ENERGY

Engage t he Community i n Clean Energy Practices

Promote t he Use o f ENERGY STAR Certified Appliances a nd Equipment

The Village leads by example, bids and or requests for proposals for technology equipment include specifications requiring EnergyStar or equivalent certification.

Link to documentation confirming above statement.

Encourage Strategic Devel opment t hat Upholds Sustainability Principles

Reduce Sprawl b y Promoting Infill Development t o Reduce Adverse Impacts o n Natural Resources a nd Infrastructure Demands

The adopted Prairie View Metra Station Area Plan looks to create infill development in a pocket of this subregion that is surrounded by more dense development. The plan ultimately looks to reduce adverse impacts on natural resources and infrastructure demands by reducing sprawl. Public Works Engineering Department reviews development plans to assure natural resources are protected and that infrastructure demands are met by following watershed development ordinances. These ordinances benefit older naturalized areas and protect new naturalized areas, as well as ensure infrastructure is properly sized.

Link to documentation confirming above statement.

Prioritize Redevelopment Projects a nd Infrastructure Investment f or Transit - Served Locations

The Village prioritized the Prairie View Metra Station Area, one of the transit-served locations in the Village, by funding an in-depth study, analysis, and plan for the area to prioritize its future investment.

Link to documentation confirming above statement.

Encourage Conservation Design t o Protect Natural Resources

The Village Board, Planning and Zoning Commission, and staff worked closely with developers in designing and building the Link Crossing residential development, a 50-acre conservation subdivision. The plan looked to cluster homes on smaller lots to create larger concentrations of open space and protect natural resources.

Link to documentation confirming above statement.

Evaluate Proposed Developments f or Groundwater Levels a nd Water Quality.

The Village enforces the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission’s Watershed Management Ordinance and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District’s Watershed Management Ordinance which both enforce erosion control to ensure water quality and protection of groundwater in their respective counties. See attached Village Ordinance.

Link to documentation confirming above statement.

Conserve Restore and Enhance Natural Features and Ecosystems

Guide Future Development to Conserve Natural Topography, Views, Drainage Patterns, Existing Vegetati on, a nd Historic o r Cultural Assets

The adopted Prairie View Metra Station Area Plan looks to guide development that is sensitive to the natural resources and incorporates green infrastructure. In addition, the plan focuses on integrating the area’s historic and cultural assets by preserving historic buildings, recommending future development to feature the area’s historical architecture, and dedicating space to showcase the area’s cultural history.

Link to documentation confirming above statement.

Monitor a nd Control Invasive Species i n Natural Areas a nd Throug hout t he Community

The Buffalo Grove Public Works Forestry Section routinely inspects Village owned and maintained property, including open spaces, for any invasive or diseased species. The Buffalo Creek Nature Preserve management plan and adopted urban forestry plan are used as a framework for all inspection and maintenance activities. Maintenance plans are reviewed and revised as needed to remain current with best management practices and industry standards.

Link to documentation confirming above statement.

Manage Public and Private Landscapes to Optimize Ecosystem Services a nd Support Biodiversity

The Public Works Department is committed to the diversification of its urban forest, with no one more than 30% of one family, 20% of one genus, and 10% of one species represented inside Village limits. The Public Works Department is also committed to maximizing natural areas in order to create a more vibrant ecosystem inside the Village.

Link to documentation confirming above statement.

Protect and Restore Soil Integrity

Landscape management is completed by the Public Works Department, Operations Division, Forestry & Grounds Section. A maintenance schedule is prepared each year for the needs of the Village owned properties based on the Landscape Management Plan. All decisions related to maintenance of the facilities and properties of the Village lies with the Deputy Director of Public Works, Superintendent of Operations and the Forestry & Grounds Manager. The "Landscape Management Plan" outlines the landscape plan for the Village of Buffalo Grove. The maintenance schedule directs the Forestry & Grounds Section as to what will be completed each year. The Deputy Director of Public Works and the Superintendent of Operations directs the Forestry & Grounds Manager as to any special needs.

Link to documentation confirming above statement.

Support Networks of Accessible, Well - Used a nd Enjoyable Parks

Develop a Park a nd Open Space Master Plan

Buffalo Grove enjoys economic stability and offers its residents a plethora of green space, parkland, trails, golf courses and more. Parks and open spaces are one of the most visible elements of the District and can instill a strong sense of pride in the residents of the community. The Park District published a master plan in 2017.

