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News & Events
NOvember 2020
Announcing west cheser sustainable storefronts!
In July 2019 Borough Council approved an ordinance banning single use plastic bags and straws in West Chester, effective July 2nd 2020. Enforcement of this ordinance was delayed by the governor's statewide disaster declaration of March 2020.
Single-use materials are a momentary convenience that last a lifetime. Many plastics, even plant-based varieties, are not recyclable in curbside programs and do not biodegrade in landfills. Much of this waste instead slowly degrades into microplastics and enter our water, food, and air.
In lieu of the ongoing issues created by single use waste the Brough created the Sustainable Storefronts program to recognize businesses taking leadership on this issue. Click here to learn more and join Sustainable Storefronts!
October 2020
WEst Chester RElease Clean Energy RFI
In February 2020 East Goshen, West Goshen, Westtown, and East Bradford Townships and the West Chester Borough, working cooperatively through the the West Chester Area Council of Governments (“WCACOG”) completed a 100% Renewable Energy Transition Plan (maybe link to the plan here?). Pursuant to the recommendations in the Plan, the municipalities are releasing a Request for Information for Renewable Energy Development for the electricity load of the collective municipal operations. Responses, including information regarding project structures and indicative pricing, are due by COB on Friday November 13th, 2020.
Requests for information related to this solicitation should be directed to: Will Williams, West Chester Borough Sustainability Director, at: wwilliams@west-chester.com
July 2020
Single Use PLastic Ordinance enforcement
Due to last-minute language inserted in the Pennsylvania statewide budget, the Borough is unable to enforce the single-use plastic ban at this time. While the ordinance is still on the books, enforcement is delayed until July 1 2021 or the end of the state’s COVID-19 disaster declaration, whichever is later.
Despite this development we hope that businesses will pursue compliance with this ordinance to address needless single-use waste - action that would enjoy broad community support.
The Borough’s Sustainability Advisory Committee is, in the interim, developing an opt-in recognition program for businesses that are already taking action on this issue.
June 2020
Borough COuncil accepts energy TRANSITION plan
At June’s voting session Borough Council voted to accept the West Chester Area 100% Renewable Energy Transition Study, which was funded through the West Chester area Council of Governments by the West Chester Borough and townships of East Goshen, West Goshen, East Bradford, West Whiteland, and Westtown.
Though this action was delayed by COVID-19 for several months, the vote officially accepts the plan and commits the Borough to further work on this issue through the WCACOG. Specific priorities include community education strategies and pursuing an inter-municpality clean energy power purchase agreement (PPA).
may 2020
Join the friends of sustainable west chester
Interested in sustainability and want to contribute to a more environmental friendly West Chester? Join the Friends of Sustainable West Chester here.
Based on your areas of interest you will be kept in the loop with periodic updates and opportunities to get involved. The four areas of interest in the registration are:
April 2020
*postponed due to COVID-19*
Save the Date - Downtown and Parks CleanUp!
Check back soon for more info!
February 2020
Tuesday February 25th
Climate JUSTICE: Hope, RESILIENCE & the Fight for a Sustainable Future featuring Mary Robinson
Mary Robinson leads the Mary Robinson Foundation— Climate Justice, a center for thought leadership, education and advocacy for the poor and disempowered in the world that are disproportionately threatened by climate change. She has moved audiences around the world with her passionate and hopeful call for all nations to work together to fight for a sustainable future.
Tickets available online at wcupatix.com (click “other campus events”) or by calling the SSI Ticket Office at 610-436-2266
January 2020
Wednesday January 29th
WC Area Council of Governments Clean Energy TRANSITION Plan Presentation
West Chester Area Council of Governments is hosting a meeting to view presentation by The Cadmus Group on the clean energy transition pan. The public is invited.
Please note the meeting is scheduled for the West Whiteland Township Building at 101 Commerce Drive in Exton.
December 2019
2020 Sustainability Advisory Committee Schedule
With 2020 fast-approaching the SAC approved its 2020 meeting schedule at the December 2019 meeting. The public is always welcome to participate and present concerns or opportunities to the committee for consideration.
All meetings are held 6:30-8:00pm at Borough Hall:
| Monday | January 13 |
| Thursday | February 6 |
| Thursday | March 5 |
| Thursday | April 2 |
| Thursday | May 7 |
| Thursday | June 4 |
| Thursday | July 2 |
| Thursday | August 6 |
| Thursday | September 3 |
| Thursday | October 1 |
| Thursday | November 5 |
| Thursday | December 3 |
November 2019
Cold Weather Energy Saving Tips
Winter is just around the corner. Save energy and money by implementing these energy savings tips from the U.S. Department of Energy.
Interested in the next step? Click here for info on PECO’s home energy assessments, free for income-qualified households. There are additional rebates and incentives for additional energy audits and energy conservation measures installed through the PECO program.