- Illinois Park and Recreation Association

Environmental Report Card

See how green your organization really is!

IPRA Environmental Report Card

Name:

Organization:

Email:

General

General Section Score: 0/6

1. Does your agency have an environmental policy? Yes No

1a. Is this policy/plan approved by the board? (1 point) Yes No

1b. Does your agency actively update and review the policy? (1 point) Yes No

2. Do full-time and/or part-time staff members receive an orientation and/or training regarding your agency’s environmental policy/plan? (1 point) Yes No

3. Has your agency established a staff-led Environmental Committee or ‘Green Team’? (1 point) Yes No

3a. Does your Environmental Committee or ‘Green Team’ review and update board-approved policies...? (1 point) Yes No

4. Does your agency make (or has your agency made) use of IPRA’s Model Environmental Policy and/or Environmental Toolkit? (1 point) Yes No

Administration & Finance

Administration & Finance Score: 0/13

5. Does your agency dedicate funds in its annual operations budget to support environmental goals? (max 5 points) Recycling
Energy Audits
Natural Areas Maintenance
Natural Areas Restoration/Re-creation
Native Landscaping
Storm Water Best Management Practices
Environmentally Friendly Purchasing
Alternative Fuel & Hybrid Vehicles
Energy Conservation
Other:

6. In the last 5 years, has your agency dedicated capital funding towards environmental initiatives...? (max 5 points) Natural Area Restoration
Natural Area Public Access
Nature Program Facilities
Energy Conservation
Permeable Pavement
Rain Gardens
Bio-Swales
Alternative Energy Systems
Other:

7. In the past 5 years, has your agency applied for grants to fund environmental goals/initiatives... (1 point) Yes
No
N/A

8. Does your agency use a set of guidelines... (1 point) Yes
No
N/A

9. Does your agency make conscious efforts within all departments...? (max 5 points) Minimal Packaging
Recycled/Recyclable Content
Renewable Resource Content
Min 30% Post Consumer Materials
Energy Star Rated Appliances
Low VOC Furnishings & Paints
Low Toxicity Cleaning Products
Locally Produced Materials/Products
Other:

10. Does your agency seek to identify and purchase from vendors of environmentally friendly products through the US Communities or similar program? (2 points) Yes
No
N/A

11. When seeking proposals for professional services, does your agency request environmental references/qualifications...? (1 point) Yes
No
N/A

11a. Does your agency ask bidders to provide a Statement of Sustainability...? (1 point) Yes
No

12. Are procedures in place to measure the impacts of environmental goals/initiatives? (1 point) Yes
No
N/A

13. Does your agency promote public awareness of its sustainability efforts? Yes
No
N/A

Facility Management & Maintenance

Facility Management Score: 0/25

14. Does your agency provide opportunities for staff to recycle waste products in office areas...? Yes No

14a. Are staff encouraged to recycle via policies, training, memoranda, and notices? (1 point) Yes No

15. Does your agency provide opportunities for patrons to recycle waste products in public areas...? Yes No

15a. Are patrons encouraged to recycle via education, policies, promotion, and signage? (1 point) Yes No

16. Are recycling containers paired with waste containers, visibly well marked and easy to locate? Yes No

17. Are outside concessionaires required to minimize the use of disposable products? (2 points) Yes No

17a. Are outside concessionaires required to offer recycling for patrons? Yes No

18. Does your agency encourage the use of electronic communication to conserve paper? Yes No

19. Is staff encouraged to use duplexing or double-sided copying of documents? Yes No

20. When contracting printing vendors or purchasing from vendors, does your agency specify...? Yes No

20a. Paper for printing needs that is free of chlorine-bleaching...? Yes No

20b. Paper that contains 30% or more post consumer recycled content? Yes No

20c. Does your agency actively update and review the policy? (1 point) Yes No Other:

21. Do restrooms and locker rooms have water saving devices (low flow showers, toilets, motion faucets)? Yes No

21a. Are at least 50% of fixtures low flow or motion activated? Yes No N/A

21b. Are at least 75% of fixtures low flow or motion activated? Yes No N/A

21c. Are 100% of fixtures low flow or motion activated? Yes No N/A

22. Do restrooms and locker rooms have hand dryers in lieu of paper towels? Yes No

22a. Do 100% of your restrooms/locker rooms have hand dryers? Yes No N/A

23. Does your agency conduct energy audits? Yes No

23a. Following audits, does your agency make changes? Yes No N/A

23b. After making changes, does your agency record differences in impact? Yes No N/A

