Eau Claire County
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In 2019, the Eau Claire County Board signed a Carbon Neutral & 100% renewable energy by 2050 resolution. The county is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in order to reduce and prevent the continuing impacts of climate change. Use this page to learn about sustainability in Eau Claire County, what you can do to reduce your personal impact on the environment.
Community Climate Action & Resilience Plan Highlights
Click the links to view the posters from our open houses and get a summary of each section.
Introduction
Energy
1. Reduce residential energy use by 20%.
2. Generate 50% of community energy from renewable resources.
3. Reduce commercial energy use by 20%.
Solid Waste
1. Divert 50% of organic material from the waste stream.
2. Increase recycling and waste diversion opportunities and participation in the community.
Transportation
1. Have 7% of registered vehicles in the County be EVs.
2. Reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by 10%.
Agriculture & Natural Resources
1. Increase native habitat and tree canopy within the County.
2. Increase participation in programs that support climate smart agriculture, energy savings, etc.
3. Increase enrollment in Farmland Preservation Program and Ag Enterprise Area.
Action Steps
What is Sustainability?
Sustainability is the practice of meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. There are three main pillars People, Planet, and Profit (Economy). Sustainability is a balance between all three pillars.
Learn more about sustainability in Eau Claire County!
If you, your business, class, or organization are interested in learning more about recycling or sustainability in Eau Claire County and would like to have us present to your group or table at an event we encourage you to fill out this form.
Sustainability Advisory Committee
In October 2022 the Eau Claire County board created the Sustainability Advisory Committee. The function of the Sustainability Advisory Committee is to serve as community representatives and help guide the development of Eau Claire County’s community Climate Action & Resilience Plan (CARP). The community CARP will aim to address the challenges the community will face in adapting and mitigating the effects of climate change. The plan will also identify community strategies to achieve the county’s goal of 100% renewable energy and carbon neutrality by 2050.
Learn more about future Sustainability Advisory Committee meetings.
Operational Climate Action and Resilience Plan (CARP)
On July 19, 2022 the Eau Claire County board recognized the operational CARP which provides guidance to county staff on strategies to implement to achieve the county emission reduction goals for county operations. It also lays out the first steps in developing a community Climate Action & Resilience Plan.
2022-2030 Operational CARP
Green Tier Legacy Community
Eau Claire County has been a Green Tier Legacy Community Member since 2016. Each year the county submits reports on sustainability actions the county is taking. Review previous reports below.
Learn more about the Green Tier Legacy Community program
Wisconsin Local Government Climate Coalition
"The Wisconsin Local Government Climate Coalition coordinates the efforts of local governments that are pursuing clean energy and climate change solutions in the state. The Coalition provides a platform for members to collaborate on overcoming barriers to decarbonization, accelerating local climate change solutions, and ensuring the benefits of the clean energy economy are distributed to everyone throughout the state."
Eau Claire County joined this coalition in 2021 to continue working toward the county's carbon neutrality goals. Learn more about this coalition here.
Other County Actions
Eau Claire County building energy efficiency
Land Conservation Division - Farmland preservation, erosion control, no-till drill rental program
County Forest - a source of outdoor recreation, wildlife habitat, and carbon sequestration for the county.
Recycling - Learn more about the county's residential recycling program.