Village staff throughout the organization are working together to implement the strategies of the updated Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan, which aims to reduce communitywide Greenhouse Gas emissions by 35 percent from 2020 levels by 2030, and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
Accomplishments from the second quarter of 2023 include:
- Installing energy-efficient LED lighting in all six Village facilities through the ComEd Energy Savings Program. Most light fixtures are now also equipped with energy-saving motion sensors. Thanks to the upgrades, the Village anticipates an annual cost savings of $27,115 and a reduction of 165 metric tons of CO2 – equivalent to removing 36 cars off the road. (Note: Residents interested in reducing their carbon emissions and saving money on utility bills can schedule a free ComEd home energy assessment.)
- Hiring a sustainability coordinator to oversee implementation of the Skokie Environmental Sustainability Plan, and a solid waste intern to provide individual Skokie households with guidance on recycling, waste reduction and composting.
- Receiving Village Board approval to purchase Public Works’ first fully electric vehicle. The Ford E-Transit vehicle will be used daily by the Water Division for utility location.
- Transitioning to 100 percent electric equipment for Village landscaping crews, reducing noise and air pollution.
- Launching a commuter benefits program, incentivizing Village staff to utilize public transit to get to work.
- Transitioning to once-a-week refuse collection, reducing landfill waste and encouraging recycling and composting.
View the entire list of 2023 Q2 sustainability accomplishments (PDF).
Stay updated: Keep up with the Village’s progress and future actions for each of the nine plan sectors, from Transportation & Mobility to Green Space & Trees, on the Village’s Sustainability web page.
How you can help: Actions big and small can help the Village of Skokie achieve our sustainability goals.