24. Is energy-efficient lighting used (compact fluorescents, T-8 fluorescents or LEDs)? Yes No

24a. Are 100% of new or replacement lighting needs energy-efficient? Yes No N/A

25. Are lights, fans or other electric devices on motion-activated occupancy sensors or timers? Yes No

26. Are staff instructed to turn off all electronics and unplug charging devices at the end of the day? Yes No

27. Is energy efficiency included as a specification when purchasing/replacing major appliances...? Yes No

28. Are hot water heaters and hot water pipes insulated? Yes No

29. Are on-demand/tankless hot water heaters utilized where appropriate? Yes No

30. Do facility HVAC systems include energy-saving features such as min./max. settings...? Yes No

30a. Are particulate filters (with MERV8 rating or better) used in HVAC systems? Yes No N/A

31. Does your agency promote the use of environmentally-friendly, low toxicity and/or fragrance-free cleaning products...? (2 points) Yes No

31. Does your agency seek to minimize the use of petroleum-based cleaners, solvents and inks? Yes No

32. To improve and protect indoor air quality does your agency seek to purchase low VOCs...? Yes No

32a. Does your agency seek to purchase carpets that meet Carpet and Rug Institute Green Label...? Yes No N/A

33. Does your agency consider the use of sustainable, reclaimed and/or local materials when remodeling/renovating facilities? Yes No

33a. Are building materials removed during remodeling/renovation reclaimed or recycled? Yes No N/A

34. Does your agency properly dispose of/recycle any of the following per MSDS...? (max 5 points) Energy Efficient Lighting
Batteries
Electronics
Ink and Toner Cartridges
Paints
Cleaning Products
Other:

35. Does your agency have an integrated pest management program in place to reduce the use of toxic pesticides...? (2 points) Yes No

36. Does your agency make use of alternative energy systems to provide energy and/or conserve energy...? (max 5 points) Passive Solar
Active Solar
Wind Energy
Geo-Thermal
Green Roof

37. Does your agency actively train and/or support staff training in sustainable management practices (green cleaning, energy efficiency, etc)? Yes No

38. Does your agency purchase energy through a green energy provider? Yes No

Fleet Management & Maintenance

Fleet Management Score: 0/10

39. Does your agency perform regular engine tune-ups and scheduled preventative maintenance...? Yes No

40. If you perform regular maintenance, does your agency recycle and/or properly dispose of all vehicle fluids and engine parts? Yes No

41. Does your agency properly use, store and dispose of hazardous materials according to MSDS...? Yes No

42. Does your agency have a safety policy and training procedures in place regarding the handling of hazardous waste? Yes No

42. Does your agency provide the appropriate work environment with ventilation/safety gear for employees...? Yes No

43. Does your agency have a program to conserve fuel and energy with respect to fleet operations (e.g. mileage/fuel efficiency tracking, no idling policy)? Yes No

44. Does your agency actively fund or apply for grants that promote and provide the means for the use of clean energy (bio-diesel, LPG, etc.)? (2 points) Yes No

45. As part of your Equipment Asset Program, what percentage of your total fleet has been replaced with alternative fuel and/or hybrid vehicles? 0% - 0 points
1-10% - 1 point
11-20% - 2 points
21-30% - 3 points
30-50% - 4 points
>50% - 5 points

46. Does your agency limit the use and refueling of, or not use at all, gas powered equipment and vehicles during ozone action days...? Yes No

Parks & Natural Resource Management

Parks & Natural Resource Management Score: 0/14

47. Does your agency have natural resource management plans in place for District natural areas? Yes No

48. Does your agency dedicate funds in its annual operations budget for natural resource best management practices? (max 5 points) Restoration of Natural Areas
Re-creation of Natural Areas
Control Exotic Species
Increase Biodiversity/Wildlife Habitat
Storm water Best Management Practices...
Improve Water Quality
Bank Stabilization
Sediment & Erosion Control
Integrated Pest Management Program...
Alternative/Biological Pest Control...
Other:

49. Does your agency actively apply for grants to fund natural resource best management practices? (max 5 points) Restoration of Natural Areas
Re-creation of Natural Areas
Control Exotic Species
Increase Biodiversity/Wildlife Habitat
Storm water Best Management Practices...
Improve Water Quality
Bank Stabilization
Sediment & Erosion Control
Integrated Pest Management Program...
Alternative/Biological Pest Control...
Other:

50. Does your agency take precautions or protective measures during and after construction/development to protect soils in existing landscapes? Yes No

51. Does your agency use low environmental impact snow melt products (i.e. beet juice, calcium magnesium acetate)? Yes No

51a. Please specify which products are used:

52. Has your agency phased out the use of coal tar based asphalt sealants and started using less toxic eco-friendly alternatives? Yes No

53. Does your agency try to reduce the use of fertilizers and pesticides in parks by: (max 4 points)? Utilization of drought/disease resistant native plant species
Elimination of mowing in some areas
Reduction of the number of applications...
Use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

54. Does your agency try to reduce the use of fertilizers and pesticides in parks by: (max 4 points)? Utilization of drought/disease resistant native plant species
Elimination of mowing in some areas
Reduction of the number of applications...
Use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

