2030 = $442,700,000* 469,381 Metric Tons CO2e Value does not include economic potential of job creation and new business potential repre- sented in the Environmental Sustainability Plan actions. (see Appendix for more) *Goal is equal to or greater than the goal established in the Mayors Caucus Climate Action Plan, however, this plan 2020 2022 2030 uses 2020 as the baseline year due to prior year data unavailability for the Village of Skokie. Goal excludes “scope 3” emissions. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 1-12  Return to Agenda TRANSPORTATION AND MOBILITY Transportation and Mobility SECTION 02 Click here to return to TOC Why is Transportation and Mobility Important? Equity Considerations Moving ourselves and our goods and services from place to place is • Increased opportunities for public transit and active transportation energy intensive while the vehicles we use for that mobility are material can help address health disparities for many at-risk populations. resource intensive. In addition to transportation vehicles, off-road equipment like construction, recreational and lawn equipment consume • Affordable and reliable mobility options for people with special significant amounts of fossil fuels for their operation. transportation needs can significantly improve mobility equity. Populations with special transportation needs include older adults, In Skokie, the Transportation and Mobility sector accounts for 35.4% of youth, persons with disabilities, and persons with reduced incomes. community GHG emissions and is projected to decrease as the • Some neighborhoods in Skokie have fewer housing and transportation sector electrifies. transportation options than others, limiting people’s choices in where they live and how they get activities and work—event potentially limiting choices in where they work. Sustainability Accomplishments • Biking infrastructure installed at Howard Street, Main Street, Old Orchard Road, and Skokie Valley Trail 81% • Sidewalk gap program of survey respondents support the • Addition of Oakton CTA train station, weekend CTA service & extended hours Village in replacing its fleet with • Niles North High School traffic calming pilot project hybrid and electric vehicles. • Shared parking lots – Amazon vehicles at Village Crossing • Researched shared transportation (I-go, Divvy, etc.) Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 2-1  Return to Agenda TRANSPORTATION AND MOBILITY Key Climate Considerations Strategies • Impacts of climate change on infrastructure lifespan and need TM 1: Decrease community-wide VMT by 5% by 2030 through increased for maintenance and repair biking, walking, shared mobility, and eMobility. TM 2: Increase public transit access and commuter ridership from 8.9% to • Potential for transportation disruptions due to direct damage 11% by 2030. from extreme events TM 3: Increase electric vehicle utilization to 15% of community-wide rolling • Impacts of climate change on ease of movement and reliable stock by 2030 (from approximately 174 vehicles to 8,100 plug-in and full battery electric vehicles community-wide). access to neighborhoods, workplaces, and critical services TM 4: Establish viable renewable diesel and/or biodiesel sources to serve • Factors that could cause delays or interruptions in public community by 2025. Achieve 50% diesel consumption replacement with transportation services or make using public transportation renewable diesel and/or biodiesel by 2030. more difficult and less desirable TM 5: Increase utilization of work-from-home for Skokie workers from 4.7% to 6% by 2030. • Impacts of climate change on the safety and comfort of pedestrians and cyclists of all abilities TM 6: Reduce community-wide off-road and lawn equipment annual emissions 30% by 2030. TM 7: Reduce fossil fuel consumption in Village operations by 30% by 2030. The detailed actions on the following pages are anticipated to be initiated in phases: phase 1 within 1-2 years, phase 2 within 2-5 years, and phase 3 Sector Goals within 3-7 years of plan approval. Phasing shown in this plan is preliminary and may evolve through implementation. Today GHG emissions from vehicle miles commuters using Battery electric transportation (metric tons) traveled (VMT) public transit vehicles registered 257,144 506 Million 8.9% 174 2030* Targets 177,800 481 Million 11% 8,100 * Includes impacts associated with population increases. See Appendix A for research compiled during plan development which supported planning team in goal finalization. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 2-2  Return to Agenda TRANSPORTATION AND MOBILITY The following are detailed items that could be completed in order to carry out the vision and strategies of this sector. This menu of actions will be considered and prioritized into annual workplans to be developed by Village staff. See Section 11 Implementation, cross-cutting action CC 1-1 for more information on the annual workplan recommendation. Strategy Action Actions Phase* TM 1: Decrease community-wide VMT by 5% by 2030 through increased biking, walking, shared mobility, and eMobility. Continue seeking funding for a new Transportation Plan. When funded, that plan will update additional documents and TM 1- 1 policies accordingly and in support of the goals of this Environmental Sustainability Plan, including the Village's 1 comprehensive plan and non-motorized transportation management. Promote and cooperate with school districts to expand and implement Safe Routes To Schools Implementation Plan for all schools within the community. Ensure improved bicycle access to all schools in Skokie including each high school. Plan TM 1- 2 implementation should focus on infrastructure and policy changes as well as promotion of biking/walking transportation 1 to schools through education and encouragement. Conduct a Sidewalk and Bike Path Quality Assessment and Master Plan to identify needs to accelerate bike paths, building sidewalks, crosswalks, and other walking infrastructure, particularly in high-need areas and areas serving vulnerable TM 1- 3 populations. Create an implementation plan establishing annual increases in the total miles of sidewalks, on-road bicycle 1 lanes and multi-use paths. Achieve "Bike Friendly Business" designation from the League of American Bicyclists for Village of Skokie facilities and TM 1- 4 operations. Promote biking, walking, carpooling and other forms of alternative commuting to Village employees. 2 Expand existing bicycle and pedestrian safety and skills training to all school-aged children in Skokie with an TM 1- 5 accompanying program to educate parents and all interested adults. 2 Prioritize transportation funding for Vision Zero engineering improvement projects paired with VMT reduction strategies to TM 1- 6 create safe streets for people walking, biking and riding transit. 2 Provide incentives such as density bonuses, reduced parking, or expedited review for development projects that have mixed-used zoning (residential, retail and office uses) and commit to sustainable transportation practices. For example, TM 1- 7 prioritizing access by pedestrians and bicyclists, incentivizing increased bike rack availability, providing electric vehicle 2 charging stations and discounted transit passes, as well as fee-appropriate parking. Determine appropriate locations for "shared streets" and car-free pedestrian zones in high-density areas. Evaluate feasibil- ity of limiting vehicles on certain days of the week and implementing congestion parking pricing, where appropriate. TM 1- 8 Revisit the Active Transportation/Niles North demonstration on Lawler Ave. Conduct a pilot project to evaluate implemen- 3 tation potential and strategies. *Phasing shown in this plan is preliminary and may evolve through implementation. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 2-3  Return to Agenda Actions TRANSPORTATION AND MOBILITY Strategy Action Phase* TM 2: Increase public transit access and commuter ridership from 8.9% to 11% by 2030. Promote public transportation options to Village employees, and implement a pre-tax transit benefit program for Village TM 2- 1 employees. Educate other public agencies, higher education institutions, and private-sector employees about the program 1 and encourage them to adopt similar strategies. Goal: 15 new organizations establishing programs annually. Explore options to reduce cost of transit passes for all youth, households with low incomes, and individuals with restricted TM 2- 2 mobility. 2 Promote and collaborate with CTA and Pace to provide increased carbon-free connection options to major transit routes TM 2- 3 and mixed-use hubs making a notable contribution to lowering transportation-related emissions. Consideration should be 3 given to introduction of an autonomous shuttle as technologies develop. TM 3: Increase electric vehicle (EV) utilization to 15% of community-wide rolling stock by 2030 (from approximately 174 vehicles to 8,100 plug-in and full battery electric vehicles community- wide). TM 3- 1 Achieve designation of "EV Ready Community" through the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus. 1 Identify and collaborate with local partners to host ride-and-drive events to increase EV ownership by providing residents an opportunity to compare EVs to ICE vehicles through test drives. This also encourages local dealerships to stock more TM 3- 2 EVs, thus keeping business local. Showcase tools and information from vehicle manufacturers, clean air and transit 1 regional entities, and the electric utilities. Village to showcase EV use in Village fleet. Establish new and promote existing incentives and/or grants for EV charger installation and EV vehicles. Potential incentives may include strategies to offset or reimburse part or all of the increased State of Illinois vehicle sticker fee for TM 3- 3 EV cars. Prioritize charging near high-density housing and workplaces, and shopping districts and areas on travel routes 1 (like near interstate and state highways). Partner with public and private sector fleet operators and transit providers to work towards a goal of 20% electric fleets TM 3- 4 within Skokie by 2030 and 75% by 2040. Establish collaborations to take advantage of federal transit grant opportunities 2 to purchase new EVs. Include a No / Low Emission Fleet advancement policy in waste hauler contracting procedures which encourages waste TM 3- 5 haulers to advance utilization of electric and other no / low emission fleet vehicles and operations in support of the goals 2 of this plan. Require hauler to conduct a GHG inventory of their Skokie operations 1-2 times during contract. Explore opportunities to promote inclusion of EV chargers and alternative fuels at any new or significantly renovated gas TM 3- 6 station in Skokie. 3 *Phasing shown in this plan is preliminary and may evolve through implementation. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 2-4  Return to Agenda Actions TRANSPORTATION AND MOBILITY Strategy Action Phase* TM 4: Establish viable renewable diesel and/or biodiesel sources to serve community by 2025. Achieve 50% diesel consumption replacement with renewable diesel and/or biodiesel by 2030. Conduct a No/Low Emission Diesel Vehicle Fuel Alternative Feasibility study to identify viable no/low diesel vehicle fuel alternatives, sources, and outlets for increasing no/low emission fuel alternative availability and utilization. Study to TM 4- 1 include analysis of efficiency chain and impact on land use and other communities. Study may include exploration of 1 existing supply chains as well as potential new sources such as through a locally operated biodiesel plant or plasma gasification plant producing hydrogen or biodiesel. Work with gas stations to provide alternative fuels. The Village could work with existing gas stations to identify opportunities for alternative fuels as well as identifying areas for new stations, such as an EV charging station by the TM 4- 2 freeway to serve both Village of Skokie residents and through-traffic. Improving accessibility to fueling stations could 2 persuade consumers who are worried about refueling limitations to make the switch to alternative fuel vehicles. Establish communication and education campaign to encourage the use of no/low emission fuels for vehicles unable to TM 4- 3 be replaced with electric alternatives. 3 TM 5: Increase utilization of work-from-home for Skokie workers from 4.7% to 6% by 2030. Collaborate with the Chamber of Commerce, community businesses, and local/regional colleges and universities to con- duct a Remote Work Impact and Potentials Study identifying the advantages/disadvantages, and lessons learned by businesses in the community related to use of video/remote meetings in lieu of business travel for meetings and events. TM 5- 1 Depending on findings of the study, establish, distribute, and promote a "best practices" guide outlining the opportunities 1 for operational savings and reduced vehicle use and encouraging effective, long-term increased remote meeting technologies. Explore zoning strategies to encourage work-from-home opportunities such as allowing Accessory Dwelling Units for TM 5- 2 home office use, reducing restrictions on garage structures to allow "lofting" of garages for accessory dwelling units and 2 home offices, etc. Depending on findings of Remote Work Impact and Potentials Study, consider, create and implement incentives (such as TM 5- 3 free WiFi) to support increased work-from-home as well as increased capture of economic potential of the trend for Skokie 2 businesses. TM 6: Reduce community-wide off-road and lawn equipment annual emissions 30% by 2030. Explore an incentive program to convert fuel-burning lawn equipment such as gas-powered lawn mowers and blowers to TM 6- 1 electric. Request support from ComEd to create a rebate program and to promote electric yard equipment. 1 TM 6- 2 Establish a gas-powered lawn equipment phase-out ordinance with an established time frame for implementation. 2 Explore opportunities to work with landscaping and construction industry contractors to eliminate the use of gas- and propane-powered equipment prior to the phase-out. Utilize Village newsletter and enews to encourage residents to hire TM 6- 3 contractors that use electricity or alternative clean fuel equipment or talk with their existing contractors about 3 implementing a fossil fuel phase-out. *Phasing shown in this plan is preliminary and may evolve through implementation. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 2-5  Return to Agenda Actions TRANSPORTATION AND MOBILITY Strategy Action Phase* TM 7: Reduce fossil fuel consumption in Village operations by 30% by 2030. Conduct a Municipal Fleet Inventory and EV Transition Implementation Plan. Identify opportunities for electrifying, TM 7- 1 right-sizing, and improving overall efficiency of vehicles to meet CAP Goals. Include implementation recommendations to 1 incorporate EV's through right-timing purchases with a planned vehicle-replacement schedule. Update Village Operations anti-idling policy and increase enforcement. Support policy by compiling an "Eco Driving Guide" TM 7- 2 and distribute to all employees and include in new employee training. 1 Update Village vehicle purchasing policy and budget process to default to alternative fuel with traditional internal combus- tion engine (ICE) as optional requiring proof of need and lack of EV option meeting use case. Develop policy to take emissions/fuel reductions into account when purchasing vehicles/equipment. Focus on small vehicles as well as large TM 7- 3 vehicles for alternative fuels. EV replacement to be prioritized for high-mileage vehicles or as guided by the Village's 2 "Municipal Fleet Inventory and EV Transition Implementation Plan." For unavoidable approved ICE vehicle purchases, es- tablish minimum fuel efficiency requirements. *Phasing shown in this plan is preliminary and may evolve through implementation. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 2-6  Return to Agenda Sector Impacts TRANSPORTATION AND MOBILITY Cumulative Economic Savings Planned Sector Emission Reductions Through 2030 Implementing many of the measures in The strategies and actions included in this section of the Environmental Sustainability Plan this plan, such as reduction of single- are projected to reduce the community’s annual GHG emissions by 84,310 metric tons (MT) occupancy auto use, can save money for annually by 2030 - a 32.8% reduction from 2020 levels. When compared to 2020 emissions, the community. The estimated this is equivalent to eliminating over 17,000 of current Skokie vehicles from the road, or 1.7 community savings of the goals for this billion cubic feet of human-made GHG atmosphere annually by 2030. section include: The total projected change to sector emissions are as follows*: Decrease VMT: $93,800,000 $1,400 per capita Increase EV utilization: + $139,100,000 $2,100 per capita Estimated Cumulative Savings Potential* (in 2030) = $232,900,000* $3,500 per capita * Allowances for expenses for EV purchase, and public transit passes are included in calculations. (see Appendix for more) * Projections include “business-as-usual” impacts and changes such as changes to population, climate projections, etc. See the Skokie Greenhouse Gas Emissions Projections study for more. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 2-7  Return to Agenda LAND USE AND HOUSING Land Use and Housing SECTION 03 Click here to return to TOC Why is Land Use and Housing Important? Equity Considerations Land-use policies establish the pattern of development and redevelopment of public and private property throughout a • In Skokie, residential buildings account for over 18% of community. Policies that guide housing affect accessibility, energy community-wide GHG emissions – representing an important demand, affordability, and access to opportunities for a sector in community-wide energy reduction goals, while community’s residents. Other land-use decisions can impact the increasing energy efficiency, particularly within housing serving balance of biodiversity, access to and consumption of low income community members, will result in decreased environmental resources, GHG emissions associated with mobility, energy burden.19 and the climate resilience of a community. • The age, condition, quality, efficiency, and affordability of our housing determines the climate resilience of its occupants. Skokie’s 5,960 acres of developed land supports a population of Lower-income people without access to quality, affordable, 67,775 averaging 11.3 residents per acre. Meanwhile, according to housing consequently face disproportionate risks from extreme the US Department of Energy, an estimated 15.4% of all households heat and weather exposure.20 (3,500) are required to spend over 6% of their total income to meet their home’s energy needs—a condition known as “High Energy • Involuntary displacement of people from their homes due to Burden” which can greatly exacerbate challenges faced by those climate-related hazards such as flooding or fire increases living with economic stress. vulnerability and is associated with poor health, wellbeing and socio-economic outcomes. Meanwhile, the likely migration of 75% populations into the Skokie region due to on-going climate impacts elsewhere will increase the strain on available quality housing for all. 21, 22 of survey respondents support ac- tions encouraging all rental prop- erties to meet energy efficiency standards. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 3-1  Return to Agenda LAND USE AND HOUSING Key Climate Considerations Strategies • Identification of land uses and/or locations that might be LH 1: Increase average population per developed acre by 10% by particularly impacted by climate changes 2030 (from 11.3 residents per acre of developed land to 12.4). • Potential for transportation disruptions due to direct damage LH 2: Reduce share of population living in high energy poverty from from extreme events 15.4% to 10% by 2030. • Impacts of climate change on the availability and affordability of LH 3: Update community plans, zoning, and design standards to housing stock, costs associated with home maintenance, increase housing and community resilience to the impacts of climate change, including flooding, heat island, and extreme weather habitation and repair particularly for populations most vulnerable. • Impacts of climate change on the functioning or maintenance requirements of infrastructure necessary for particular land uses, including residential use The detailed actions on the following pages are anticipated to be initiated in phases: phase 1 within 1-2 years, phase 2 within 2-5 years, and phase 3 • Access to safe and affordable transportation near affordable within 3-7 years of plan approval. Phasing shown in this plan is housing units, and overall community connectedness for preliminary and may evolve through implementation. pedestrians, bikers, and vehicles Sector Goals Today Acres of Average density Households in developed land (people per acre) energy poverty 5,960 10.6 15.4% 2030* Targets 5,960 11.7 10% * Includes impacts associated with population increases. See Appendix A for research compiled during plan development which supported planning team in goal finalization. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 3-2  Return to Agenda LAND USE AND HOUSING The following are detailed items that could be completed in order to carry out the vision and strategies of this sector. This menu of actions will be considered and prioritized into annual workplans to be developed by Village staff. See Section 11 Implementation, cross-cutting action CC 1-1 for more information on the annual workplan recommendation. Strategy Action Actions Phase* LH 1: Increase average population per developed acre by 10% by 2030 (from 11.3 residents per acre of developed land to 12.4). Assess the community’s affordable housing needs and determine how housing for low and moderate income households LH 1- 1 can become sustainable in accordance with the Sustainability Plan. 1 Identify underutilized paved areas and incentivize conversion to sustainable green space or infill development. Conversion focus should take into consideration neighborhood's green space, heat island mitigation, affordable housing, and bike/walk LH 1- 2 mobility needs and prioritize site utilization based on addressing the greatest needs at each site as determined through 1 appropriate engagement with the community, particularly people traditionally under represented. Study ability to construct accessory dwelling units in Skokie and potential to increase rental and home ownership opportu- LH 1- 3 nities compatible with both established neighborhoods and new development. Specific consideration should be given to 1 utility service placement and parking requirements. Explore “market development” strategies, which would remove barriers for small-scale retail and essential services like LH 1- 4 daycare centers. 2 Study the usage of a Sustainability Development Incentives such as density bonuses or creation of an expedited review LH 1- 5 process for development projects that have mixed-used zoning (residential, retail, and office uses) and which meet 2 sustainability goals of this plan. Reconsider Village parking requirements and establish revisions which support the goals of this plan such as reducing overall parking requirements, establishing parking maximums, elimination or reduction of parking minimums, establishing LH 1- 6 minimum EV and bike parking requirements or incentives. Particular focus should be given to the Transit Oriented 3 Development areas within a ¾-mile radius of train station and transit stops. Incorporate bicycle parking requirements in commercial districts. *Phasing shown in this plan is preliminary and may evolve through implementation. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 3-3  Return to Agenda Actions LAND USE AND HOUSING Strategy Action Phase* LH 2: Reduce share of population living in high energy poverty from 15.4% to 10% by 2030. Identify and publicize additional options for building improvement programs for both owner-occupied and rental properties LH 2- 1 that would reduce energy consumption for vulnerable populations and those living under high energy burden through 1 added insulation, air sealing, passive energy systems, heat pumps, and higher efficiency equipment. Manage disproportionate impacts of energy and resource costs associated with decarbonizing energy sources on lower- LH 2- 2 income or vulnerable parts of the community through development of new and promotion of existing incentives and grants 1 supporting decarbonization strategies for low-income households (owner occupied and rental). Use grant, state, and municipal funding to implement an income-based payment system to allow low-income and fixed- LH 2- 3 income residents to participate in energy efficiency and weatherization program(s) at little to no cost. 2 Explore the potential for installation of re-deployable solar microgrid systems for resilient power use in community emer- LH 2- 4 gency management and hazard/disaster response. Systems can be semi-permanently installed at public facilities to 3 provide day-to-day power and re-deployed in emergency response. LH 3: Update community plans, zoning, and design standards to increase housing and community resilience to the impacts of climate change, including flooding, heat island, and extreme weather particularly for populations most vulnerable. Study changes to zoning ordinances to allow businesses such as restaurants, grocery stores, and medical facilities in or LH 3- 1 near residential areas. 1 LH 3- 2 Establish a policy to include climate risk and vulnerability considerations into capital planning and budgeting. 1 Study the zoning ordinance to allow higher density development. Ordinance revision should consolidate and revise LH 3- 3 residential zoning categories to allow for an increase in housing density in all areas of the community. 1 Incentivize the use of green infrastructure such as bioswales, permeable pavement, rain gardens, areas, and other pervious LH 3- 4 surface strategies to reduce flood risk and minimize sediment entry into creeks from trails and roads. 2 Support neighborhood-based plans for all neighborhoods to encourage neighborhood identity, engagement and LH 3- 5 development. Plan goals should be to increase housing density, options, affordability, and equity while furthering the goals 3 of the Sustainability Plan. *Phasing shown in this plan is preliminary and may evolve through implementation. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 3-4  Return to Agenda BUILDINGS AND ENERGY Buildings and Energy SECTION 04 Click here to return to TOC Why is Buildings and Energy Important? Equity Considerations Building energy use is a major contributor to GHG emissions. GHG • Often, families that live in properties that are not energy efficient emissions from this sector come from direct emissions such as are also those that can least afford high-cost utility bills and fossil fuels burned on-site for heating or cooking needs—as well as often lack the ability to pay for energy efficiency improvements. indirect emissions such as fossil fuels burned off-site in order to supply the building with electricity. Building design plays a large • Renters of both single-family homes as well as multi-family role in determining the future efficiency and comfort of facilities. housing usually do not have the ability to implement energy Increasing energy efficiency can help reduce GHG emissions and efficiency measures to the buildings they live in to gain the result in significant cost savings for both homes and businesses. benefits of energy efficiency. • High energy burdens exacerbates other vulnerabilities for Residential Energy Use families including exposure to heatwaves and other climate The residential sector in Skokie consumes over 120 million kWh impacts. annually. This is equal to 4,800 kWh per household, approximately 64% of the statewide average. The sector also consumes over 12.6 Sustainability Accomplishments million therms of natural gas annually, 53% of statewide household • Solar Initiatives average.9,15 - Solsmart Bronze Designation - Reviewed Village’s solar PV policies and permitting procedures Commercial/Industrial Energy Use - Member of the Northshore Community Solar project This sector consumes over 320 million kWh, equal to 8,837 kWh per - SEAC sponsored solar and energy conservation seminars job. The sector also consumes 25 million therms of natural gas, or - STAT sponsored energy saver consulting for residents approximately 695 therms per job.9,15 • Wind power zoning ordinance amendment • Electric aggregation 1.0 offered a green energy option • LED streetlight conversion (ongoing) Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 4-1  Return to Agenda Strategies BUILDINGS AND ENERGY Key Climate Considerations BE 1: Improve total community-wide residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial building energy efficiency by 15% by 2030. • Resilience of critical infrastructure serving buildings, including BE 2: Increase adoption of high-performance building construction streets, stormwater, and utilities technology, achieving 0.5% Net Zero households, commercial, and institutional properties community-wide by 2030. • Impacts of extreme heat and other climate changes on energy supply and demand and potential for increased power outage BE 3: Achieve 5% residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional building "fuel switching" from on-site fossil fuel combustion to • Ability of a building’s insulation and heating and cooling electrification by 2030. systems to affordably keep occupants safe during extreme BE 4: Increase on-site renewable energy from 0.12% to 2% of residential, temperature events commercial, industrial, and institutional electric use by 2030. BE 5: Increase residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional green electricity purchasing (wind and solar source) community-wide to 15% by 74% 2030. BE 6: Increase resilience of community-wide building stock to the impacts of climate change (increased flood control and green infrastructure, etc). of survey respondents support the BE 7: Improve total municipal building energy efficiency by 15% by 2030 Village offering incentives for (electricity and natural gas). energy efficiency and renewable BE 8: Achieve 15% municipal building thermal “fuel switching" from on-site fossil fuel combustion to electrification by 2030. energy adoption, particularly for BE 9: Increase on-site renewable energy to 7.5% of Village operations low-income households. electricity consumption by 2030. The detailed actions on the following pages are anticipated to be initiated Sector Goals in phases: phase 1 within 1-2 years, phase 2 within 2-5 years, and phase 3 within 3-7 years of plan approval. Phasing shown in this plan is preliminary and may evolve through implementation. Today GHG emissions from Renewable energy used Electricity consump- Natural gas con- buildings (metric tons) (on-site and purchased) tion (kWh) sumption (therms) 431,080 0.2% 441 Million 38 Million 2030* Targets 336,400 20% 400 Million 30 Million * Includes impacts associated with population increases, and planned electrification goals. See Appendix A for research compiled during plan development which supported planning team in goal finalization. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 4-2  Return to Agenda BUILDINGS AND ENERGY The following are detailed items that could be completed in order to carry out the vision and strategies of this sector. This menu of actions will be considered and prioritized into annual workplans to be developed by Village staff. See Section 11 Implementation, cross-cutting action CC 1-1 for more information on the annual workplan recommendation. Strategy Action Actions Phase* BE 1: Improve total community-wide residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial building energy efficiency by 15% by 2030. Community Development shall review for adoption of the most recent International Energy Conservation Code as well as BE 1- 1 the International Green Building Code. 1 Collaborate with ComEd, Nicor, and others to educate residents, businesses, and institutions on ways to lower energy BE 1- 2 costs. 1 Through SEAC, ComEd, Nicor, and community partners like Go Green Skokie, create a residential energy efficiency challenge promoting and expanding residential and multi-family energy efficiency audit and upgrade program similar to ComEd's "Home Energy assessments." Collect communication materials to share with residents. Develop a plan to drive BE 1- 3 residents to action; identify other community groups that can build capacity for effective outreach; publicly recognize 1 annual challenge "winners" with successful energy reduction achievements. Track annual progress; combine efforts with increased renewable energy purchases and installations. Goal: 220 households annually. Encourage use of current sustainability and energy-efficiency certification programs (e.g. LEED Platinum, Passive House (PHIUS), Green Globes, Living Building Challenge, American Institute of Architects (AIA) 2030, and Enterprise Green BE 1- 4 Communities) and adopt an ordinance by 2025 to have commercial, institutional, industrial, and multi-family developers 1 participate in a certification program. Promote and offer incentives for improving energy efficiency (e.g. Nicor Gas, ComEd, Cook County Property-Assessed Clean Energy financing program, insulation, energy-efficient windows, electric heat pumps) in substantially-renovated BE 1- 5 and newly-constructed properties. New construction incentives shall support measures for projects that exceed code 2 requirements. Establish and implement an energy and water benchmarking and annual reporting program for commercial, institutional, BE 1- 6 industrial, and multi-family buildings by 2025. Support improved access to utility data for building owners and managers 2 seeking to improve energy and water performance. Work with other public agencies including Park District and School districts to support energy efficiency programs, BE 1- 7 geothermal energy and solar energy installation. Goal: Achieving energy efficiency and renewable energy installation at 2 public facilities equal to or greater than goals established in this plan by 2030. Explore and implement a mechanism for expedited zoning and building code review process for projects meeting or BE 1- 8 exceeding the goals of this section to support and provide additional incentive for sustainable building projects. 3 *Phasing shown in this plan is preliminary and may evolve through implementation. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 4-3  Return to Agenda Actions BUILDINGS AND ENERGY Strategy Action Phase* BE 2: Increase adoption of high-performance building construction technology, achieving 0.5% Net Zero households, commercial, and institutional properties community-wide by 2030. Establish a Net Zero Energy Building Guide and Solar-Ready Checklist providing building owners, renters, developers, designers, and contractors with detailed information on strategies to make new construction or significant renovation BE 2- 1 projects Net Zero Energy or Net Zero Energy ready. Include a project strategy checklist for building owners and teams to 1 use and report sustainable strategies used. Explore a policy requiring Village-assisted projects and projects receiving PUD, Special Use Permit, or other zoning action BE 2- 2 to to be built to meet or exceed an energy efficiency standard, like Sustainable Buildings 2030 (SB2030), LEED Gold, 1 Enterprise Green Communities, the 24 National Green Building Standard ICC/ASHRAE 700, or an equivalent certification. Launch a platform and training program to share best practices, providing training, and promote the Village's Net Zero BE 2- 3 Energy Guide and Solar-Ready Checklist. 2 Develop competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) for effective and innovative Net Zero pilot projects. Focus on "Net Zero building in every neighborhood" to establish visibility of strategies within the community. RFPs should encourage high- BE 2- 4 quality mixed-use redevelopment on infill properties and existing surface parking lots along transit-oriented development 3 corridors. RFPs should focus on equity, affordability, livability, and compliance/support of Sustainability Plan goals. Goal: minimum of 1 successfully completed pilot project of at least 25 homes (single-family or multi-family). BE 3: Achieve 5% residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional building "fuel switching" from on-site fossil fuel combustion to electrification by 2030. Educate residents and businesses about the benefits of replacing fossil fuel-burning heating equipment and with air- source heat-pumps, geo-thermal systems, solar thermal, or other efficient electric heating options. Include promotion of BE 3- 1 rebates and tax credits available for electrification upgrades and appliances. Collaborate with ComEd and education part- 1 ners like the library and Go Green Skokie. BE 3- 2 Explore, identify, and promote incentives for all-electric buildings. 