Environmental Sustainability
Since the implementation of the Village’s Long-Range Plan in 2009, Steward of Environmental Sustainability has been a strategic goal.
Environmental sustainability refers to the Village’s responsibility to deliver services in a way that protects or enhances natural resources. The Village has long supported opportunities to ‘green’ its operations when possible, whether by seeking grants to introduce new environmentally friendly practices or by seeking the most environmentally friendly option for existing services.
In close alignment with the Village’s sustainability goals, Downers Grove adopted and became a member of the Greenest Region Compact (GRC), an initiative that promotes sustainability in Chicago area communities and the region.
To date, nearly 164 communities have pledged the Compact, making them the largest regional sustainability collaborative for municipalities in the country.
Greenest Region Compact
This report assesses Village actions in recent years that support the goals of the Greenest Region Compact. Over 200 actions were identified.
Actions
The following stories have appeared on our website from 2018 to the present. This is just a sample of the Village’s actions in recent years that support sustainability efforts outlined by the GRC.
Please see the report for a full analysis.
- Bee’s Eye View of Pollinator Garden
- Native Tree and Shrub Sale
- Prentiss Creek Streetlights
- Belmont Pollinator Garden
- Register for Watersmart
- Solar Energy in DG
- Beware of Invasive Knotweed
- Monarchs, Migration & Milkweed
- Restoring Native Areas
- Civic Center Project
- Bioswale Program
- Water System
- Downtown Bike Racks
- Green Leadership Award Winner
- Bike Awareness
- Tree Recycling
- Brick Streets
- Rain Barrel Sale
- Preserving Natural Areas
- Caring for Trees
- Green Fleet Award
- Tree Planting
- Holiday Light Recycling
- Main Street Cemetery
- Paperless Permitting
- Historic Preservation Month
- Anti-Icing Underway
- Household Hazardous Waste Disposal
- DG Recognized for Excellence in Stormwater
- Happy Arbor Day
- Fleet Maintenance
- Sharps Disposal
- Avoid Volcano Mulching
- Social Services Referral Program
- Cleanup Amnesty Day
- Mortgage Assistance Webinar
- Social Services Referrals
- DuPage Water Quality Program
- DuPage Stormwater Water Quality Comments
- DuPage Transportation Plan
- Downtown Outdoor Dining
- Coat Drive
- Dine DG
- Water System Backflow Prevention
- Chloride Reduction Workshops
- Cottonwood Tree on Rogers Street
- Focus on Traffic Safety
- Severe Weather Preparedness
- DuPage County Stormwater Input
- Reasons to Shop Local
- Compost Information Meeting
- Get Hooked on Watersmart
- Amendments to Stormwater Regulations
- Response to Watermain Breaks
- FEMA Floodmaps and Insurance Policy
- Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan
- Pumpkin Smash
- Pollinator Pics for BioBlitz
- DuPage County Housing Plan
Staff Liaison
Sustainability Plan
The Village Council adopted the Environmental Sustainability Plan on April 8, 2025.
Videos
Enjoy this video and others related to sustainability on our YouTube Channel.
Environmental Concerns Commission
The Environmental Concerns Commission (ECC) evaluates environmental initiatives and provides recommendations to the Village Council, as needed, with regard to conservation of natural resources, reducing waste, and managing stormwater.
Greenest Region Compact
Downers Grove adopted and became a member of the Greenest Region Compact (GRC) in 2023, an initiative that promotes sustainability in Chicago area communities and the region.
The Greenest Region Compact Report assesses Village actions that support the goals of the GRC.
Resources
Making a difference for the environment starts at home.
Learn more about these local groups.
Staff Liaison
Sustainability Plan
The Village Council adopted the Environmental Sustainability Plan on April 8, 2025.
Videos
Enjoy this video and others related to sustainability on our YouTube Channel.
Environmental Concerns Commission
The Environmental Concerns Commission (ECC) evaluates environmental initiatives and provides recommendations to the Village Council, as needed, with regard to conservation of natural resources, reducing waste, and managing stormwater.
Greenest Region Compact
Downers Grove adopted and became a member of the Greenest Region Compact (GRC) in 2023, an initiative that promotes sustainability in Chicago area communities and the region.
The Greenest Region Compact Report assesses Village actions that support the goals of the GRC.
Resources
Making a difference for the environment starts at home.
Learn more about these local groups.
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