Sustainability Developments
What Individuals are Doing
Locally to Be More Sustainable
A recent survey of 98 RPS205 Freshmen found that 88% are convinced that changing weather patterns are a serious issue. 72% are concerned or very concerned about the impact of climate change. The survey, conducted during the RPS205 Career Academy Expo, was sponsored and administered as a partnership between Sustain Rockford and Forest City Sustainability. This result aligns well with a 2021 Stanford study 1 that found that “about three-quarters of young people felt that the ‘future is frightening’”. Interestingly, the Rockford study revealed that two-thirds of the students expressed optimism that global climate change will be managed in their lifetimes (hopeful or very hopeful). The full study can be accessed on our Resources page by clicking HERE.
What Businesses are Doing
Locally to Be More Sustainable
Trajectory Energy Partners and Summit Ridge Energy broke ground on 8/27/2024 for a 35-acre community solar farm which is expected to be completed in June 2025. The solar farm will consist of 20,000 solar panels producing 6.2 megawatts of electricity for business and residential ‘subscribers.’ OSF HealthCare is the anchor subscriber for Rock Cut Solar. The project is expected to cost $10 million and will take advantage of the robust solar incentives offered in Illinois as a result of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) which was passed in 2021. About 60% of the labor for the project will be locally sourced and the projects developers will make a number of cash grants to Rockford area organizations such as Rockford Habitat for Humanity ($100,000).
Trajectory Energy Partners contracted with Sustain Rockford to assist with this project by convening several meetings with nonprofits in northwest Rockford for the purpose of exploring ways in which Rock Cut Solar could leverage other sustainability projects and efforts in northwest Rockford. Community solar is a way for businesses, organizations and residents to ‘get solar’ without having it on their own roof or property.
Powering Progress: The Gemini Solar Project in Winnebago County
The Gemini Solar Project is bringing bold, renewable energy to Winnebago County. Developed by Geenex, this 224 MW solar facility will power over 35,000 homes generating clean, reliable, American made energy for Illinois’ power grid. Spanning 2,240 acres, it preserves agricultural land, allowing farmers to return to farming once the lease ends.
Beyond environmental benefits, Gemini Solar delivers economic value by generating long-term tax revenue to support local schools and public services. Geenex is also committed to community investment through its local grant program, helping nonprofits thrive. Gemini Solar isn’t just about clean energy, it’s about building a brighter, stronger future for Winnebago County.
To learn more or explore partnership opportunities, don’t hesitate to reach out to our local representative, Moon Sum at Moon@bantamcommunications.com.
Together, we can drive sustainable growth in our region.
What Organizations are Doing
Locally to Be More Sustainable
Thank you to our Sustainability Ambassadors for helping Sustain Rockford make history in our first ever participation in the RockYard Music Festival! 31 volunteers helped to keep waste awareness a part of everyday living as they collected aluminum, glass bottles, and cardboard from event attendees.
Where would a grassroots organization, like us, be without you? Together, we’re taking action in our communities!