1 Coordinate and promote a residential and small business "Electrification and Energy Efficiency/Weatherization" group purchase campaign annually to help reduce the costs of energy efficient heating systems such as air source heat pumps and ground source heat pumps through volume purchasing power (goal, 150 households and 20 businesses/institutions BE 3- 3 annually). Program design to focus on improved equity (residential and commercial) in its implementation and explore 2 strategies to support local small business contractors. NOTE: Action may be implemented in combination with the renewable energy group purchase program action. *Phasing shown in this plan is preliminary and may evolve through implementation. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 4-4  Return to Agenda Actions BUILDINGS AND ENERGY Strategy Action Phase* BE 4: Increase on-site renewable energy from 0.12% to 2% of residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional electric use by 2030. Promote existing local residential, commercial, and institutional programs through Grow Solar Chicagoland and the BE 4- 1 Citizens Utility Board (CUB) that offer group purchasing to lower the cost of solar installations. Goal: 150 households and 1 1.1% of commercial/industrial sector electrical consumption "solarized" annually. Continue to promote existing North Shore Community Solar Program. Explore options to increase the purchase of BE 4- 2 renewable energy. 1 Achieve Solsmart Gold Level Status requirements. Create a solar landing page with promotional and technical information BE 4- 3 on the Village website. 2 Explore creation of a Solar Ready Ordinance to require all commercial, institutional, and multi-family buildings to be solar BE 4- 4 ready and to require on-site solar for all commercial properties receiving Village funding and incentives. See Village's Solar 2 Ready Guidelines. BE 5: Increase residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional green electricity purchasing (wind and solar source) community-wide to 15% by 2030. Continue Community Choice Electricity Aggregation (Aggregation). Explore expanding the reach of the Aggregation BE 5- 1 program and tighten sourcing requirements to encourage/require energy suppliers to directly invest in renewable energy. 1 Goal: 200 additional households and 50 additional businesses and institutions signed on annually. Promote green power purchase options, when reasonably available, such as those provided by ComEd and Nicor. BE 5- 2 Collaborate with utilities on promotion and education of available options. Goal: 200 additional households and 50 1 additional businesses and institutions signed on annually. *Phasing shown in this plan is preliminary and may evolve through implementation. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 4-5  Return to Agenda Actions BUILDINGS AND ENERGY Strategy Action Phase* BE 6: Increase resilience of community-wide building stock to the impacts of climate change (increased flood control and green infrastructure, etc). Conduct a Village Facilities Resilience Assessment and Implementation Plan outlining appropriate facility resilience up- grade projects and establishing a timeline for implementation. Resilience considerations to include flooding, flash flooding, BE 6- 1 and urban heat island mitigation among other considerations. Resilience assessment should include considerations for 1 how municipal facilities can enhance or support resilience for surrounding community, particularly vulnerable populations (i.e. establishment of cooling center access, etc.). Streamline approval process of "green roofs" by Village Appearance Commission. Provide training or education of staff BE 6- 2 and commission members. 1 Seek funding opportunities through FEMA "Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program for BE 6- 3 resilience upgrade projects as identified in the Village Facilities Resilience Assessment and Implementation Plan. 2 Explore development of "Cool Roof," "Green Roof," “Green Wall”/“Live Wall” and “vertical garden” incentives (demonstration projects, voluntary programs, incentivized program, ordinance/policy) to meet long-range dark impervious surface BE 6- 4 reduction goals. Coordinate with existing compatible municipal policies such as the Stormwater Management Utility fee 3 structure. Examples of incentive programs have been developed by the Climate Protection Partnership Division in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Atmospheric Programs. BE 7: Improve total municipal building energy efficiency by 15% by 2030 (electricity and natural gas). Conduct a Village Facilities Energy Audit on all buildings within the next 3 years targeting energy efficiency meeting or exceeding goals of this plan. Use results from Village Facilities Energy Audit to prioritize Village Facilities Capital BE 7- 1 Improvement Plans (CIPS) and maintenance improvements. Plan to establish a timeline for implementation all 1 improvements within 5 years of completion of energy audits. Establish a Green Building policy that requires all new municipal buildings to meet and maintain energy, resource efficiency, and on-site fossil fuel combustion reduction and elimination goals or building standards (ENERGY STAR, LEED, BE 7- 2 Home Energy Score or other). Policy to require energy consumption to be benchmarked and disclosed 1 annually. Encourage houses of worship, schools, park district, and other public and private agencies to establish similar policies. Explore use of the Guaranteed Energy Savings Program (or another option such as a tax-exempt bond or performance BE 7- 3 contracting) to finance all possible municipal solar projects and renewable energy purchases through the utility. 2 Conduct an occupancy and plug load energy efficiency study of primary Village owned facilities and establish a "Plug Load BE 7- 4 and Occupancy Energy Efficiency Guide" outlining operational practices to advance the Village's energy efficiency goals for 2 Village facilities. Provide training to all existing Village employees and provide on-going training to all new Village hires. *Phasing shown in this plan is preliminary and may evolve through implementation. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 4-6  Return to Agenda Actions BUILDINGS AND ENERGY Strategy Action Phase* BE 8: Achieve 15% municipal building thermal “fuel switching" from on-site fossil fuel combustion to electrification by 2030. Establish a policy requiring all new municipally-owned buildings to be 100% electric (or zero on-site fossil fuel combustion) BE 8- 1 by 2025. 1 Conduct an "Electrification Assessment and Action Plan" to outline actions and priorities for electrification of Village facilities to move towards zero on-site fossil fuel combustion. Work with regional energy partnerships to implement Plan BE 8- 2 for all Village facilities and establish a schedule for improvements (such as hot water and space heating appliance 2 replacement). Include new and existing buildings, explore strategies to address electricity storage, and create a case study to highlight and share challenges, solutions, and lessons learned to share with the broader community. BE 9: Increase on-site renewable energy to 7.5% of Village operations electricity consumption by 2030. Conduct a Village Facility Solar Feasibility and Master Plan study to explore the feasibility of on-site solar for all Village facilities. Study should explore a range of ownership options including purchase and third party ownership (such as Power Purchase Agreements) and should include exploration of micro-grid and solar+storage options for improved facility BE 9- 1 resilience. Study should also identify strategies such as community solar subscriptions combined with Renewable Energy 1 Credit purchases, to achieve renewable energy for considerations at sites determined to be inappropriate for on-site solar to achieve 100% renewable energy. Install solar on all Village buildings and sites, where feasible based on the findings and recommendations of the Village Facility Solar Feasibility and Master Plan study by 2027. Explore implementation of micro-grid, solar+storage and other BE 9- 2 options for improved facility resilience. Explore including Village facility solar purchases in community-wide 2 commercial/institutional solar group purchase campaigns. *Phasing shown in this plan is preliminary and may evolve through implementation. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 4-7  Return to Agenda Sector Impacts BUILDINGS AND ENERGY Cumulative Economic Savings Planned Sector Emission Reductions Through 2030 Implementing many of the measures in The strategies and actions included in this section of the Environmental Sustainability Plan this plan, such as reduction of single- are projected to reduce the community’s annual GHG emissions by 94,753 metric tons (MT) occupancy auto use, can save money for annually by 2030 - a 22% reduction from 2020 levels. It should be noted these decreases the community. The estimated include impacts anticipated by a 10% population increase projected for Skokie by CMAP. community savings of the goals for this When compared to 2020 emissions, this is equivalent to eliminating nearly 20,000 of current section include: Skokie vehicles from the road, or 1.9 billion cubic feet of human-made GHG atmosphere annually by 2030. Residential Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Savings: The total projected change to sector emissions are as follows*: $29,000,000 $1,100 per household Commercial Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Savings: + $31,500,000 $860 per job Estimated Cumulative Savings Potential* = (in 2030) $60,500,000* $900 per capita * Allowances for expenses for energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades are included in calculations. (see Appendix for more) * Projections include “business-as-usual” impacts and changes such as changes to population, climate projections, etc. See the Skokie Greenhouse Gas Emissions Projections study for more. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 4-8  Return to Agenda WASTE MANAGEMENT Waste Management SECTION 05 Click here to return to TOC Why is Waste Management Important? Equity Considerations Waste management refers to both waste that is sent to a landfill • Accessibility to recycling and composting programs may not be and waste that is recycled or re-used. Habitat destruction, global equally or readily available to all community residents and warming, and resource depletion are some of the effects of our businesses or may be impacted by other participation-related materials consumption. barriers, including awareness of programs, user fees, accessibility based on housing type, and language barriers. Organic waste and food discards and residuals that decompose in landfills release methane, a GHG that is at least 28 times more • Reducing and preventing food waste can increase food security, potent than carbon dioxide. This fact makes food wasting a and economic efficiency; however, studies show that due to the significant contributor to solid waste GHG emissions. high cost of healthy foods which are also more perishable, low- income households must often sacrifice healthier food options Recycling - converting discarded materials into new materials or to avoid food waste while maintaining budgets.* putting them to beneficial use (which can include organic waste) - is an important approach in mitigating these impacts and reducing Sustainability Accomplishments the pollution caused by wasting. • Curbside recycling • Food composting curbside pick-up franchise agreement Skokie Solid Waste Per Capita Trends In 2020, community-wide municipal solid waste (MSW) totaled • Backyard compost bin rebate 24,035 tons. Of the MSW handled, an estimated 20.6% were • Textile recycling recycled, 2.4% were collected organics, and the remaining 77% were • Grass clippings ban landfilled. • Tree logs are repurposed into pallets • On-going marketing through NewSkokie, Skokie news, library programs *Social Science & Medicine, “Economic constraints on taste formation and the true cost of healthy eating” Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 5-1  Return to Agenda WASTE MANAGEMENT Key Climate Considerations Strategies • Climate impact vulnerability of waste management infrastructure WM 1: Decrease landfill waste by 10% by 2030 (for Village-collected solid waste of single-family households up to 4-flats). • Extreme weather impacts on waste collection frequency and routes WM 2: Increase the number of commercial properties and condos that recycle and use organics collection through incentives and mandates. • Waste pickup equipment GHG emissions contributing to climate WM 3: Increase organics diversion rate for single-family households up to change 4-flats from 2.4% of total solid waste handled to 8% by 2030. • Fossil fuel price increases and climate impacts such as extreme WM 4: Increase landfill diversion of recyclable materials 10% by 2030 while weather events will complicate waste management decreasing contamination of recycling collections (for Village-collected solid waste of single-family households up to 4-flats). WM 5: Increase diversion of potential recoverables, hazardous waste, and 76% construction and demolition waste 25% by 2030. of survey respondents support the Village creating a commercial/ restaurant organics collection The detailed actions on the following pages are anticipated to be initiated in phases: phase 1 within 1-2 years, phase 2 within 2-5 years, and phase 3 service. within 3-7 years of plan approval. Phasing shown in this plan is preliminary and may evolve through implementation. Sector Goals Today GHG emissions from solid Solid waste sent to landfill Organics diverted Recycling diverted waste (metric tons) (tons)** from landfill (tons) from landfill (tons) 35,538 18,511 581 4,943 2030* Targets 19,550 16,700 2,000 5,500 *Includes impacts associated with population increases. See Appendix A for research compiled during plan development which supported planning team in goal finalization. ** Data is five-year average for single-family households up to 4-flats within the community Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 5-2  Return to Agenda WASTE MANAGEMENT The following are detailed items that could be completed in order to carry out the vision and strategies of this sector. This menu of actions will be considered and prioritized into annual workplans to be developed by Village staff. See Section 11 Implementation, cross-cutting action CC 1-1 for more information on the annual workplan recommendation. Strategy Action Actions Phase* WM 1: Decrease landfill waste by 10% by 2030 (for Village-collected solid waste of single-family households up to 4-flats). Coordinate with public partners to establish paths towards Zero Waste program ("Zero Waste" as defined by the US Conference of Mayors). Program to provide outreach to support recycling provided and promoted in all schools, public WM 1- 1 housing, park district facilities, public space, and Village buildings. Program to also include zero waste curricula and 1 communications content as well as zero waste strategies for school facilities. Educate residents, businesses, and institutions on waste reduction, proper recycling, and organics options in support of the WM 1- 2 Waste Management goals of this plan. 1 Establish a Zero Single Use Plastic, Zero Waste policy for Village operations that outlines increasing incremental annual WM 1- 3 waste reduction goals charting a path to Zero Waste appropriate to the findings of the Municipal Operations Waste Audit. 1 WM 1- 4 Reduce solid waste collection frequency to once weekly for single-family households. 1 Conduct a Municipal Operations Waste Audit to understand waste characterizations and volumes and to identify potentials WM 1- 5 and strategies for municipal operations waste reduction and diversion. 2 Collaborate with county, state, and other regional waste audit and diversion service providers to develop and fund a waste audit and diversion assistance program for businesses. Program to support businesses in establishing, tracking, and WM 1- 6 reporting waste streams, identifying reduction, diversion, beneficial use opportunities, identification of potential financing 2 sources, and connect businesses with energy audit and other resources in support of full Sustainability Plan goals. Goal: 30 business waste audits completed annually with businesses engaged in measuring and diverting waste. Incentivize businesses to phase out single-use products or implement an opt-in fee for such products. Encourage WM 1- 7 restaurants to allow customers to bring their own take-out containers. Recognize businesses implementing these 2 practices on Village of Skokie website. WM 1- 8 Explore options to decrease plastic bag/film use and to increase plastic bag/film recycling. 3 *Phasing shown in this plan is preliminary and may evolve through implementation. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 5-3  Return to Agenda Actions WASTE MANAGEMENT Strategy Action Phase* WM 2: Increase the number of commercial properties and condos that recycle and use organics collection through incentives and mandates. WM 2- 1 Require all new commercial and multi-family construction to provide recycling and composting services. 1 Based on information collected through the Village's on-going research and community outreach, identify financial and WM 2- 2 other barriers to recycling and composting in multi-family buildings (e.g., different priorities between property management 1 company and tenants, lack of knowledge of costs). Land-Use Code Updates - improve commercial and multi-family recycling requirements by revising Land Use Code to WM 2- 3 require commercial indoor and outdoor space for recycling and organics collection equal to or greater than the space 2 provided for disposal. Establish a webpage or online pamphlet that can be used by landlords to help residents know about park locations, bike/walk/transit info, sustainability goals and resources, trash and recycling opportunities, renewable energy options, WM 2- 4 incentives, etc. Website links can be distributed as a part of the Neighborhood Integrity Ordinance licensing program in 2 addition to other avenues. WM 3: Increase organics diversion rate for single-family households up to 4-flats from 2.4% of total solid waste handled to 8% by 2030. Conduct outreach to grocers, restaurants, and food pantries to understand current practices in handling expiring WM 3- 1 perishable items. Use outreach to identify challenges to and opportunities for reduced landfilling of food waste and 1 increased donation. Contact local and regional partners, including Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC) and private WM 3- 2 contractors, to research ways to provide convenient and cost-effective composting services. 1 Research the feasibility of waste audits for multi-family residences and commercial properties to provide better WM 3- 3 Skokie-specific milestone data. 1 Increase residential participation in Village's food scrap compost collection and provide information on the value and WM 3- 4 methods for composting. Goal: increase participation by 5% annually through 2030. 2 Increase availability of composting options for residents and businesses such as expanded curbside organics collection, offering low-cost or free compost bins for back-yard composting, workplace composting, free municipal drop-off locations, WM 3- 5 and organics-to-compost partnerships with community gardens. Include a focus on options which support local 2 gardening and food production. Based on outreach, establish a program to increase diversion of viable food currently entering waste stream to food pan- tries, non-profits, and other pathways serving food insecure community members. When not edible, organic waste shall be WM 3- 6 composted through a Village-approved vendor. Program may include incentives, information, promotion, support such as 2 "zero-waste coaches," requirements, and/or business recognition awards. *Phasing shown in this plan is preliminary and may evolve through implementation. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 5-4  Return to Agenda Actions WASTE MANAGEMENT Strategy Action Phase* WM 4: Increase landfill diversion of recyclable materials 10% by 2030 while decreasing contamination of recycling collections. (for Village-collected solid waste of single-family households up to 4-flats) Create a comprehensive communication campaign to provide standardized information, educational communications, and WM 4- 1 action items on waste reduction, organics collection, recycling, and hazardous waste handling to reach the commercial 1 and residential sectors. Include updates on waste diversion programs available to residents and businesses. Incentivize increased use of reusable food and beverage packaging, maximized recycling/composting of food packaging WM 4- 2 and minimized landfill trash generation among community businesses. Require that Village-hosted events and users of 1 certain Village facilities follow these practices. WM 4- 3 Establish an award program for businesses, schools, and other non-residential properties to recognize recycling leaders. 2 Research options and advocate collection of Styrofoam blocks for pelletization (reuse) and/or extrusion (recycling or WM 4- 4 disposal). 3 WM 5: Increase diversion of potential recoverables, hazardous waste, and construction and demolition waste 25% by 2030. Reduce construction and demolition waste by ensuring that strong recycling and reuse requirements are met for all building-related permits community-wide. Require compliance with Cook County's construction and demolition WM 5- 1 requirements including waste management plans; provide support resources such as a copy of the ordinance and 1 requirements with Village permit materials. Partner with Habitat, reuse warehouses and county facilities to promote reuse options. WM 5- 2 Develop an informational sheet for permit holders outlining Cook County requirements and resources for disposal. 1 WM 5- 3 Investigate potential cooking oil recycling opportunities and list commercial vendors on Village website. 2 Collaborate with local partners including SWANCC and commercial providers to identify and promote hazardous waste WM 5- 4 disposal opportunities closer to Skokie. Include a focus on disposal options for challenging hazardous liquids such as non 3 -cooking oils, poisons, and fertilizers. *Phasing shown in this plan is preliminary and may evolve through implementation. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 5-5  Return to Agenda Sector Impacts WASTE MANAGEMENT Cumulative Economic Savings Planned Sector Emission Reductions Through 2030 Implementing many of the measures in The strategies and actions included in this section of the Environmental Sustainability Plan this plan, such as reduction of single- are projected to reduce the community’s annual GHG emissions by 16,000 metric tons (MT) occupancy auto use, can save money for annually by 2030 - a 45% reduction from 2020 levels. It should be noted these decreases the community. The estimated include impacts anticipated by a 10% population increase projected for Skokie by CMAP. community savings of the goals for this When compared to 2020 emissions, this is equivalent to eliminating nearly 3,400 of current section include: Skokie vehicles from the road, or 314 million cubic feet of human-made GHG atmosphere annually by 2030. Residential Organics/Food Waste Diversion Savings: The total projected change to sector emissions are as follows*: $25,800,000 $1,000 per household Commercial Waste Diversion / Reduction Savings: + $6,500,000 $180 per job Estimated Cumulative (in 2030) Savings Potential* = $32,300,000* $480 per capita * (see Appendix for more) * Projections include “business-as-usual” impacts and changes such as changes to population, climate projections, etc. See the Skokie Greenhouse Gas Emissions Projections study for more. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 5-6  Return to Agenda WATER AND WASTEWATER Water and Wastewater SECTION 06 Click here to return to TOC Why is Water and Wastewater Important? Equity Considerations Water is at the core of climate change and sustainable • Low-income neighborhoods frequently suffer more damage from development. Quality water is vitally important for socio-economic flooding.7 The frequency and magnitude of heavy rain events is development, for maintaining healthy ecosystems, and for human expected to increase as a result of a changing climate, making survival. Water is central to the production and preservation of a the future flooding impacts for at-risk neighborhoods potentially wide range of services benefiting people. How we process water is more acute. also linked to our GHG emissions. Water and wastewater related GHG emissions total 2,801 metric tons in Skokie annually1. • Disadvantaged communities within cities often have denser populations, more impervious surfaces, and less open/green Water is also at the heart of adaptation to climate change. There spaces. These areas can also be prone to flooding and sewer are nearly 2,782 properties at risk of flooding community-wide with overflows. Stormwater management through the creation of 1,833 properties (9% of all properties) in Skokie having a greater open, green spaces serve to revitalize and promote health within than 26% chance of being severely affected by flooding over the these disadvantaged communities. next 30 years.2 Climate change will increase the likelihood of drought combined with additional heavy rain events, flooding, and flash flooding.3 Climate change will also increase stress on our water systems, increase water pollution potential, and place more risk on maintaining safe water resources. Water is an irreplaceable, 82% of survey respondents support the critically important resource fundamental to the well-being of our communities. Water can only be considered renewable with Village increasing green space re- high-quality best water management practices in place. quirements in ordinances to sup- port stormwater management. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 6-1  Return to Agenda WATER AND WASTEWATER Key Climate Considerations Strategies • Impacts of current and projected future precipitation patterns on W 1: Promote increased water conservation community-wide with a water resources, including processes that are critical for targeted reduction of 7.5% by 2030 (199 million gallons conserved annually by 2030). maintaining drinking water supplies W 2: Update design standards and implement plans to meet projected • Impacts of extreme events (e.g., heat waves, flooding, drought) climate change storm water and flood mitigation requirements. on water quality and stormwater management systems W 3: Educate, engage, and empower the public on water quality and • Water resource conservation measures that are already being conservation. implemented in the community, as well as existing and potential areas that could be used for natural floodwater storage 73% of survey respondents support the Village establishing policies to en- The detailed actions on the following pages are anticipated to be initiated courage use of “green roofs” with- in phases: phase 1 within 1-2 years, phase 2 within 2-5 years, and phase 3 in the community. within 3-7 years of plan approval. Phasing shown in this plan is preliminary and may evolve through implementation. Sector Goals Today Water consumed Wastewater generated (gallons) (gallons) 2.7 billion 2.6 billion 2030* Targets 2.5 billion 2.4 billion * Includes impacts associated with population increases. See Appendix A for research compiled during plan development which supported planning team in goal finalization. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 6-2  Return to Agenda WATER AND WASTEWATER The following are detailed items that could be completed in order to carry out the vision and strategies of this sector. This menu of actions will be considered and prioritized into annual workplans to be developed by Village staff. See Section 11 Implementation, cross-cutting action CC 1-1 for more information on the annual workplan recommendation. Strategy Action Actions Phase* W 1: Promote increased water conservation community-wide with a targeted reduction of 7.5% by 2030 (199 million gallons conserved annually by 2030). Facilitate reduction of water use by top 20 customers through an opt-in program. Offer free technical resources to large W 1- 1 institutions and businesses to identify specific opportunities for employees or customers to conserve water and 1 incorporate water efficiency into internal operations. W 1- 2 Enhance and increase enforcement of the Village's outdoor watering restrictions. 1 Develop and implement water conservation education and outreach programs in residential, commercial, and institutional W 1- 3 sectors. Include promotion of available water efficiency and conservation incentives and programs. 1 Finalize analysis of leaks in drinking water distribution system, implement findings Goal: reduce water leaks by 50% by W 1- 4 2030. 1 Consider rate design structures that incentivize reductions in water consumption. Include utility services and capacity W 1- 5 support to implement income-based payment plan. Include education and engagement plan to raise awareness about 1 climate change and water efficiency. Encourage the installation of low-flow water fixtures in residential homes and expand the program to commercial W 1- 6 businesses. Goal: achieve 200 households and 30 businesses and institutions upgraded annually. 2 Explore installation of rainwater collection systems at Village facilities for graywater uses, and investigate opportunities for graywater reuse at existing and new Village facilities and properties. Implement graywater systems identified capable of W 1- 7 reducing energy/water demand in other areas (for example, watering urban tree canopy to reduce heat island effect and air 2 conditioning needs). *Phasing shown in this plan is preliminary and may evolve through implementation. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 6-3  Return to Agenda Actions WATER AND WASTEWATER Strategy Action Phase* W 2: Update design standards and implement plans to meet projected climate change storm water and flood mitigation requirements. Develop green infrastructure implementation goals and integrate with Cook County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation W 2- 1 Plan and seek funding opportunities through Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s Building Resilient 1 Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Grant Program. Include a focus on equity in implementation. Explore adjustments to allowable floor to area ratios in zoning ordinances to increase community stormwater resilience W 2- 2 and improve water quality. 1 Encourage use of rain gardens at public agency sites, including parks and school districts. Identify and support programs W 2- 3 promoting increased on-site storm water management such as rain gardens and impervious surfaces as well as 1 commercial, institutional, and residential sites. W 2- 4 Explore the use of permeable surfaces for driveway and road paving. Implement and encourage best practices identified. 2 Promote Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD)'s existing rain barrel program and review W 2- 5 their outreach to ensure it includes education on effective installation and maintenance. 2 W 3: Educate, engage, and empower the public on water quality and conservation. Modify water utility bills to provide education to residents on what actions they can take to reduce their risk to extreme W 3- 1 precipitation events and flash flooding. Develop an information hub with tools and resources. 1 Expand public education about the value of watersheds, rain gardens, and low-impact development to address stormwater W 3- 2 run-off. 2 W 3- 3 Develop educational materials covering the link between water resources and climate change. 2 *Phasing shown in this plan is preliminary and may evolve through implementation. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 6-4  Return to Agenda LOCAL FOOD AND AGRICULTURE Local Food and Agriculture SECTION 07 Click here to return to TOC Why is Local Food and Agriculture Important? Equity Considerations Transporting and refrigerating food across long distances burns • People in low-income neighborhoods may have limited access to GHG emitting fossil fuels. The less transportation and refrigeration full-service supermarkets or grocery stores - an area known as a needed to supply our food, the more sustainable it becomes. “food desert.” Buying food from local sources reduces GHG emissions while also • Studies have also shown that communities with fewer resources supporting the small business local economy. Studies have often have more outlets that promote unhealthy dietary indicated that nearly 32 jobs are created for every $1 million in behaviors such as fast food restaurants, and little access to revenue generated by produce from farms involved in a local food affordable nutritious food. This condition is known as a “nutrition market. This is compared to only 10.5 jobs for those involved in desert.” wholesale channels exclusively.1 Meanwhile, the outdoor and social activity supported by community gardens and increased • New local food systems and programs can perpetuate inequities gardening in neighborhoods have social and community benefits if not carefully designed. Without a focus on inclusion during like increasing social cohesion, providing multi-generational activity, their design, programs often unintentionally leave out the people supporting outdoor low-impact exercise, and supporting plant/ who cannot afford to “buy local” or organic and who may benefit animal/pollinator habitat. 11 the most from healthy locally-produced foods. Our food system is also vulnerable to impacts of climate change like extreme precipitation and heat, climate-induced invasive species, and livestock vulnerabilities.2 Food insecurity—disruption of nutrition availability because of lack Shifting just 20% of food of money, access, or other resources—is inequitably felt. People purchases in the Village of Skokie experiencing low income are nearly three times more likely to to local food sources would add experience food insecurity.3 We should anticipate that the climate 260 local jobs. change vulnerabilities of our national food system will exacerbate the inequities of food security in all communities. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 7-1  Return to Agenda LOCAL FOOD AND AGRICULTURE Key Climate Considerations • Extreme events that could lead to crop failure and associated impacts (e.g., economic losses, supply chain issues) • Potential impacts of climate change on patterns of supply and demand of food, as well as impacts on factors related to food distribution (e.g., supply chain) and storage (e.g., increased spoilage) • Climate-related impacts that may influence food prices and community food security, particularly for vulnerable populations (e.g., low-income and mobility-limited residents) Strategies LF 1: Increase availability and resilience of locally-produced food. LF 2: Increase access to locally-produced food, particularly serving food-insecure individuals. LF 3: Reduce food waste and hunger, achieve a 50% reduction in food insecurity community-wide by 2030. The detailed actions on the following pages are anticipated to be initiated in phases: phase 1 within 1-2 years, phase 2 within 2-5 years, and phase 3 within 3-7 years of plan approval. Phasing shown in this plan is preliminary and may evolve through implementation. $15,900,000 Could be added to Skokie’s economy by shifting just 20% of food purchases to local sources. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 7-2  Return to Agenda LOCAL FOOD AND AGRICULTURE The following are detailed items that could be completed in order to carry out the vision and strategies of this sector. This menu of actions will be considered and prioritized into annual workplans to be developed by Village staff. See Section 11 Implementation, cross-cutting action CC 1-1 for more information on the annual workplan recommendation. Strategy Action Actions Phase* LF 1: Increase availability and resilience of locally-produced food. Conduct a study to identify vacant properties or under-utilized plots/land area which could be transformed into urban LF 1- 1 farms or community garden plots and establish an implementation plan accordingly. 1 Collaborate with schools and park district to establish a “Grow Skokie” program increasing community garden plots and establishing a “market garden” concept supporting garden and urban agriculture training and internship opportunities for LF 1- 2 youth. Program to work with local restaurants, food shelves, or others working directly with food-insecure individuals in 1 the community for distribution of food grown in the “market garden.” Explore potential of partnering with Oakton Community College. Create and promote a publicly available GIS map database to locate and increase awareness of community garden LF 1- 3 locations within the community and provide contact information. 