The Village takes an active role in the crucial planning and development processes of safely and comprehensively constructing buildings and community amenities. Key development issues such as use of sustainable development practices, prioritizing land use and development opportunities, and maintaining a balanced, supported, and stable local economy, are all of concern to the Village.

Planning processes and development practices that have incorporated sustainability principles should aim to minimally impact the land and surrounding properties. Our community will benefit from concentration on re-development of existing sites, responsible development of vacant land (green space), and the protection of open space. There is a significant connection between the Village’s 2007 Comprehensive Plan and the Village's Sustainability Plan.

Village Codes
Along with the State adoption of the 2009 International Energy Code, the Village now requires exterior window and door permits for existing homes. Through the enforcement of proper installation and performance standards, significant energy savings have been realized on hundreds of homes in the Village over the past year. The Village's green building code program is intended to encourage builders, developers and architects to use new technologies, products and practices that:

• Conserve energy, water and other natural resources; lowering water and electricity costs,
• provide healthier indoor air,
• strengthen our local economy and provide long-term economic returns,
• improve durability and reduce maintenance, and
• use building materials in an environmentally effective manner.

Green Development
The Village of Hoffman Estates recognizes the importance and desirability of incorporating environmentally sustainable design techniques and maintenance practices into development and has established guidelines for encouraging these actions in the Village Subdivision Code. As developers and non-residential sites apply before any construction activities, staff is able to review plans and note any observance of “green” building practices.

Green Economy
Some businesses located in Hoffman Estates can be identified as using “green” practices either in their operations or in the construction of their facility. The Village is proud to have these businesses call Hoffman Estates home and have tried to encourage other businesses to follow-suit. In recent years, the Village has made an effort to communicate with businesses about energy savings, potential rebates and incentives for energy-saving projects, and have worked with business when they want to incorporate sustainable attributes into the development of their site. The Village also has a webpage specific to green strategies for businesses as well as a Green Business Recognition Program to showcase businesses that have applied and meet established guidelines for use of sustainable practices.

Sustainability Plan Connections
The Village of Hoffman Estates addresses ways that it can improve upon its efforts to develop "green" in the Sustainability Plan. Items specific to the Green Development section are listed below:

1) Assess benefit of developing a strategy to encourage local food production and purchase by residents, restaurants, and produce sellers.

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