Healthy Building Technical Committee Meeting 3/4/2026

The City of Evanston's Healthy Building Technical Committee convened on March 4, 2026, to discuss strategies for achieving renewable energy goals and energy efficiency targets for city buildings by 2050. The meeting focused on evaluating sample buildings' energy use, exploring renewable energy options such as on-site solar installations, community solar, and renewable energy certificates (RECs), and considering the feasibility and challenges of transitioning to 100% renewable energy. Committee members discussed the need for clear guidelines on renewable energy procurement, including the use of power purchase agreements (PPAs) and RECs, as well as the importance of establishing interim energy use intensity (EUI) targets every five years. They also addressed data tracking and reporting mechanisms through platforms like Energy Star and BEAM to verify renewable energy purchases and building performance. The committee emphasized the importance of communication and resources for building owners to facilitate compliance and encouraged the development of draft language outlining renewable energy goals, reporting requirements, and potential incentives for on-site renewable installations. No formal votes on procurement contracts or budget allocations were recorded, but the discussion laid groundwork for future policy and procurement decisions related to renewable energy in municipal buildings.