1 Revise zoning ordinances to remove barriers to urban agriculture: yard and rooftop food production, beekeeping, front-yard LF 1- 4 gardens, edible landscaping, and foraging. Examine and pursue other policy levers to increase food production within the 2 community. Utilize available and appropriate parks and recreation lands for urban farming and food production. Encourage school districts and park district to expand community gardens and opportunities for community growing LF 1- 5 spaces (including indoor) with a focus on youth, immigrant, and low-income residents. Explore grant opportunities such as 2 the United States Conference of Mayors environmental sustainability award. Review/update code to provide incentives for multi-unit buildings and developments/sub-divisions and commercial LF 1- 6 developers to preserve topsoil, use finished compost for soil amendment, and provide space for backyard or community 3 gardens. LF 2: Increase access to locally-produced food, particularly serving food insecure individuals. Health Department and Human Services Department staff to coordinate with potential partner organizations such as The LF 2- 1 Talking Farm to identify collaboration opportunities. Particular attention will be applied to potential opportunities for food 1 pantry and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit collaboration. Explore opportunities, spaces, and potential partners to expand farmers’ markets (particularly year-round market LF 2- 2 opportunities), local food hubs and marketing of locally-produced and organic foods. Efforts to focus on increased 2 community equity and food security among at-risk populations. *Phasing shown in this plan is preliminary and may evolve through implementation. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 7-3  Return to Agenda Actions LOCAL FOOD AND AGRICULTURE Strategy Action Phase* LF 3: Reduce food waste and hunger, achieve a 50% reduction in food insecurity community-wide by 2030. Conduct a detailed Food Security Assessment to determine food insecurity conditions within the community, areas with limited access to full-service grocery stores and markets (particularly within areas of higher vulnerable population counts), LF 3- 1 identify areas within the community for improvement, and establish detailed strategies to increase food security 1 community-wide. Continue to provide enrollment assistance for participation in the SNAP, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for LF 3- 2 Women, Infants and Children Program and other food assistance programs as well as supporting local initiatives 1 addressing financial food insecurity. Investigate feasibility of a Food Access Fund to support decreasing food waste and increasing food recovery via the Environmental Protection Agency’s Food Recovery Hierarchy through existing and new initiatives as well as private, LF 3- 3 innovative competitions. Explore partnerships between local food pantries, Skokie schools, and restaurants for ways to 1 distribute unused food to vulnerable or food insecure individuals. Promote awareness of the correct actions to reduce food waste at the household level through public education LF 3- 4 campaigns 2 Work regionally to support and facilitate food donation programs. Food donation programs reduce the amount of healthy, LF 3- 5 safe food that goes to waste and redirects it to those in need. 2 Develop an emergency food plan that includes a food needs assessment, scenarios for provisioning necessary food supplies during a range of anticipated emergencies, and a distribution and public communication plan that takes into LF 3- 6 account those most at risk for food insecurity. Work with local retailers, producers, and warehouses to implement food 3 provisioning scenarios. *Phasing shown in this plan is preliminary and may evolve through implementation. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 7-4  Return to Agenda GREEN SPACE AND TREES Green Space and Trees SECTION 08 Click here to return to TOC Why is Green Space and Trees Important? Equity Considerations Trees and natural ground cover play a central role in supporting the • Lower-income neighborhoods and neighborhoods with higher physical and mental health within communities, improving air and proportions of people of color regularly have lower tree canopy water quality, helping to reduce building energy use, and supporting coverage, and less of the environmental, economic, and quality- climate mitigation. Trees are critical in filtering air and removing of-life benefits trees support than more affluent neighborhoods. harmful pollutants such as carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and ground-level ozone. • “Heat islands” and “micro heat islands” are built-up areas that are hotter than other nearby areas. This is caused by lack of Conversely, higher levels of impervious surfaces (pavement and adequate green space and healthy tree canopy coverage buildings) within a community will increase the heat island of the combined with too many hard surfaces like roads, parking lots, community. Heat island refers to the phenomenon of higher and hard building surfaces. Frequently, neighborhoods with atmospheric and surface temperatures occurring in developed higher vulnerable populations have the highest heat island areas than those in the surrounding rural areas due to human impacts. activities and infrastructure. Increased heat indices during summer months due to heat island effects raise human discomfort and health risk levels in developed areas, especially during heat waves. There is a direct relationship between the amount of impervious surface coverage in a community and the corresponding degree of heat island temperature experienced—meaning a conscious effort Neighborhoods in Skokie experience to increase green space and tree canopy coverage in areas of higher heat island impacts can lower those impacts.1 hot weather as much as 6.9°F warmer than rural communities due to heat island impacts. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 8-1  Return to Agenda GREEN SPACE AND TREES Key Climate Considerations Strategies • Climate impacts on existing parks, conservation areas, and other GS 1: Increase tree cover, particularly in the priority neighborhoods, from green spaces, and how that may be altered by changes in 25.5% to 28% by 2030 and 31% by 2040. temperature and precipitation in coming decades GS 2: Replace 8% of turf community-wide with alternative natives or other plants or reduce maintenance cycles that benefit pollinators and increase • Potential impacts of climate change on patterns of use around stormwater benefits by 2030. parks and recreational areas. GS 3: Reduce heat island effect through community-wide “dark” impervious surface coverage reduction by 5% from 28.5% to 23.5% (320 acres) by 2030 and 15% (960 acres) by 2040. Reductions should be prioritized in $3,000,000 neighborhoods identified with higher heat island impacts. GS 4: Increase climate, flooding, and extreme heat resilience and biodiversi- ty supportiveness of community’s parks and open spaces. In estimated annual benefits to GS 5: Increase connectivity, accessibility, and equity of community’s parks the community provided by and open spaces. Skokie’s tree canopy (includes energy savings and pollution absorption). The detailed actions on the following pages are anticipated to be initiated in phases: phase 1 within 1-2 years, phase 2 within 2-5 years, and phase 3 within 3-7 years of plan approval. Phasing shown in this plan is Sector Goals preliminary and may evolve through implementation. Today Community-wide Community-wide Community-wide dark tree cover (acres) Mowed lawn (acres) impervious surface (acres) 1,632 1,375 1,830 2030 Targets 1,794 1,260 1,500 * Includes impacts associated with population increases. See Appendix A for research compiled during plan development which supported planning team in goal finalization. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 8-2  Return to Agenda GREEN SPACE AND TREES The following are detailed items that could be completed in order to carry out the vision and strategies of this sector. This menu of actions will be considered and prioritized into annual workplans to be developed by Village staff. See Section 11 Implementation, cross-cutting action CC 1-1 for more information on the annual workplan recommendation. Strategy Action Actions Phase* GS 1: Increase tree cover, particularly in the priority neighborhoods, from 25.5% to 28% by 2030 and 31% by 2040.** Continue to use a diverse selection of native tree species in new plantings, particularly those that will be most resistant to the stresses of climate change within the region. Develop a comprehensive recommended tree planting list of species that GS 1- 1 meet the following criteria: adaptability to climate change, especially heat extremes, drought, flooding, and high winds; 1 hardiness and longevity; provision of food and hosts for wildlife, including bees, butterflies, birds, and other creatures; species native to the area (200-mile radius). Promote the Village's free parkway tree program and the free tree offerings coordinated by the Metropolitan Water GS 1- 2 Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD). 1 Establish a tree planting plan to meet the goals of the Environmental Sustainability Plan. Prioritize tree replacement pro- gramming in neighborhoods based on factors outlined in the Village's Ground Cover study including those with low-income GS 1- 3 households, vulnerable populations, street and boulevards with less than 30% sidewalk/curb length shade coverage. 1 Include a focus on increasing shade trees areas where people congregate (picnic areas, bus shelters, etc.). See Village's 2022 Ground Cover, Tree Canopy, and Carbon Sequestration Study. Prioritize planting and preservation of native species of plants and trees on public and private property through education, incentives and other promotional programs. Ensure that landscaping requirements articulated in the zoning code include GS 1- 4 the preservation of the maximum possible number of existing trees, the use of native plantings and the preservation of 2 natural areas whenever possible. GS 1- 5 Establish a policy to plant back twice the number of trees as were removed the previous year on Village-owned properties. 2 *Phasing shown in this plan is preliminary and may evolve through implementation. ** See Village of Skokie’s Ground Cover Study for information on potential priority areas: https://view.publitas.com/palebluedot/skokie-ground-cover-heat-island-and-carbon-sequestration-study/ Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 8-3  Return to Agenda Actions GREEN SPACE AND TREES Strategy Action Phase* GS 2: Replace 8% of turf community-wide with alternative natives or other plants or reduce maintenance cycles that benefit pollinators and increase stormwater benefits by 2030. Update the Village's weed ordinance to allow for converting traditional lawns to pollinator-friendly gardens that include GS 2- 1 food gardens, rain gardens, wildflowers, clover, or native grasses to slow the collapse of the area's bee population. 1 Train staff on how to identify common native plants and educate them on the importance of native plantings. Increase the GS 2- 2 use of native plants in landscaping at Village-owned and park district-owned properties unless a data-driven case can be 1 made that such use is not appropriate. Support the planting of shade and water-absorbing trees and replace turf landscaping with native prairie, wild flower, and GS 2- 3 savanna plantings. If turfgrass is the best fit for the location, use varieties that require less water and maintenance when 1 appropriate. Create a list of native perennials, shrubs, and trees to help developers and homeowners. Continue to implement a strong, integrated pest management program, reducing fertilizer use and eliminating GS 2- 4 pesticide use, and raise mowing height to 3.5-4" on Village-maintained turf. Use biochar and local compost in landscape 1 beds when feasible. Electrify Village landscape equipment at end of useful life. Invite the Beautification and Improvement Commission to develop a recognition program for properties that incorporate a GS 2- 5 significant amount of natives or sustainable landscaping. 2 Collaborate with Oakton Community College, parks, and school districts to provide and promote public education about the GS 2- 6 use of lawn chemicals, effects on waterways, and alternatives. 2 Reach out to the largest land owners in Skokie to encourage turf replacement projects and include in a revised Property GS 2- 7 Owner award program. 2 Conduct a park and Village facility turf analysis and conversion study to identify lesser maintenance turf and ground GS 2- 8 cover types, to determine native plant and pollinator restoration opportunities, and to establish a conversion master plan. 3 Master plan should recommend a minimum amount of pollinator-friendly native plantings for all village-owned properties. *Phasing shown in this plan is preliminary and may evolve through implementation. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 8-4  Return to Agenda Actions GREEN SPACE AND TREES Strategy Action Phase* GS 3: Reduce heat island effect through community-wide “dark” impervious surface coverage reduction by 5% from 28.5% to 23.5% (320 acres) by 2030 and 15% (960 acres) by 2040. Reduc- tions should be prioritized in neighborhoods identified with higher heat island impacts.** Update existing parking lot tree requirement to a performance-based ordinance that increases the amount of pavement to GS 3- 1 be shaded by trees, solar panels, or a green roof. 1 Develop a policy that requires all commercial and institutional development projects receiving Village funding, PUD GS 3- 2 approval, and/or Conditional Use Permitting to implement commercial-scale heat island mitigation strategies including 1 cool surfaces, solar-friendly landscape shading strategies, impervious surface reduction, and breeze capture. Explore ways to add or encourage rain gardens to Village-owned parking lots, park district parking lots, and private parking GS 3- 3 lots. 1 Develop educational and informational resources explaining the drivers and impacts of heat island and solutions which GS 3- 4 may offer multiple benefits for property owners and users to share with residents and businesses. 1 Create educational content such as video and website content to promote green roof technology through information on GS 3- 5 Skokie Public Library's green roof. 2 Explore strategies for reduction of parking pavement including: • Reduction of requirement ratios in zoning ordinances and encourage use of “proof of parking” strategies to minimize GS 3- 6 initial parking construction. 2 • Community-wide stormwater fee based on a property’s permeable surface area and stormwater management efforts. • Explore ways to incentivize commercial properties, schools, and religious congregations to share parking space. Establish a Green Roof policy to promote and advance the development of green roofs on new construction and existing GS 3- 7 buildings. Encourage rooftop garden/farm installations which advance food security. 2 Research creation of a "Cool Roof"/"Cool pavement" pilot project to educate and exhibit heat island mitigation strategies and measure potential for effectiveness. Identify Village building with low solar PV prioritization/feasibility for inclusion as GS 3- 8 pilot project location. Alternatively, pilot program could be advertised for submission by Skokie residents, businesses, and 2 neighborhoods for potential sites to be considered for pilot project selection. Preference should be given to sites serving low-income or at-risk communities with high heat island impact potential. *Phasing shown in this plan is preliminary and may evolve through implementation. ** See Village of Skokie’s Ground Cover Study for information on potential priority areas: https://view.publitas.com/palebluedot/skokie-ground-cover-heat-island-and-carbon-sequestration-study/ Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 8-5  Return to Agenda Actions GREEN SPACE AND TREES Strategy Action Phase* GS 4: Increase climate, flooding, and extreme heat resilience and biodiversity supportiveness of community’s parks and open spaces. Share existing or develop information resources on tree species, reduced pesticide use, high-mow deck settings, and other GS 4- 1 beneficial green space practices. 1 GS 4- 2 Include resources for invasive species management on Village website. 1 Promote strategies that support biodiversity and ecosystem health such as "No-Mow-May" and "Leaf-them-alone- GS 4- 3 November." 1 Promote the use of green infrastructure such as bioswales, permeable pavement, and other pervious surfaces to reduce GS 4- 4 flood risk and use for Village projects when feasible. 2 GS 5: Increase connectivity, accessibility, and equity of community's parks and open spaces. Enlist the Beautification and Improvement Commission to educate and incentivize property owners to plant pollinator or GS 5- 1 other native plants through a property award program. 1 Collaborate with parks to improve the ecological functionality and resiliency of parks and open space through green GS 5- 2 infrastructure, best practices for stormwater management, and increased plant diversity and pollinator-friendly habitats. 1 Establish and effectively manage native-habitat corridors along trails, parks, and leased utility easement areas to restore GS 5- 3 and maintain landscape connectivity. 2 Enhance the connectivity of greenbelt and habitat corridors across the community, including identification and GS 5- 4 improvement of "pollinator corridors" and "wildlife corridors." 2 *Phasing shown in this plan is preliminary and may evolve through implementation. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 8-6  Return to Agenda HEALTH AND SAFETY Health and Safety SECTION 09 Click here to return to TOC Why is Health and Safety Important? Equity Considerations There is a strong relationship between human health and • Some populations, including aging adults, children, persons with environmental health. From the air we breathe to the water we disabilities, economically stressed, non-English speakers, drink and use, life on Earth depends on the natural resources and homeless persons, and workers employed in climate-exposed the environment around us. Changes in climate, such as higher jobs are particularly vulnerable to extreme weather, natural average temperatures and increased storm frequency and intensity, disasters, and the health, supply chain, and economic impacts can intensify public health stressors.1 These impacts endanger of climate change. Many of these individuals also have limited public health and safety by affecting the natural systems we rely access to the information, services, and resources needed to upon. As the climate continues to change, the risks to human ensure resilience in the face of these impacts. health continue to grow. • Areas within the community with increased flood risk, air quality In the same way local governments and the health care industry impacts, compromised tree canopy coverage, and older promote healthy behaviors such as eating right and exercising, housing stock with insufficient air conditioning are vulnerable agencies should recognize the relationship between climate action, environments with heightened exposure to climate change risks environmental stewardship, and community health. and compromised capacity to adapt. • Vulnerable populations are often disproportionately represented within the portions of communities with the greatest risks of climate impacts like flooding or micro-heat island effects. Meanwhile, they also frequently lack resources or opportunities to improve the resilience of their surroundings. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 9-1  Return to Agenda HEALTH AND SAFETY Key Climate Considerations Strategies • Emergency, health, and safety resources or services may be HS 1: Assist the community’s populations who are vulnerable to air quality, affected by changing conditions, particularly those in high-risk extreme temperature, flooding, and power/infrastructure failure in preparing for and mitigating climate change impacts. areas HS 2: Educate, engage, and empower the public on health and safety risks • Changes in patterns of demand for emergency and health care of climate change impacts. services as a result of climate change, including changes in the type, frequency, or location of emergency services required HS 3: Ensure that the Village's mission-critical, emergency services, and health care facilities are prepared for impacts of air quality, extreme heat, • Impacts of extreme events that prevent emergency personnel and cold, flooding, and power/infrastructure failure. from quickly and safely reaching those in need, or limit operation of emergency systems HS 4: Strengthen community response capacity and social support net- works for populations who are vulnerable to air quality, extreme • Potential ways that climate change could impact the type of temperature, flooding, and power/infrastructure failure impacts. public health programming or outreach/education that is required to meet the needs of the community The detailed actions on the following pages are anticipated to be initiated in phases: phase 1 within 1-2 years, phase 2 within 2-5 years, and phase 3 within 3-7 years of plan approval. Phasing shown in this plan is preliminary and may evolve through implementation. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 9-2  Return to Agenda HEALTH AND SAFETY The following are detailed items that could be completed in order to carry out the vision and strategies of this sector. This menu of actions will be considered and prioritized into annual workplans to be developed by Village staff. See Section 11 Implementation, cross-cutting action CC 1-1 for more information on the annual workplan recommendation. Strategy Action Actions Phase* HS 1: Assist the community’s populations who are vulnerable to air quality, extreme temperature, flooding, and power/infrastructure failure in preparing for and mitigating climate change impacts. Continue to provide information to the community regarding cooling centers to ensure vulnerable residents are aware of these services, including direct messaging at community facilities and through health providers, translated to the HS 1- 1 community’s top non-English languages. Cooling center locations should be located to maximize accessibility by 1 vulnerable populations, particularly those with limited mobility access, and provided with permanent signage. Make emergency communications available in multiple languages and platforms. The community’s top non-English HS 1- 2 languages should be addressed in the multiple-language communication plan. Platforms used should focus specifically on 1 reaching the community’s top vulnerable populations identified in the Village's Climate Vulnerability Assessment. Conduct climate change impacts and adaptation training, including training to recognize and respond to physical and HS 1- 3 behavioral signs of heat-related illness, for law enforcement, fire, and other Village staff working outdoors. 1 Establish a resilient home-inspection referral list to provide voluntary on-site home reviews to identify possible resilience HS 1- 4 improvements such as flood mitigation strategies, improved weatherization, vegetative shading, etc. Explore a partnership 2 with other agencies including Cook County, ComEd, and local schools. Research the development of a transportation-assistance program for individuals without access to vehicles, such as HS 1- 5 providing travel vouchers to vulnerable individuals to use during extreme weather or extreme heat emergencies. Explore 2 partners and funding options for program implementation. Collaborate with providers and others to improve awareness of the potential mental health impacts of climate change, HS 1- 6 signs to watch for, and available supportive resources. 2 *Phasing shown in this plan is preliminary and may evolve through implementation. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 9-3  Return to Agenda Actions HEALTH AND SAFETY Strategy Action Phase* HS 2: Educate, engage, and empower the public on health and safety risks of climate change impacts. Provide education and resources about climate risks to the public, especially those most vulnerable to potential impacts of HS 2- 1 high-heat and extreme weather. Include an Emergency Response Toolkit offering tips and suggestions for residents to 1 increase their emergency preparedness, and increase awareness of Village and other alert systems. Establish a communication campaign in alignment with the American Public Health Association Policy Number: 201711 and educate the public about the hazards of air pollution, including indoor air quality, and the steps individuals can take HS 2- 2 such as reducing and eliminating fossil fuel use, and available resources to reduce their exposure. Communication 1 campaign to include translation of education and resource materials into the community’s top non-English languages, and shared via communication platforms typically relied upon for information by those populations. Develop and deploy early-warning response and community-alert plans and systems to notify residents and businesses, especially those most vulnerable, of poor air quality days, extreme weather events, extreme temperature events, potential HS 2- 3 energy and communication infrastructure failure, or other events which may pose health risks. Communication plan to 2 include pathways for when community power and communication systems are non-functional. HS 3: Ensure that the Village's mission-critical, emergency services, and health care facilities are prepared for impacts of air quality, extreme heat, and cold, flooding, and power/infrastructure failure. Establish inter-governmental agreements on mutual aid with current community partners such as school districts, park HS 3- 1 district, and Oakton Community College. 1 Strengthen emergency management capacity to prepare for and respond to the impacts of climate change. The Village should prioritize capacity improvements such as training and equipment to address risks exacerbated by climate change. HS 3- 2 Emergency management should be equipped to address the possibility of multiple emergencies at the same time, such as 1 the combination of wildfire smoke coupled with extreme heat and local brush fires. Support response to severe storm and flooding event debris management by including optional, per-unit pricing for debris HS 3- 3 management into Village's condo refuse and tree pruning and removal contracts. 2 Prepare for public buildings to be used in different ways, both in lower-impact ways, such as seniors using the library to HS 3- 4 cool down during hot days, and as safe-havens during acute emergencies. Integrate these concepts in all Village facility 2 design and renovation design processes and considerations. *Phasing shown in this plan is preliminary and may evolve through implementation. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 9-4  Return to Agenda Actions HEALTH AND SAFETY Strategy Action Phase* HS 4: Strengthen community response capacity and social support networks for populations who are vulnerable to air quality, extreme temperature, flooding, and power/infrastructure failure impacts. Evaluate outreach responsibilities and/or volunteer network to support resilience contact list outreach implementation HS 4- 1 in times of distress such as during/after extreme weather events, particularly when they involve grid disruption. 1 Review and evaluate community networks and connections for those who require special attention or assistance during or HS 4- 2 after extreme weather events (heat, cold, and heavy precipitation). Develop a Resilience Contact List for the Village and 1 any community partners, updated annually, to be utilized during times of distress. Promote equity in hazard mitigation, emergency response, and recovery activities. Consider populations most vulnerable HS 4- 3 to weather-related emergencies in all plans, including evacuation routes, transportation for vulnerable population groups, 2 shelter-i- place locations, back-up power operations, extended access to fuel/power sources and drinking water, etc. *Phasing shown in this plan is preliminary and may evolve through implementation. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 9-5  Return to Agenda ECONOMY Economy SECTION 10 Click here to return to TOC Why is Economy Important? Sustainability and Economic Development Sustainability and the economy are inexorably linked. Left Rather than weakening the economy, sustainability and climate action unabated, the impacts of human-made climate change through the can support economic development.21 Transitioning away from fossil end of this century will cost the United States billions of dollars. fuel use, improvements to public transit systems, and growth of local According to a 2019 study by two EPA scientists, the difference in food industries are all, in part, a transition to local energy and labor economic impact between the mid-range climate model (RPC6) sources. and the high range climate model (RPC8.5) may account for as much as $224 billion in economic impact annually by 2090.17 These transitions represent opportunities for communities to reduce the community wealth that is being exported and increase the According to a 2019 World Bank report on trends in carbon pricing, percentage of that wealth remaining in the community in the form of a carbon price range of $40-$80 per ton is necessary as of 2020 to local jobs. Additionally, many of the non-sustainable industries such reach the goals set by the 2015 Paris Agreement, while other as fossil fuel tend to employ fewer people per dollar spent than their studies have placed the full cost of carbon at $200-$400 per ton. In sustainable counterparts such as the renewable energy industry. The Skokie, every 1% in community-wide emissions reductions could end result is that transitioning our economy from a less sustainable generate over $980,000 in social community benefits alone, not focus to an increased environmental sustainability focus can support a including other economic savings or revenue generation. reduction in environmental resource utilization combined with potential jobs growth.23 Economic Savings Investments in energy efficiency, public transportation, renewable energy, and many other climate action strategies ultimately result in cost savings for community businesses and residents.19,20,22 These savings contribute to an increase in the quality of life for residents and will largely be spent within the community on goods and services, providing indirect and induced economic development potential for the community. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 10-1  Return to Agenda Key Climate Considerations Strategies ECONOMY • Impacts of current climate conditions that affect the EC 1: Develop the economic potential related to sustainability and climate community’s economy and resources that drive it, and action. consideration of how local business and industry might be EC 2: Improve access to training related to sustainable economy fields to affected if these patterns change improve an equitable workforce. • Potential for climate-driven changes in either the supply or EC 3: Develop and implement an education plan to support more climate- demand for products or services that are crucial to the local impact resilience in businesses. economy EC 4: Promote sustainable businesses who are Green America or B Corp • Impacts of action to address climate change – or inaction – on certified. various aspects of the local economy, including direct costs or savings, jobs creation/employment rates, and vitality of the downtown areas and local businesses The detailed actions on the following pages are anticipated to be initiated in phases: phase 1 within 1-2 years, phase 2 within 2-5 years, and phase 3 within 3-7 years of plan approval. Phasing shown in this plan is preliminary and may evolve through implementation. Example Jobs Needed in Support of the Sustainable Economy Infrastructure Electricians Energy efficiency contractors consultants Renewable energy Transit drivers designers + installers Energy auditors Electric vehicle sales Energy analyst Heating and air con- ditioning installers Electric vehicle Energy law equipment installers Contractors Grid integration (insulation, windows, Electricians + engineering roofing, etc) engineers Equipment Appliance and equip- Bike/scooter sales + ment manufacturers repair manufacturers and installers Transportation Sales Sales planners Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 10-2  Return to Agenda ECONOMY The following are detailed items that could be completed in order to carry out the vision and strategies of this sector. This menu of actions will be considered and prioritized into annual workplans to be developed by Village staff. See Section 11 Implementation, cross-cutting action CC 1-1 for more information on the annual workplan recommendation. Strategy Action Actions Phase* EC 1: Develop the economic potential related to sustainability and climate action. Consider the current Economic Development Commission (EDC), SEAC and/or establishing a Green Economy Task Force EC 1- 1 with business, environmental organizations, and Village staff to support the evaluation and promotion of green economy 1 potential in Skokie and the region. Enlist the existing EDC, SEAC or a Green Economy Task Force to conduct a study to identify economic opportunities EC 1- 2 possible through the successful implementation of the Environmental Sustainability Plan and achievement of its goals, 1 especially those which can provide opportunity for the community’s vulnerable populations. Strengthen public-private economic communications in support of climate resilience, climate economic opportunities, and EC 1- 3 the goals of this plan. Effort should focus particularly on communications with disadvantaged group businesses 2 (minority-owned, veteran-owned, economically-disadvantaged, etc.) and small businesses. Support climate resilience of local economy by preparing water, roads, utilities, and other public infrastructure for in- EC 1- 4 creased demands from climate change based on Skokie's Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment, Emergency 2 Management Plan, and state climate change data and projections. EC 2: Improve access to training related to sustainable economy fields to improve an equitable workforce. Continue to collaborate with local school districts and community colleges to create internships related to the green EC 2- 1 industry and sustainability. 1 Facilitate a meeting with High School District 219, Oakton Community College, the Skokie Chamber of Commerce, and EC 2- 2 other partners to explore and identify training needs and opportunities related to emerging jobs related to sustainability 1 and the goals of this plan. Engage with local green jobs training providers to coordinate strategic planning and encourage programs to develop local EC 2- 3 workforce capacity and assess, train, and place local residents to perform energy retrofits, solar PV installations, and other 2 green improvements. *Phasing shown in this plan is preliminary and may evolve through implementation. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 10-3  Return to Agenda Strategy Action Actions Phase ECONOMY EC 3: Develop and implement an education plan to support more climate-impact resilience in businesses. Collaborate with partners to assess and improve the resilience and redundancy in power supply, telecommunications, and EC 3- 1 broadband networks to protect commerce and public safety in the event of natural or manmade disasters. 1 Collaborate with the Skokie Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) and other business partners to explore the need, value, and potential of an online assessment of business’ vulnerability/resiliency. Assessment tool could include topics such as: Available incentives or tax breaks Zero waste improvements Water conservation EC 3- 2 Flood and flash flood mitigation 2 Extreme heat and weather preparedness of workforce and facilities Energy resilience Climate resiliency Energy: efficiency and renewables Emergency response EC 4: Promote sustainable businesses who are Green America or B Corp certified. Establish a Green Leadership Awards program to promote Skokie as an environmentally-friendly destination by highlighting EC 4- 1 the businesses and residents that are taking steps to reduce resource consumption. 