City to keep investing in outside renewables to meet CARP goals
City to keep investing in outside renewables to meet CARP goals Evanston RoundTable
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Evanston’s Use of Renewable Energy Certificates
Evanston has effectively utilized renewable energy certificates in the past by purchasing them to invest in renewable energy projects outside of the city. These projects may include wind farms located in remote areas such as North Dakota.
City Council’s Continued Support for Renewable Energy Certificates
The City Council members recently voted 7-0 in favor of continuing the purchase of renewable energy certificates. Council Member Devon Reid (8th Ward) expressed his support for this strategy but also emphasized the need for local investments to further promote sustainability. He stated, “I just want to continue to put pressure on us.”
Evanston’s Community Choice Aggregation Program
In April 2021, Evanston launched the second phase of its Community Choice Aggregation program in partnership with MC Squared Energy Services. This program automatically provides most residents with renewable energy services, unless they choose to opt out. As a result of this agreement, Evanston receives a $500,000 grant annually. The city staff recommended using a portion of this grant to purchase renewable energy certificates, aligning with the city’s energy and climate goals and reflecting the program’s commitment to renewable energy.
Benefits of Renewable Energy Certificates
By utilizing renewable energy from external sources, Evanston receives emission reduction credits that can be applied to its overall carbon emissions. However, Council Member Reid argued that the city should consider shifting its strategy towards local sources of renewable energy, as wind and solar energy are becoming more cost-effective. He believes that investing in local renewable energy systems will provide the greatest long-term benefits for Evanston.
Maximizing Energy Generation within Evanston
Council Member Jonathan Nieuwsma (4th Ward) supported the idea of maximizing energy generation within Evanston’s borders. He acknowledged that due to factors such as the city’s tree canopy, solar energy would be a more practical option compared to wind energy. However, he recognized the need to import electricity from external sources for the foreseeable future and expressed his support for remote renewable energy purchases.
Evanston’s Progress in Climate Action and Resilience
Evanston has made significant progress in implementing its Climate Action and Resilience Plan since 2018. According to the city’s sustainability and resilience manager, Cara Pratt, communitywide greenhouse gas emissions have been reduced by 38.3% compared to a baseline established in 2005. Pratt emphasized that without renewable energy certificates, emissions would have increased by 2% from 2020 to 2021.
During recent meetings, city staff discussed the aggregation program and the history of purchasing renewable energy certificates with the Utilities Commission and Environment Board. The consensus was to purchase renewable energy certificates for eligible accounts in the Community Choice Aggregation Program this year. However, alternative uses of the civic contribution grant will be considered in the future to further promote local renewable energy.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
The article discusses Evanston’s use of renewable energy certificates and its strategy to purchase them to buy a stake in renewable energy projects. This aligns with SDG 7, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. It also relates to SDG 11, which focuses on making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Additionally, the article mentions Evanston’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which is relevant to SDG 13, which aims to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
- SDG 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
The article highlights Evanston’s use of renewable energy certificates and its aim to purchase them to support renewable energy projects. This aligns with SDG 7.2, which targets increasing the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. The city’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions also contribute to SDG 11.6, which focuses on reducing the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities. Additionally, Evanston’s commitment to climate action and resilience aligns with SDG 13.2, which emphasizes the integration of climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Percentage of renewable energy in Evanston’s energy mix
- Greenhouse gas emissions reduction percentage
The article mentions that Evanston has reduced communitywide greenhouse gas emissions by 38.3% compared to a baseline established in 2005. This reduction percentage can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards the targets of SDG 11.6 and SDG 13.2. Additionally, tracking the percentage of renewable energy in Evanston’s energy mix can serve as an indicator for measuring progress towards SDG 7.2.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix (Target 7.2) | Percentage of renewable energy in Evanston’s energy mix |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities (Target 11.6) | Greenhouse gas emissions reduction percentage |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning (Target 13.2) | Greenhouse gas emissions reduction percentage |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: evanstonroundtable.com
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