energy

Arlington Heights has undertaken significant efforts to improve energy efficiency across the community. The village has implemented initiatives to reduce energy consumption in public buildings and encourage energy-saving practices among residents and businesses. As part of their sustainability plan, Arlington Heights actively promotes the adoption of renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, through incentive programs that include tax credits and grants for both residential and commercial installations. Public lighting has been retrofitted with LED technology to decrease municipal energy use. The community also supports smart grid technology and has partnered with local utilities to offer energy audits, providing residents with actionable insights to enhance their home energy efficiency. Residential and commercial building codes in Arlington Heights have been updated to reflect higher energy efficiency standards, ensuring that new constructions contribute to the village's reduced carbon footprint. Additionally, the village participates in community energy aggregation, which enables them to procure electricity at bulk rates from providers with a higher percentage of renewable sources.

water

Water conservation is a key component of Arlington Heights' environmental efforts. The village has upgraded its water infrastructure with advanced metering technology to detect leaks and monitor water usage effectively. Incentive programs are in place to encourage residents and businesses to install water-efficient fixtures, including low-flow toilets and showerheads. Rain barrel distribution and rain garden initiatives are promoted to harness stormwater runoff for landscaping purposes, thus reducing the demand on the treated water supply. Arlington Heights also offers rebates for the installation of water-smart landscaping and irrigation systems that minimize water waste. The village's conservation efforts are complemented by educational programs aimed at raising public awareness about the importance of water preservation. Water quality is continuously monitored to ensure that it meets or exceeds federal and state standards, and the village invests in the maintenance and improvement of its water treatment facilities to ensure a sustainable water supply for future generations.

transportation

Arlington Heights is committed to enhancing transportation efficiency and reducing its environmental impact. The village has invested in the development and maintenance of a comprehensive network of bike paths and lanes, encouraging residents to choose cycling as a sustainable transportation option. Public transportation is also a key focus, with Arlington Heights actively supporting the regional Metra train system and local bus services to provide residents with reliable and eco-friendly transit options. The village's pedestrian-friendly downtown design promotes walkability, decreasing the reliance on personal vehicles. Efforts have been made to facilitate the use of electric vehicles (EVs), including the installation of EV charging stations in strategic locations. Additionally, rideshare programs and carpooling initiatives are supported to reduce traffic congestion and vehicle emissions. To create a sustainable transportation future, the village is actively exploring smart city solutions and infrastructure upgrades that integrate technology to optimize traffic flow and enhance transportation systems.

waste

Waste management in Arlington Heights focuses on reducing landfill dependency through various programs and incentives that encourage recycling and composting. The village offers comprehensive recycling services, including curbside pickup for a wide range of materials such as paper, plastics, metals, and glass. Special e-waste collection events are organized to ensure the responsible disposal of electronic waste. To minimize organic waste, residents are encouraged to participate in the village's composting program, which accepts yard waste as well as certain types of food scraps. The village has also implemented a 'pay-as-you-throw' system, which incentivizes residents to produce less waste by charging for refuse collection based on the amount thrown away. Local businesses benefit from waste reduction consultations, aimed at reducing their environmental footprint and improving sustainability practices. Additionally, Arlington Heights actively promotes education and outreach efforts, such as community workshops on waste minimization, to raise awareness about the importance of recycling and waste reduction.