1 Encourage/incentivize merchants in the community to adopt green practices. Work with the Chamber to develop a plan of EC 4- 2 action, outreach, and marketing. 1 EC 4- 3 Establish GIS map to promote buying local and supporting local sustainable businesses. 2 Work with Chamber, community businesses, and EDC to explore the creation of an incentivized “buy local” campaign to EC 4- 4 enhance resilience of small local businesses, particularly those with products, services, and operational policies in line with 3 the goals of this plan. *Phasing shown in this plan is preliminary and may evolve through implementation. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 10-4  Return to Agenda IMPLEMENTATION Implementation SECTION 11 Click here to return to TOC The first few years after plan adoption are critical to its success. Sustainability Implementation is a Journey Establishing roles and identifying funding will help establish the It is not possible at the beginning to have all of the detailed answers on implementation phase of the plan and ensure the community is on a decade’s worth of actions. Both the Environmental Sustainability Plan track to achieve its goals. This plan includes robust goals for and its implementation are a journey. Although the actions outlined in significant GHG emission reductions and addressing climate the plan are designed to demonstrate a pathway for Skokie to achieve resilience. This vision requires commitment and integration of the its sustainability goals, there is much uncertainty in predicting future plan into Village operations, functions, and services. Ultimately technologies, costs, and regulations. For this reason, a full cost-benefit successful implementation of this Environmental Sustainability analysis of every action is not possible at this time. Plan will require the support and commitment of Skokie residents and businesses. Refinement of detailed actions is anticipated and will occur while they are implemented. Accordingly, actions are designed to provide Implementation is For Everyone guidance on intent but flexibility on details and design. Actions which Environmental sustainability is broad. Implementing it must be may modify/create policy or ordinances or which may have Village equally broad. Some actions will need to be led by the Village expenses incurred should be anticipated to go through the appropriate Board, Village departments, and/or the business community. In Village approval process. addition, there are steps that households and individuals can take to make an impact. Ultimately, achieving the visionary goals Cross-Cutting Actions and Implementation Plan outlined in this plan will require engagement and a sense of The following are the proposed Cross-Cutting Actions which are responsibility not only by the Village of Skokie leadership and staff, foundational recommendations that apply to multiple sectors. The but by the community as well. It is critical for all to remain engaged implementation plan includes a “Phase” indicator: and active, advancing and advocating for actions they believe are important. Phase 1: action initiation anticipated within 1-2 years of plan approval Phase 2 action initiation anticipated within 2-5 years of plan approval Phase 3 within 3-7 years of plan approval Phasing shown is preliminary and may evolve through implementation. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 11-1  Return to Agenda “Quick Start” Actions IMPLEMENTATION The following are likely the phase 1 actions with the greatest impact in In addition to these actions, it is recommended that the Village each sector —GHG reduction or climate adaptation potential—or those simultaneously pursue the actions focused on establishing plan which help to establish a solid foundation for later actions included in implementation structure by building internal capacity, facilitating the Environmental Sustainability Plan. These actions represent a external support, and establishing sustainable financing. These “Quick Start” sub-list of highly impactful actions for community-wide known as the “Cross-Cutting” strategies (see Section 11 and municipal operations. Implementation). Transportation and Mobility Buildings and Energy Continue seeking funding for a new Transportation Plan. Community Development shall review for adoption of the When funded, that plan will update additional documents BE 1- 1 most recent International Energy Conservation Code as and policies accordingly and in support of the goals of this well as the International Green Building Code. TM 1- 1 Environmental Sustainability Plan, including the Village's comprehensive plan and non-motorized transportation Through SEAC, ComEd, Nicor, and community partners like management. Go Green Skokie, create a residential energy efficiency challenge promoting and expanding residential and Promote public transportation options to Village multi-family energy efficiency audit and upgrade program employees, and implement a pre-tax transit benefit similar to ComEd's "Home Energy assessments". Collect program for Village employees. Educate other public communication materials to share with residents. Develop TM 2- 1 agencies, higher education institutions, and private-sector BE 1- 3 a plan to drive residents to action; Identify other community employees about the program and encourage them to groups that can build capacity for effective outreach; adopt similar strategies. Goal: 15 new organizations publicly recognize annual challenge "winners" with establishing programs annually. successful energy reduction achievements. Track annual Achieve designation of "EV Ready Community" through the progress; Combine efforts with increased renewable energy TM 3- 1 purchases and installations. Goal: 220 households Metropolitan Mayors Caucus. annually. Conduct a Municipal Fleet Inventory and EV Transition Implementation Plan. Effort to identify opportunities for Promote existing local residential, commercial, and electrifying, right-sizing, and improving overall efficiency of institutional programs through Grow Solar Chicagoland and TM 7- 1 vehicles to meet CAP Goals. Include implementation the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) that offer group purchasing recommendations to incorporate EV's through right-timing BE 4- 1 to lower the cost of solar installations. Goal: 150 purchases with a planned vehicle-replacement schedule. households and 1.1% of commercial/industrial sector elec- trical consumption "solarized" annually. Land Use and Housing Conduct a Village Facilities Energy Audit on all buildings Study ability to construct accessory dwelling units (ADU's) within the next 3 years targeting energy efficiency meeting in Skokie and potential to increase rental and home or exceeding goals of this plan. Use results from Village ownership opportunities compatible with both established Facilities Energy Audit to prioritize Village Facilities Capital LH 1- 3 BE 7- 1 neighborhoods and new development. Specific Improvement Plans (CIPS) and maintenance consideration should be given to utility service placement improvements. Plan to establish a timeline for and parking requirements. implementation all improvements within 5 years of completion of energy audits. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 11-2  Return to Agenda Green Space and Trees IMPLEMENTATION Waste Management Establish a tree planting plan to meet the goals of this plan. Reduce solid waste collection frequency to once weekly for Prioritize tree replacement programming in neighborhoods WM 1- 4 single family households. based on factors outlined in the Village's Ground Cover Require all new commercial and multi-family construction study including those with low-income households, WM 2- 1 vulnerable populations, street and boulevards with less to provide recycling and composting services. GS 1- 3 than 30% sidewalk/curb length shade coverage. Include a focus on increasing shade trees areas where people Water and Wastewater congregate (picnic areas, bus shelters, etc.). See Village's 2022 Ground Cover, Tree Canopy, and Carbon Finalize analysis of leaks in drinking water distribution Sequestration Study. W 1- 4 system, implement findings Goal: reduce water leaks by 50% by 2030. Update existing parking lot tree requirement to a performance based ordinance that increases the amount of Develop green infrastructure implementation goals and GS 3- 1 pavement to be shaded by trees, solar panels, or a green integrate with Cook County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard roof. W 2- 1 Mitigation Plan and seek funding opportunities through FEMA BRIC Grant Program. Include a focus on equity in Health and Safety implementation. Strengthen emergency management capacity to prepare for and respond to the impacts of climate change. The Local Food and Agriculture Village should prioritize capacity improvements such as Collaborate with schools and park district to establish a training and equipment to address risks exacerbated by HS 3- 2 “Grow Skokie” program increasing community garden plots climate change. Emergency management should be and establishing a “market garden” concept supporting gar- equipped to address the possibility of multiple emergencies den and urban agriculture training and internship at the same time, such as the combination of wildfire LF 1- 2 opportunities for youth. Develop program to work with smoke coupled with extreme heat and local brush fires. local restaurants, food shelves, or others working directly Evaluate outreach responsibilities and/or volunteer network with food insecure individuals in the community for to support resilience contact list outreach implementation distribution of food grown in the “market garden.” Explore HS 4- 1 during times of distress such as during/after extreme potential of partnering with Oakton Community College. weather events, particularly when they involve grid disruption. Conduct a detailed Food Security Assessment to determine food insecurity conditions within the community, areas with Economy limited access to full service grocery stores and markets LF 3- 1 (particularly within areas of higher vulnerable populations), The existing Economic Development Commission, SEAC or identify areas within the community for improvement, and a Green Economy Task Force to conduct a study to identify establish detailed strategies to increase food security com- economic opportunities possible through the successful munity-wide. EC 1- 2 implementation of the Environmental Sustainability Plan and achievement of its goals, especially those which can provide opportunity for the community’s vulnerable populations. Collaborate with partners to assess and improve the resili- ence and redundancy in power supply, telecommunications, EC 3- 1 and broadband networks to protect commerce and public safety in the event of natural or manmade disasters. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 11-3  Return to Agenda IMPLEMENTATION This section includes Cross-Cutting Actions which are foundational recommendations that apply to multiple Sectors. The following actions support the long-range implementation of the Environmental Sustainability Plan including: Building Internal Capacity, External Support, and Funding. Strategy Action Cross-Cutting Actions Phase* CC 1: Continue to build internal capacity for support of environmental sustainability plan implementation. The Village Manager will work with staff to develop annual priorities and implementation workplans that specify CC 1- 1 implementation tasks, estimated necessary funding and staffing resources needed to support on-going plan All implementation. Progress updates will be reported annually to SEAC and Village Board. Establish clear guidance and direction for the participation in and support of the Environmental Sustainability Plan implementation actions by all Village of Skokie departments. Encourage continuing education of municipal staff relevant CC 1- 2 to the Environmental Sustainability Plan, for example, encouraging traffic planners to earn continuing education credits All related to bicycle infrastructure. Fund and support sustainability staffing required to: •Coordinate, facilitate, or support communication and outreach efforts associated with the sustainability plan. •Participate in technical resource programs as they are available through county, regional, state, federal, and non-profit provider partners. •Support Village of Skokie department managers and staff as they implement plan actions within their service area or area of expertise. CC 1- 3 •Convene the internal Village of Skokie Sustainability Team (see CC1-4). All •Ensure the establishment and maintenance of a Village of Skokie Sustainability webpage supporting sustainability resources for the community. •Coordinate and organize volunteer groups and events. •Engage Village boards and commissions to ensure the sustainability plan is integrated into their work plans. •Seek funding opportunities. Establish a Village "Sustainability Team" comprised of staff representatives from all key Village departments. The Sustainability Team should meet regularly to support the initial and on-going prioritization and implementation of annual CC 1- 4 implementation actions and projects and to support reporting and progress updates. Sustainability Team to request All resources, guidance, or assistance, if needed, to achieve planned progress. Establish and implement a policy to review existing and future Village of Skokie policy and ordinance changes as well as CC 1- 5 building and zoning variance requests against the goals, strategies, and actions of this Environmental Sustainability Plan to All ensure alignment of changes with this plan. Review Environmental Sustainability Plan implementation progress and impacts on a regular basis (1-2 year cycle). Periodically updating the community-wide and municipal operations GHG inventory will be considered. Strategies and CC 1- 6 actions should be reviewed for implementation progress and for continued appropriateness. Based on the review, adjust, All add, and remove detailed Environmental Sustainability Plan actions as appropriate. *Phasing shown in this plan is preliminary and may evolve through implementation. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 11-4  Return to Agenda Cross-Cutting Actions IMPLEMENTATION Strategy Action Phase CC 2: Facilitate external support needed for Environmental Sustainability Plan implementation. Identify SEAC to act as a primary community member body to support the implementation of the Environmental Sustainability Plan. Commission’s annual work plans should include support of the implementation of the Plan; CC 2- 1 supporting Village staff in any relevant departments; receiving updates on Village sustainability projects and progress; All being provided with opportunity to comment on identification of annual Plan implementation priorities and projects; and providing input on plan adjustments as needed. Establish a coordinated communication and education campaign supporting the communication and educational needs of each of the Plan sections. The campaign should also look to help community members: •Understand climate change in general, anticipated impacts, and the function and importance of implementing a Sustainability Plan. CC 2- 2 •Understand why change at the individual, community, Village, and business level needs to occur. All •The role of individuals, households, and businesses in making change. •How to make those changes correctly. •What the benefit/incentive to them might be; for example, articulating that switching to solar energy and or an electric bus fleet might help reduce costs. Work with neighboring communities to share sustainability goals and action items to increase the likelihood that positive CC 2- 3 regional impacts can be achieved. All CC 3: Establish sustainable financing and maintain appropriate funding to support the Village’s Sustainability Plan implementation. CC 3- 1 Identify a budget necessary to support projects on an annual basis as per annual implementation plans. All CC 3- 2 Utilize no-cost technical assistance offerings as available. All Consider establishing a policy that requires Village infrastructure projects and capital budgets to incorporate climate risk CC 3- 3 and vulnerability analysis and adaptation plans to ensure that future spending contributes to resilience and achieving this 1 plan's goals. Consider establishing a policy that accounts for all energy efficiency and renewable energy operational cost savings of CC 3- 4 Village buildings and fleets. All savings to be invested into a Environmental Sustainability Fund as one source of financing 1 for the Village's environmental sustainability efforts. CC 3- 5 Explore a policy that utility Franchise Fee Income be used as a funding source for sustainability initiatives. 1 Explore adopting a tax financing mechanism such as a "resilience penny" property tax increase of $0.01 per $100 of CC 3- 6 assessed value and dedicate additional funds for climate mitigation and climate adaptation strategies. Funds may be used 1 directly, or may be used as a repayment source for a bond issue. *Phasing shown in this plan is preliminary and may evolve through implementation. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan 11-5  Return to Agenda Appendix A This memo is intended to provide a starting point for the Village of Skokie in identifying funding solutions for implementation of the Environmental Funding Sustainability Click here to return to TOC Sustainability Plan initiatives. The optimal funding approach appropriate will fit well within the Village’s existing revenue structure, resources, Initiatives Memo political opportunities, and limitations. The following is an overview of a range of funding strategies including bonding, tax, municipal fee structures, state and federal grants, and strategies supporting the private sector. Bonding Strategies Type of Funding Explanation Example Projects Links Green Bonds Specifically targeted for funding environmentally Where: District of Columbia Water and Sewer https://www.worldbank.org/en/ news/feature/2021/12/08/what- and socially responsible projects in areas such Authority along with institutional investors you-need-to-know-about-ifc-s-green as renewable energy, energy efficiency, clean Goldman Sachs Urban Investment Group and -bonds transportation or responsible waste Calvert Foundation, management. When: 2014 What: Issued a tax-exempt Environmental Impact https://www.dcwater.com/whats- Bond that utilizes a performance-based contract going-on/news/dc-water- announces-successful-sale-350- between a public entity and the private sector million-green-century-bonds where payment is based on performance of Green Infrastructure projects funded. The success of this program led to an expansion of their green bonds program in 2015 and 2016. Climate Bonds Use-of-proceeds bonds where the issuer promise Where: City of Hampton, VA along with Quantified https://www.climatebonds.net/ files/files/Green%20City% to the investors that all the raised funds will only Ventures in partnership with the Chesapeake Bay 20Playbook.pdf go to specified climate-related adaptation or Foundation mitigation programs and assets.7 When: 2020 What: Provided the City with a $12 million bond to https://hampton.gov/ mitigate chronic flooding in the city. The bond is CivicAlerts.aspx? AID=4714&ARC=9297 attached to three projects that will add storage capacity to alleviate the volume of stormwater in low- to moderate income communities. Resiliency Rebate structure that funds risk reduction by Where: Various cities including the City of Norfolk, https://gca.org/what-are-resilience- bonds-and-how-can-they-protect-us linking insurance premiums to resilience VA Bonds projects. These bonds create incentives for cities -against-climate-crises/ to invest in resilience, reducing human and When: 2015 financial costs of catastrophes as a result. What: The RE.invest initiative has partnered with a https://www.refocuspartners.com/ number of cities on a range of infrastructure wp-content/uploads/pdf/ RE.invest_Norfolk-City-Report.pdf projects to provide flood protection, using catastrophe modeling to estimate risk reduction for bond issuance. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan A-1  Return to Agenda Tax Strategies Type of Funding Explanation Example Projects Links General Taxing Levy additional costs on undesired activities or Where: City of Portland, OR https://www.portland.gov/revenue/ ces consumption then reinvest funds in policy and Fee objectives When: 2019 Powers What: Created specific retail tax on larger retailers Excise Tax on In lieu of a carbon tax, if not politically feasible, a Where: Montgomery County, MD fuel tax can also help raise funds for climate Fuel actions with the right support. This tax can be When: 2022 https:// www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ levied on energy providers which will likely pass finance/taxes/excise.html onto consumers, providing additional incentive to What: Raised a fuel tax on any person or entity reduce energy use and enhance energy savings transmitting or distributing energy into the potential of projects. County, including delivered fuels and electricity. While the County currently uses this funding for the General Fund (accounts for over 4% of revenue annually), a pending bill would use a small but significant portion of it towards climate actions. Carbon Tax Add a cost through the City’s own utility to gas Where: British Columbia, CA https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/ taxes/sales-taxes/publications/mft-ct delivery and consumption, and allocate those costs to a fund for climate action. Such a tax When: 2008 -005-tax-rates-fuels.pdf could also be applicable across other What: Carbon tax applies to the purchase and Municipality energy consumption (buildings and use of fossil fuels and covers approximately 70% transportation) for similar purposes, or extended of provincial greenhouse gas emissions. to a subsect of private consumers such as industry or other high uses. Energy The EID is operated under a Board with bonding Where: Bridgeport: CT https://www.bridgeportct.gov/ content/341307/347097/347109.asp authority, providing a revenue option for specified Improvement public purpose projects. Such a district and Where: 2020 x District bonding authority could be created for specific What: Established an Energy Improvement climate action activities, particularly those District (EID) to promote the planning, projects that align with bonded capital, i.e., development, and funding of energy-related infrastructure or revenue-generating projects. development. EIDs may be used to enter into contracts, to buy or lease energy facilities, to increase energy efficiency, and to make it easier and cheaper for energy efficiency and renewable energy businesses to operate in the community Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan A-2  Return to Agenda Tax Strategies Type of Funding Explanation Example Projects Links Existing Tax Establish a policy to apply all future funds Where: Miami Beach, FL https://www.miamibeachfl.gov/wp- content/uploads/2019/12/SFY-2020- generated from Tax Increment Funds to Increment initiatives aligned with the sustainability or Where: 2022 24-Adopted-Capital-Budget-Book- Online-Version.pdf Funds climate plan. For municipalities with existing Tax What: Establish policy to use $100 million Increment Funds set to sunset the funds generated by a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) generated by as they terminate may be used for district that is set to sunset in 2022 for initiatives aligning with the municipality’s plan underground stormwater projects. decreasing the need to increase rates elsewhere. "Resilience Adopt a property tax increase of $.01 per $100 Where: Norfolk, VA shorturl.at/hoBRU assessed value dedicated for sustainability and Penny" Tax resilience efforts – a “resilience penny” increase. When: 2015 The revenue can be used to directly fund What: City adopted a $0.01 increase in property initiatives, or as a repayment source for bond tax that generates about $1.8 million a year issues. This strategy may be particularly well applied to City sustainability and resilience suited for communities which have not increased initiatives. property tax rates in many years as it reflects the increased costs and demands placed on municipalities due to emerging resilience needs. Municipal Fee Structures The Village's revenue profile is diverse, with nearly 49% of the Existing CIP Projects Supporting Environmental Sustainability Plan Goals* General Fund (Operating Budget) revenues come from sources like sales, income, food and beverage, and hotel taxes. The Village’s total FY23 General Fund revenues are $65,199,046. Included in this for fiscal year 2023 is a Capital Improvement Project (CIP) budget of $28,253,060.* A number of the Village’s 2023 CIP projects include aspects which already include aspects related to the initiatives and goals of the Environmental Sustainability Plan. To the extent possible, starting with the largest expenditures, all investments should be evaluated and re-oriented to ensure they serve the Village’s sustainability policy goals. Future budgeting policy should incorporate a *From Village of Skokie 2023 Budget Brief document. mechanism or review within the budgeting process to support the alignment of new capital budgets with the Village’s sustainability initiatives. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan A-3  Return to Agenda Municipal Fee Structures Type of Funding Explanation Example Projects Links Enhanced Depending on tax powers of the Municipality, a Where: City of Minneapolis, MN https://www.minneapolismn.gov/ resident-services/utility-services/ separate tax or fee could be levied on specific Stormwater uses such as stormwater fees. The level of fees When: 2005 stormwater/ https://www.minneapolismn.gov/ Fees and could be adjusted, or a temporary fee added, to resident-services/utility-services/ What: Created stormwater utility fee and Program fund additional climate actions - such as stormwater credit system. stormwater/residential-stormwater- providing stormwater credits for installation of credits/ Expansion green infrastructure, green roofs, etc. This may involve a more aggressive application for state stormwater permits and fee collection capability. Carbon Fund A Carbon Fund Ordinance establishes a Carbon Where: City of Watsonvill, CA https:// www.cityofwatsonville.org/1765/ Fee to be charged to all development projects. A Ordinance municipality may make exceptions to the fund as When: 2014 Carbon-Fund-Ordinance appropriate for the community (for example, What: Carbon Fee charged to all development exemptions for single family residential projects with proceeds used to support alterations, new Accessory Dwelling Units, communit-wide actions. temporary buildings, and/or building area that is not used as conditioned space). The municipality may also establish the fund on a "sliding scale" providing for discounts and credits for projects meeting the community's energy goals. The goal of a Carbon Fund Ordinance is to encourage the implementation of renewable energy and/or energy efficiency in development projects. The money collected from the Carbon Fund Fee can then be used for community-wide greenhouse gas reduction projects. Utility Establish a policy to expend franchise fee Where: City of Minneapolis, MN https://energynews.us/2017/09/12/ utility-fee-increase-in-minneapolis- Franchise Fee revenue on projects and initiatives associated with the municipality's sustainability or climate When: 2017 could-help-fund-efficiency-outreach/ Allocation plan. Policy may also include an incremental What: Increased its existing franchise fee on increase in the franchise fee in support of the utility customers by 0.5 percent, directing the fee increased renewable energy and energy revenue toward initiatives to reduce energy bills efficiency initiatives of the municipality. and greenhouse gas emissions of the city’s Alternatively, some municipalities are able to use residents and businesses. the franchise fee negotiation to directly leverage increased renewable energy service from the electric utility provider (see City of Ann Arbor example: shorturl.at/myHK1 ) Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan A-4  Return to Agenda Grants There are a number of state and federal funding opportunities that This review is intended to illustrate a few high profile and important recent support sustainability, resilience, and climate initiatives for local funding laws that have or will be resulting in significant grant governments. Many of the grant opportunities seek to directly fund opportunities of which municipalities with sustainability and climate plans relative strategies like improved energy efficiency, renewable energy, low/ can take advantage. The grant examples illustrated here are far from no emission vehicle adoption and infrastructure, and climate resilience. In exhaustive. We recommend the municipality subscribe to new grant addition, a number of long-standing grants—like those from the US opportunities through Grants.gov and review availability on a regular Department of Transportation, or the US EPA Brownfields Grant—do not basis: fund sustainability and climate initiatives directly but can indirectly https://www.grants.gov/help/html/help/Connect/ support these projects as the grant’s goals are well aligned. SubscribeToAllNewOpportunities.htm Grant funding can often be used to support the establishment of a municipal program, resource, or even staffing position. Unlike municipal tax or fee structure strategies, however, grants do not provide a long-term or permanent funding solution. Consequently, grants may best be viewed as a project-specific funding source, or in conjunction with other funding strategies when supporting long-term initiatives. Federal Grants Federal Government Justice40 Initiative In January 2021, President Biden signed Executive Order 14008 – Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad. The executive order established Justice40 as a whole-of-government approach to grant funding. Through this initiative, grants from the federal government are guided to ensure 40% of benefits flow to disadvantaged communities. For communities with one or more area designated as qualifying for Justice40 consideration are likely to have improved competitiveness for grant awards. According to the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool, the Village of Skokie may have portions of the community qualifying for Justice40 consideration. The tool, created by the White House Council on Environmental Quality, uses publicly-available, nationally-consistent datasets to identify disadvantaged communities. For a detailed description of the methodology used go here: https://screeningtool.geoplatform.gov/en/methodology#4.22/42.84/-88.95 See the map to the right shows the areas designated as qualifying for this consideration in the Village of Skokie: Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan A-5  Return to Agenda Federal Grants The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) was signed into law by President Joe Biden on August 16, 2022. The law, as passed, authorizes $391 billion in spending on energy and climate change. The funding priorities include investment in climate change mitigation and adaptation, incentives for renewable energy installations and manufacturing, electric vehicle infrastructure, and home energy efficiency. The law represents the largest investment into addressing climate change in United States history. According to several independent analyses, the law is projected to reduce 2030 U.S. greenhouse gas emissions to 40% Health Care Climate Air Pollution Clean Energy Incentives Clean Energy below 2005 levels. The chart to the right shows the breakdown of the IRA Conservation Transportation Clean Fuels and Vehicles Manufacturing spending budget (in $ billions): IRA Funding For Municipalities • $3 billion in environmental and climate justice block grants for community-led IRA funds that will support municipal sustainability and climate action air pollution remediation initiatives such as health risks from urban heat includes: islands, extreme heat, wood heating system emissions, wildfire, and other • $27 billion to fund the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, a national green and climate resiliency and adaptation initiatives. to help municipalities start their own green banks. • $330 million in grants to assist states and municipalities to support the • $250 million in grants and technical assistance to support municipalities in adoption of latest building energy codes. implementing their sustainable procurement initiatives. • $1.8 billion in grants for construction projects to improve walkability, safety, • $5 billion for greenhouse gas air pollution reduction planning and and affordable transportation access. implementation grants. • $1 billion in rural energy grants supporting infrastructure and providing • $4.75 billion in competitive implementation grants awarded to states, air technical assistance. pollution control agencies, municipalities, or tribes to reduce overall air • $500 million in biofuel infrastructure and agriculture product market expansion pollution . grants. