Edgewater Environmental Sustainability Project - An all volunteer not-for-profit group
            Mission:  Edgewater will become a model green community for the Chicago area
        What we Do: Engage with our neighbors for a Sustainable Future - Change begins locally.
Edgewater is located on the north side of Chicago with Lake Michigan as its east border and Ravenswood Avenue to the West.  High rises overlook the beach fronts & parkways, while single family homes and mid rise buildings are found in its tree lined neighborhoods.  Broadway, Devon Ave. and Andersonville provide fine dining and great local businesses.             __________________
                        GUIDELINES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

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Following a unanimous vote of approval by EESP members, these guidelines were provided to Alderman Osterman (48th Ward) on August 15, 2017.  The introductory statement explains the purpose :

Alderman Osterman - As more new construction is considered for Edgewater, it is important that our community promote qualities that will bring leading edge green development but also maintain a neighborhood that encourages individuals, families and businesses to remain and prosper. Therefore the Edgewater Environmental Sustainability Project wishes to offer our support as an advisory arm to the Alderman with respect to development activity within the community. We would strive to continue:

Edgewater’s Green Edge
Edgewater currently contains a number of sustainable developments: Loyola University’s IES campus, the Edgewater Public library, the Pomeroy Senior Citizens Building, nationally recognized Uncommon Ground - and other local LEED certified buildings. Additional examples of the community’s interest in sustainability include residents actively incorporating energy efficiency upgrades, addition of renewable energy systems, new parks & gardens, & strong  commitment to our tree canopy. We know many forward thinking people seek out that which supports their growing sustainable commitment to the planet. To capitalize on Edgewater’s green edge, its location to water, and its prime location within the City, we envision Edgewater as a local and global leader in promoting sustainable housing, development, and resource management (our land, air, and quality of life).

Looking at guidelines set forth by neighboring organizations such as North Center Neighborhood Association (http://northcenterneighborhood.org/zoning) and national organizations such as the Charter for New Urbanism (https://www.cnu.org/who-we-are/charter-new-urbanism), EESP advocates for responsible use and a green energy mandate for all new developments.

Responsible use:
Respect for Edgewater’s land & community that builds for the future & respects the past

​Build for the future 
Buildings account for 1/3 of all climate change. Ideally we envision energy neutral buildings but at a minimum we advocate at least five [5] of the following criteria be met for all new developments:
  • Sustainable building materials, principles, and energy management
  • Energy efficient mechanical systems that are track able
  • Tight building envelope with energy efficient insulation
  • Solar energy: Thermal or PV panels
  • Geothermal
  • Cool roof or green roof
  • Green facade (A green facade is created by growing climbing plants up and across the facade of building, either from plants grown in garden beds at its base, or by container plantings installed at different levels across the building.)
  • Rainwater management, which may include permeable pavement
  • Urban garden/landscaping or vertical garden
  • Parking that includes car share and battery charging stations
  • Design and preservation of natural light in buildings
 Respect for the past
  • Edgewater has a unique history of buildings that have created a distinctive built heritage and character – something to celebrate rather than eliminate. New building should be integrated seamlessly within this existing architecture and respect the land, green space & tree canopy.
  • We advocate for good urban design, landscape design, and street frontage that creates an enjoyable, vibrant, and interactive street-scape and/or public spaces that encourage community engagement.
  • We recommend support of buildings and stores that meet neighborhood needs. TODs increase density. Therefore, the facade of a TOD is of utmost importance, since because of its density, should result in an enlivened street life, especially on main thoroughfares.
  • We need only look to Andersonville’s Clark street for a unique and vibrant range of businesses that have vibrantly preserved and capitalized on its unified neighborhood architectural character.
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EESP Monthly Meeting

The map shows the location of the monthly meetings on the second Wednesday of each month: 9 to 10 am.  Near the Bryn Mawr Red Line Stop, meetings held at 5533 North Broadway. Contact us for an agenda or for information on volunteer opportunities at our upcoming events
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 Thank you to the following individuals and groups for their support:
    Loyola University Chicago                                                                  48th Ward Ald Harry Osterman & Staff
    State Sen. Heather Steans & Staff                                                     State Rep. Kelly Cassidy & Staff
    Edgewater Chamber of Commerce                                                   Edgewater Historic Society
    Edgewater Development Corporation                                             6018 North Kenmore
    Nicholas Senn High School                                                                  Faith Groups of Edgewater
    Friends of the Parks                                                                                SSA #26
    Uncommon Ground on Devon Ave                                                   Treekeepers of Edgewater
    Neighborhood Block Clubs                                                                   Andersonville Sustainable Community Alliance  
​    Overhead Project