Sustainability Commitments
Chicago Climate Charter 2017
The Chicago Climate Charter is an international pledge between municipal leaders from across the world to address climate change through cooperation. The Charter was signed in December of 2017 during the North American Climate Summit in Chicago, Illinois. At the time Mayor John Ostenberg was among the signatories like Mayor Anne Hidalgo from Paris, France and Rahm Emmanuel of Chicago, Illinois. The signed Chicago Climate Charter can be found here. I. Commitments of All Mayors Under the Chicago Charter (General Provisions)a. Achieve a percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions equal to or greater than our nations' Nationally Determined Contributions to the Paris Agreement in my city;
b. Quantify, track and publicly reporting my city's emissions, consistent with standards and best practices of measurement and transparency;c. Advocate alongside other mayors for greater local authority and flexibility to develop policies and local laws that empower cities to take aggressive action on climate;d. Recognize and include in policy formation voices that have not been traditionally a part of discussions regarding climate change, including women, racial and ethnic minorities, indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and socially and economically marginalized communities;e. Incorporate the realities of climate change and its impacts into local infrastructure and emergency planning through strategies of adaptation and resilience;f. Support strong regional, state and federal policies and partnerships, in addition to private sector initiatives, that recognize the fiscal and social costs of carbon, incentivize all actors to take climate action, and ensure a just transition for thoseimpacted by the transition to a new economy;g. Partner with scientific and academic experts, community organizations, businesses and investors, environmental justice groups, environmental advocates, and other allies to develop holistic climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience solutions.
If you'd like to learn more about the Chicago Climate Charter, please click here for their web page.
Greenest Region Compact 2016
The Greenest Region Compact (GRC) promotes sustainability in communities around the Chicago region with an emphasis on building strong and vibrant communities. To date, more than 120 communities have signed the GRC, which addresses ten areas, including climate, economic development, energy, land, leadership, mobility, municipal operations, sustainable communities, water, and waste & recycling.
The GRC guides municipalities towards sustainable goals and actions and encourages communities to work together to create a sustainable region. It aligns community priorities, builds on existing best practices, and capitalizes on the collective wisdom of community leaders in the metropolitan region.
In the Village of Park Forest, the GRC was adopted by municipal resolution on March 17, 2016. Park Forest has been a leader in the Chicago region. The GRC represents consensus goals to build vibrant and strong communities, and sustain healthy environments for people and nature. It was created by bringing together common goals and practical strategies from all 275 member communities of the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus. By adopting the GRC, COMMUNITY NAME HERE joins forces with municipal leaders in creating a more sustainable region.
To learn more about the GRC, click here.
Mayors Climate Protection Agreement 2007
Taking an early leadership role in response to climate change concerns, in May 2007 the Village Mayor and Board of Trustees adopted a Resolution endorsing the US Conference of Mayors’ Climate Protection Agreement. Among other things, this Resolution commits the Village to:
- Inventory global warming emissions in municipal operations and the community, set reduction targets, and create an action plan.
- Adopt and promote a number of strategies to reduce GHG emissions, including land use policies that reduce sprawl, preserve open space, and create a compact, walkable community; promote alternate transportation options; increase the use of clean, alternative energy; make Village facilities more energy efficient; enhance the energy efficiency of the municipal vehicle fleet; increase recycling rates; maintain healthy urban forests; and educate the public.