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan A-6  Return to Agenda Federal Grants The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), aka Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), was signed into law by President Biden on November 15, 2021. The law authorizes $1.2 trillion for transportation and infrastructure spending with $550 billion of that figure going toward “new” investments and programs. Funding from the IIJA is expansive in its reach, addressing energy and power infrastructure, all modes of transportation, water, environmental remediation, public lands, broadband and resilience. Some of the new programs funded by the bill could provide the resources needed to address a variety of infrastructure needs at the local level. The chart to the right shows the breakdown of the $550 billion budgeted in the IIJA for new investments (in $billions): Current Federal Grant Programs Supporting Municipal Action (partial list) US Department of Energy US Department of Transportation Raise Discretionary Grants Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant Program The Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity, or Cities, towns and villages with a population of at least 35,000 are eligible RAISE Discretionary Grant program, is one of several ways communities to apply to and receive grants directly from the U.S. Department of Energy can secure funding for projects under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s (DOE). Funding is also available from this grant through state managed competitive grant programs. The grant is available for planning and programs. Municipal efforts this grant can support include: capital investments that support roads, bridges, transit, rail, ports, or • Developing and implementing an energy efficiency and conservation strategy intermodal transportation. • Conducting residential and commercial building energy audits Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) grant • Establishing financial incentive programs for energy efficiency improvements program • Developing and implementing energy efficiency and conservation programs The SMART Grants Program funds purpose-driven innovation to build for buildings and facilities data and technology capacity and expertise for state, local, and tribal governments. The focus of the grant is to support demonstration • Developing and implementing programs to conserve energy used in projects focused on advanced smart community technologies and transportation (e.g. flex time for employees; satellite work centers; zoning systems in order to improve transportation efficiency and safety. Eligible guidelines or requirements that promote energy efficient development; projects fall into a broad range of categories including Safety and infrastructure, such as bike lanes, pathways and pedestrian walkways; and reliability; equity and access; climate and resiliency; and technology synchronized of traffic signals) integration. The grant has $100 million appropriated annually for fiscal • Developing and implementing building codes and inspection services to years (FY) 2022-2026. promote building energy efficiency example grant uses: • Developing, implementing and installing on or in any government building https://www.transportation.gov/grants/smart/smart-illustrative-use-cases onsite renewable energy technology that generates electricity from renewable resources, such as solar and wind energy, fuel cells and biomass Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan A-7  Return to Agenda Federal Grants State of Illinois Grants Surface Transportation Block Grant State of Illinois Climate and Equitable Jobs Act The Surface Transportation Block Grant program (STBG) provides flexible The Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA) is a comprehensive climate and energy bill funding that may be used by States and localities for projects to preserve that centers equity and puts Illinois on a track to achieve 100 percent renewable and improve the conditions and performance on any federal-aid highway, energy by 2050. The Act obligates the Commission to take various actions to bridge and tunnel projects on any public road, pedestrian and bicycle implement new programs, initiatives and directives to further the state’s goals of transitioning the state to 100% clean energy; supporting a responsible transition infrastructure, and transit capital projects, including intercity bus away from carbon-intensive power generation; increasing public participation in terminals. regulatory matters; and encouraging further diversity and inclusion within the renewable energy industry. CEJA includes a number of funding approaches that Charging and Refueling Infrastructure Grant Program may support municipal initiatives including: The IIJA provides $2.5 billion for competitive grants. The U.S. Department of Transportation will administer the competitive grants for installation of Green Bank Funding Mechanisms: electric vehicle charging infrastructure, hydrogen fueling infrastructure, Illinois Climate Bank propane fueling infrastructure, or natural gas fueling infrastructure that is Publicly funded green banks to spur investment for renewables, energy directly related to the charging or fueling of a vehicle. The competitive efficiency and other projects, especially in communities that have been grants are divided into two categories, Community Charging and Corridor underrepresented in the clean energy economy. The Illinois Climate Bank will blend public and private capital to fund the upfront cost of clean energy Charging. Eligible entities include state or political subdivision of a state, improvement projects across the state. metropolitan planning organization, local government, special purpose district or public authority with a transportation function, indian tribe, and Clean Energy Jobs and Justice Fund territory. Grants available under this program include: will focus on equitable lending and supporting clean energy projects in low income and marginalized communities Community Grants providing $1.25 billion to install electric vehicle charging and alternative fuel in locations on public roads, schools, CEJA Related Grants: parks, and in publicly accessible parking facilities. These grants will Jobs and Environmental Justice Grant Program. DCEO to create and prioritize rural areas, low-and moderate-income neighborhoods, and administer a program that provides upfront capital to support the communities with low ratios of private parking, or high ratios of development of projects, businesses, community organizations, and jobs creating opportunity for historically disadvantaged populations, and to multiunit dwellings. provide seed capital to support community ownership of renewable energy projects (including community solar). Annual funding: up to $34M. Corridor Charging Corridor Grants providing $1.25 billion to deploy publicly available Low Income Residential Energy Efficiency Program electric vehicle charging and hydrogen/propane/natural gas fueling The Illinois EPA Office of Energy announces a Notice of Funding Opportunity infrastructure along designated alternative fuel corridors. (NOFO) for availability of funds from the Energy Efficiency Trust Fund (EE Trust Fund). The EE Trust Fund was established to benefit residential electric In the Village of Skokie, I-94 is a designated corridor. customers through projects determined to promote energy efficiency in the State of Illinois. Funding is available to public housing authorities, units of Alternative Fuel Corridors local government (municipalities, counties, or townships), or nonprofit organizations for implementation of energy efficiency improvements in To be eligible for funding, EV infrastructure under the NEVI Program single or multi-family residential properties. and the competitive Corridor Charging Grant Program must be located on a designated Alternative Fuel Corridor. In the Village of Skokie, I-94 is a designated corridor. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan A-8  Return to Agenda State of Illinois Grants Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA)/(FEMA) Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grants (HMA) Public Infrastructure -Improve public infrastructure and eliminate conditions Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) - Support states, local detrimental to public health, safety, and public welfare communities, tribes and territories as they undertake hazard mitigation projects, Housing Rehabilitation Program - Improve housing by rehabilitating and reducing the risks they face from disasters and natural hazards. retrofitting homes Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) Grants Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Grant -provides funding Green Infrastructure Grant Opportunities - Provides funding opportunities for assistance to local government agencies for acquisition and/or development of projects to construct green infrastructure best management practices (BMPs) land for public parks and open space. that prevent, eliminate, or reduce water quality impairments by decreasing stormwater runoff into Illinois’ rivers, streams, and lakes. BMPs may be located Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) – federal grant program on both public or private land managed by State of Illinois that provides up to 50% funding assistance to eligible, local units of government to acquire land for public outdoor recreation Nonpoint Source Grants - Available to local units of government and other areas. organizations to protect water quality in Illinois. Projects must address water quality issues relating directly to nonpoint source pollution. Illinois Bicycle Path Program – Provides grants to eligible local governments for projects that develop or rehabilitate bike paths and/or acquire land for bike path Driving a Cleaner Illinois - funding for various types of diesel emission reduction development. projects involving on-road vehicles, off-road equipment, and electric charging. Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Safe Routes to Schools Program (SRTS) - SRTS uses a multidisciplinary approach to improve conditions for students who walk or bike to school. SRTS funds infrastructure and non-infrastructure improvements. Projects are funded at 80 percent with a 20 percent local match required. Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) - Additional state funding is being set-aside for projects in the categories of bike and pedestrian facilities as well as the conversion of abandoned railroad corridors to trails. Local agencies may be eligible for state funds to be used towards their match of federal funds. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan A-9  Return to Agenda Strategies Supporting The Private Sector Strategies focusing on support of sustainability and climate action within the private sector increase the depth of action within a community by leveraging public and private investments. Type of Funding Explanation Example Projects Links Facilitating Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Where: Columbus, OH https://www.columbus.gov/ sustainable/cap programs allow a municipality to lend its tax Private collection enforcement power to a public funder, When: 2020 Investment in giving them additional assurance when lending What: The latest draft of the City of Columbus Community for a specified purpose or investment. PACE has Climate Action Plan proclaims the City will been used for energy upgrades in buildings, receive $250 million in average annual PACE Projects investments to support its plan’s goals, and to transportation upgrades, and resiliency 21 investments. PACE for Commercial entities is a establish a green bank by 2025. more straightforward program. Residential programs come with additional challenges due to lien priority and secondary mortgage market. Revolving Loan Supports energy project needs with projected Where: Montpelier, VT cost savings, such as energy efficiency projects Fund or where other fuel costs can be reduced. The When: 2018 https://www.vtenergydashboard.org/ stories/montpelier-launches-revolving fund will be replenished and used for additional -loan-fund-for-energy-saving-projects projects over time, ideally, under an energy What: Provided $20,000 from its Reserve Fund as performance contract (working with a third party initial seed money for their Net Zero Revolving to manage energy use for savings). Funding will Loan Fund, with a $10,000 match from their consider future reduced operations and partners with Efficiency Vermont. The City tracks maintenance, energy savings, insurance savings, savings from sustainability projects and and even certain non-energy benefits in the cost- reinvests part of those savings for subsequent savings analysis to determine project eligibility. projects and pays marginal costs of energy However, tangible financial savings are required improvements within larger capital projects. to replenish the fund. Green Bank Green banks help fund improvements in Where: Ann Arbor, MI https://www.a2gov.org/departments/ sustainability/Documents/A2Zero% buildings and transportation, as well as other 20Climate%20Action%20Plan% resiliency measures such as flood prevention, 20_3.0.pdf essentially anything that could be categorized as When: 2021 a public benefit in the legislation. Green banks can come in various forms from a department What: The City’s Climate Action Plan intends to https://coalitionforgreencapital.com/ within the state or municipality, or a separate create a $1 million loan loss reserve fund to nonprofit. 24 provide credit enhancements for residents with lower credit scores and expand capacities to undertake energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements to low-income residents. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan A-10  Return to Agenda Next Steps Once municipalities have reviewed these and other options they Strategy Considerations can identify, they should review the potential options to determine How much revenue is the strategy, or combination of those which are likely to be the best fit for the community. Consid- Alignment erations the municipality may want to review potential strategies strategies, likely to raise? Will it be enough to support the with Need need? against include: Alignment with Need, Economic Impact, Communi- ty Acceptance, and Ability to Implement. Will the funding strategy, or combination of strategies, be capable of being sustained through the timeline required to After the initial review of potential funding options, the municipality support the need? should model the funding potential of those strategies that best align with the community’s goals. Modeling should include antici- Economic Might the strategy have an impact on local GDP (increase or pated revenue generated, capacity to support the need for which it Impact decrease)? is being raised, and potential cash flow impacts. This assessment Might the strategy leverage or attract investments or other may also benefit from a benchmarking review against peer commu- economic benefits? nities to understand how the municipality’s resulting taxes or fees How might the strategy increase or decrease the community's to users compare to the region. competitiveness or attractiveness to residents or businesses? Next the municipality should perform a policy and legal analysis of Community How visible is the magnitude of change related to the the potential strategy. This analysis should identify what, if any, strategy? Acceptance authority considerations might need to be addressed. Policy im- Does the revenue approach create positive behavior change pacts should be identified and recommended policy modifications supporting plan goals, or have clear public benefit? should be drafted. Would the resulting level of fees or expenses be significantly higher or lower than regional benchmarks? Lastly, the municipality should engage the community. The level of engagement and communication needed will, of course, vary great- Ability to Is the municipality able to be technically capable and ready to ly depending on the strategy. The appropriate level of engagement implement the strategy within the needed timeframe? should be identified and an engagement plan and schedule should Implement be formed and implemented. Does the strategy require other resources? If so, are those within the municipality's capacity? Is the strategy compatible with the broader municipal strategic goals? Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan A-11  Return to Agenda Appendix B Click here to Supporting Research return to TOC Climate Action Baseline Study These assessments provided a basis for Community Wide Ground Cover, Tree To support the Village of Skokie planning understanding vulnerabilities and resources Canopy and Carbon Sequestration team members, the paleBLUEdot team which supported the decision making process Study assembled the Sustainability Baseline Study. needed for identifying and prioritizing climate paleBLUEdot conducted a baseline This document provided a review of a wide adaptation measures to be included in the assessment of community-wide ground cover range of community wide metrics, data, and final plan. The Assessment focused on and tree canopy extent. The study identified comparisons against regional peer community vulnerabilities with a particular ground cover conditions (grass, water, communities for each of the climate action focus on climate vulnerable populations to wetland, tree canopy) community-wide as well plan sectors included in this report. The ensure all populations benefit from proposed as by neighborhood/census tract. Based on document also included preliminary sector implementation measures. the groundcover data, calculations were made specific draft strategic goal recommendations for annual carbon sequestration rates, carbon for the Environmental Sustainability Plan Click on the link below to access the stock, tree canopy/green space economic planning team to consider, discuss, and revise document: value, and pollution absorption rates (CO, O3, at the beginning of the planning team effort. https://view.publitas.com/palebluedot/skokie- climate-vulnerability-assessment-may-2022/ NO2, SO2, particulate pollution). Click on the link below to access the Included in this study was an assessment of document: Community Wide GHG Projections community-wide heat island characteristics https://view.publitas.com/palebluedot/skokie- Using the Village’s previously completed 2020 and conditions. The study identified sustainability-baseline-assessment/ GHG inventory, paleBLUEdot compiled a GHG impervious surface conditions and coverage emission business-as-usual forecast to (sidewalks, roadway, parking, and building) Climate Vulnerability Assessment project future community GHG emissions and compiled data in subcategories of light At the beginning of the planning effort, the without further action. This effort provided reflective and light absorbent conditions. paleBLUEdot team developed a Climate the basis for the GHG emissions reduction Baseline calculations were made for overall Vulnerability Assessment for the Village of modeling of strategies included in this report. heat island contribution coefficient by Skokie. The assessment included the The report included community-wide neighborhood identification of vulnerable populations within emissions comparisons against communities the community and possible impacts and within the State and region. Click on the link below to access the risks associated with projected climate document: change for the region. paleBLUEdot mapped Click on the link below to access the https://view.publitas.com/palebluedot/skokie- the vulnerable populations within the document: ground-cover-heat-island-and-carbon- community as well as existing infrastructure https://view.publitas.com/palebluedot/skokie- sequestration-study/ and resources which may be capable of community-greenhouse-gas-emissions- projections/ supporting climate adaptation strategies. Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan B-1  Return to Agenda Appendix B Supporting Research Community Wide Solar Energy Potentials Study In support of development of effective renewable energy goalsetting and to establish strategies addressing renewable energy development, paleBLUEdot conducted a Community-Wide solar pv potentials study including economic and environmental benefits. This effort included: 1) Collect community-wide satellite data (NREL, NOAA, and NASA data). 2) Determine building roof stock characteristics and solar suitable buildings, calculate total suitable areas by roof configuration/orientation. 3) Calculate total rooftop solar capacity and annual energy generation by roof configuration/orientation. 4) Identify cost efficient annual energy generation potential. 5) Research solar market at national, State and regional levels. Identify low, medium, and high solar market absorption rates and community-wide solar pv goals. 6) Identify environmental and economic benefit of solar including economic development and job creation potential. (NREL JEDI model) 7) Develop City-Wide Renewable Solar Energy Potentials report. Click on the link below to access the document: https://view.publitas.com/palebluedot/skokie- renewable-potentials-study/ Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan B-2  Return to Agenda Appendix C Click here to Skokie Climate return to TOC Infographics To the right are infographics developed during the Climate Action Plan planning effort in support of the City’s communications. Click on the link below to access the infographics: https://palebluedot.llc/skokie-sustainability-infographics Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan C-1  Return to Agenda Appendix D Potential Cost Savings Click here to return to TOC Assumptions The following document the calculations and source references used for estimating the potential cumulative community-wide cost savings of the actions included in the Environmental Sustainability Plan Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan D-1  Return to Agenda Summary of Estimated Cumulative Savings of Modeled Reductions Village of Skokie Notes Transportation VMT Reductions (public transit, bike, walk, etc) Formula: Cumulative vehicle miles saved x Average vehicle operation cost per mile = Gross VMT savings VMT saved (year 10) 31,501,687 Cumulative vehicle miles saved: 141,757,591 1 Average vehicle operating cost per mile: $0.688 Gross VMT savings $97,529,223 1 Savings per VMT based on AAA estimates https://exchange.aaa.com/automotive/driving‐costs/#.YGUQZD9OlPY , https://www.slashgear.com/aaa‐ says‐it‐costs‐about‐74‐cents‐per‐mile‐to‐drive‐23496316/ https://www.thesimpledollar.com/save‐money/is‐it‐really‐cheaper‐to‐ride‐the‐bus/ Increased Public Transit Use (commuter) Formula: Cumulative increased public transit mileage x Average public transit cost per mile (commuter) = Increased spending on public transit Increased public transit miles (year 10) 9,317,400 Cumulative increased public transit miles: 41,928,313 2 Average public transit cost per mile $0.088 Increased spending on public transit $3,690,873 2 Cost per commuter public transit mile calculated using cost of monthly transit pass divided by average monthly commuter miles. https://www.census.gov/programs‐surveys/sis/resources/data‐tools/quickfacts.html https://www.transitchicago.com/passes/ EV and Alt Fuel Conversions Formula: Cumulative VMT converted to EV/alt fuel x Average vehicle operation cost savings per mile = Gross EV VMT savings ‐ Gross EV purchase spending difference = Net EV VMT Savings VMT converted to EV/Alt fuel (year 10) 177,454,362 Cumulative VMT converted to EV/alt fuel 798,544,629 3 Average fuel savings per mile: $0.190 4 Average vehicle maintenance savings per mile: $0.040 Gross EV VMT savings $183,329,905 5 Spending difference per vehicle on EV purchase vs ICE purchase (anualiz ‐$1,120.600 New electric vehicle purchases 8,762  Return to Agenda Gross EV purchase spending difference ‐$44,185,944 Net EV VMT savings $139,143,962 3 Fuel Savings per VMT based on average reported gasoline costs (https://gasprices.aaa.com/state‐gas‐price‐averages/) divided by current average MPG (Federal Highway Administration: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/quickfinddata/qftravel.cfm) compared against average fuel cost per mile using current kWh rate (https://www.electricitylocal.com/ ) and average kWh/100 mile data (https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/PowerSearch.do?action=noform&path=1&year1=2017&year2=2019&vtype=Electric) 4 Maintenance savings per mile based on US Department of Energy FOTW #1190, June 14, 2021: Battery‐Electric Vehicles Have Lower Scheduled Maintenance Costs than Other Light‐Duty Vehicles: https://www.energy.gov/eere/vehicles/articles/fotw‐1190‐june‐14‐2021‐battery‐electric‐vehicles‐ have‐lower‐scheduled 5 Average EV purchase price increse per vehicle on Kelly Blue Book average EV purchase price compared to average gasoline vehicle purchase price (https://mediaroom.kbb.com/2021‐05‐18‐Average‐New‐Vehicle‐Prices‐Continue‐to‐Climb,‐up‐2‐2‐Year‐Over‐Year‐for‐April‐2021,‐According‐to‐Kelley‐ Blue‐Book ) divided by assumed average lifespan of 10 years Potential Total Cumulative Transportation Cost Savings Formula: Transportation sector savings ‐ Transportation sector cost increases = Potentail Total Cumulative Transportation Cost Savigns Transportation Sector Savings Gross VMT savings $97,529,223 Gross EV VMT savings $183,329,905 Total Gross Transportation Savings $280,859,128 Transportation Sector Cost Increases Increased spending on public transit ‐$3,690,873 Gross EV purchase spending difference ‐$44,185,944 Total Gross Transportation Cost Increases ‐$47,876,816 Potentail Total Cumulative Transportation Cost Savings $232,982,313  Return to Agenda Summary of Estimated Cumulative Savings of Modeled Reductions Village of Skokie Notes Energy ‐ Residential Residential Savings ‐ grid electricity to solar Formula: Cumulative kWh converted to solar x Average cost savings per kWh = Residential solar savings Residential kWh converted (year 10) 13,909,239 Cumulative residential kWh converted 62,591,576 Average solar cost savings per solar kWh $0.057 6a Average solar installation cost per KW $2,740.00 7 Average kWh produced annually per solar pv KW installed 1,287 Estimated installed solar PV KW installed (year 10) 10,807 Estimated total solar installation costs $29,612,521.327 8 Est average lifespan kWh produced per solar pv KW installed 38,429 8 Estimated cumulative lifespan kWh produced 415,321,184 9 Estimated value of cumulative lifespan kWh produced $57,614,004.651 Average solar cost savings per kWh produced $0.067 Residential solar savings $3,561,461 6 Recent average cost per KW is 1000x the per watt cost reported by Solar Reviews https://www.solarreviews.com/solar‐panel‐cost/minnesota 7 Calculations are based on the geographic energy production factor (https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy04osti/35297.pdf) multiplied by an average performance ratio of 78% ( https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy13osti/57991.pdf ) 8 Based on an assumed average useful life of 32.5 years according to NREL research (https://www.nrel.gov/analysis/tech‐footprint.html) with an average degradation rate of 5% (https://www.nrel.gov/state‐local‐tribal/blog/posts/stat‐faqs‐part2‐lifetime‐of‐pv‐panels.html) 9 Svings per kWh based on average electricity cost per kWh (https://www.electricitylocal.com/) calculated to year 10 using an average electrical cost inflation of 2% annually Residential Savings ‐ community solar Formula: Cumulative kWh converted to community solar x Average cost savings per kWh = Residential community solar savings Residential kWh converted (year 10) 0 Cumulative residential kWh converted 0 10 Average solar cost savings per kWh $0.011 Residential solar savings $0 10 The average cost savings per kWh of community solar subscription is estimated at 10%.  Return to Agenda Residential Savings ‐ electrical energy efficiency Formula: Cumulative kWh saved from energy efficiency x Average cost per kWh = Gross Residential electrical energy efficiency savings ‐ Residential Efficiency Upgrade Costs = Net Residential Electrical Energy Efficiency Savings Residential kWh saved (year 10) 20,801,454 Cumulative residential kWh saved 93,606,544 11 Average cost per kWh $0.114 Gross Residential electrical energy efficiency savings $10,652,425 12 Residential Electrical Efficiency Upgrade Costs $9,374,134 Net Residential Electrical Energy Efficiency Savings $1,278,291 11 Energy efficiency savings per kWh saved based on average electricity cost per kWh: https://www.electricitylocal.com/ 12 Assumed energy efficiency upgrade costs are calculated assuming an average ROI of 12% (https://www.aceee.org/blog/2019/05/existing‐homes‐ energy‐efficiency) Residential Savings ‐ natural gas energy efficiency Formula: Cumulative therms saved from energy efficiency x Average cost per therm = Gross Residential natural gas energy efficiency savings ‐ Residential Natural Gas Efficiency Upgrade Costs = Net Residential Electrical Natural Gas Efficiency Savings 13 Residential therms saved (year 10) 3,069,771 13 Cumulative residential therms saved 13,813,969 14 Average cost per therm $1.915 Gross Residential natural gas energy efficiency savings $26,453,751 13,15 Residential Natural Gas Efficiency Upgrade Costs $23,279,301 Net Residential Electrical Natrual Gas Efficiency Savings $3,174,450 13 Includes fuel switching from fossil fuel heat to electric 14 Energy efficiency savings for natural gas is based on average natural gas cost per therm https://naturalgaslocal.com/ 15 Assumed energy efficiency upgrade costs are calculated assuming an average ROI of 12% (https://www.aceee.org/blog/2019/05/existing‐homes‐ energy‐efficiency) Residential Savings ‐ increased electrical expenditures from fuel switching Formula: (Cumulative increased kWh from fuel switching + Cummulative increased kWh from electric vehicle charging) x Average cost per kWh = Residential increased electrical costs Residential increased kWh from fuel switching (year 10) 5,893,745 Residential cumulative increased kWh from fuel switching (all years) 26,521,854 Residential increased kWh from EV charging Included in EV calculations 16 Average cost per kWh $0.114 Residential increased electrical costs $3,018,187  Return to Agenda 16 Average cost per kWh based on average for community (https://www.electricitylocal.com/ ) Potential Total Cumulative Residential Energy Cost Savings Formula: Residential solar savings + Residential community solar savings + Residential electrical efficiency savings + Residential natural gas energy efficiency savings ‐ Residential increased electrical costs = Potential Total Cumulative Residential Energy Savings Residential solar savings $3,561,461 Residential community solar savings $0 Residential electrical efficiency savings (net) $1,278,291 Residential natural gas energy efficiency savings (net) $3,174,450 Residential increased electrical costs ‐$3,018,187 Potentail Total Cumulative Residential Energy Savings $4,996,015  Return to Agenda Summary of Estimated Cumulative Savings of Modeled Reductions Village of Skokie Notes Energy ‐ Commercial Commercial Savings ‐ grid electricity to solar Formula: Cumulative kWh converted to solar x Average cost savings per kWh = Commercial solar savings Commercial kWh converted (year 10) 51,503,578 Cumulative residential kWh converted 231,766,101 Average solar cost savings per kWh $0.024 6b Average solar installation cost per KW $1,720.00 7 Average kWh produced annually per solar pv KW installed 1,287 Estimated installed solar PV KW installed (year 10) 40,018 Estimated total solar installation costs $68,831,510.623 8 Estimated average lifespan kWh produced per solar pv KW installed 38,429 8 Estimated cumulative lifespan kWh produced 1,537,864,650 9 Estimated value of cumulative lifespan kWh produced $149,784,409.279 Average solar cost savings per kWh produced $0.053 Commercial solar savings $5,555,433 6b Recent average cost per KW is 1000x the per watt cost reported for commercial solar arrays by NREL https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy21osti/77324.pdf 7 Calculations are based on the geographic energy production factor (https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy04osti/35297.pdf) multiplied by an average performance ratio of 78% ( https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy13osti/57991.pdf ) 8 Based on an assumed average useful life of 32.5 years according to NREL research (https://www.nrel.gov/analysis/tech‐footprint.html) with an average degradation rate of 5% (https://www.nrel.gov/state‐local‐tribal/blog/posts/stat‐faqs‐part2‐lifetime‐of‐pv‐panels.html) 9 Svings per kWh based on average electricity cost per kWh (https://www.electricitylocal.com/) calculated to year 10 using an average electrical cost inflation of 2% annually Commercial Savings ‐ community solar Formula: Cumulative kWh converted to community solar x Average cost savings per kWh = Commercial community solar savings Commercial kWh converted (year 10) 0 Cumulative commercial kWh converted 0 10 Average solar cost savings per solar kWh $0 Commercial solar savings $0 10 The average cost savings per kWh of community solar subscription is estimated at 10%. Commercial Savings ‐ electrical energy efficiency  Return to Agenda Formula: Cumulative kWh saved from energy efficiency x Average cost per kWh = Gross Commercial electrical energy efficiency savings ‐ Commercial Efficiency Upgrade Costs = Net Commercial Electrical Energy Efficiency Savings Commercial kWh saved (year 10) 50,473,496 Cumulative commercial kWh saved 227,130,733 4 Average cost per kWh $0.080 Gross Commercial electrical energy efficiency savings $18,147,746 8 Commercial Electrical Efficiency Upgrade Costs $15,970,016 Net Commercial Electrical Energy Efficiency Savings $2,177,729 4 Energy efficiency savings per kWh saved based on average electricity cost per kWh: https://www.electricitylocal.com/ 8 Assumed energy efficiency upgrade costs are calculated assuming an average ROI of12% (https://www.aceee.org/blog/2019/05/existing‐homes‐ energy‐efficiency) Commercial Savings ‐ natural gas energy efficiency Formula: Cumulative therms saved from energy efficiency x Average cost per therm = Gross Commercial natural gas energy efficiency savings ‐ Commercial Natural Gas Efficiency Upgrade Costs = Net Commercial Electrical Natural Gas Efficiency Savings Commercial therms saved (year 10) 5,422,560 Cumulative commercial therms saved 24,401,518 9 Average cost per therm $0.921 Gross Commercial natrual gas energy efficiency savings $22,473,798 8 Commercial Natural Gas Efficiency Upgrade Costs $19,776,942 Net Commercial Natural Gas Energy Efficiency Savings $2,696,856 9 Energy efficiency savings for natural gas is based on average natural gas cost per therm https://naturalgaslocal.com/ 8 Assumed energy efficiency upgrade costs are calculated assuming an average ROI of12% (https://www.aceee.org/blog/2019/05/existing‐homes‐ energy‐efficiency) Commercial Savings ‐ increased electrical expenditures from fuel switching Formula: (Cumulative increased kWh from fuel switching + Cummulative increased kWh from electric vehicle charging) x Average cost per kWh = Commercial increased electrical costs Commercial increased kWh from fuel switching (year 10) 14,300,824 Commercial increased kWh from EV charging (year 10) Included in EV calculations Cumulative increased kWh 64,353,709 4 Average cost per kWh $0.080 Commercial increased electrical costs $5,141,861 4 Energy efficiency savings per kWh saved based on average electricity cost per kWh: https://www.electricitylocal.com/  Return to Agenda Potential Total Cumulative Commercial Energy Cost Savings Formula: Commercial solar savings + Commercial community solar savings + Commercial electrical efficiency savings + Commercial natural gas energy efficiency savings ‐ Commercial increased electrical costs = Potentail Total Cumulative Commercial Energy Savings Commercial solar savings $5,555,433 Commercial community solar savings $0 Commercial electrical efficiency savings $2,177,729 Commercial natural gas energy efficiency savings $2,696,856 Commercial increased electrical costs ‐$5,141,861 Potentail Total Cumulative Commercial Energy Savings $5,288,157 Potential Total Cumulative Energy Cost Savings (Residential + Commercial) Formula: Energy sector savings ‐ Energy sector cost increases = Potentail Total Cumulative Energy Cost Savigns Energy Sector Savings Total solar energy savings $9,116,894 Total community solar energy savings $0 Total energy efficiency savings ‐ electricity $28,800,170 Total energy efficiency savings ‐ natrual gas $48,927,550 Total Gross Energy Savings $86,844,614 Energy Sector Cost Increases Total solar PV installation costs (included in estimated Total Solar Energy Savings) Total energy efficiency upgrade costs ‐ electricity ‐$25,344,150 Total energy efficiency upgrade costs ‐ natrual gas ‐$43,056,244 Total increased electrical costs (fuel switch) ‐$8,160,048 Total Gross Energy Cost Increases ‐$76,560,442 Potentail Total Cumulative Energy Cost Savings $10,284,172  Return to Agenda Summary of Estimated Cumulative Savings of Modeled Reductions Village of Skokie Notes Solid Waste ‐ Residential Residential savings ‐ Food Waste Reduction Formula: Cumulative tons of food waste reduced and diverted x Average cost savings per ton = Residential food waste savings Residential food waste reduced (year 10) 2,326 Cumulative residential food waste reduced 10,465 11 Average cost savings per ton reduced $2,469 Residential food waste savings $25,837,742 11 Value per ton of residential food waste avoided is based on average for Prevent and Recover strategies by ReFED "A ROADMAP TO REDUCE U.S. FOOD Potential Total Cumulative Residential Solid Waste Reduction Cost Savings Residential food waste savings $25,837,742 Notes Solid Waste ‐ Commercial Commercial savings ‐ Solid Waste Reduction Formula: Cumulative participant/years x Average reported cost savings per participant/year = Commercial solid waste savings Participating businesses (year 10) 300 Cumulative participant/years 1,650 12 Average cost savings per participant/year $475 Commercial solid waste savings $64,125 12 Savings per business engaged in waste reduction programs are based on MN WasteWise reported average business savings ($431) escallated to 5 year Commercial savings ‐ Food Waste Reduction Formula: Cumulative tons of food waste reduced and diverted x Average cost savings per ton = Commercial food waste savings Commercial food waste reduced (year 10) 2,887 Cumulative residential food waste reduced 12,993 13 Average cost savings per ton reduced $494 Commercial food waste savings $6,415,829  Return to Agenda 813waste/ . Potential Total Cumulative Solid Waste Savings Formula: Residential Food Waste Savings + Commercial Solid Waste Savings + Commercial Food Waste Savings = Potentail Total Cumulative Solid Waste Savings Residential Food Waste Savings $25,837,742 Commercial Solid Waste Savings $64,125 Commercial Food Waste Savings $6,415,829 Potentail Total Cumulative Solid Waste Savings $32,317,696  Return to Agenda Appendix E Glossary of Terms Click here to return to TOC The following is a glossary of climate action, resilience, and sustainability terms used in this Environmental Sustainability Plan Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan E-1  Return to Agenda Climate and Sustainability Glossary of Terms A Afforestation Accessory Commercial Unit (ACU) Planting of new forests on lands that historically have not contained ACU is a legal and regulatory term for a small commercial unit that is forests. (IPCC2) accessory to the principal residential use on the site. Air Pollutant Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Any man-made and/or natural substance occurring in the atmosphere that ADU is a legal and regulatory term for a secondary house or apartment may result in adverse effects to humans, animals, vegetation, and/or that is accessory to the principal residential use on the site. materials. (CARB) Action Anthropogenic Actions are detailed items that should be completed in order to carry out The term "anthropogenic", in the context of greenhouse gas inventories, the vision and strategies identified in the plan. refers to greenhouse gas emissions and removals that are a direct result of human activities or are the result of natural processes that have been Activity Data affected by human activities. (USEPA2) Data on the magnitude of a human activity resulting in emissions or removals taking place during a given period of time. Data on energy use, Atmosphere metal production, land areas, management systems, lime and fertilizer use The gaseous envelope surrounding the Earth. The dry atmosphere consists and waste arisings are