Create a plan to reduce and offset carbon emissions
By Savannah Donovan
Like you, the Urbana Park District in Illinois holds that all people have the right to a healthy and viable environment. Together, working for and with local communities, we can create a more positive future for everyone by choosing clean energy, using resources efficiently, and preparing for climate risks.
Carbon pollution is warming the planet. It is impacting communities across America and the world through increasing droughts, floods, wildfires, extreme weather, and more. But how does a park district confront a challenge as large as the global climate crisis? The key is to not become discouraged, go one step at a time, and don’t give up!
A More Deliberate Approach
The Urbana Park District has a deep-rooted history of environmental education and stewardship. More recently, the district’s internal Green Team has been promoting environmentally responsible choices in the workplace. In late 2019, however, the team decided it was time for a more comprehensive and deliberate approach to reducing and offsetting carbon emissions. The district wanted to create its own climate-action plan, despite lacking direct experience or a roadmap.
The Green Team co-chairs organized a 13-person steering committee comprised of staff members across all three departments (recreation, planning and operations, and administration) to lead the process. Steering committee members joined because they were passionate about climate change, or because they would be essential to the plan’s ultimate implementation and success. Involving staff members from all facilities and departments was crucial, as it allowed for a more comprehensive understanding of challenges and opportunities throughout the district.