Sustainability Commission

MEETING MINUTES SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION March 19, 2015 The Sustainability Commission met in Community Conference Room of the Village at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2015. In attendance were: Present: Don Anderson, Chairman Daniel Dorfman Richard Heller Laurie Leibowitz Michael Shalen Jerry Witkovsky Brian Wolkenberg Absent: Gloria Threats Also Present: Andrew Lichterman, Assistant to the Village Manager Approval of Minutes Commissioner Wolkenberg motioned and Commissioner Witkovsky seconded to approve the minutes from the February 19, 2015 meeting. The minutes were unanimously approved. Public Comment There was no public comment Energy Assessment Program Chairman Anderson requested an update from the Energy Subcommittee. Commissioner Wolkenberg reported that the Subcommittee had a conversation with Megan Visk of Energy Impact Illinois (EII) and confirmed that they are still conducting audits in the Deerfield area but no longer facilitating house parties in the area. He noted that once the area receives smart meters, additional opportunities to partner with EII will also exist. Mr. Lichtemran noted that ComEd will be piloting 100 smart meters in the Village this December with a full roll-out scheduled in 2016. Mr. Wolkenberg reported EII will maintain their network of contractors to conduct home energy audits. Commissioner Dorfman emphasized that EII is supported by government funds and the Subcommittee has spent a lot of time reviewing EII to ensure they are a credible program. He noted that EII has limited resources and their main focus is on the City of Chicago so the Subcommittee will have to use their resources to promote EII to the Village. Commissioner Wolkenberg reported that the Subcommittee has made progress with the Kipling PTO related to activities around Earth Day. The activities created by the Subcommittee have been reviewed with the PTO Green Committee and they have briefed Kipling staff and principal. He noted that Kipling is excited to use Earth Day as a time to promote energy conservation ideas. Commissioner Wolkenberg emphasized using online analytics so that results can be measured. He noted final drafts are being traded back and forth and once completed; these documents will be part of the activities that Kipling students will be completing as part of the Earth Day curriculum. The Subcommittee’s work has been received favorably by the PTO and principal. Commissioner Heller emphasized receiving press coverage on the Subcommittee’s initiatives. He noted the press did a good job covering the recent Green Restaurant Workshop. Commissioner Wolkenberg noted that content is being created for a Village webpage and this will be coupled with outreach to the PTO and the press. Chairman Anderson thanked Commissioner Wolkenberg for his report and the Subcommittee for their good work. Chairman Anderson inquired how best to marry the work with Kipling to the partnership with EII. Commissioner Wolkenberg suggested using the activities with Kipling as a way to drive people to the energy conservation webpage. The webpage will offer a broader list of resources. Commissioner Witkovsky suggested promoting this initiative to the Village Board as well. Mr. Lichterman noted that Chairman Anderson will attend the April 20 Board meeting to receive the Earth Day Proclamation and the Subcommittee programs will be listed in a whereas clause in the Proclamation. Commissioner Witkovsky suggested sending a thank you note to the PTO, once the program is complete. Chairman Anderson requested the Subcommittee develop a work plan to help the Commission review action items and express support. Water Assessment Update Mr. Lichterman reported that he was asked to look into how ComEd is able to provide energy comparison data to customers. He noted that Opower is the company utilized by ComEd to provide this information. He noted that he has inquiries into Opower to determine if they can offer this same type of service to the Village for water accounts. He also noted that Opower emphasizes behavioral science to drive change, so they offer more than simply a software solution. Commissioner Dorfman stated that there is value in promoting conscientious water usage and recognition of water conservation. Chairman Anderson recommended reinvigorating the water conservation program with the plumbers. Commissioner Witkovsky noted that if the energy conservation program is successful with the schools then the Commission can follow-up with a water conservation partnership as well. He noted that he would be happy to talk with other HOAs about the success Coromandel realized by checking for leaking toilets. Commissioner Leibowitz suggested posting the water conservation program flyers on bulletins in Whole Foods, Potbelly Sandwich, and finding speaking engagements at the Famers Market, Patty Turner Center and elsewhere in the Village. Mr. Lichterman offered to work with Commissioner Leibowitz and Commissioner Witkovsky to develop a comprehensive list of action items and speaking engagements to promote the water conservation program again this spring. Green Restaurant Workshop Chairman Anderson provided a recap of the Green Restaurant Workshop event and noted that it was successful with over 50 people in attendance. Presentations items included ComEd and Nicor energy programs, food scrap composting, local food sourcing and the commercial waste franchise. Earth Hour Mr. Lichterman reminded the Commission that Earth Hour is Saturday, March 28 from 8:30 – 9:30 p.m. He noted that in recognition of Earth Hour the Village Hall will turn off all non-emergency lights. Arbor Day Mr. Lichterman confirmed that he has been in touch with DHS about continuing the tree planting partnership with the Earthworks Club in celebration of Arbor Day. The event will be held at the end of the school day on Friday, April 24. Adjournment Commissioner Heller motioned to adjourn. Commissioner Dorfman seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 8:29 PM. Respectfully submitted, Andrew Lichterman Assistant to the Village Manager