Green Awards

This year’s Winnetka Green Award winners, presented by the Environmental and Forestry Commission, are Mr. Barry Levenstam and Ms. Elizabeth Landes. They were selected for their work on the "deconstruction" and reconstruction of their home at 891 Prospect Avenue. This process involved salvaging everything in the original building that could be reused or recycled and building a new, more sustainable structure in its place. The original materials were then used to build or refurbish low-income housing in Kenosha, Wisconsin.  

The new structure has many ecologically friendly improvements, including the use of heat pumps in place of a gas furnace, recycled plastic synthetic roofing designed to resemble the appearance of cedar shakes and landscaping which incorporates native plants and a new swale to promote a pollinator-friendly habitats as well as stormwater management on the property. These improvements not only contribute to the local environment but also serve as a demonstration to the community.

New Trier Township High School was selected as the recipient for its efforts in climate, energy, leadership, and sustainable communities. New Trier's Facilities project was awarded a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, as known as LEED, Gold. This is second highest achievement, by the U.S Green Building Council and is a recognized symbol of sustainable achievement and leadership. New Trier campus earned this award by reducing water use for their new building, having on-site renewable energy, light pollution reduction, green roofs with functioning patios, and implementing composting in their cafeterias.

The 2022 award was presented to the Hadley Institute for the Blind and Visually Impaired and the Winnetka Public Works Department.  

The Hadley Institute for the Blind and Visually Impaired was selected for its efforts in Land, Leadership and Water/Stormwater. In 2021, Hadley re-designed their gardens with native plant species which replicated environments from across Illinois including woodlands, bluffs, prairies and others. Additionally, the space includes new sensory elements which allow all staff and visitors to have an independent, wayfinding experience. Finally, a crushed granite walkway was installed to guide rainwater away from the building and aid in alleviating the historical stormwater issues the facility has faced.  

The Winnetka Public Works Department was selected for its efforts in Energy and Municipal Operations. In 2022, the Public Works Department converted a total of 149 compact fluorescent light (CFL) fixtures to LED at the Public Works Maintenance Yards Facility. The140 larger fixtures reduced the watage from 128 to 29 wats, while the nine smaller remaining fixtures reduced the watage from 64 to 29 wats. The switch from CFL fixtures to LED fixtures reduced the total watage by 14,715 wats.

 This year’s winner of the Winnetka Green Award, presented by the Environmental and Forestry Commission, is Spirit Elephant Restaurant. As the pioneer vegan restaurant in Winnetka, Spirit Elephant leads the way in advocating for plant-based eating, both for its environmental impact and for health reasons.* 

Behind the scenes, Spirit Elephant continues its commitment to sustainability by sourcing locally grown food whenever possible, thereby saving transportation energy costs and supporting local farmers. They compost and recycle, keeping as much food and other waste out of landfills as possible. Their take-out containers and bags are also compostable and, instead of adding plastic utensils and napkins to every take-out order, customers are always asked first, so they utensils don’t wind up in the trash. 

Finally, in designing the restaurant, all equipment met energy star standards and lighting is energy efficient. Each year, the Village of Winnetka’s Environmental and Forestry Commission (EFC) invites residents to participate in its Green Awards Program. The purpose of the program is to recognize properties and households within Winnetka that demonstrate exceptional commitment to sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices. The Commission encourages residents to nominate their house or property for any project that has been completed within the past five years. The EFC section on the Village's website has more information on the nomination process. 

*Spirit Elephant has partnered with the University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center to promote plant-based eating as an anti-inflammatory diet aimed at fighting cancer and the recurrence of cancer.

The 2020 recipients of the Village’s Green Awards were recognized by the Winnetka Environmental and Forestry Commission on August 12, 2020.

 Green Awards are given to recognize an exceptional commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly practices within the Village. Award categories may include climate, economic development, energy, land, leadership, mobility, municipal operations, sustainable communities, water/storm water, water/recycling, and innovation/other. 

Reprise Coffee Roasters (950 Green Bay Road) was selected for multiple categories of sustainability efforts. They work to create an environment that recognizes everyone in the supply chain, from farmers to the baristas, while serving award‐winning coffee. Reprise Coffee Roasters is also involved in other sustainability efforts, including protecting a private rainforest and endangered species within it, and providing 335 days of clean water to people in need through the sales of bottled Givn water. 

Jim Stier, the Village Forester, was selected for the category of municipal operations. Jim ensures the highest possible standards are used to preserve and maintain Village trees. His efforts in the areas of tree removals and reforestation have helped improve the overall quality of life in Winnetka. The Commission thanks Jim for his many years of service to the Village.