Link to documentation confirming above statement.

Maximize t he Amount o f Public Spaces a nd Parks Accessible t o Residents

The Village adopted The Lake Cook Corridor Plan which focuses on maximizing accessible public open spaces with plans showing future central plazas, parks, golf course and/or open spaces which could be used as sensory parks, farmer’s markets, and waterscapes.

Link to documentation confirming above statement.

Enhance Parks, Open Space, and Recreational Opportunities Accessible t o All Residents

The Park District Comprehensive Master Plan addresses planned improvements to existing park spaces.

Link to documentation confirming above statement.

Foster Healthy Community Relationships Thr ough t he Use o f Open Space

The Village works with the Park District to foster health community relationships through the over 700 acres of open space, which is utilized for recreation, sports, and festivals such as the BG Days as well as the Farmers Market.

Link to documentation confirming above statement.

Sustain a Robust Urban Forest Canopy

Conduct a Community Wide Urban Tree Canopy Assessment

This will be completed as part of our 5-year trimming cycle for all Village owned and maintained trees. Trees are inspected, assessed and trimmed as part of this process. Trees that have reached the end of their anticipated life cycle are removed and new trees are planted, if possible, to maintain our urban canopy.

Link to documentation confirming above statement

Conduct a n Inventory a nd Assessment o f Trees o n Public Right o f Ways

The Village of Buffalo Grove Public Works Department has a detailed inventory of all Village owned trees throughout the Village. These trees are inventoried as “assets” in our Cartegraph management software which is used for all PW assigned work. Size, species, condition and work performed are all recorded each time an inspection or work is completed to each tree asset.

Link to documentation confirming above statement.

Develop a nd Implement a Management Plan t o Assure a Long - Term Vitality o f t he

Urban Forest

In 2015 the Village of Buffalo Grove Public Works Department updated the approved Urban Forestry Plan. This plan provides in detail the mission, goals, service objectives and work methods utilized to manage and maintain a professional quality municipal urban forest. The plan is reviewed as needed and adjustments are made in accordance with BMP’s for arboriculteral excellence. The plan includes a diverse selection of approved tree species to limit the spread of disease throughout the community and reduce the financial loss impact if that occurs. Trees are replaced/replanted in accordance with the plan to diversify the species on every street and in all portions of the community following any removal.

Link to documentation confirming above statement.

Maintain t he Health a nd Integrity o f

Existing Trees

The Village of Buffalo Grove Public Works Department has implemented a 5-year inspection and trimming cycle for all Village owned and maintained trees, which follows industry standards for BMP’s maintaining a healthy municipal urban forest.

Link to documentation confirming above statement.

Plant Trees t o Sustain a nd Renew t he Urban Forest

As the Village budget allows, any Village owned and maintained tree that is removed for any reason is replaced within 12 – 16 months, depending on seasonal availability of various species.

Link to documentation confirming above statement.

Diversify t he Urban Forest f or Long Term Resilience

The Village of Buffalo Grove Public Works Department has a detailed list of tree species’ identified as approved for healthy urban forest diversification. Tree species quantities and neighborhood saturation are considered when selecting from this approved list for replacement.

Link to documentation confirming above statement.

Earn Recognition f or Urban Forest Stewardship a s a Tree City USA

The Village of Buffalo Grove Public Works Department has been recognized and awarded as a Tree City USA community every year since 1988.

Link to documentation confirming above statement.

Harvest a nd Utilize High Value Wood Products f rom Trees t hat Must b e Removed

In the past, the Village has utilized wood in the form of wood chips for residents and logs for local timber sawyers and millers during the removal of the Emerald Ash trees due to the problems with the Emeral Ash Borers. However, the wood chips were violating the NPDES permit for Buffalo Grove and the volume of wood the Forestry section could provide is cost inhibitive. In the future if this becomes a more sustainable business, the Village will reconsider the harvesting program.

Link to documentation confirming above statement.

Sustain Beautiful Landscapes t hat Provide Ecosystem Services

Manage Traditional, Cultivated Landscapes Sustainably

Through the Village’s Comprehensive Plan, the Village focuses on continuing to regulate the use of property with land use management strategies that focus on preserving green space, encouraging attractive and durable landscape plans, avoiding flood and drainage hazards, and maintaining high-quality water supplies and sewer services.

