Unlocking Sustainability: Evanston Board Evaluates Progress on Environmental Goals Amid Measurement Challenges

During a recent meeting, Evanston’s Environment Board discussed the city’s progress on its goals from the 2018 Climate Action and Resilience Plan (CARP). Members focused on feedback for the upcoming Parks and Green Space Strategic Plan.

Though CARP targets are typically managed by the CARP Implementation Taskforce, many board members felt it was important to evaluate these goals, especially since the landscape has changed in seven years. The report indicated that while there has been some progress, several areas still need work.

The new Parks and Green Spaces plan is set to prioritize city parks, recreational areas, and green spaces. However, the Environment Board’s timing conflicted with discussions at the Evanston Park and Recreation Board, leaving them hesitant to comment on drafts they hadn’t yet seen.

In preparation, board members will review the draft from the June meeting and will compile their feedback through co-chair Katarina Topalev.

Progress on CARP Goals

Sustainability Manager Cara Pratt couldn’t attend but provided an update through a memo prepared with their team. They largely achieved the goal of transitioning municipal operations to 10% renewable electricity, with minor exceptions for some streetlight accounts. A net zero emissions policy was adopted, though it may need reevaluation due to the new Healthy Buildings Ordinance.

Evanston has banned single-use plastic bags but hasn’t yet addressed plastic takeout containers. As for tree planting, the city believes it met its target of planting 500 trees, though they lack data to confirm this.

Other targets have proven challenging. The goal to divert 50% of waste from landfills by 2025 is only halfway met, as current diversion rates stand at 25%. This is an improvement from 20% in 2017, but the board suggested extending the deadline to 2030 might be more realistic.

As of 2022, the city has achieved a 36% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, or 48% when including savings from EPA Renewable Energy Certificates.

Challenges in Measurement

A major hurdle is accurately measuring some goals. For instance, tracking the electric vehicles used by public transportation in Evanston poses difficulties. District 65, a local school district, has found it tough to invest in electric buses.

Similarly, tracking the replacement of traditional lightbulbs with LEDs in municipal properties has proven complex. While they know how many traffic lights were updated, it’s harder to quantify the total in buildings with partial upgrades.

This issue extends to the goal of having 75% renewable electricity by 2025. The city can track its community choice aggregation program but struggles to account for residents and businesses using third-party suppliers.

Board member Topalev highlighted the potential increase in electric consumption from rising electric vehicle use, which reflects in her family’s bills.

The feasibility study aimed at assessing renewable energy installations on municipal properties has not been completed. Moreover, measuring individuals’ carbon footprint reductions remains a challenge.

Additionally, the meeting marked the end of co-chair Michelle Redfield’s term due to six-year limits. The board voted Paula Scholl as the new co-chair. Moving forward, the Environment Board will shift its meetings to the fourth Thursday of each month. July to October gatherings will be in council chambers, while November and December meetings will be held earlier at the main library.

Source link

City of Evanston,Climate Action and Resilience Plan (CARP),Draft Parks and Green Space Strategic Plan,enviroment board