Evanston Makes History Passing Environmentally Friendly Ordinance

EVANSTON, IL — This month, Evanston became the first community in Illinois to adopt an ordinance that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions created by large buildings.

The Healthy Buildings Ordinance, passed March 10, is a step forward for the city as the action falls in line with greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals outlined in the 2018 Climate Action and Resilience Plan. Evanston's largest buildings will now be required to comply with building performance standards.

Buildings over 20,000 square feet must:

• be energy efficient;
• eliminate on-site and district system emissions;
• solely procure renewable electricity.

“This was a collaborative effort among City Council members, staff, and numerous community partners to find common ground on achieving our sustainability goals. We are taking a monumental step toward a more sustainable Evanston – and I’m incredibly grateful to all those who participated in this good faith negotiation,” said Mayor Daniel Biss.

Additionally, Evanston is the first community in the Midwest with standards for zero-onsite emissions and renewable electricity.

With the passing of the new ordinance, many municipal and school district buildings will be in need of repairs and upgrades, which could be costly. According to the city, the Healthy Building Ordinance is the most affordable, long-term option for building owners, who would have had to upgrade facilities over the next 25 years anyway.

"The most expensive option facing building owners is to do nothing: the Healthy Buildings Ordinance allows them to make a cost-effective plan for the future," city officials said. "With climate change effects worsening and state climate goals in place, building owners risk pouring more money into a gas-based system that is heading toward obsolescence."

Two new public bodies were also established to support decision-making: the Healthy Buildings Accountability Board and the Healthy Buildings Technical Committee.

The Accountability Board will focus on ensuring equity remains at the forefront of Evanston's climate initiatives and identifying building that are in need of upgrades and may need additional support.

The Technical Committee aims to provide expertise on the technical aspects of building performance, energy systems, electrification and sustainability.

Those interested in applying to be on either board should visit the city's website.