Link to documentation confirming above statement.

Maintain Beautiful Landscapes a nd Streetscapes t o Enhance Gateways, Business Districts a nd Important Public Spaces

On main thoroughfares in town that have medians, the Village plants trees and other native flora to not only beautify the area but make the roadway more sustainable by treating stormwater runoff.

Link to documentation confirming above statement.

Achieve Greater Livability Through Sustainable Land Use a nd Housing Policies

Enact a nd Enforce Land Use Policies That Protect Valuable Natural Assets a nd Support Resiliency

The Village adopted The Lake Cook Corridor Plan which focuses on balancing natural assets and infill redevelopment. The plan looks to encourage mixed-use development so to minimize trip generation and create a higher degree of livability. By protecting the natural assets such as the floodplain, the plan looks to support resiliency.

Link to documentation confirming above statement.

Collaborate w ith State a nd Federal Partners t o Prepare f or a nd Respond t o Invasive Pest Threats

The Village of Buffalo Grove Urban Forestry Plan addresses disease and insect control providing employees and contractors with criteria to assist with identification and proper treatment of the pest or disease. The Performance Standards and Safe Performance Guides provides the employees with guidance to administer chemical applications in a safe and professional manner acceptable to the trade. The Urban Forestry Plan addresses disease and insect control. Random inspections are performed during trimming activities to identify pests and select a control measure. The Performance Standards and Safe Performance Guides provide the employee direction to apply the desired control safely. All employees are licensed by the Illinois Department of Agriculture for pesticide applications.

Link to documentation confirming above statement.

Cultivate a Conservation Ethic i n t he Community

Engage t he Community i n Programs a nd Special Events t o Celebrate Nature, Such a s Arbor Day a nd Earth Day

Each year, the Forestry Department creates a video that highlights the Village’s support for Arbor Day which gets promoted through the Communications Committee. These videos may be found under the Village’s Facebook page.

Link to documentation confirming above statement.

Engage Community Volunte ers i n Land Stewardship Activities o n Public a nd Shared Landscapes

The Village closely works with an independent consultant/resident of Buffalo Grove who focuses on land stewardship and restorations on public and shared landscapes within the Villages natural areas and a remnant prairie in the Village limits. This person engages the Board and the public and gets volunteers to maintain and protect these areas.

Link to documentation confirming above statement.

Educate City Staff a bout Forest, Wetlands a nd Prairie Best Management Practices

The Board and the Village Manager were addressed by the Forestry Manager in 2021 discussing the transition from Forestry to Natural Areas as a best management practice for the Village The Board was also addressed by an independent consultant/resident of Buffalo Grove regarding what the Village may do for forest and prairie best management practices.

Link to documentation confirming above statement.

Encourage Beautiful, Sustainable Landscaping o n Private Property

As part of the entitlement process, new developments are required to submit a landscaping plan for review by the Village to ensure that landscaping enhances the aesthetic, provides screening (if necessary), and is sustainable

Link to documentation confirming above statement.

Seek Recognition for Community Sustainability Achievements

The Village was designated an EPA Green Power Partner Community for its electric aggregation program, has been recognized as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation, and has been recognized by National Wildlife Federation for supporting the Mayors Monarch Pledge.

Link to documentation confirming above statement.

Work Collabora tively Towards a Sustainable Region

Participate w ith Regional, State or Federal Initiatives t o Plan a nd Achieve Sustainability

The Village’s Environmental Committee is currently using the GRC2 sustainability framework as a guide to plan and achieve sustainability.

Link to documentation confirming above statement.

Partner w ith Non - Governmental Organization t o Advance Sustainability i n t he Community a nd Regionally

The Village of Buffalo Grove frequently partners with the Buffalo Grove Park District and the Buffalo Grove Environmental Action Team (BGEAT) on projects. BGEAT is involved in the review of this Sustainability Plan

Link to documentation confirming above statement.

Mobility

Mobility

Support Safe and Effective Active Transportation

Identify Gaps i n Pedestrian a nd the Bicycle Networks a nd Barriers to Active Modes o f Travel

In 2022, the Village will be contracting with a consultant to identify gaps and assess condition within the Village’s pedestrian and bicycle networks. This study will serve to identify barrier to active modes of travel and plan for improvements.

