City of Evanston Blog
Happy Earth Day
Today marks the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. The City of Evanston has a demonstrated commitment to environmental sustainability. On May 27, 2006, the City Council adopted a strategic plan that included a commitment to sustainable practices and infrastructure as key goals. In October 2006, the City Council voted unanimously to sign the U.S. Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement, resulting in a commitment to reduce Evanston greenhouse gas emissions 7% below our 1990 levels by 2012. This was followed by the Evanston Climate Action Plan (ECAP), which laid out specific strategies for meeting the City’s emissions reduction goal. Developed collaboratively by members of the community and City staff, it was accepted by the City Council in November 2008.
This spring many exciting initiatives are furthering the City’s alignment with these policies. At the beginning of the year the City completed a lighting upgrade at the Maple Street Garage. By switching to more energy efficient lamps the City reduced the electricity consumption at the garage, where lighting is on 24 hours a day, by an estimated 754,691 kWh per year – an estimated cost savings of $60,000 per year. By the end of May, the City’s Water Plant will be partially powered by renewable energy – the City’s first municipal solar photovoltaic system is currently being assembled offsite. When complete, the 25 kW system will provide an estimated 27,246 kWh of power, reducing the City’s carbon footprint by 20 Metric Tones of Carbon Dioxide Equivalent (MTCO2E) a year.
Additionally, just in time for Earth Day, the City is launching a new campaign to encourage residents to save electricity – the Evanston Porch Light Campaign. The City is asking residents to switch porch lights and outside fixtures to energy efficient lights, such as compact fluorescent lights (CFLs). For a limited time, the City has free CFLs to offer to residents that want to participate in the campaign, if you first sign the Energy Star Pledge. This campaign is a simple way in which we can all help make Evanston a greener City, while also at the same time saving a little money.
Happy Earth Day,
Wally Bobkiewicz
City Manager
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