examples of activity data. (IPCC) almost entirely of nitrogen (78.1% volume mixing ratio) and oxygen (20.9% volume mixing ratio), together with a number of trace gases, such as argon Adaptation (0.93% volume mixing ratio), helium and radiatively active greenhouse See “Climate Adaptation or Resilience” gases such as carbon dioxide (0.035% volume mixing ratio) and ozone. In addition, the atmosphere contains the greenhouse gas water vapor, whose Adaptive Capacity amounts are highly variable but typically around 1% volume mixing ratio. The social, technical skills, and financial capacities of individuals and The atmosphere also contains clouds and aerosols. (IPCC2) groups to implement and maintain climate actions. B Aerosols Baseline Emissions A collection of airborne solid or liquid particles, with a typical size between A baseline is a measurement, calculation, or time used as a basis for 0.01 and 10 micrometer that reside in the atmosphere for at least several comparison. Baseline emissions are the level of emissions that would occur hours. Aerosols may be of either natural or anthropogenic origin. Aerosols without policy intervention or without implementation of a project. may influence climate in several ways: directly through scattering and Baseline estimates are needed to determine the effectiveness of emission absorbing radiation, and indirectly by acting as cloud condensation nuclei reduction programs (also called mitigation strategies). or modifying the optical properties and lifetime of clouds. (IPCC2) Base Year The starting year for the inventory. Targets for reducing GHG emissions are often defined in relation to the base year. 2  Return to Agenda Climate and Sustainability Glossary of Terms groups as representative of or shaping the socio-economic dynamics BAU experienced by all people of color. See “Business As Usual Forecast” Black Carbon Biogenic Operationally defined aerosol species based on measurement of light Produced by the biological processes of living organisms. Note that we use absorption and chemical reactivity and/or thermal stability; consists of the term "biogenic" to refer only to recently produced (that is non-fossil) soot, charcoal and/or possible light absorbing refractory organic matter material of biological origin. IPCC guidelines recommend that peat be (Charlson and Heintzenberg, 1995, p. 401). (IPCC2) treated as a fossil carbon because it takes a long time to replace harvested peat. Blue Carbon Carbon sequestered and stored by wetlands and other coastal ecosystems Biogeochemical Cycle helping to mitigate the effectsof climate change. Movements through the Earth system of key chemical constituents essential to life, such as carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and phosphorus. (NASA) Business As Usual Forecast The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) defines a Biomass “business-as-usual” forecast as the level of emissions that would result if Either (1) the total mass of living organisms in a given area or of a given future development trends follow those of the past and no changes in species usually expressed as dry weight; or (2) Organic matter consisting of policies take place. A BAU forecast assumes that no emission-reduction or recently derived from living organisms (especially regarded as fuel) actions will be undertaken beyond those already in place, mandated by excluding peat. Includes products, by-products and waste derived from State or Federal policy, or committed to in the base year. such material. (IPCC1) C Biomass Waste Carbon Cycle Organic non-fossil material of biological origin that is a byproduct or a All parts (reservoirs) and fluxes of carbon. The cycle is usually thought of as discarded product. "Biomass waste" includes municipal solid waste from four main reservoirs of carbon interconnected by pathways of exchange. biogenic sources, landfill gas, sludge waste, agricultural crop byproducts, The reservoirs are the atmosphere, terrestrial biosphere (usually includes straw, and other biomass solids, liquids, and gases; but excludes wood and freshwater systems), oceans, and sediments (includes fossil fuels). The wood-derived fuels (including black liquor), biofuels feedstock, biodiesel, annual movements of carbon, the carbon exchanges between reservoirs, and fuel ethanol. Note: EIA "biomass waste" data also include energy crops occur because of various chemical, physical, geological, and biological grown specifically for energy production, which would not normally processes. The ocean contains the largest pool of carbon near the surface constitute waste. (EIA) of the Earth, but most of that pool is not involved with rapid exchange with the atmosphere. (NASA) BIPOC “Black, Indigenous, and People of Color” this is a term specific to the Carbon Dioxide (CO2) United States, intended to center the experiences of Black and Indigenous A naturally occurring gas, and also a by-product of burning fossil fuels and biomass, as well as land-use changes and other industrial processes. It is 3  Return to Agenda Climate and Sustainability Glossary of Terms the principal anthropogenic greenhouse gas that affects the Earth's combined emissions coefficients weighted by their energy consumption radiative balance. It is the reference gas against which other greenhouse levels. (EIA) gases are measured and therefore has a Global Warming Potential of 1. (IPCC2) Carbon Neutrality “Carbon neutrality” means annual zero net anthropogenic (human caused Carbon Dioxide Equivalent (CO2e) or influenced) CO2 emissions by a certain date. By definition, carbon A metric used to compare emissions of various greenhouse gases. It is the neutrality means every ton of anthropogenic CO2 emitted is compensated mass of carbon dioxide that would produce the same estimated radiative with an equivalent amount of CO2 removed (e.g. via carbon forcing as a given mass of another greenhouse gas. Carbon dioxide sequestration). equivalents are computed by multiplying the mass of the gas emitted by its global warming potential. Carbon Offsets A carbon offset is a reduction or removal of emissions of carbon Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) dioxide or other greenhouse gases made in order to compensate for An international organization that administers a platform for organizations emissions made elsewhere. Offsets are measured in metric tonnes and cities to publicly disclose their environmental impacts, such as climate of carbon dioxide-equivalent. Offsets are bought and sold to address risk. CDP is one of the approved disclosure platforms utilized by GCoM. direct and indirect emissions associated with an organization’s operations. Carbon Emissions Carbon Sinks The release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Primary human A forest, ocean, or other natural environment viewed in terms of its sources of the release of carbon dioxide occur from burning oil, coal, and ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. gas for energy use. Carbon Sequestration Carbon Equivalent (CE) This refers to the capture of CO2 from the atmosphere and its long term A metric measure used to compare the emissions of the different storage in oceans (oceanic carbon sequestration), in biomass and soils greenhouse gases based upon their global warming potential. Carbon (terrestrial carbon sequestration) or in underground reservoirs (geologic equivalents can be calculated from to carbon dioxide equivalents by carbon sequestration). multiplying the carbon dioxide equivalents by 12/44 (the ratio of the molecular weight of carbon to that of carbon dioxide). The use of carbon Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) equivalent is declining in GHG inventories. Greenhouse gases covered under the 1987 Montreal Protocol and used for refrigeration, air conditioning, packaging, insulation, solvents, or aerosol Carbon Intensity propellants. Because they are not destroyed in the lower atmosphere, The amount of carbon by weight emitted per unit of energy consumed. A CFCs drift into the upper atmosphere where, given suitable conditions, common measure of carbon intensity is weight of carbon per British they break down ozone. These gases are being replaced by other thermal unit (Btu) of energy. When there is only one fossil fuel under compounds, including hydrochlorofluorocarbons and hydrofluorocarbons, consideration, the carbon intensity and the emissions coefficient are which are greenhouse gases covered under the Kyoto Protocol. (IPCC3) identical. When there are several fuels, carbon intensity is based on their 4  Return to Agenda Climate and Sustainability Glossary of Terms Circular Economy climate system such as extreme precipitation, storms, droughts, and heat An alternative to a traditional linear economy (make, use, dispose) in waves. which an economy is a regenerative system where resource input and waste are minimized. This is achieved through long-lasting product design, Climate Migration repair, reuse, remanufacturing, and recycling. Circular economy strategies Movement of people due to the impacts of climate change on their are often cited as systems level approaches to reducing waste generation livelihoods or erosion of quality of life, such as shifts in water availability through product and system design. and crop productivity, or to factors such as sea level rise or storm surge. Climate Climate Model Climate in a narrow sense is usually defined as the "average weather" or A quantitative method to simulate interactions of the important drivers of more rigorously as the statistical description in terms of the mean and climate—including atmosphere,oceans, land, and ice—to develop variability of relevant quantities over a period of time ranging from months projections of future climate. to thousands or millions of years. The classical period is 30 years, as defined by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). These relevant Climate Scenario quantities are most often surface variables such as temperature, A coherent, internally consistent, plausible description of possible climatic precipitation, and wind. Climate in a wider sense is the state, including a conditions statistical description, of the climate system. (IPCC2) Climate Risk Climate Adaptation or Resilience The potential for consequences where something of value is at stake and The capacity of a natural environment to prevent, withstand, respond to, where the outcome is uncertain, recognizing the diversity of values. Risk is and recover from a disruption. The process of adjusting to new climate often represented as probability of occurrence of hazardous events or conditions in order to reduce risks to valued assets. Adaptation is achieved trends multiplied by the impacts if these events or trends occur. Risk through actions taken to increase resilience to climate change impacts by results from the interaction of vulnerability and hazard. (IPCC): reducing vulnerability. Climate Vulnerability Climate Change Is the degree to which a system is susceptible to, and unable to cope with, Climate change refers to a statistically significant variation in either the adverse effects of climate change, including climate variability and mean state of the climate or in its variability, persisting for an extended extremes. Vulnerability is a function of the character, magnitude and rate period (typically decades or longer). Climate change may be due to natural of climate change and variation to which a system is exposed, its internal processes or external forcings, or to persistent anthropogenic sensitivity, and its capacity to adapt. changes in the composition of the atmosphere or in land use. (IPCC2) Vulnerability = potential impact (sensitivity x exposure) – adaptive capacity (IPCC): Climate Hazard An extreme climate event or condition that can harm human health, Climate Vulnerability Assessment livelihoods, or natural resources. It can include abrupt changes to the A report used to identify and define the risks posed by climate change and inform adaptation measures needed to combat climate change. Reports 5  Return to Agenda Climate and Sustainability Glossary of Terms can be about a wide range of fields including food security, poverty Community Solar / Community Solar Garden (CSG) analysis, and extreme weather events. Solar facilities shared by multiple community subscribers who receive credit on their electricity bills for their share of the power produced. Co-Benefit Community solar allows members of a community to share the benefits of Indirect benefits to the community (e.g., public health, economic, equity) solar power on their property without installing it on their own property. caused by climate adaptation and mitigation strategies, actions, and Electricity generated by the community solar farm typically costs less than policies. the price from utility companies. Co-generation Complete Streets Co-generation is an industrial structure, installation, plant, building, or self- A “complete street” is a design approach that requires streets to be generating facility that has sequential or simultaneous generation of designed to support safe, convenient and comfortable travel and access multiple forms of useful energy (usually mechanical and thermal) in a for users of all ages and abilities regardless of their mode of single, integrated system. (CARB) transportation. Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) Consistency CCA programs, also known as “Municipal Power Aggregation” or Consistency means that an inventory should be internally consistent in all “Community Power Aggregation”, allow local governments to procure its elements over a period of years. An inventory is consistent if the same power on behalf of their residents, businesses, and municipal accounts methodologies are used for the base and all subsequent years and if from an alternative supplier while still receiving transmission and consistent data sets are used to estimate emissions or removals from distribution service from their existing utility provider. Typically, enabling sources or sinks. (IPCC) legislation at the State level is required in order to assemble a CCA program for a community. See EPA’s CCA webpage for more: Continuous Emission Monitor (CEM) https://www.epa.gov/green-power-markets/community-choice- A type of air emission monitoring system installed to operate continuously aggregation inside of a smokestack or other emission source. (CARB) Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Cool Roof Combined heat and power is the simultaneous production of both Roof surfaces designed to reflect radiation from the sun, reducing heat electricity and useful heat for application by the producer or to be sold to transfer into the building or the building’s surrounding area. other users with the aim of better utilization of the energy used. Public utilities may utilize part of the heat produced in power plants and sell it for Cool Pavement public heating purposes. Industries as auto-producers may sell part of the Pavement surfaces designed to reflect radiation from the sun, reducing excess electricity produced to other industries or to electric utilities. (IPCC) heat transfer into the road’s surrounding area. Community Power Aggregation Criteria Air Pollutant See “Community Choice Aggregation” An air pollutant for which acceptable levels of exposure can be determined and for which an ambient air quality standard has been set. Examples 6  Return to Agenda Climate and Sustainability Glossary of Terms include: ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and Emission Factor PM10 and PM2.5. The term "criteria air pollutants" derives from the A coefficient that quantifies the emissions or removals of a gas per unit requirement that the U.S. EPA must describe the characteristics and activity. Emission factors are often based on a sample of measurement potential health and welfare effects of these pollutants. The U.S. EPA and data, averaged to develop a representative rate of emission for a given CARB periodically review new scientific data and may propose revisions to activity level under a given set of operating conditions. (IPCC) the standards as a result. (CARB) Emission Inventory D An estimate of the amount of pollutants emitted into the atmosphere from Deforestation major mobile, stationary, area-wide, and natural source categories over a Those practices or processes that result in the change of forested lands to specific period of time such as a day or a year. (CARB) non-forest uses. This is often cited as one of the major causes of the enhanced greenhouse effect for two reasons: 1) the burning or Emission Rate decomposition of the wood releases carbon dioxide; and 2) trees that once The weight of a pollutant emitted per unit of time (e.g., tons / year). removed carbon dioxide from the atmosphere in the process of (CARB) photosynthesis are no longer present and contributing to carbon storage. (UNFCC) Energy Tariff An Energy Tariff, or utility tariff, governs how an energy provider (electric Distillate Fuel Oil or natural gas) charges the customer for their energy and natural gas A general classification for one of the petroleum fractions produced in usage. Electric and natural gas vendors must submit their tariffs to the conventional distillation operations. It includes diesel fuels and fuel oils. government for approval. Products known as No. 1, No. 2, and No. 4 diesel fuel are used in on- highway diesel engines, such as those in trucks and automobiles, as well as Environmental Justice off-highway engines, such as those in railroad locomotives and agricultural The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of machinery. Products known as No. 1, No. 2, and No. 4 fuel oils are used race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, primarily for space heating and electric power generation. (EIA) implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies E Eco-System Services Equity Contributions of ecosystems to human well-being. For example, The state or quality of being just and fair in the way people are treated. ecosystems produce resources used byhumans such as clean air, water, Equity recognizes that each person has different circumstances and food, open space, flood control, climate mitigation, and other benefits. allocates the exact resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome. According to the World Health Organization, Equity is “the Emissions absence of avoidable or remediable differences among groups of people, The release of a substance (usually a gas when referring to the subject of whether those groups are defined socially, economically, demographically climate change) into the atmosphere. (USEPA1) or geographically” while the US Center for Disease Control defines Equity as “when everyone has the opportunity to be as healthy as possible.” 7  Return to Agenda Climate and Sustainability Glossary of Terms Within the context of climate change, climate equity means both such as packings and gaskets, or leaks from underground pipelines protection from climate change and environmental hazards as well as resulting from corrosion or faulty connections. access to climate resilience and environmental benefits for all, regardless of income, race, and other characteristics. G Geologic Carbon Sequestration Estimation It is the process of injecting CO2 from a source, such as coal-fired electric Estimation is the assessment of the value of an unmeasurable quantity generating power plant, through a well into the deep subsurface. With using available data and knowledge within stated computational formulas proper site selection and management, geologic sequestration could play a or mathematical models. major role in reducing emissions of CO2. Research efforts to evaluate the technical aspects of CO2 geologic sequestration are underway. (USEPA4) F Fluorocarbons GHG Carbon-fluorine compounds that often contain other elements such as See “Greenhouse Gas” hydrogen, chlorine, or bromine. Common fluorocarbons include chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), Global Warming hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and perfluorocarbons (PFCs). (UNFCC) Global warming is an average increase in the temperature of the atmosphere near the Earth's surface and in the troposphere, which can Flux contribute to changes in global climate patterns. Global warming can occur Either (1) Raw materials, such as limestone, dolomite, lime, and silica sand, from a variety of causes, both natural and human induced. In common which are used to reduce the heat or other energy requirements of usage, "global warming" often refers to the warming that can occur as a thermal processing of minerals (such as the smelting of metals). Fluxes also result of increased emissions of greenhouse gases from human activities. may serve a dual function as a slagging agent. (2) The rate of flow of any Also see Climate Change (USEPA1) liquid or gas, across a given area; the amount of this crossing a given area in a given time. (e.g., "Flux of CO2 absorbed by forests"). (IPCC) Global Warming Potential (GWP) An index, based upon radiative properties of well-mixed greenhouse gases, Fossil Fuel measuring the radiative forcing of a unit mass of a given well-mixed Geologic deposits of hydrocarbons from ancient biological origin, such as greenhouse gas in the present-day atmosphere integrated over a chosen coal, petroleum and natural gas. time horizon, relative to that of carbon dioxide. The GWP represents the combined effect of the differing times these gases remain in the Fuel Combustion atmosphere and their relative effectiveness in absorbing outgoing thermal Fuel combustion is the intentional oxidation of materials within an infrared radiation. The Kyoto Protocol is based on GWPs from pulse apparatus that is designed to provide heat or mechanical work to a emissions over a 100-year time frame. (IPCC2) process, or for use away from the apparatus. (IPCC) GCoM Global Covenant of Mayors: Fugitive Emissions GCoM is the largest global alliance for city climate leadership, built upon Fugitive emissions are unintentional leaks emitted from sealed surfaces, the commitment of over 10,000 cities and local governments. The 8  Return to Agenda Climate and Sustainability Glossary of Terms alliance’s mission is to mobilize and support climate and energy action in An approach to managing precipitation by reducing and treating communities across the world. stormwater at its source while delivering environmental, social, and economic benefits. Stormwater runoff can carry trash, bacteria, and other Green Streets pollutants and is a major cause of water pollution in urban areas. A “green street” is a stormwater management approach that incorporates vegetation, soil, and engineered systems to slow, filter, Green Roof and cleanse stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces. A green roof is a layer of vegetation planted over a waterproofing system that is installed on top of a flat or slightly–sloped roof. Green roofs are also Greenhouse Effect known as vegetative or eco–roofs. They fall into three main categories— Trapping and build-up of heat in the atmosphere (troposphere) near the extensive, intensive, and semi–intensive. Green roofs have been shown to earth's surface. Some of the heat flowing back toward space from the decrease heat island contributions of buildings and decrease stormwater earth's surface is absorbed by water vapor, carbon dioxide, ozone, and runoff while increasing overall vegetative land coverage. several other gases in the atmosphere and then reradiated back toward the earth's surface. If the atmospheric concentrations of these greenhouse Green wall gases rise, the average temperature of the lower atmosphere will gradually A green wall is similar to a green roof but applied to exterior wall surfaces. increase. (UNFCC) Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Global Protocol for Community-Scale Greenhouse Gas Emissions The sum of gross value added, at purchasers' prices, by all resident and Inventories: non-resident producers in the economy, plus any taxes and minus any A robust, transparent and globally-accepted framework that cities and subsidies not included in the value of the products in a country or a local governments can use to consistently identify, calculate and report on geographic region for a given period, normally one year. It is calculated city greenhouse gas emissions. without deducting for depreciation of fabricated assets or depletion and degradation of natural resources. (IPCC3) Greenhouse Gas Greenhouse Gas (GHG) is any gas that absorbs infrared radiation in the Groundwater atmosphere. Greenhouse gases include, but are not limited to, water Water that occurs beneath the water table in soils and geologic formations vapor, carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), that are fully saturated. hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), ozone (O3), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). (UNFCC) H Halocarbons Greenhouse Gas Reduction A collective term for the group of partially halogenated organic species, Actions taken to reduce the number and severity of potential future including the chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons climate impacts compared to un-checked greenhouse gas emissions. (HCFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), halons, methyl chloride, methyl bromide, etc. Many of the halocarbons have large Global Warming Green Infrastructure Potentials. The chlorine and bromine-containing halocarbons are also involved in the depletion of the ozone layer. (IPCC2) 9  Return to Agenda Climate and Sustainability Glossary of Terms Hazard Impact The potential occurrence of a natural or human-induced physical event An effect of climate change on the structure or function of a system: for that may cause loss of life, injury,or other health impacts, as well as example, environmentalconsequences of climate change, such as extreme damage and loss to property, infrastructure, livelihoods, service provision, heat waves, rising sea levels, or changes inprecipitation resulting in and environmental resources. flooding and droughts. Heat Island Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change A heat island is an urban or large-scale area characterized by temperatures The IPCC was established jointly by the United Nations Environment higher than those of the surrounding due to human activities. The Programme and the World Meteorological Organization in 1988. The difference in temperature between urban and less-developed rural areas purpose of the IPCC is to assess information in the scientific and technical has to do with how well the surfaces in each environment absorb and hold literature related to all significant components of the issue of climate heat. See also “Micro Heat Island” change. The IPCC draws upon hundreds of the world's expert scientists as authors and thousands as expert reviewers. Leading experts on climate Hydrocarbons change and environmental, social, and economic sciences from some 60 Strictly defined as molecules containing only hydrogen and carbon. The nations have helped the IPCC to prepare periodic assessments of the term is often used more broadly to include any molecules in petroleum scientific underpinnings for understanding global climate change and its which also contains molecules with S, N, or O An unsaturated hydrocarbon consequences. With its capacity for reporting on climate change, its is any hydrocarbon containing olefinic or aromatic structures. (IPCC) consequences, and the viability of adaptation and mitigation measures, the IPCC is also looked to as the official advisory body to the world's Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) governments on the state of the science of the climate change issue. For Compounds containing only hydrogen, fluorine, and carbon atoms. They example, the IPCC organized the development of internationally accepted were introduced as alternatives to ozone depleting substances in serving methods for conducting national greenhouse gas emission inventories. many industrial, commercial, and personal needs. HFCs are emitted as by- (USEPA1) products of industrial processes and are also used in manufacturing. They do not significantly deplete the stratospheric ozone layer, but they are K powerful greenhouse gases with global warming potentials ranging from Kilowatt Hour (kWh): 140 (HFC-152a) to 11,700 (HFC-23). (USEPA1) A measure of electrical energy equivalent to a power consumption of 1,000 watts for one hour. I ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability: Kyoto Protocol A membership organization for local governments to pursue reductions in The Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on carbon pollution and improvements in advancing sustainable urban Climate Change (UNFCCC) was adopted in 1997 in Kyoto, Japan, at the development. ICLEI’s members and team of experts work together Third Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UNFCCC. It through peer exchange, partnerships and capacity building to create contains legally binding commitments, in addition to those included in the systemic change for urban sustainability. UNFCCC. Countries included in Annex B of the Protocol (most Organisation 10  Return to Agenda Climate and Sustainability Glossary of Terms for Economic Cooperation and Development countries and countries with most recently estimated at 25 times that of carbon dioxide (CO2). Methane economies in transition) agreed to reduce their anthropogenic greenhouse is produced through anaerobic (without oxygen) decomposition of waste gas emissions (carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, in landfills, flooded rice fields, animal digestion, decomposition of animal hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulphur hexafluoride) by at wastes, production and distribution of natural gas and petroleum, coal least 5% below 1990 levels in the commitment period 2008 to 2012. The production, and incomplete fossil fuel combustion. The GWP is from the Kyoto Protocol entered into force on 16 February 2005. (IPCC2) IPCC's Fourth Assessment Report (AR4). L Metric Ton Land Use and Land Use Change The tonne (t) or metric ton (MT), sometimes referred to as a metric tonne, Land use refers to the total of arrangements, activities and inputs is an international unit of mass. A metric ton is equal to a Megagram (Mg), undertaken in a certain land cover type (a set of human actions). The term 1000 kilograms, 2204.6 pounds, or 1.1023 short tons. land use is also used in the sense of the social and economic purposes for which land is managed (e.g., grazing, timber extraction and conservation). Micro Heat Island Land use change refers to a change in the use or management of land by Micro heat islands are smaller scale hot spots within developed areas humans, which may lead to a change in land cover. Land cover and land which experience higher temperatures than surrounding areas due to how use change may have an impact on the surface albedo, evapotranspiration, well the surfaces in the location absorb, reflect, and hold heat. These sources and sinks of greenhouse gases, or other properties of the climate occur in areas such as poorly vegetated parking lots, non-reflective roofs system and may thus have a radiative forcing and/or other impacts on and asphalt roads. Micro urban heat islands are strongly affected by micro climate, locally or globally. (IPCC2) climate factors and localized conditions of the built environment. See also “Heat Island” Living Streets A “living street” combines the concepts of complete streets and Million Metric Tons (MMT) green streets while putting additional focus on quality of life aspects Common measurement used in GHG inventories. It is equal to a Teragram for City residents. (Tg). LULUCF Mitigation: Acronym for "Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry", a category of Actions taken to limit the magnitude or rate of long-term global warming activities in GHG inventories. and its related effects. Climate change mitigation generally involves reductions in human emissions of greenhouse gases. M Megawatt Hour (MWH): Mobile Sources A measure of electrical energy equivalent to a power consumption of Sources of air pollution such as automobiles, motorcycles, trucks, off-road 1,000,000 watts for one hour. vehicles, boats, and airplanes. (CARB) Methane (CH4) Mode Share A hydrocarbon that is a greenhouse gas with a global warming potential 11  Return to Agenda Climate and Sustainability Glossary of Terms The percentage of travelers using a particular type of transportation. Modal share is an important component in developing sustainable Net Zero Emissions (NZE) transport within a city or region because it reveals the level of utilization of Refers to a community, business, institution, or building for which, on an various transportation methods. The percentage reflects how well annual basis, all greenhouse gas emissions resulting from operations are infrastructure, policies, investments, and land-use patterns support offset by carbon-free energy production. An NZE building or property is different types of travel. one which generates or offsets all energy consumed. If a City develops a NZE building code, this definition will have to be refined to provide Model additional guidance on calculating emissions and offsets to achieve net- A model is a quantitatively-based abstraction of a real-world situation zero emissions. which may simplify or neglect certain features to better focus on its more important elements. (IPCC) Nitrogen Fixation Conversion of atmospheric nitrogen gas into forms useful to plants and Municipal Power Aggregation other organisms by lightning, bacteria, and blue-green algae; it is part of See “Community Choice Aggregation” the nitrogen cycle. (UNFCC) Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) Residential solid waste and some non-hazardous commercial, institutional, Gases consisting of one molecule of nitrogen and varying numbers of and industrial wastes. This material is generally sent to municipal landfills oxygen molecules. Nitrogen oxides are produced in the emissions of for disposal. (USEPA1) vehicle exhausts and from power stations. In the atmosphere, nitrogen oxides can contribute to formation of photochemical ozone (smog), can N impair visibility, and have health consequences; they are thus considered Natural Sources pollutants. (NASA) Non-manmade emission sources, including biological and geological sources, wildfires, and windblown dust. (CARB) Nitrous Oxide (N2O) A powerful greenhouse gas with a global warming potential of 298 times Net Energy Metering, (NEM) that of carbon dioxide (CO2). Major sources of nitrous oxide include soil Net Energy Metering (NEM), also known as Net Metering, allows cultivation practices, especially the use of commercial and organic residential and commercial customers who generate their own electricity fertilizers, manure management, fossil fuel combustion, nitric acid from solar power to sell the electricity they aren't using back into the grid. production, and biomass burning. The GWP is from the IPCC's Fourth The NEM rate schedule (energy tariff) determines how much you are paid Assessment Report (AR4). for the electricity you sold to the grid. Many states have passed net metering laws. In other states, utilities may offer net metering programs O voluntarily or as a result of regulatory decisions. Differences between state Ozone (O3) legislation, regulatory decisions and implementation policies mean that Ozone, the triatomic form of oxygen (O3), is a gaseous atmospheric the mechanism for compensating solar customers varies widely across constituent. In the troposphere, it is created both naturally and by the country. photochemical reactions involving gases resulting from human activities 12  Return to Agenda Climate and Sustainability Glossary of Terms (smog). Tropospheric ozone acts as a greenhouse gas. In the stratosphere, Point Sources it is created by the interaction between solar ultraviolet radiation and Specific points of origin where pollutants are emitted into the atmosphere molecular oxygen (O2). Stratospheric ozone plays a dominant role in the such as factory smokestacks. (CARB) stratospheric radiative balance. Its concentration is highest in the ozone layer. (IPCC2) Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) A power purchase agreement (PPA), or electricity power agreement, is a Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) contract between two parties; one party generates electricity (the seller) A compound that contributes to stratospheric ozone depletion. Ozone- and the other party looks to purchase electricity (the buyer). Individual depleting substances (ODS) include CFCs, HCFCs, halons, methyl bromide, customers and organizations may enter into PPAs with individual carbon tetrachloride, and methyl chloroform. ODS are generally very stable developers or may join together to seek better prices in the troposphere and only degrade under intense ultraviolet light in the as a group. PPAs can allow longer term commitments to renewable energy stratosphere. When they break down, they release chlorine or bromine as well as a form of “direct” investing in new renewable energy generation. atoms, which then deplete ozone. (IPCC) Property-Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) P A program created for financing energy efficiency and renewable Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) improvements on private property. Private property can include A group of human-made chemicals composed of carbon and fluorine only. residential, commercial or industrial properties. Improvements can include These chemicals (predominantly CF4 and C2F6) were introduced as energy efficiency, renewable energy and water conservation upgrades to a alternatives, along with hydrofluorocarbons, to the ozone depleting building. substances. In addition, PFCs are emitted as by-products of industrial processes and are also used in manufacturing. PFCs do not harm the Process Emissions stratospheric ozone layer, but they are powerful greenhouse gases: CF4 has Emissions from industrial processes involving chemical transformations a global warming potential (GWP) of 7,390 and C2F6 has a GWP of 12,200. other than combustion. (IPCC) The GWP is from the IPCC's Fourth Assessment Report (AR4). R Photosynthesis Radiative Forcing The process by which plants take carbon dioxide from the air (or A change in the balance between incoming solar radiation and outgoing bicarbonate in water) to build carbohydrates, releasing oxygen in the infrared (i.e., thermal) radiation. Without any radiative forcing, solar process. There are several pathways of photosynthesis with different radiation coming to the Earth would continue to be approximately equal to responses to atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations. (IPCC2) the infrared radiation emitted from the Earth. The addition of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere traps an increased fraction of the infrared POC radiation, reradiating it back toward the surface of the Earth and thereby “People of Color” or “Person of Color” is a general umbrella term that creates a warming influence. (UNFCC) collectively refers to all non-white demographic groups. 