Link to documentation confirming above statement.

Create a Bicycle a nd Pedestrian Plan t o Improve Connectivity i n t he Community a nd

Beyond

In 2019 the Village kicked off a Comprehensive Plan that looks to establish a vision for the community’s future. The scope of work, which was amended in 2020, includes future plans for bicycle and pedestrian paths. Such plans will build off the Village’s 2014 Bicycle Plan. An assessment of bicycle and pedestrian paths throughout the community is planned for in 2022 and will be completed in 2023.

Link to documentation confirming above statement.

Implement Recommendations f rom t he Bicycle a nd Pedestrian Plan

The Link Crossing Development has implemented many of the overarching principles and objectives of Buffalo Grove’s 2014 Bicycle Plan. An assessment of bicycle and pedestrian paths throughout the community is planned for in 2022 and will be completed in 2023.

Link to documentation confirming above statement.

Collaborate w ith Regional Partners t o Connect On - And Off - R oad Bicycle Facilities

w ith Existing a nd Planned Regional Trail Networks

The Village of Buffalo Grove collaborates with surrounding communities, Buffalo Park District and the Northwest Municipal Conference to recommend and collaborate on existing and planned bikeways. Buffalo Grove has held workshops, created our own bike plan and participated in the Northwest Municipal Conference Bike Plan. An assessment of bicycle and pedestrian facilities throughout the community is planned for in 2022 and will be completed in 2023.

Link to documentation confirming above statement.

Mobility

Provide Bicycle Parking a t Municipal Faciliti es, Business Districts a nd Transit Stations a nd i n Neighborhoods

The Village’s Complete Streets Policy encourages bicycle parking to be provided with developments whenever possible in the Village. There are currently bicycle parking at all Village Municipal buildings. An assessment of bicycle and pedestrian facilities throughout the community is planned for in 2022 and will be completed in 2023.

Link to documentation confirming above statement.

Maintain a Diverse, Safe a nd Efficient Transportation Network

Ma intain Streets and Sidewalks f or Efficiency a nd Safety without Harming Natural Resources

The Village’s Snow and Ice Management Plan discusses industry best practice standards for salt level application, with the Village ensuring that the salt is pre-wet to minimize bouncing of the salt beyond the street. When it’s weather permissive, the Village will conduct street sweeping to clean up any salt residual. Snow equipment is calibrated beyond what is considered best management practices to ensure staff can concisely distribute salt at the recommended levels.

Link to documentation confirming above statement.

Maintain Eff icient T raffic F low Within and Around the C ommunity

The Village partners with State and County Transportation Departments to improve regional roads as necessary. This reduces traffic backups on regional, arterial and collector roads which in turn reduces cut through traffic on Village roads

Link to documentation confirming above statement.

Incorporate Sustainable Roadways into Capital Improvement Planning, Proactively Plan f or Major Transportation Infrastructure Improvements

The Village is embarking on a program where we model current Village owned and maintained roadways through pavement scanning, condition rating, and proper application of rehabilitation techniques to extend a roadway’s life cycle. The Village is working towards utilizing its asset management software Overall Condition Index and Scenario Builder functions to ensure the most sustainable and cost-effective maintenance of our roadways.

Link to documentation confirming above statement.

Mobility

Coordinate w ith Regional Transportation Agencies to Maximize Bicycle, Pedestrian, Vehicular Transit, a nd Rail Connectivity a nd Mobility

The Village collaborated with several regional transportation partners including Metra, Pace, and CMAP in developing Prairie View Metra Station Area Plan. This plan focuses on enhancing bicycle, pedestrian, and rail connectivity and mobility in the Prairie View Metra Station Area. The Village approved the Prairie View Metra Station Area Plan as a component and update to the Comprehensive Plan in April 2019

Link to documentation confirming above statment.

Collaborate t o Provide Alternative Fuel Infrastructure at Public Sites

The Village installed electric vehicle charging stations at the Arboretum Golf Course. As funding allows other sites will be reviewed for possible improvements.

Link to documentation confirming above statement.

Incorporate Trees a nd Other Green Infrastructure Elements Into Roadway Design a nd Maintenance f or Functionality a nd Aesthetics

On all main arterial streets throughout Buffalo Grove, the Village has incorporated landscaped medians with native plantings and trees to beautify the Village roadways, reduce the amount of maintenance, and help clean stormwater runoff before it reaches waterways. These roads include Buffalo Grove Road, Weiland Road, and Lake Cook Road.

