Climate Protection
Fitchburg's First Green Tour was held on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011
Fitchburg's 2011 Green Tour showcased steps that local homeowners and businesses have been taking to be more environmentally friendly, socially equitable and economically responsible. This includes water and energy saving devices, renewable energy installations and advanced recycling practices. Tours of a number of the stops were recorded and are now available by visiting the Fitchburg Access Community Television (FACTv) Public channel: http://factv.city.fitchburg.wi.us/Cablecast/Public/Show.aspx?ChannelID=1&ShowID=1234. The City of Fitchburg would like to thank all of the site hosts, exhibitors and participants of the tour for their time and efforts.
Fitchburg is committed to reducing the City's impact on the environment and to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In 2007 the Common Council passed R-73-07, a resolution to study the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement and similar frameworks for sustainability for possible policy action by the Council. On July 12, 2008 Mayor Tom Clauder signed the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, as resolved in R-55-08. Fitchburg joined 1,044 other cities across the country in vowing to reduce carbon emissions to below 1990 levels as called for in the Kyoto Protocol.
On July 14, 2009, Fitchburg become a partner with the State of Wisconsin in pursuit of the 25 x 25 goals for energy independence. In 2010, the City joined several Wisconsin municipalities in signing the Green Tier Legacy Communities Charter. Under the Green Tier Legacy Communities Charter, municipalities agree to adopt policies, practices and development patterns that minimize energy consumption, reduce all forms of pollution and waste to create a better place to live. On Sept. 27, 2011, the Fitchburg Common Council adopted Resolution R-60-11 - A Resolution in Support of Idling Reduction Strategies for the City of Fitchburg.
Two city organizations are responsible for climate protection initiatives: the Resource Conservation Commission (RCC) and the City of Fitchburg Staff Green Team: |
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-The RCC recommends policy, enforcement, and informational programs to promote the preservation and improvement of the environment. The RCC has made recommendations for meeting the Kyoto Protocol, and has suggestions for how individuals can reduce their carbon footprint. The RCC has a Community Outreach Subcommittee that plans educational programs for Fitchburg residents and businesses. Videos of RCC Outreach events are available in the “Other City Meetings and Events” section of the FACTv Streaming Media Archive
- -The Staff Green Team meets bi-monthly to discuss, plan and implement sustainability initiatives that can be incorporated into the City’s daily operating procedures.
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RCC and Staff Green Team members provided a presentation to the Committee of the Whole on May 25, 2011. The presentation included a report on status of greenhouse gas emissions and recommendations, vehicle idling reduction strategies, and suggested greenhouse gas emission reductions measures to target next.
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Fitchburg is taking several steps to reduce its municipal carbon footprint. These include installing solar panels on City Hall, including a geothermal heating and cooling system in the new Fitchburg Library, encouraging staff to commute via alternative transportation, and implementing policies to reduce vehicle idling by municipal vehicles.
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Climate Protection Organizations and Resources in the Fitchburg Area
Dane County Clean Air Coalition
Middleton Sustainability Committee
Midwest Renewable Energy Association