13  Return to Agenda Climate and Sustainability Glossary of Terms Reforestation navigation, recreation etc.) where substantial changes in water area due to Planting of forests on lands that have previously contained forests but that water level regulation may occur. (IPCC) have been converted to some other use. (IPCC2) Respiration Regeneration The process whereby living organisms convert organic matter to carbon The act of renewing tree cover by establishing young trees, naturally or dioxide, releasing energy and consuming molecular oxygen. (IPCC2) artificially - note regeneration usually maintains the same forest type and is done promptly after the previous stand or forest was removed. (CSU) Retro-commissioning The systematic process to improve an existing building’s performance Renewable Energy ensuring the building controls are running efficiently and balancing the Energy resources that are naturally replenishing such as solar, wind, hydro designed use and the actual use of the building. and geothermal energy. Ride-share Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) The practice of sharing transportation in the form of carpooling or A market-based instrument that represents the property rights to the vanpooling. It is typically an arrangement made through a ride-matching environmental, social and other non-power attributes of renewable service that connects drivers with riders. electricity generation. RECs are issued when one megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity is generated and delivered to the electricity grid from a S renewable energy resource. The single largest category of Scope 1: reductions in Evanston’s emissions has been through the purchase of RECs. Scope 1 includes emissions being released within the city limits resulting from combustion of fossil fuels and from waste decomposition in the Residence Time landfill and wastewater treatment plant. Average time spent in a reservoir by an individual atom or molecule. Also, this term is used to define the age of a molecule when it leaves the Scope 2: reservoir. With respect to greenhouse gases, residence time usually refers Scope 2 includes emissions produced outside the city that are induced by to how long a particular molecule remains in the atmosphere. (UNFCC) consumption of electrical energy within the city limits. Resilience Scope 3: The ability to anticipate, prepare for, respond to, and recover quickly from Scope 3 includes emissions of potential policy relevance to local climate change hazards with minimum damage to social well-being, the government operations that can be measured and reported but do not economy, and the environment. qualify as Scope 1 or 2. This includes, but is not limited to, outsourced operations and employee commute. Reservoir Either (1) a component or components of the climate system where a Short Ton greenhouse gas or a precursor of a greenhouse gas is stored; or (2) Water Common measurement for a ton in the United States. A short ton is equal bodies regulated for human activities (energy production, irrigation, to 2,000 lbs or 0.907 metric tons. (USEPA1) 14  Return to Agenda Climate and Sustainability Glossary of Terms negative radiative forcing (i.e., tending to cool the Earth's surface) and do Sink result in acid deposition (e.g., acid rain). (UNFCC) Any process, activity or mechanism that removes a greenhouse gas, an aerosol or a precursor of a greenhouse gas or aerosol from the Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6) atmosphere. (IPCC2) A colorless gas soluble in alcohol and ether, slightly soluble in water. A very powerful greenhouse gas with a global warming potential most recently Social Cost of Carbon estimated at 22,800 times that of carbon dioxide (CO2). SF6 is used The social cost of carbon is a measure of the economic harm from climate primarily in electrical transmission and distribution systems and as a change impacts, expressed as the dollar value of the total damages from dielectric in electronics. This GWP is from the IPCC's Fourth Assessment emitting one ton of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Report (AR4). Solar Radiation T Electromagnetic radiation emitted by the Sun. It is also referred to as Terrestrial Carbon Sequestration shortwave radiation. Solar radiation has a distinctive range of wavelengths It is the process through which carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere (spectrum) determined by the temperature of the Sun, peaking in visible is absorbed by trees, plants and crops through photosynthesis, and stored wavelengths. (IPCC2) as carbon in biomass (tree trunks, branches, foliage and roots) and soils. The term "sinks" is also used to refer to forests, croplands, and grazing Source lands, and their ability to sequester carbon. Agriculture and forestry Any process, activity or mechanism that releases a greenhouse gas, an activities can also release CO2 to the atmosphere. Therefore, a carbon sink aerosol or a precursor of a greenhouse gas or aerosol into the atmosphere. occurs when carbon sequestration is greater than carbon releases over (IPCC2) some time period. (USEPA3) Stationary Sources Therm: Non-mobile sources such as power plants, refineries, and manufacturing A unit of measure for energy that is equivalent to 100,000 British Thermal facilities which emit air pollutants. (CARB) units, or roughly the energy in 100 cubic feet of natural gas. Often used for measuring natural gas usage for billing purposes. Strategy / Strategic Goal Specific statements of direction that expand on the sustainability Total Organic Gases (TOG) vision and GHG reduction goals and guide decisions about future Gaseous organic compounds, including reactive organic gases and the public policy, community investment, and actions. relatively unreactive organic gases such as methane. (CARB) Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) Transparency A compound composed of one sulfur and two oxygen molecules. Sulfur Transparency means that the assumptions and methodologies used for an dioxide emitted into the atmosphere through natural and anthropogenic inventory should be clearly explained to facilitate replication and processes is changed in a complex series of chemical reactions in the assessment of the inventory by users of the reported information. The atmosphere to sulfate aerosols. These aerosols are believed to result in 15  Return to Agenda Climate and Sustainability Glossary of Terms transparency of inventories is fundamental to the success of the process for the communication and consideration of information. (IPCC) W Water Vapor Trend The most abundant greenhouse gas; it is the water present in the The trend of a quantity measures its change over a time period, with a atmosphere in gaseous form. Water vapor is an important part of the positive trend value indicating growth in the quantity, and a negative value natural greenhouse effect. While humans are not significantly increasing indicating a decrease. It is defined as the ratio of the change in the its concentration, it contributes to the enhanced greenhouse effect quantity over the time period, divided by the initial value of the quantity, because the warming influence of greenhouse gases leads to a positive and is usually expressed either as a percentage or a fraction. (IPCC) water vapor feedback. In addition to its role as a natural greenhouse gas, water vapor plays an important role in regulating the temperature of the U planet because clouds form when excess water vapor in the atmosphere Urban Tree Canopy condenses to form ice and water droplets and precipitation. (UNFCC) Describes the makeup and characteristics of trees within the urban environment. Weather Atmospheric condition at any given time or place. It is measured in terms V of such things as wind, temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, VMT Vehicle Miles Traveled: cloudiness, and precipitation. In most places, weather can change from A unit used to measure vehicle travel made by private vehicles, including hour-to-hour, day-to-day, and season-to-season. Climate in a narrow sense passenger vehicles, truck, vans and motorcycles. Each mile traveled is is usually defined as the "average weather", or more rigorously, as the counted as one vehicle mile regardless of the number of persons in the statistical description in terms of the mean and variability of relevant vehicle. quantities over a period of time ranging from months to thousands or millions of years. The classical period is 30 years, as defined by the World Vision Zero: Meteorological Organization (WMO). These quantities are most often Vision Zero is a strategy to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries, surface variables such as temperature, precipitation, and wind. Climate in while increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all. a wider sense is the state, including a statistical description, of the climate https://visionzeronetwork.org/ system. A simple way of remembering the difference is that climate is what you expect (e.g. cold winters) and 'weather' is what you get (e.g. a Vulnerability blizzard). (USEPA1) The degree to which a system is susceptible to or unable to cope with, adverse effects of climate change. Vulnerability consists of the following: Z • Exposure: The presence of people, ecosystems, or assets in places and Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV) settings that could beadversely affected by climate change impacts A vehicle that does not emit harmful emissions during operation. • Sensitivity: The degree to which people, ecosystems, or assets are Harmful emissions can have a negative impact on human health and affected by climate change the environment. Electric (battery-powered) cars, electric trains, • Adaptive capacity: The ability of assets, systems or people to adjust to an adverse impact 16  Return to Agenda Climate and Sustainability Glossary of Terms hydrogen-fueled vehicles, bicycles, and carriages are considered to produce zero emissions. Zero Waste The conservation of all resources by means of responsible production, consumption, reuse, and recovery of products, packaging, and materials without burning and with no discharges to land, water, or air that threaten the environment or human health. 17  Return to Agenda Appendix F References Click here to return to TOC The following are source and additional information references used in this Environmental Sustainability Plan Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan F-1  Return to Agenda Village of Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan References Executive Summary 3 World Health Organization Building Capacity on Climate Change for Human Health Toolkit: https://www.who.int/activities/building- 1 University of Reading, Show Your Stripes: capacity-on-climate-change-human-health/toolkit/cobenefits https://showyourstripes.info/ 4 United Nations Economic Commission for Europe: 2 Village of Skokie Climate Vulnerability Assessment: https://unece.org/DAM/Sustainable_Development_No._2__Final__Dr https://view.publitas.com/palebluedot/skokie-climate- aft_OK_2.pdf vulnerability-assessment-may-2022/ 5 Bollen, J. et al. (2009), Co-benefits of Climate Change 3 U.S. Global Change Research Program, National Climate Mitigation Policies: Literature Review and New Results, Assessment: https://nca2018.globalchange.gov/chapter/14/ https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/economics/co-benefits-of-climate- change-mitigation-policies_224388684356 4 REN21, Is Renewable Energy the Definition of Resilience: https://www.ren21.net/renewable-energy-resilient/ 6 i Parry, I, Veungh, C. and Heine, D. (2014), How Much Carbon Pricing is Countries’ Own Interests? The Critical 5 Generation180, Clean Energy is a Massive Job Creator: Role of Co-Benefits; https://generation180.org/clean-energy-is-a-massive-job-creator/ https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/wp/2014/wp14174.pdf 6 United Nations Environmental Programme, Emissions Gap Report 7 West, J. et al. (2013), Co-Benefits of Mitigating Global November 2019: https://www.unep.org/resources/emissions-gap- Greenhouse Gas Emissions for Future Air Quality and report-2019 Human Health; https://www.nature.com/articles/nclimate2009 8 Mapping the co-benefits of climate change action to issues of public concern in the UK: a narrative review: Introduction https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanplh/article/PIIS2542- 5196(20)30167-4/fulltext 1 Estimating the Health-Related Costs of 10 Climate-Sensitive US Events During 2012: https://www.nrdc.org/resources/bitter-pill-high- 9 Union of Concerned Scientists, Top 10 Benefits of Climate Action: health-costs-climate-change https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/top-10-benefits-climate-action 2 Stop Climate Change, Save Lives: https://www.nrdc.org/stop- 10 Village of Skokie Ground Cover Survey and Carbon Sequestration climate-change-save-lives Study: https://view.publitas.com/palebluedot/skokie-ground- cover-heat-island-and-carbon-sequestration-study  Return to Agenda Village of Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan References 11 US EPA, Benefits of Global Action; 20 Employment numbers are from US Census Bureau. Most recent https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015- data available is for year 2019 and is used in this report for both year 06/documents/cirareport.pdf 2019 and 2020 accordingly. https://onthemap.ces.census.gov/ 12 US Climate Resilience Toolkit Climate Explorer: https://toolkit.climate.gov/tool/climate-explorer-0 13 U.S. Global Change Research Program, Climate Science Special Report: https://science2017.globalchange.gov/ 14 University of Michigan Climate Center, Cities Impacts and Adaptation Tool (CIAT): http://graham- maps.miserver.it.umich.edu/ciat/home.xhtml 15 US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Centers For Environmental Information, Climate Data Online: https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/cdo-web/ 16 Goldman School of Public Policy at the University of California Berkeley, Estimating Economic Damage from Climate Change in the United States, Solomon Hsiang et al: https://science.sciencemag.org/content/356/6345/1362 17 Village of Skokie Community GHG projections https://view.publitas.com/palebluedot/skokie-community- greenhouse-gas-emissions-projections 18 Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional GDP Data: https://apps.bea.gov/iTable/iTable.cfm?reqid=70&step=1&isuri=1&a crdn=5#reqid=70&step=1&isuri=1&acrdn=5 19 IPCC Sixth Assessment Report, Technical Summary: https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg1/downloads/report/IPCC_AR6_ WGI_TS.pdf  Return to Agenda Village of Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan References Transportation and Mobility 10 Wisconsin State Farmer: https://www.wisfarmer.com/story/news/2021/08/30/challenges- 1 Source: Alltransit https://alltransit.cnt.org/ ahead-manufacturers-trying-electrify-farm-vehicles/5657095001/ 2 TRB Special Report 298: Driving and the Built Environment: Effects 11 Altenergymag https://www.altenergymag.com/story/2022/01/5- of Compact Development on Motorized Travel, Energy Use, and CO2 emerging-obstacles-with-fleet-electrification-in-2022/36578/ Emissions Impacts of Land Use Patterns on Vehicle Miles Traveled 12 US Department of Energy, Alternative Fuels Center; Evidence from the Literature https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/biodiesel_benefits.html https://www.nap.edu/read/12747/chapter/5#88 13 US Department of Energy, Alternative Fuels Center: 3 The Influence of Urban Form on GHG Emissions in the U.S. https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/emerging_hydrocarbon.html Household Sector (Lee, S., and Lee, B. 2014 ) https://www.researchgate.net/publication/270952371_The_influenc 14 US Energy Information Administration, e_of_urban_form_on_GHG_emissions_in_the_US_household_sector https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/biofuels/biodiesel-rd-other- basics.php 4 US Census data, https://datausa.io/profile/geo/skokie-il 15 University of Michigan Engineering, Renewable Diesel Demonstration Project: https://rddemo.engin.umich.edu/ 5 EV Hub: https://www.atlasevhub.com/materials/state-ev- registration-data/ 16 Village of Skokie Climate Action Survey Report https://view.publitas.com/palebluedot/skokie-cap-survey-report/ 6 Alliance for Automotive Innovation: https://www.autosinnovate.org/resources/electric-vehicle-sales- 17 World Health Organization, “Pedestrian safety: A Road Safety dashboard Manual for Decision Makers and Practitioners.” https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/79753/97892415 7 Village of Skokie Community GHG Inventory, 2020 05352_eng.pdf https://view.publitas.com/palebluedot/skokie-community- greenhouse-gas-emissions-projections/ 18 The League of American Bicyclists, La Crosse Report, 2020 https://bikeleague.org/sites/default/files/bfareportcards/BFC_Fall_2 8 US Census Bureau: 020_ReportCard_La_Crosse_WI.pdf https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/lacrossecitywisconsin 19 US Energy Information Administration, Carbon Dioxide Emissions 9 Village of Skokie Climate Action Baseline Assessment and Coefficients: Strategic Goal Recommendations report: https://www.eia.gov/environment/emissions/co2_vol_mass.php https://view.publitas.com/palebluedot/skokie-sustainability- baseline-assessment/ 20 AAA Average gasoline prices (as of July 2022);  Return to Agenda Village of Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan References https://gasprices.aaa.com/?state=WI 6 The Influence of Urban Form on GHG Emissions in the U.S. Household Sector (Lee, S., and Lee, B. 2014 ) 21 paleBLUEdot “The Carbon Footprint of a Lawn”: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/270952371_The_influenc https://palebluedot.llc/carbon-copy/2015/7/16/the-carbon-footprint- e_of_urban_form_on_GHG_emissions_in_the_US_household_sector of-a-lawn 7 National Climate Assessment, Midwest Chapter: https://nca2018.globalchange.gov/chapter/21/ 22 Edmonds “Emissions Test: Car vs Truck vs Leaf Blower” https://www.edmunds.com/car-reviews/features/emissions-test- 8 Village of Skokie Climate Vulnerability Assessment: car-vs-truck-vs-leaf-blower.html https://view.publitas.com/palebluedot/skokie-climate-vulnerability- assessment-may-2022 9 Village of Skokie Ground Cover Survey and Carbon Sequestration Land Use and Housing Study: https://view.publitas.com/palebluedot/skokie-ground- cover-heat-island-and-carbon-sequestration-study 1 ACEEE Understanding Energy Affordability: https://www.aceee.org/sites/default/files/energy-affordability.pdf 10 La Crosse County Code Chapter 21 - Erosion Control and Land Disturbances: 2 US Department of Energy LEAD Tool: https://www.lacrossecounty.org/code/pdf/Chapter%2021%20- https://www.energy.gov/eere/slsc/maps/lead-tool %20Erosion%20Control%20and%20Land%20Distrubances.pdf 3 Village of Skokie Climate Action Baseline Assessment and 11 US EPA https://www.epa.gov/heatislands Strategic Goal Recommendations report: https://view.publitas.com/palebluedot/skokie-sustainability- 12 US EPA, Climate Change and Heat Islands: baseline-assessment/ https://www.epa.gov/heatislands/climate-change-and-heat-islands 4 Village of Skokie Climate Action Baseline Assessment and 13 Comparison of impervious surface area and normalized Strategic Goal Recommendations report: difference vegetation index as indicators of surface urban heat https://view.publitas.com/palebluedot/skokie-sustainability- island effects in Landsat imagery. Fi Yuan and Marvin Bauer, baseline-assessment/ February 2007: https://rs.umn.edu/sites/rs.umn.edu/files/Urban_heat_island-- 5 TRB Special Report 298: Driving and the Built Environment: Effects Impervious__RSE_paper.pdf of Compact Development on Motorized Travel, Energy Use, and CO2 Emissions Impacts of Land Use Patterns on Vehicle Miles Traveled 14 Jessel S, Sawyer S and Hernández D (2019) Energy, Poverty, and Evidence from the Literature Health in Climate Change: A Comprehensive Review of an Emerging https://www.nap.edu/read/12747/chapter/5#88  Return to Agenda Village of Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan References Literature. Front. Public Health 7:357. doi: 21 Housing Matters, “Why Cities Need to Prepare for Climate 10.3389/fpubh.2019.00357: Migration” https://housingmatters.urban.org/feature/why-cities- https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2019.00357/full need-prepare-climate-migration #h12 22 Robinson C, Dilkina B, “Modeling migration patterns in the USA under sea level rise” https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0227436 15 George Washington University, Milken Institute of Public Health https://onlinepublichealth.gwu.edu/resources/how-to-understand- energy-poverty-clean-energy-clean-cooking/ Buildings and Energy 16 Village of Skokie Renewable Energy Potentials Study https://view.publitas.com/palebluedot/skokie-renewable- 1 US Department of Energy, Residential Program Solution Center: https://rpsc.energy.gov/energy-data-facts potentials-study/ 2 US Census Bureau: 17 Tony G. Reames, Michael A. Reiner, M. Ben Stacey, An https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/lacrossecitywisconsin incandescent truth: Disparities in energy-efficient lighting availability and prices in an urban U.S. county: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S030626191 3 State of Minnesota Pollution Control Agency “Top 6 Benefits of 8302769 High Performance Buildings” https://www.pca.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/highperformance- brochure.pdf 18 Portland State University. "Shifts to renewable energy can drive up energy poverty, study finds." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 12 July 2019. 4 US Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/07/190712151926.ht Renewable Energy: https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/zero- m energy-buildings 19 Village of Skokie Community GHG Inventory, 2020 5 ACEEE Understanding Energy Affordability: https://view.publitas.com/palebluedot/skokie-community- https://www.aceee.org/sites/default/files/energy-affordability.pdf greenhouse-gas-emissions-projections/ 6 Jessel S, Sawyer S and Hernández D (2019) Energy, Poverty, and 20 NRDC, “Climate Report Confirms Housing Is Essential to Health in Climate Change: A Comprehensive Review of an Emerging Adaptation”: https://www.nrdc.org/experts/sam-whillans/climate- Literature. Front. Public Health 7:357. doi: report-confirms-housing-essential-adaptation 10.3389/fpubh.2019.00357: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2019.00357/full #h12  Return to Agenda Village of Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan References 7 Tony G. Reames, Michael A. Reiner, M. Ben Stacey, An Gas Consumption data: incandescent truth: Disparities in energy-efficient lighting availability https://www.eia.gov/dnav/ng/hist/n3010wi2A.htm and prices in an urban U.S. county: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S030626191 16 Center for Climate and Energy Solutions: 8302769 https://www.c2es.org/content/climate-resilience-overview/ 8 Portland State University. "Shifts to renewable energy can drive up 17 Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning, University energy poverty, study finds." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 12 July of Michigan, “GREEN BUILDING AND CLIMATE RESILIENCE, 2019. Understanding impacts and preparing for changing conditions” https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/07/190712151926.ht https://taubmancollege.umich.edu/pdfs/student_work/planning/gre m en_building_climate_resilience.pdf 9 Village of Skokie Community GHG Inventory, 2020 18 UN Environment Programe “A Practical Guide to Climate-resilient https://view.publitas.com/palebluedot/skokie-community- Buildings & Communities” greenhouse-gas-emissions-projections/ https://www.unep.org/resources/practical-guide-climate-resilient- buildings 10 Xcel Energy Building a Carbon-Free Future: https://www.xcelenergy.com/staticfiles/xe/PDF/Xcel%20Energy%20 19 BC Housing Research Centre, “Climate Change Resilience for Carbon%20Report%20-%20Mar%202019.pdf Buildings” https://www.rdh.com/wp- content/uploads/2021/07/Climate-Change-Resilience-for-Buildings- 11 US Department of Energy, Renewable Energy Certificates: Primer.pdf https://www.epa.gov/greenpower/renewable-energy-certificates- recs 20 C40, “Reducing climate change impacts on new buildings” https://www.c40knowledgehub.org/s/article/Reducing-climate- 12 Energy Sage, Renewable Energy Credits: change-impacts-on-new-buildings?language=en_US https://www.energysage.com/other-clean-options/renewable- energy-credits-recs/ 13 Not Used Waste Management 14 US Census Bureau, ACS 2018 (5-Year Estimates) heating fuel 1 State of Wisconsin DNR, “Wisconsin Waste Reduction utilization data: https://www.census.gov/acs/www/data/data- and Recycling Law”: tables-and-tools/data-profiles/2020/ https://dnr.wi.gov/files/pdf/pubs/wa/WA422.pdf 15 US Energy Information Administration, State of Wisconsin Natural 2 Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, WasteWise program:  Return to Agenda Village of Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan References https://www.mnchamber.com/sites/default/files/Waste%20Wise%2 greenhouse-gas-emissions-projections/ 0Annual%20Report.pdf 3 North Carolina State University Extension, How Your Business Can Cut Costs by Reducing Waste: https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/how- Water and Wastewater your-business-can-cut-costs-by-reducing-wastes 1 Village of Skokie Community GHG Inventory, 2020 4 ReFed, A Roadmap To Reduce US Food Waste by 20 Percent: https://view.publitas.com/palebluedot/skokie-community- https://www.refed.com/downloads/ReFED_Report_2016.pdf greenhouse-gas-emissions-projections/ 5 Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry: 2 RiskFactor community profile: https://riskfactor.com/city/skokie- https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/hac/landfill/html/ch2.html wi/5540775_fsid/fire 6 State of Wisconsin, 2020-2021 Statewide Waste Characterization 3 Village of Skokie Climate Vulnerability Assessment: Study: https://view.publitas.com/palebluedot/skokie-climate-vulnerability- https://widnr.widencollective.com/portals/9locxp5m/SolidWasteinW assessment-may-2022 isconsinLandfills 4 Water Research Foundation, Residential End Uses Of Water 7 US EPA, Cleaning Up Electronic Waste: Version 2 2016: https://www.epa.gov/international-cooperation/cleaning-electronic- https://www.waterrf.org/research/projects/residential-end-uses- waste-e-waste water-version-2 8: Gustav Sandin, Greg M. Peters, Environmental impact of textile 5 National Climate Assessment, Midwest Chapter: reuse and recycling – A review, Journal of Cleaner Production: https://nca2018.globalchange.gov/chapter/21/ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S095965261830 5985 6 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Precipitation- Frequency Atlas of the U .S . Volume 9 Village of Skokie Climate Action Baseline Assessment and https://hdsc.nws.noaa.gov/hdsc/pfds/ Strategic Goal Recommendations report: https://view.publitas.com/palebluedot/skokie-sustainability- 7 National Academies of Science Engineering and Medicine, baseline-assessment/ “Framing the Challenge of Urban Flooding in the United States, 2019”: https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/25381/framing- 10 Village of Skokie Community GHG Inventory, 2020 the-challenge-of-urban-flooding-in-the-united-states https://view.publitas.com/palebluedot/skokie-community-  Return to Agenda Village of Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan References Local Food and Agriculture Healthy, Resilient, Equitable Communities: https://www.planning.org/planning/2021/winter/local-food- 1 Conner, David & Knudson, William & Hamm, Michael & Peterson, H.. systems-key-to-healthy-resilient-equitable-communities/ (2008). The Food System as an Economic Driver: Strategies and Applications for Michigan. 8 USDA, Why Should You Care About Food Waste: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/247521128_The_Food_Sy https://www.usda.gov/foodlossandwaste/why stem_as_an_Economic_Driver_Strategies_and_Applications_for_Mic higan 9 ReFed, A Roadmap To Reduce US Food Waste by 20 Percent: https://www.refed.com/downloads/ReFED_Report_2016.pdf 2 USDA Climate Indicators for Agriculture: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/climate_indica 10 Crippa, M., Solazzo, E., Guizzardi, D. et al. Food systems are tors_for_agriculture.pdf responsible for a third of global anthropogenic GHG emissions: https://www.nature.com/articles/s43016-021-00225-9 3 US Department of Health, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion: https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics- 11 North Carolina State Extension, Research & Benefits of objectives/topic/social-determinants-health/interventions- Community Gardens: resources/food-insecurity https://nccommunitygardens.ces.ncsu.edu/resources- 3/nccommunitygardens-research/ 4 Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Inequities in the Food System: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/ffed/resources- 12 American Community Gardening Association; 2/food-systems-equity/ https://www.communitygarden.org/garden 5 Lengnick, Laura. (2015). The vulnerability of the US food system to 13 Star Tribune, Community Gardens More Than Triple in Twin Cities: climate change. Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences. https://www.startribune.com/community-gardens-more-than-triple- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/282499666_The_vulnerab in-twin-cities/392254821/ ility_of_the_US_food_system_to_climate_change 14 USDA Food Research Atlas: https://www.ers.usda.gov/data- 6 Cleveland Foundation, ParkWorks, Kent State University Cleveland products/food-access-research-atlas/go-to-the-atlas/ Urban Design Collaborative, Neighborhood Progress Inc., Cleveland- Cuyahoga County Food Policy Coalition: 15 Hannah Ritchie, You want to reduce the carbon footprint of your https://docs.google.com/viewerng/viewer?url=https://community- food? Focus on what you eat, not whether your food is local; wealth.org/sites/clone.community- https://ourworldindata.org/food-choice-vs-eating-local wealth.org/files/downloads/report-masi-et-al.pdf 16 USDA 2017 Census of Agriculture, La Crosse County: 7 American Planning Association, Local Food Systems Key to https://www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/AgCensus/2017/Online_R  Return to Agenda Village of Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan References esources/County_Profiles/Wisconsin/cp55063.pdf Blignaut, E Gómez-Baggethun, DJ Nowak, J Kronenberg, R de Groot, Benefits of restoring ecosystem services in urban areas, Current 17 Feeding America, Food Insecurity in The United States: Opinion in Environmental Sustainability, Volume 14, 2015: https://map.feedingamerica.org/ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S187734351500 0433 18 USDA “Climate Change, Global Food Security, and the U.S. Food System”: https://www.usda.gov/oce/energy-and-environment/food- 3 USDA Forest Service, Carbon Storage and Sequestration by Urban security Trees in the USA: https://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/5521 19 Land Trust Alliance, “Manage Agricultural Lands for Climate 4 US EPA, Using Trees and Vegetation to Reduce Heat Islands: Change” https://climatechange.lta.org/manage-agricultural-lands- https://www.epa.gov/heatislands/using-trees-and-vegetation- for-climate-change/ reduce-heat-islands 20 National Climate Assessment: https://nca2014.globalchange.gov/report/sectors/agriculture 5 USDA Forest Service, Trees Reduce Building Energy Use in US Cities: https://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/news/release/trees-reduces- 21 American Farmland Trust “Smarter Land Use Planning is Urgently building-energy-use Needed to Safeguard the Land That Grows Our Food” https://farmland.org/new-report-smarter-land-use-planning-is- 6 US EPA, Green Landscaping: Greenacres, a Source Book on Natural urgently-needed-to-safeguard-the-land-that-grows-our-food/ Landscaping for Public Officials: 22 Successful Farming, “ Land use and farming have crucial role to https://archive.epa.gov/greenacres/web/html/chap2.html play in avoiding climate catastrophe”: https://www.agriculture.com/news/business/report-land-use-and- 7 Fight Climate Change at Home: Landscaping with Native Grasses, farming-have-crucial-role-to-play-in-avoiding-climate-catastrophe Lindsay Ifill: https://www.wildrootsnj.com/ecological-landscaping- with-native-grasses-climate-change/ Green Space and Trees 8 Tallgrass Ontario: Tallgrass Prairie and Carbon Sequestration: https://tallgrassontario.org/wp-site/carbon-sequestration/ 1 Francisco J. Escobedo, Timm Kroeger, John E. Wagner, Urban forests and pollution mitigation: Analyzing ecosystem services and 9 US EPA, Climate Change and Heat Islands: disservices, Environmental Pollution, Volume 159, Issues 8–9, 2011: https://www.epa.gov/heatislands/climate-change-and-heat-islands https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S026974911 1000327 10 Village of Skokie Climate Vulnerability Assessment: https://view.publitas.com/palebluedot/skokie-climate-vulnerability- 2 T Elmqvist, H Setälä, SN Handel, S van der Ploeg, J Aronson, JN assessment-may-2022  Return to Agenda Village of Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan References 11 Comparison of impervious surface area and normalized assessment-may-2022 difference vegetation index as indicators of surface urban heat island effects in Landsat imagery. Fi Yuan and Marvin Bauer, 2 National Climate Assessment: February 2007: https://nca2018.globalchange.gov/chapter/14/ https://rs.umn.edu/sites/rs.umn.edu/files/Urban_heat_island-- Impervious__RSE_paper.pdf 3 Khatibi, F.S., Dedekorkut-Howes, A., Howes, M. et al. Can public awareness, knowledge and engagement improve climate change 12 Village of Skokie Ground Cover Survey and Carbon Sequestration adaptation policies?. Discov Sustain 2, 18 (2021). Study: https://view.publitas.com/palebluedot/skokie-ground- https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-021-00024-z cover-heat-island-and-carbon-sequestration-study 4 O’Neill, B.C., Jiang, L., KC, S. et al. The effect of education on 13 The Royal College of Psychiatrists “The importance of determinants of climate change risks. Nat Sustain 3, 520–528 greenspace for mental health”: (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41893-020-0512-y https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5663018/ 14 New Scientist, “Green spaces aren’t just for nature – they boost 5 United Nations, Education is Key to Addressing Climate Change: our mental health too” https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/climate-solutions/education- https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg24933270-800-green- key-addressing-climate-change spaces-arent-just-for-nature-they-boost-our-mental-health-too/ 6 Adaptive Capacity for Climate Change in Canadian Rural 15 Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, represented by the Communities, Ellen Wall & Katia Marzall: Minister of Health, “Commentary Climate change, health and green https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/1354983060078550 space co-benefits” 6 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6553580/ 16 Wallentinus, Hans-Georg “Red-listed forest bird species in an 7 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Precipitation- urban environment - Assessment of green space corridors” Frequency Atlas of the U .S . Volume https://www.researchgate.net/publication/223470552_Red- https://hdsc.nws.noaa.gov/hdsc/pfds/ listed_forest_bird_species_in_an_urban_environment_- _Assessment_of_green_space_corridors 8 La Crosse County Code Chapter 21 - Erosion Control and Land Distrubances: https://www.lacrossecounty.org/code/pdf/Chapter%2021%20- Health and Safety %20Erosion%20Control%20and%20Land%20Distrubances.pdf 1 Village of Skokie Climate Vulnerability Assessment: 9 US Interagency Security Committee, “Best Practices & Key https://view.publitas.com/palebluedot/skokie-climate-vulnerability- Considerations for Enhancing Federal Facility Security and Resilience to Climate-Related Hazards”:  Return to Agenda Village of Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan References https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/isc- 7 World Resources Institute, 10 Charts Show the Economic Benefits enhancing-resilience-climate-hazards-dec-2015-508.pdf of US Climate Action: https://www.wri.org/insights/10-charts-show- economic-benefits-us-climate-action 10 US Department of Homeland Security “Integrating Climate Adaptation into the Department to strengthen mission operations 8 Brookings Institute, Advancing Inclusion Through Clean Energy and infrastructure” https://www.sustainability.gov/pdfs/dhs-2021- Jobs: https://www.brookings.edu/research/advancing-inclusion- cap.pdf through-clean-energy-jobs/ 9 The Economist, What is The Economic Cost of Covid-19?: Economy https://www.economist.com/finance-and- economics/2021/01/09/what-is-the-economic-cost-of-covid-19 1 Zip Recruiter: https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Green- Energy-Salary 10 Swiss Re, World Economy Set to Lose up to 18% GDP From Climate Change if no Action Taken, Reveals Swiss Ri Institute’s 2 CMBC, Green Jobs in Biden’s Infrastructure Bill: What They Could Stress-Test Analysis https://www.swissre.com/media/news- Pay and How to be Eligible: releases/nr-20210422-economics-of-climate-change-risks.html https://www.cnbc.com/2021/04/12/experts-on-green-jobs-in- bidens-climate-infrastructure-bill.html 11 CDP, Major Risk Or Rosy Opportunity; Are Companies Ready For Climate Change?: https://6fefcbb86e61af1b2fc4- 3 US Census, On The Map: https://onthemap.ces.census.gov/ c70d8ead6ced550b4d987d7c03fcdd1d.