Link to documentation confirming above statement.

Support Efficient Transportation That Uses Resources Wisely

Support Regional Transportation Innovation

The Village is engaged in a project with other communities along the North Central Service Line to collaboratively explore potential partnerships and innovative funding strategies to improve the NCS service. The study is funded by a grant through the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA)

Link to documentation confirming abovcurbe statement.

Strategically Manage Parking Polic ies

a nd

Priorities t o Advance Sustainability

The Village Board, Planning and Zoning Commission, and staff worked closely with developers in designing and building the Link Crossing residential development, a 50-acre subdivision. The plan accommodates parking via alleys and guest lots but prioritizes the pedestrian through pedestrian-oriented housing and street design.

Link to documentation confirming above statement.

Create Safe Routes t o School

Mobility

The Village of Buffalo Grove applies annually to the State of Illinois “safe routes to school program”. Currently the Village is building sidewalks at Ivy Hall Elementary School through the safe routes to school program.

Link to documentation confirming above statement.

Integrate Sustainability into Transportation Policies, Programs a nd Regulations

Enact a nd Enforce Anti - Idling Policies f or Public Fleet

Vehicles

Due to the nature of First Responders, certain vehicles need to idle in order to provide emergency services. This includes, but is not limited to Police, Fire, EMS, and Public Works operations vehicles/equipment. However, not all departments fall into these categories and a policy can be adopted to limit idling for nonemergency use vehicles/equipment. Newly purchased vehicles already come equipped with an anti-idling function which limits idling.

Link to documentation confirming above statement.

Designate No Idling Zones a t Schools, Transit Stations Etc.

The Public Works Department will issue communication posts annually at the beginning of the school year to advise the public to not leave their vehicles idling when waiting for student pick up.

Link to documentation confirming above statement.

Promote Public a nd Sustainable Transportation Choices

Collaborate t o Maintain a nd Enhance Transit Facilities

The Village works with transit agencies such as Metra and Pace Bus to enhance and maintain the local transit facilities. See attached budget document highlighting the improvement work at the Buffalo Grove Metra/Pace Bus Station.

Link to documentation confirming above statement.

Collaborate t o Expand Regional Transit Capacity a nd Improve Service

The Village is engaged in a project with other communities along the North Central Service Line to collaboratively explore potential partnerships and innovative funding strategies to improve the NCS service. The study is funded by a grant through the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA).

Link to documentation confirming above statement.

Mobility

Expand Local Transit Connections t o Meet Identified Needs

The Village works with local groups to expand local transit connections and created an ad hoc bicycle and pedestrian committee staffed by local community members and created a bicycle and pedestrian plan for the Village. An assessment of bicycle and pedestrian facilities as they relate to transit throughout the community is planned for in 2022 and will be completed in 2023.

Link to documentation confirming above statement.

Collaborate t o Provide Multi - Modal Transportation Options t o Resolve t he First a nd Last Mile Barrier

The Village works closely with Lake County Partners (the economic development entity of Lake County) and the businesses in the industrial corridor to collaborate on first and last mile connections with the Buffalo Grove Metra Train Station (NCS line) and other neighboring train stations. For example, over the past few years, Buffalo Grove, Lake County Partners, and Flex have worked through work-shift analyses and shuttles options to help utilize transit options and close the “last mile gap.”

Link to documentation confirming above statement.

Encourage Residents a nd Visitors t o Walk a nd Bike

On “bike to work day” the Village encourages bicycling to work, errands or other destinations. Staff work with local school districts to observe national bike to school day in early May. The Village promotes Buffalo Grove as a bicycle friendly community.

Link to documentation confirming above statement.

Educate t he Community o n t he Negative Impacts o f Car Idling

The Village website contains information and a link to educational materials regarding the negative impacts of car idling.

Link to documentation confirming above statement.

Encourage Active Transportation a nd Community Building i n a n Open Streets Event

The Bike Rodeo is a community event for children ages 5-12 to test their bike skills. The Police Department oversees an obstacle course which includes stopping maneuvers, slalom courses, and more! Prizes are awarded, along with a bike giveaway and goodie bags for children who participate. This event also encourages residents to use active transportation and biking.

Link to documentation confirming above statement.