55. Is landscaping around facilities designed with energy conservation in mind? (max 4 points) Windbreaks/buffers
Shade Trees Along Southern Exposures
Shade Trees Around Paved Areas
Drought Tolerant Native Plants

56. Does your agency incorporate native plantings into the landscape at: (max 5 points)? Administrative Offices
Recreational Building Facilities
Aquatic Facilities
Maintenance Facilities
Active Use Park Landscapes
Golf Courses

57. Does your agency post no idling signage in designated areas for frequently used drop off & pick up areas for program participants? Yes No

58. Is your agency responsive to private landowner activities that impact your agency’s natural resource BMPs? (max 3 points) Encroachment
Illegal Dumping
Other:

59. Does your agency properly dispose of any of the following per Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)...? (max 5 points) Fertilizers
Pesticides
Excavated material
Construction material
Other hazardous materials:

60. Does your agency distribute/have available resources to explain natural resource best management practices? Yes No

Planning & Open Space Preservation

Planning & Open Space Score: 0/15

61. Does your agency seek to acquire any of the following types of natural resource areas? (max 5 points) Remnant Prairies
Wetlands
Rivers, Streams, Tributaries
Ponds/Lakes
Floodplains
Greenways/Corridors
Woodlands
Other:

62. For the above natural resource areas checked, are they identified to be acquired for any of the following reasons? (max 5 points) Protect/Provide Habitats
Increase Biodiversity
Improve Water Quality
Control Exotic Species
Erosion Control
Other:

63. Does your agency include natural resource best management practices when developing plans for park property? (max 5 points) Restoration of Natural Areas
Re-creation of Natural Areas
Control Invasive Species
Increase Biodiversity/Wildlife Habitat
Native Landscaping
Storm water Best Management Practices
Improve Water Quality
Proscribed Burning
Bank Stabilization
Sediment & Erosion Control
Other:

64. Does your agency actively apply for grants to fund natural resource best management practices and projects? (max 5 points) Restoration of Natural Areas
Re-creation of Natural Areas
Control Invasive Species
Increase Biodiversity/Wildlife Habitat
Native Landscaping
Storm water Best Management Practices
Improve Water Quality
Proscribed Burning
Bank Stabilization
Sediment & Erosion Control
Other:

65. Does your agency provide access for the public to recreate in natural/preserved areas by means of (max 5 points)? Boardwalks
Trails
Fishing Piers
Viewing Platforms
Canoe/kayak launches
Other:

66. Does your agency increase public awareness of natural/preserved areas with: (max 5 points)? Interpretive Signs
Educational Brochures/Pamphlets
Educational Posters
Agency Program Brochure
Website
Events/Programs
Public Meetings
Other:

67. Does your agency create/maintain relationships with any of the following to ensure community-supported protection of open spaces...? (max 4 points) Other Government Agencies
Not-for-Profit Organizations
Private Landowners
Other:

68. Does your agency partner with organizations and/or local developers in order to provide information on living around natural resource areas or manmade detention/retention sites? Yes No

69. Does your agency partner with organizations and/or local developers in order to provide information on living around natural resource areas or manmade detention/retention sites? Yes No

Programming

Programming Score: 0/10

70. Does your agency own and operate a nature center? Yes No

70a. If you answered NO, does your agency provide on-going nature education or nature interpretive programming? Yes No

71. Does your agency own and operate a nature center? Yes No

72. Does your agency provide programs regarding sustainable living (native or organic gardening, composting, bee keeping)? Yes No

73. Does your agency proactively educate residents regarding wildlife issues and ways to avoid conflicts? Yes No

74. Does your agency inform the community of sustainable landscape options that would help resolve issues? (e.g. algal blooms, goose droppings) Yes No

75. Do staff members consider any of the following “green” criteria when preparing for programs and purchasing program supplies? (max 5 points) Minimal Packaging
Recycled/Recyclable Content
Renewable Resource Content
Minimum

76. Does your agency clearly communicate its waste reduction and recycling expectations for: (max 5 points)? Staff
Program Participants
Vendors / Contracted Instructors
Special Events
Other:

77. Does your agency clearly communicate its waste reduction and recycling expectations for: (max 5 points)? Land Stewardship
Environmental Education
Other:

78. Are program staff provided training and encouragement from supervisors in energy and resource conservation (e.g. thermostat settings, lights, recycling, etc.)? Yes No

79. Are program staff provided training and encouragement from supervisors in energy and resource conservation (e.g. thermostat settings, lights, recycling, etc.)? Yes No

80. Does your agency actively fund and/or apply for grants to support: (max 4 points)? Environmental Programs
Interpretive Initiatives (signage, brochures, displays, etc.)
Nature Play Areas
Other:

81. Does your agency clearly communicate its energy conservation expectations for: (1 point each, max 5 points)? Facility Rentals
Special Events
Program Participants / Facility Users
Contracted Vendors / Program Instructors
Other:

Final Total Points: 0

IPRA Environmental Report Card

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