Sustainability and Climate Action in Riverwoods | Join the Resident Task Force

The Riverwoods Preservation Council (RPC) is seeking members for a resident-run task force that will draft sustainability and climate action plans for the Village. The RPC is a nonprofit volunteer environmental organization focused on ecological issues affecting Riverwoods and this region.

What is sustainability? Why should Riverwoods adopt a sustainability plan?

Sustainability is the process of using resources at a rate they can be replenished and only to the extent required to fulfill our needs. Riverwoods considers itself an ecologically protective community, and should therefore encourage sustainability activities such as:

• Reduction of energy consumption
• Maintenance of clean and healthful air
• Development of resiliency to climate change impacts
• Encouragement of sustainable land use and housing development
• Continued expansion and maintenance of a robust woodland and native ecology
• Guiding future development to conserve natural topography, views, drainage patterns, existing vegetation
• Fostering healthy community relationships through use of open space (e.g., programs at Village properties)
• Engaging residents through a natural resources, conservation and/or woodland commission 
• Encouraging the community to participate in sustainability initiatives and events

What is a climate action plan?

A climate action plan would focus specifically on reducing Village greenhouse gas emissions from a variety of sources. The plan also would seek ways in which the Village can mitigate and adapt to climate change. Riverwoods’s climate action strategies may include:

• Creating paths that encourage residents to walk or bicycle instead of driving
• Committing the Village to purchasing only zero- or low-emissions vehicles
• Creating streamlined solar codes
• Requiring new developments to install electric vehicle charging stations
• Facilitating community solar programs for residents
• Requiring only renewable clean energy options as part of an electric aggregation contract
• Improving green infrastructure to mitigate future flooding events (e.g., open space; rain gardens; wetlands preservation).

The RPC is now seeking task force members from throughout the Village to serve on this task force, including students. The task force will produce a report or reports to the Board with a draft Riverwoods Sustainability Plan and a draft Climate Action Plan. 

If you are interested in serving on the task force, please send an email to Julie Varvaro at 22jvarvaro@gmail.com.

What is the Riverwoods Preservation Council?

The RPC is a forum for addressing environmental issues that affect the Village. It is a non-profit composed of resident volunteers and is supported entirely by tax-deductible contributions. The RPC is independent of the Village government and the Riverwoods Residents Association, although they work closely with both on environmental issues.

The RPC's purpose includes advocating for environmental awareness, educating the community on environmental and ecological matters, promoting environmentally-sound practices, and managing properties for environmental restoration and preservation. The RPC works to have Riverwoods remain a quiet sanctuary from the crowded, hectic world around it.

Sign up for RPC emails/newsletters at Riverwoodspc@gmail.com. For more information and upcoming events visit riverwoodspreservation.com.