Politics & Government

Alderman Wants Elmhurst to Recommit to Cool Cities Initiatives to Reduce Carbon Emissions

A project of the Sierra Club, Cool Cities urges local governments to bring home the message of climate change.

The City of Elmhurst's commitment to the Cool Cities initiative needs a shot in the arm, 3rd Ward Alderman Dannee Polomsky said this week.

Cool Cities is a local, regional and global initiative of the Sierra Club designed to reduce carbon emissions.

Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition works with citizens, businesses, nonprofits, the park district, schools, clergy and government officials to bring about a reduction in greenhouse gases. Elmhurst is one of more than 900 cities around the country to make the Cool Cities commitment. In 2007, Mayor Tom Marcucci signed  the Cool Cities Pledge, which promised that by 2012, the city would reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to 7 percent below the amount discharged in 1990. That goal was achieved.

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But since then, "We have lost some momentum," Polomsky said at Monday's Development, Planning and Zoning Committee meeting. There is some renewed interest in our recommitting to this."

The Illinois Cool Cities organization has created sustainability goals for 2015 that cities can sign off on in the form of a "Sustainability Protection Agreement."

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"Communities are signing off on committing to the 2015 goals—and showing their commitment to it," Polomsky said. "It's up to us to consider these measures and strive to meet or exceed the target."

The 2015 agreement asks cities to:

  • urge the federal and state government to enact policies and programs to reduce US dependence on fossil fuel and accelerate development of clean technologies
  • urge US Congress to pass greenhouse gas reduction legislation that includes clear timetables and emissions limits
  • achieve a reduction in pollution by 2 percent or better per year from 2009 baseline levels

The agreement offers suggestions on how cities can hit the 2 percent target, some of which Elmhurst already has done, like establishing itself as a bike-friendly community, aggregating electricity, hosting a farmers market, making recycling a priority and increasing fuel efficiency of the city's vehicles.

Other suggestions include:

  • encouraging residents to take advantage of energy-saving measures in their homes
  • becoming an EPA-designated Green Power Community by sourcing a portion of energy from green vendors
  • supporting policies that make the electrical grid accessible to clean energy
  • implementing incentives to encourage electric vehicles and infrastructure for them
  • encouraging local food production through co-ops, urban agriculture and community gardens
  • issuing a resolution supporting the EPA's Clean Air Act
  • supporting funding for clean energy and energy efficient installations

Further suggestions for cities have been set forth by the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, and include:

  • adopting land-use policies to create compact, walkable urban communities that preserve open space
  • promoting incentives for car pooling
  • investing in renewable energy credits known as "green tags"
  • implementing building code improvements
  • purchasing only Energy Star appliances for city use
  • promoting sustainable building practices using the US Green Building Council's LEED program guidelines
  • reducing the city's fleet and launching an employee education program that includes anti-idling messages
  • evaluating opportunities to increase pump efficiency in water and wastewater systems, and recover wastewater treatment methane for energy production
  • promoting tree planting to increase shade and absorb Co2
  • helping educate schools, residents, businesses and others about reducing global warming

One of the ideas mentioned is providing community outreach, which lines up with Elmhurst's upcoming GreenFest, to be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3, at Wilder Park. Hosted by Elmhurst Park District, the fest features environmentally safe practices, products and companies, and will showcase guest speakers, green vendors and a recycling drop-off event. The Park District's Environmental Education staff also will provide activities, like paper making, plant research, animal tracking and jewelry making for families.

Polomsky said the conservation methods provided on the Cool Cities and Mayors Climate Protection agreements are just suggestions.

"We can choose some of these and come up with our own," Polomsky said.

DPZ Committee Chairman Scott Levin suggested the list of goals and methods be sent to city staff, who will "come back and say if anyone has a problem with any of these" before a recommendation goes to the full City Council.

Staff also could provide a wish list, for goals the city may not currently have money for, Polomsky said.


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