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 156 communities have pledged the Compact, making them the largest regional sustainability collaborative for municipalities in the country.
GRC Report
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
Greenest Region Compact Report
Read the Greenest Region Compact Report for a complete analysis of the Village's sustainability actions and how they align with the larger, regional goals of the Compact.
Sustainability Plan
The Village is the process of creating an Environmental Sustainability Plan to guide decisions related to environmental issues, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and lessen community impact on the environment.
More about the developing plan can be found below.
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.
Used Motor Oil
The Village accepts used motor oil and transmission fluid at the Fleet Services garage, 700 Curtiss St., Monday-Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The garage is located within the fenced parking lot off Curtiss Street, east of the Civic Center.
Used motor oil must be poured into the large receptacle located on the south side of the garage, labeled USED MOTOR OIL.
Sustainable DuPage
As the first county in Illinois to win the Governor's Sustainability Award, DuPage County has a rich history of environmental stewardship.
Choose DuPage has partnered with the DuPage County Environmental Division to connect local leaders to resources that promote sustainable practices.
Staff Liaison
Greenest Region Compact Report
Read the Greenest Region Compact Report for a complete analysis of the Village's sustainability actions and how they align with the larger, regional goals of the Compact.
Sustainability Plan
The Village is the process of creating an Environmental Sustainability Plan to guide decisions related to environmental issues, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and lessen community impact on the environment.
More about the developing plan can be found below.
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.
Used Motor Oil
The Village accepts used motor oil and transmission fluid at the Fleet Services garage, 700 Curtiss St., Monday-Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The garage is located within the fenced parking lot off Curtiss Street, east of the Civic Center.
Used motor oil must be poured into the large receptacle located on the south side of the garage, labeled USED MOTOR OIL.
Sustainable DuPage
As the first county in Illinois to win the Governor's Sustainability Award, DuPage County has a rich history of environmental stewardship.
Choose DuPage has partnered with the DuPage County Environmental Division to connect local leaders to resources that promote sustainable practices.
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