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com/cms/re ports/documents/000/004/588/original/CDP_Climate_Change_repor 4 America’s New Climate Economy: A Comprehensive Guide To The t_2019.pdf?1562321876 Economic Benefits Of Climate Policy In The United States: https://files.wri.org/d8/s3fs-public/americas-new-climate- 12 US Small Business Administration, Office of Advocacy, Small economy.pdf Business GDP 1998-2014: https://advocacy.sba.gov/2018/12/19/advocacy-releases-small- 5 New Climate Economy, Unlocking The Inclusive Growth Story of business-gdp-1998-2014/ The 21st Century: Accelerating Climate Action in Urgent Times: https://newclimateeconomy.report/2018/wp- 13 Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, Hunting For Money: US content/uploads/sites/6/2018/09/NCE_2018_FULL-REPORT.pdf Cities Need A System for Financing Climate Resilience and Adaptation: https://www.frbsf.org/community- 6 United Nations, Financing Climate: development/publications/community-development-investment- https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/raising-ambition/climate- review/2019/october/hunting-for-money-u-s-cities-need-a-system- finance for-financing-climate-resilience-and-adaptation/  Return to Agenda Village of Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan References 14 Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, Two Ways to Help Cities H.. (2008). The Food System as an Economic Driver: Strategies and Finance Climate Action: https://www.c2es.org/2016/07/two-ways- Applications for Michigan. to-help-cities-finance-climate-action/ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/247521128_The_Food_Sy stem_as_an_Economic_Driver_Strategies_and_Applications_for_Mic 15 Village of Skokie Community GHG Inventory, 2020 higan https://view.publitas.com/palebluedot/skokie-community- greenhouse-gas-emissions-projections/ 23 OECD Report for the G7 Environment Ministers, Employment Implications of Green Growth: Linking jobs, growth, and green 16 Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional GDP Data: policies; https://www.oecd.org/environment/Employment- https://apps.bea.gov/iTable/iTable.cfm?reqid=70&step=1&isuri=1&a Implications-of-Green-Growth-OECD-Report-G7-Environment- crdn=5#reqid=70&step=1&isuri=1&acrdn=5 Ministers.pdf 17 Martinich, J., Crimmins, A. Climate damages and adaptation potential across diverse sectors of the United States: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-019-0444-6 18 Reuters, The global race to put a credible price on carbon: https://www.reutersevents.com/sustainability/global-race-put- credible-price-carbon 19 US EPA, Quantifying the Multiple Benefits of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy: A Guide for State and Local Governments: https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2018- 07/documents/mbg_1_multiplebenefits.pdf 20 Michael Sivak and Brandon Schoettle, Relative Costs of Driving Electric and Gasoline Vehicles in the Individual U.S. States: http://websites.umich.edu/~umtriswt/PDF/SWT-2018- 1_Abstract_English.pdf 21 World Resources Institute, Putting People at the Center of Climate Action: https://www.wri.org/insights/putting-people-center-climate- action 22 Conner, David & Knudson, William & Hamm, Michael & Peterson,  Return to Agenda Planning Team—Community Volunteers and Village Staff Appendix G Elizabeth (Beth) Demes Go Green Skokie Acknowledgements Click here to return to TOC Olivia (Libby) Mahoney Sustainable Environment Advisory Commission (SEAC) Charmaine C. John Oakton Community College We are deeply grateful for the community Mike Charley Village of Skokie - Health and Human Services collaboration and input that went into this plan. Steven Franklin VoS Economic Development Commission Below are some of the main contributors that Denise Franklin Village of Skokie Police Department made the Skokie Environmental Sustainability Alex Franz Village of Skokie - Managers Office Plan possible: Lauren Grodnicki Go Green Skokie Jenny Grossman Sustainable Environment Advisory Commission (SEAC) Village of Skokie Project Leads Corrie Guynn Skokie Park District Max Slankard Village of Skokie - Public Works Director Carrie Haberstich Village of Skokie - Planning Division Liz Zimmerman Village of Skokie - Assistant to the Public Works Director Cameron Hendricks Village of Skokie - Health and Human Services Village of Skokie Board of Trustees Jeff Hoeflich Village of Skokie Fire Department George Van Dusen Mayor George Hubchak Beautification and Improvement Commission James H. Johnson Trustee Frederick J. Lisiewicz Jr. Beautification and Improvement Commission Khem Khoeun Trustee Davorka Kirincic Village of Skokie - Neighborhood Services Division Ralph Klein Trustee Cesar Marron Sketchbook Brewing Co./Owner Alison Pure Slovin Trustee Liz Nelson Village of Skokie - Health and Human Services Keith A. Robinson Trustee Josie Neville Village of Skokie - Public Works Edie Sue Sutker Trustee Johanna Nyden Village of Skokie - Community Development Director Christopher Polinski Village of Skokie Police Department Village of Skokie Sustainable Environment Advisory Commission Russ Rietveld Village of Skokie - Public Works Jennifer Grossman Chair Joy Rifkin LRS (Lakeshore Recycling Systems) Jim McNelis Vice Chair Rachel Rosenberg Beautification and Improvement Commission Christopher Buccola Commissioner Charlie Saxe Sustainable Environment Advisory Commission (SEAC) Andrew D. DeCanniere Commissioner Jeremy Schwartz Skokie Board of Health Michael Gershbein Commissioner Phil Shefren Family Services Commisson Lisa Gotkin Commissioner Max Slankard Village of Skokie - Public Works Alma Likic Commissioner Mike Stiehl Family Services Commisson Olivia Mahoney Commissioner Ann Tennes Village of Skokie Director of Marketing and Communi- Rick Moskovitz Commissioner Emily Okallau Commissioner Melissa Versch Village of Skokie - Health and Human Services Robert Render Commissioner Sibyl Yau Skokie Board of Health Charles Saxe Commissioner Liz Zimmerman Village of Skokie - Public Works Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan G-1  Return to Agenda Prepared by: 2515 White Bear Ave, A8 Suite 177 Maplewood, MN 55109 Contact: Ted Redmond tredmond@paleBLUEdot.llc https://palebluedot.llc/  Return to Agenda 3C To: Sustainable Environmental Advisory Commission From: SEAC Waste IVIanagement Task Force Background A common component of environmental resilience and sustainability is to increase the efficiency of the waste stream. This process typically involves a combination of diversion, reduction, and improving the usability of recycled products. Skokie's Sustainabdity Plan sets a goal to "reduce, reuse, and recycle as much of the Village's waste stream as economically and technically feasible"... but requires significant participation from the community, given that municipal contributions represent a very small percentage of the overall waste stream. The Commission recognizes the critical value of engaging the 18,300 Skokie households serviced by the Village of Skokie and 3,240 units serviced by Lakeshore Recycling Service by reorganizing waste management so as to promote environmentally responsible behavior. This recommendation includes a synthesis of best practices in waste reduction and feedback from a public listening event, as explained below. in practical terms, Public Works will be renegotiating its recycling waste management contracts by May 2023, presenting an opportunity to redevelop and reimagine Skokie's contribution to the "waste stream". Listening Event The SEAC believes that reimagining Skokie's waste management is an opportunity to be as creative as possible, and that diverse feedback can positively contribute to this redevelopment. Suggested changes to the behavior of Skokle's community members wii! be most effective when done in a way that considers their needs and develops a framework that is approachable for most. As such, the SEAC hosted a listening session for the community to contribute their thoughts and feedback; community members were encouraged to submit their comments in writing and over the phone ahead of the meeting, and in person on Tuesday, October 26,2021. Recommendations Based on the public comments received, SEAC recommends that the Village Board prioritize exploring changes in refuse management in the following areas: 1. Village-Wide Curbside Food Scrap Composting: refuse management contractors are expanding access to curb-side composting, and a village-wide program may become an option in the near future. The only option currently available is a small-scale, fee-based subscription program for individuals offered by Collective Resources. A village-wide program would automatically include all residential households, and potentially commercial contracts, as available by contractors; the Commission recommends that staff explore opportunities to add Village-wide composting as part of refuse management. Alternatively, if implementing viilage-wide composting is not immediately feasible, SEAC recommends developing an incentive program to increase access to the Collective Resource curbside program. Additionally, SEAC recommends the Village continue to support the $25 rebate program for backyard composting. The benefits of composting provide a net positive to the community (as well as regionally and even  Return to Agenda globally), and SEAC recommends the use of Village funds to improve access. Doing so follows current trends, as evidenced by its increased presence at community events, such as the Backlot Bash. Increasing composting access throughout the Village would provide the following benefits: • Composting would greatly reduce the waste stream by diverting compostabies from the landfill and the associated GHG's generated by organics in landfills. • According to the GHG report by Delta Institute, refuse is a significant contributor to greenhouse gasses, and composting is a very effective emissions reduction strategy. For every pound of organics diverted from landfills, C02 emissions are reduced by 4 Ibs. * Composting has the added benefit of resulting in a product that is both usable and beneficia! to the environment. Skokie would be contributing to a process that recycles nutrients and organic materials. • There seems to be a lot of interest in composting, but a common concern of residents is having to pay for it, or managing an extra subscription rather than participating in a Vlllage-managed service. 2. Reducing refuse pickup from twice weekly to once weekly. The SEAC strongly recommends that the Village reduce refuse pickup to once weekly, for the following reasons: • By providing easy access to waste removal (in the form of twice weekly pickup) the Village is not encouraging the community to change its behavior, and not promoting and/or incentivizing more environmentally-friendly habits. Most importantly though, existing waste tonnages may not support the need for twice- weekly pickup. When asked about waste reduction, one of the most common initial responses is "why do we have twice a week pickup?" • A relatively small-scale study of randomly selected households examined garbage container volume and contents in late fall 2021. The results, presented by Village staff to the SEAC in January 2022, show with a 90% confidence interval that the majority of households included in the study would not be negatively impacted by reducing waste pickup to once a week. A very small percentage of households may require an additional cart if they are unable to change their waste management behavior - either by composting or recycling. • In a subsequent meeting with the Solid Waste Sub-Committee, Village Staff shared 20 years of data showing average monthly tonnages. The data shows that tonnages vary throughout a calendar year, but monthly averages are consistent from year to year. The study was performed in the fall and peak tonnages, which occur in the summer, are approximately 20% greater than those captured in the study; as such, there may be a small increase (relative to the number captured En the study) in the number of households requiring a second toter. However, a simultaneous investment in education and outreach to the community could contribute to an increase in recycling (and a subsequent decrease in waste tonnage). • The majority of municipalities, including those of similar sizes and socioeconomic structure have once a week pickup. • Landfills are more environmentally detrimental than diversion methods, such as recycling and composting. According to the EPA, landfills release over 17% of all anthropogenic methane in the US, and this production can continue for 20 years and beyond after a unit of waste is added. Methane and C02 account for over 90% of tandfil! emissions, and these are a byproduct of the decomposition of organic materials, including food scraps and paper.  Return to Agenda The SEAC recommends that staff expiore replacing Skokie's second weekly garbage pickup with curbside compost pickup. The cost reduction of waste pickup could potentially offset the cost of curbside composting, compost pickup wili reduce overall waste tonnages, and increased access to composting would provide net environmental benefits, as explained above. Even if the changes cannot occur simultaneously, SEAC recommends that this be the ultimate goal. From a Village services perspective, residents will feel that one service is being replaced with another, instead of a net loss if the second waste pickup is removed and not replaced with composting. In addition, other municipaiities throughout the country have adopted individualized service, in which community members choose the size of their toter bins and the frequency of their waste removal, and pay accordingly. Given the significant investment in internal infrastructure required, the SEAC does not currently recommend its implementation. The SEAC acknowledges a "Pay as you throw" mode! (with different levels of service with a differentiated fee schedule) may be appropriate in the future, and recommends a feasibility study for Skokie, including a cost benefit analysis, as recommended by the UIC Capstone Project. The timeline for such a transition would depend on factors such as implementation costs, resident interest In participating, and the net benefits of implementation. In addition, incremental change (as opposed to a complete system change) provides a better opportunity to assess impact than changing multiple factors simultaneously. 3. Communication • The SEAC recommends that the Village increase the amount of communication about ways to reduce waste, proper recycling guidelines, etc. • The SEAC acknowledges that communication itself may not sufficiently change resident behavior to make significant impacts without a significant financial investment by the Village; the SEAC therefore does not recommend this direction for use of Village funds. However, the SEAC believes that communication coupled with other programmatic changes couid have a great positive impact, and recommends the Village consider a moderate investment in improved communication around waste reductions. » An increasingly common trend for residents seeking information is by asking questions on social media, even when this information may already be available on the Village's website or in a Village email. The SEAC recommends the Village actively participate on these forums to engage directly with residents and reduce the disseminafion of misinformation that often spreads on social media. • Residents have ample opportunity to participate in programs that divert waste from iandfiiis, such as textile recycling, composting, curbside recycling, hazardous waste disposal, electronics recycling. and more. The SEAC recommends a dynamic outreach process to continuaily educate residents and provide updates as these programs evolve; the goal is to encourage participation and reduce unnecessary and/or hazardous items from going to the landfiil. 4. New, dedicated staff position: The SEAC strongly recommends that the Village explore hiring a sustainability coordinator. The SEAC greatly appreciates the tremendous  Return to Agenda assistance from the Village's Communications Department in promoting SEAC topics, but also recognizes the department's operational limitations; a dedicated staff position would have the expertise and bandwidth to promote sustainability, and specificaliy waste reduction commitments the Village has made and really bring them into all aspects of what the Village does. Primary responsibilities of a sustainability coordinator would include: - synthesizing the Village's sustainabiHty goals and working across departments to ensure that sustainabHity is incorporated throughout operations - improve communication, including using professional expertise to promote waste reduction (as well as other SEAC topics) - using professional knowledge of the most effective strategies, what areas have the greatest potential to be received by residents, and the most impactful language. Timeline 1. Develop implementation plan for reducing to once a week pickup The SEAC recommends that Village Staff explore the implementation procedures necessary to reduce pickup to once a week. The Sub-Committee understands from staff that work is required to change routes and optimize operations and requests an update at a summer 2022 SEAC meeting. 2. Explore changes to the overall structure of waste management in Skokie, including the addition of curbside composting a. Fall 2022 - Release of new sustalnability p!an b. November 2022 - develop RFP for new waste management contract (including recycling, waste, and compost) and go out to bid c. Early 2023 - report bids to the SEAC and choose best implementation path d. March / April 2023 ~ submit new contract as part of budget recommendations e. May 2023 ~ new waste/recycling/composting management contract begins Conclusion The SEAC strongly believes that the concrete steps above that directly contribute to waste diversion are necessary to reduce waste, increase recycling diversion, and implement a composting program to further divert organic waste from landfills. These recommendations are based on the desire to create the most positive net environmental impact on our Village, the region, and beyond. Please feel free to contact Jenny Grossman, Emily Okallau, or Jim McNelis with any questions. Thank you.  Return to Agenda 3E MEMORANDUM Public Works Department TO: John T. Lockerby, Village Manager FROM: ->>^^^ 5^-^—iL^. ^ Max Slankard/ Public Works Director T^'w-^^-'L Liz Zimmep'ffary, Assistant to the Public Works Director DATE: November 2, 2022 SUBJECT: Results ofToter Capacity Study and Other Data Background Prior to making any major programmatic changes/ Public Works staff wanted to gain a better understanding of household toter capacity usage per week (over two collections). Additionally, a small waste audit was conducted to gain a better understanding of materials found in Skokie's household trash. Methodology Toter Capacity Study 1. Single family households were randomly selected by exporting data from the Village's CIS program and utilizing an online lottery. 2. For each selected household/ an intern checked the toter capacity usage just prior to both collections for a one - week period. The categories of capacity usage were: a. 0% (empty up to 1-2 small grocery bags of trash) b. 25% full c. 50% full d. 75% full e. 100% full f. 125% full (overflowing bin, small extra item) g. 150% full (typically additional toter on property or bulk item) 3. Capacity for both collections were added together for each household to create a total for the week Refuse waste audit 1. Trash was collected from randomly selected households and brought back to the Public Works facility. 2. Trash for each household was weighed 3. Recyclables were pulled from trash and weighed to determine the percentage of recyclables found in the trash Doc# 602427  Return to Agenda Staff had hoped to include information about food waste/ but by the time samples were sorted, much of the food had liquified and was absorbed into other trash. Summary of Findings The vast majority of households have adequate toter capacity to transition to once-a-week collection. However, per the data it is estimated that 14-18% of households may require a second toter to accommodate their current household waste. Some households can do better at recycling to reduce their waste and additional composting options would provide more opportunities for residents to reduce their landfill waste. Doc# 602427  Return to Agenda Total Usage of 96 Gal Bin - Winter 2021/22 120 N = 360 (# of houses) 86% of households have adequate toter capacity to transition to weekly collection 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% 125% 150+% % ofToter Capacity Used In One Week (Over Two Collections) Doc# 602427  Return to Agenda Total Usage of 96 Gallon Bin - Summer 2022 300 N= 1076 (# of houses) 250 82% of households had adequate toter w <u 200 capacity to transition to weekly collection 0 150 Iro LL. <u ~w 100 c (/l tt 50 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% 125% 150%+ % Toter Capacity Used In One Week (Over Two Collections) Doc# 602427  Return to Agenda % of Recyclables Found in Refuse Households N=66 80 70 00 CD E 60 0 50 E 40 .03 (D ^UO 30 c 00 M- 20 • 0 ^p ON 10 0-14% 15-29% 30-49% 50+% Percentage of Recyclables In Refuse A Photo: Example of recyclables found in refuse Doc# 602427  Return to Agenda Skokie's Overall Waste By Type 0 ° 0 l2 Refuse • Recyling Yard waste n Compost Textiles • Misc (Spring Greening, pumpkins, etc) Doc# 602427  Return to Agenda 3F Memorandum Community Development Department TO: John T. Lockerby, Village Manager FROM: \LA^7^^^ J^lianna Nyden, AICI)<li/irector of Community Development i/ " ' u DATE: November 10, 2022 SUBJECT: Opportunities for Implementation of the Village of Skokie's Environmental Sustainability Plan The Community Development Department has identified opportunities in the Village's proposed Environmental Sustainability Plan that can be implemented immediately and incorporated into existing Department work. Some initial and immediate areas and activities include: • Promote Programs and Activities to Reduce Building Energy Consumption - This includes incentivizmg new and existing buildings to move away from natural gas usage and shift energy usage to renewable energy sources. • Investment and Engagement in Long-Term Planning - There are several opportunities highlighted within the proposed plan to initiate long term planning efforts -specifically within the Transportation & Mobility and Land Use & Housing sections. • Integrate SustainabUity in Department Work - Staff is enhancing internal review processes to work with developers to review all aspects of proposed projects at initial stages of project submission. It is at this early point that developers will be encouraged by staff to review the Environmental Sustainability Plan and encouraged to incorporate plan elements into development. Staff is looking at training opportunities that focus on sustainability. Promote Programs and Activities to Reduce Energy Consumption Energy from buildings is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. The urgency to improve policies and requirements to reduce energy consumption in existing and new structures is reflected in these immediate suggested steps. Development and Implementation of Residential Fossil Fuel Deconversion Pilot Program The proposed plan calls for significant reduction in the consumption of natural gas by 2030: moving from 38 million therms to 30 million therms. While work to encourage new construction is critical, the work to encourage existing buildings to reduce usage of fossil fuels is just as vital. Staff recommends the implementation of a pilot program to encourage the removal of gas lines and associated gas-powered appliances and equipment from residential structures of 10 units or less: Document Number: 602606  Return to Agenda • Applicants that seek a full disconnection of gas service would be eligible for a $ 150 reduction in the total permit fees associated with this work. Work that would qualify as eligible would be the disconnection, replacement ofgas-related appliances for electric ones, any electric wiring for this work, potential upgrades in electrical service, and other associated activity to accommodate electrical upgrades or service. • Program would be available for 36 months from inception. • Staff will investigate the ability to utilize Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to support homes occupied by income-eligible low- and moderate-income households who would seek to electrify their properties. • Currently staff has not seen applications for this type of work for homes in Skokie. Therefore, it is contemplated that this would be a revenue neutral impact. This program seeks to accomplish Strategy BE"3: Achieve 5% residential, commercial, industrial, institutional building "fuel switching" from on-site fossil fuel consumption to electrification by 2030. The pilot program would be regularly promoted through normal Village communication channels. Additional information (flyers, comments provided on reviewed documents, etc.) will be provided at the permit desk to encourage program participation. Additional communication to area contractors may also be an opportunity to build visibility for this pilot program. Promotion of On-Site Renewable Energy Sources The Village's work to promote solar energy is in progress. The Village currently is in the process of applying for SolSmart's Gold level. Permits for solar installation are typically processed within three business days. In addition to achieving the Gold level, the plan also highlights under, Buildings & Energy, BE-4 Increase on-site renewable energy from 0.12%to 2% of residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional electric use by 2030, the goal of making 150 households and 1.1% of commercial/industrial sector electrical consumption <{ solarized" annually is suggested in the plan. The Village is currently seeing activity in this area with 130+ applications for solar installation and related work in the last 12 months. Additional implementation strategies the Village will undertake to continue to promote this work include: • Consider offering solar installation as an eligible reimbursement for the Village's Storefront Enhancement Program to encourage this investment in commercial spaces. • Study feasibility of Solar Ready Ordinance to require all new commercial, industrial, and multi-family buildings to be solar ready. Consider adding requirement that all new projects not currently under review or consideration that receive Village financial assistance through a tax increment financing (TIF) district to include new solar installations. • Coordinate with partners like ComEd and Go Green Skokie on educational campaigns for fossil fuel replacement in homes and businesses and the Community Choice Electricity Aggregation program. • Explore ability to utilize CDBG funds to support solar installation in homes owned by low- moderate-income households. Document Number: 602606 2  Return to Agenda Coordinate and Promote Existing Energy Efficient Assessments, Utility and Third-Party Incentive Programs, and Guides The document notes multiple opportunities available to residents and businesses in Skokie to improve energy efficiency, learn more about your home's energy consumption, and more. This includes (but is not limited to): • Nicor Gas, ComEd, and Cook County Property-Assessed Clean Energy financing programs (BE1-5); • Energy Home Assessments through SEAC, ComEd, Nicor, Go Green Skokie, and other partners (BE 1-3). • Group purchasing of solar installations through entities like Grow Solar Chicagoland and the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) (BE 4-1). Staff will work to consolidate this information as it is available to provide a single resource to facilitate easier understanding and access to this information. Investment and Engagement in Long-Term Planning The incorporation of the Environmental SustainabiUty Plan into the Comprehensive Plan will further promote sustainability in Village planning and development activities. Additional long- range planning opportunities identified in the proposed document that focus on transportation and mobility are also already underway: • TM 1-1 Continue seeking funding for a new Transportation Plan. Staff is actively engaged in seeking grant funding for this work. • TM l-3Conduct a Sidewalk and Bike Path Quality Assessment and Master Plan. This work would likely be incorporated into the transportation plan to be a multi-modal plan. • LH 1-2 Identify underutilized paved areas and incentivize conversion to sustainable green space or infill development. Staff has held internal discussions on opportunities to require retrofits of existing surface parking lots. Other planning aspects that can be considered are: • LH 1-3 Study ability to construct accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in Skokie; • LH 1-5 Study the usage of a sustainability development incentive; • LH 1-6 Reconsider Village parking requirements and establish revisions; • LH 3 Update community plans, zoning, and design standards to increase housing and community resilience Staff can further investigate the feasibility of this housing and parking-related work and incorporation into long-range planning efforts. Ongoing Operationalization of Sustain ability in Department & Village Operations The Community Development Department in coordination with other Village Departments is working to improve the process for reviewing plans, issuing permits, and certificates of occupancy. This updated process will focus on giving feedback in very preliminary stages of development review. Staff will highlight the Environmental Sustainability Plan with each Document Number: 602606 3  Return to Agenda development team and encourage incorporation of plan elements into the design and ultimate operation of the building once it is occupied to maximize sustainability in new projects. Since providing feedback upfront and during preliminary stages of projects helps avert more costly changes in the latter stages of development, developers are often more inclined to incorporate sustainability measures in the design and development of the project. These are often elements that (if introduced at later stages) prove costly to change or incorporate. Finally, the investment in the Village s professional staff is a key component to the implementation of sustainability work. Increasingly professional organizations that staff obtain continuing education credits or network are offering training on climate change, resiliency, and sustainability. For example, the American Planning Association (APA), the organization that many planning and zoning staff belong to, now has professional education credits associated with sustainability required to maintain the AICP certification. The International Code Council (ICC) offers technical trainings on solar, energy, and aspects of green buildings. Staff is encouraged to prioritize these specific types of opportunities to better understand how green buildings, sustainability, climate change, and other measures impact their field or particular practice area. Document Number: 602606  Return to Agenda 3G MEMORANDUM Public Works Department — Administration TO: John T. Lockerby, Village Manager FROM: IVTax Slankard, Public Works Director DATE: November 9, 2022 SUBJECT: Sustainability Plan Highlight - EV Readiness and Fleet Electrification EV Readiness One of the Quick Start actions identified in the Sustainability Plan is to become an "EV Ready Community" through the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus program. A large challenge in meeting the plan goals related to increasing both the Village's EV fleet as well as EV's owned and driven within our community is providing and maintaining adequate charging infrastructure in the community. The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus has developed an EV Readiness Program. The program was developed by an advisory committee made up of mayors, managers, regional planning organizations, EV charging companies, the IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers), environmental non-profit organizations, and others. A draft checklist for the program includes action items in categories including zoning and planning, permitting, inspection and safety, parking and access, new construction, equitable access, municipal fleets, financing, and community engagement. The program was modeled off the successful Solsmart program and similarly, communities will be able to apply for a bronze, silver, or gold designation. Public Works has an employee signed up to participate in an upcoming learning cohort to learn more on how to make Skokie EV ready. An additional Phase 1 goal in the Plan is to conduct a Municipal Fleet Inventory and EV Transition Implementation Plan. Development of the inventory and plan will identify opportunities for electrifying, right-sizing and improving overall efficiency of Village vehicles to meet Climate Action Plan goals. This will include implementation recommendations to incorporate EV's through right-timing purchases within a revised planned vehicle replacement schedule. The Public Works Department is currently in the process of filling (internally) a newly created operations management position which will provide critical leadership in the development of this plan. Currently, the Village is facing long lead-time and limited availability on all fleet related purchases. This creates a unique timing opportunity for the Village to look strategically at fleet composition and begin to make these adjustments. With the impending on-set of the capita] budgeting process in the next few months, initial development of this Implementation Plan will be an immediate priority. An important part of this is also consideration of the deployment of additional charging station infrastructure to support an expanded EV footprint.