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A Resolution Approving a Sponsored Services Agreement with the Board of Trustees of The University of Illinois for the Village of Oak Park Building Assessments and Energy Efficiency Education for Commercial Tenants & Landlords Program in an Amount Not to Exceed $100,000 and Authorizing its Execution.
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Introduction
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This resolution approves a sponsored services agreement with the Board of Trustees of The University of Illinois for the Village of Oak Park Building Assessments and Energy Efficiency Education for Commercial Tenants & Landlords program in an amount not to exceed $100,000 and authorizes its execution.
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Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the Board approve the resolution.
Prior Board Action
There is no prior Board action associated with this item
Background
This resolution is consistent with Village Board Goal 5.1.d, which states, “Advance Village policies and programs to support the transition of the Village’s and the community’s natural gas equipment to electric equipment, improve building energy efficiency, and increase onsite renewable energy installations.”
The Village adopted Ordinance 23-18, creating energy and water benchmarking reporting requirements for large buildings (CROP EN01). The CROP plan also recommends an outreach and education program to raise awareness and connect businesses with technical and financial services for energy and climate resiliency upgrades (CROP BD03).
In 2023, the Village of Oak Park worked with the Smart Energy Design Assistance Center (SEDAC) at the University of Illinois to promote the Illinois Green Business Program. Twenty-four businesses in Oak Park took advantage of that program. When evaluating continuation of the program, Staff and SEDAC identified an opportunity to connect the Benchmarking and the Green Business programs by creating a program that will bring landlords and tenants in commercial buildings together to work on improving building performance. SEDAC has the technical expertise to run the proposed building.
Timing Considerations
There are funds budgeted in FY2025 for this program. The program is being used as an incentive for participation in the benchmarking program. The next deadline for that program is December 31, 2025.
Budget Impact
The proposal from SEDAC is not to exceed $100,000. Funds for this project were budgeted in GL# 2310.41020.101.570856.0000
Staffing Impact
Staff time will be used to manage the program, review deliverables, and to assist the consultants in identification of and outreach to building owners and commercial tenants. Sustainability Staff will spend approximately 80 hours to manage the project, review materials, and connect with building owners and businesses. Development Services Staff will utilize no more than 20 hours supporting the project primarily through currently existing connection points with Village building owners and businesses.
DEI Impact
The proposed program will connect commercial landlords and tenants to enhance energy efficiency in commercial and mixed-use buildings. Participating commercial tenants have not yet been identified, but may include minority or women-owned businesses. While residential tenants are not the target of this proposed program, building types assessed may include mixed-use. For mixed-use buildings, the whole building audits will include the residential uses and engage the residential tenants. The Village and project team will tailor engagement strategies for the engagement and participation of residential tenants in these cases. Forty-four percent (44%) of the renter-occupied households in Oak Park spend over 30% of their income on housing. Efficiency improvements to the buildings which result in lower utility costs for rental tenants will help alleviate rental cost burden.
Community Input
There has been no community input given in relation to this item. There will be engagement of commercial building owners and tenants throughout the program delivery if approved.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends approving the resolution.
Advantages:
• Commercial buildings in the Village will have access to free energy assessments.
• Commercial building owners and tenants will have access to educational opportunities focusing on energy efficiency and electrification.
• The Village will gain knowledge and data on the challenges and opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from commercial building energy use.
• The program provides an incentive for benchmarking buildings.
Disadvantages:
• The project requires budget resources.
• Staff time will be utilized to manage the program.
• The number of assessments the partner will provide is limited.
Alternatives
Alternative 1:
The Board can reject the resolution, and staff will not manage a program for commercial landlord and tenant energy efficiency.
Advantages:
• Budget resources will be conserved and can be reallocated to other initiatives.
• Staff can refer commercial building owners to the existing Building Energy Hub managed by the Illinois Green Alliance.
Disadvantages:
• Commercial building owners will not have access to free assessments.
• There will be no additional engagement created to connect tenants and owners on efficiency work.
• There is no tie between the Building Energy Hub and the Village’s benchmarking program to serve as an incentive.
Anticipated Future Actions
Staff anticipated that program updates and the final report will be presented to the Board. The final report is anticipated in May 2026.
Prepared By: Lindsey Roland Nieratka, Chief Sustainability Officer
Reviewed By: Ahmad Zayyad, Deputy Village Manager
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Resolution - SEDAC Contract
2. SEDAC Contract
3. SEDAC Statement of Work
4. SEDAC Budget Justification