09/09/2020
Lake County Board Approves Resolution for Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions
At its Sept. 8 meeting, the Lake County Board approved a resolution committing Lake County government operations to the goal of attaining net zero greenhouse gas emissions.
The resolution commits Lake County to the following:
- By the year 2030, reducing greenhouse gas emissions from its operations by 50%, and achieving at least a 60% diversion rate of recyclables and organics from its own waste stream
- By the year 2040, procuring 100% renewable energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 90% or more, and achieving at least a 90% diversion rate of recyclables and organics
- Ensuring that all new County facilities constructed after 2020 be evaluated for their potential for net zero certification
- Publicly reporting progress toward these goals on an annual basis
- Inviting and encouraging municipalities and townships throughout the county to join in the effort to reduce the environmental impact of the operations required to provide public service to the residents and businesses of Lake County
"Global climate change due to greenhouse gas emissions is one of the most pressing issues of our time, and it is incumbent upon us as government leaders to take local action to help address it," said Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart. "I'm proud that the board took this decisive step in committing Lake County to action, and I hope other municipalities and townships will join us."
The resolution is a natural outgrowth of Lake County's strategic goals, which include energy conservation, reducing emissions, promoting renewable energy, protecting natural resources, and implementing smart growth policies.
Lake County has not been immune from the effects of climate change, as increased rainfall over the past few years has led to area flooding. In 2018, Lake County rivers went above flood stage during six separate storm events, which was triple the average number of flood events that went above flood stage over the previous 10 years, and it was a record for the county. In 2019, Lake County rivers exceeded flood stage seven times.
"This brings Lake County into the 21st century in terms of climate science, the green economy and the new and evolving job market. Committing to net zero emissions not only makes good environmental sense, it makes good economic sense as well," said County Board Member Terry Wilke, Chair of the Energy and Environment Committee. "While there's an upfront cost to investing in renewable energy technology to allow us to achieve our goals, in the long-term, the money saved from reduced energy bills will outweigh any initial costs that are incurred."
The next steps in the process are for the County to develop an energy efficiency plan and a waste reduction plan.
Read the full resolution
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