Town of Normal
Environmental Stewardship Policy
The Town of Normal recognizes responsible environmental stewardship as part of its core mission in serving the citizens of this community. The Town’s environmental policy is intended to create long-term environmental benefits and to conserve natural resources. The policy is also intended to ensure the protection of Town employees, residents, and members of the broader global community.
The Town is committed to reducing its use of natural resources, to investing in green buildings, vehicles and materials, to saving taxpayer dollars through wise energy use and resource conservation, and to improving the overall quality of life in the Town. In order to be a responsible environmental steward, the Town has adopted this environmental policy focusing on the following main areas that are identified in the nationally recognized Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program:
Sustainable Sites
In choosing locations for new public facilities, the Town will consider proximity to public transportation, preservation of natural areas, and the potential to remediate brownfield sites or to redevelop underperforming sites. In the design of new facilities the Town will seek to promote alternative transportation modes, such as bicycling and car pooling where appropriate. Further, new standards will be developed to reduce stormwater runoff, urban heat generation, and light pollution in new, Town-owned developments. The Town will also strive to improve the environmental sustainability of existing Town properties by, for example, expanding passive recreation areas and thereby providing more natural habitat while requiring less energy from the Town for maintenance.
Water Efficiency
The Town will work toward greater water efficiency both indoors and outdoors on all Town properties. All Town facilities will utilize water efficient fixtures and promote water conservation through education. Landscape irrigation will be minimized through the incorporation of drought-tolerant plantings on Town properties where appropriate and by restrained irrigation practices.
Energy and Atmosphere
The Town will maximize the energy performance of all Town facilities through the use of energy efficient equipment, such as HVAC mechanical systems, copy machines, and electronics, and through technology-based equipment management systems to ensure adequate maintenance and performance. In addition, the Town will strive to purchase 25% of its energy annually from renewable sources by 2010. The Town will also seek out opportunities to promote and utilize the wind power and biofuel energy resources produced in the state of Illinois and in our own County. As part of the vehicle replacement program, the Town will aim to improve the overall fuel efficiency of its fleet of vehicles where appropriate.
Materials and Resources
As a part of all new public developments, such as civic buildings, public recreational facilities, and remodeled spaces, the Town will maximize construction waste recycling and the use of recycled and renewable materials. The Town will also critically evaluate the use of sustainable materials for daily operations, including recycled paper and electronics, and the effectiveness of the recycling program within Town facilities.
Indoor and Outdoor Environmental Quality
The Town will strive to provide a safer and healthier work environment by minimizing the use of toxins on its properties and by monitoring indoor air quality. Key areas of attention include the cleanliness of the forced air system and the use of cleaning products, lawn chemicals, paints, adhesives, and any other materials that negatively impact air quality.
Innovation in Design
The Town realizes that as the community continues to grow, new innovations will be required to address the increasing environmental impacts of development. Thus, the Town is committed to supporting innovative designs that may result in positive environmental benefits whenever possible.
In order to continue making strides toward increased environmental sustainability, the Town of Normal will regularly review and update the Environmental Stewardship Policy to include new technologies and best practices.