CGE at work

Accomplishments

• Partnered with the City to draft the Evanston Climate Action Plan, a blueprint for reducing the community’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 13 percent by 2012. The ECAP was approved unanimously by the City Council in November 2008.
• Played a lead role in bringing Community Choice Electricity Aggregation, with 100 percent renewable energy, to Evanston, thereby achieving a 16 percent reduction in the community’s GHG emissions—and saving Evanstonians an estimated $7 million on their utility bills, dollars that can stay in the community and support local businesses. (Spring 2012)
• Established the Evanston Climate Action Fund to receive contributions from Evanstonians wishing to compensate for their GHG emissions. The Fund supports emissions-reduction projects benefitting local nonprofits. A first set of grants in spring 2010 supported lighting upgrades for five nonprofits, enabling them to cut their electric bills and giving them more money for their important programs. The Fund is maintained by the Evanston Community Foundation. To learn more, visit www.evanstonforever.org/community/climateaction.html
• Received a $15,000 donation from Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl, the amount of the Climate Protection Award sponsored by the U.S. Conference of Mayors and Walmart and given in recognition of the progress Evanston has made in reducing its GHG emissions. (September 2011)
• Initiated discussion with state elected officials that led to the creation of the Lake Michigan Offshore Wind Energy Advisory Council, charged with evaluating issues related to offshore wind energy projects in the Illinois waters of Lake Michigan. Two members of CGE’s board or directors were appointed to the Council. (2011)
• Awarded a $20,000 grant from the Civil Society Institute in 2011 to support a public relations and education campaign to inform Evanston citizens about the benefits of wind farms as a source of renewable energy. CGE’s Renewable Energy Task Force is conducting this campaign.
• Launched the 10,000 Neighbors campaign to support the economic and social benefits of collaborative consumption. Co-sponsored by CGE and the City, the campaign helps members of the Evanston community share resources—things, skills, and services—via an online network. To join 10,000 Neighbors, visit 10000neighbors.com

Ongoing Activities

• Sponsors a monthly learning and networking event—Green Drinks—featuring a panel presentation on a topic of sustainability, followed by Q&A and discussion with the audience. Green Drinks takes place on the second Tuesday of the month. For details about the next program, visit greendrinksevanston.wordpress.com
• Sponsors an annual Green Arts Show every September at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center. The show is a lively exhibit of visual and performing arts that reflect or promote more sustainable ways of living. During the run of the show, there will be artists’ talks, social gatherings, sustainability presentations and events, and workshops for adults and for children.

Partner &
Information Links

Community Agenda
Evanston 150
City of Evanston
Office of Sustainability
Climate Action Fund
Energy Star
Northwestern University (ISEN)
Evanston Round Table
Evanston Now
Evanston Patch
Evanston Review
Trib Local Evanston
Daily Nortwestern