Geneva 1 Of 10 Local Towns Recognized For Solar Energy Work

GENEVA, IL — Geneva is one of 10 communities in the Chicago area that has been nationally recognized for encouraging growth in solar energy use, city officials announced Thursday.

The Kane County city received bronze-level designation from SolSmart, a U.S. Department of Energy-funded program that helps local governments reduce barriers to solar energy for residents and business customers, Geneva officials said in a news release.

Geneva received the distinction by establishing a checklist to guide applications through the solar permitting process by providing "clear and transparent information on permit requirements, which saves time spent on revisions and accelerates permit approval."

City officials also provide a solar power resources page online and are currently drafting a new ordinance to streamline future solar power development, according to the release. The ordinance was a requirement for the bronze distinction,

"The work that we did to earn SolSmart is the kind of practical climate action that municipal leaders can take to both reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help residents and businesses save money on energy costs," Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns said in a statement. "We hope our work inspires other communities to collaborate to achieve a better environment and a brighter future."

Burns also serves as chairman on the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus Environment Committee and Energy Subcommittee as well as secretary on the Caucus Executive Board. The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus — Geneva is a member — also leads the Greenest Region Compact, the largest regional sustainability collaborative for municipalities in the country, according to Geneva officials.