Aurora's vision for Net-Zero

When you hear "Net Zero," what comes to mind? Do you picture electric vehicles and stricter emissions regulations? For many of us, this is the first place our minds go. While these aspects are important components of a successful Net Zero approach, I would like to offer a different perspective, one that focuses on creating change through one of the most powerful, and most underused, resources a city has: community engagement.

In the city of Aurora, Illinois, we see citizens as sources of knowledge and insight. Together with IMM (Impact Measurement & Management) software platforms and other innovations, they will help Aurora realize a Net-Zero future. Through creative technology, visionary leadership, and true accountability, we're crafting a roadmap for sustainability that others can emulate.

As Vice Chair of Aurora's Innovation and Technology Commission, and an ambassador for the United Nations Association (UNA) Chicago chapter, I am thrilled to serve the community I grew up in and to share the insights we've gained, as well as the methods we’re employing to achieve this ambitious goal.

Aurora's ambition is second to none

With a population about nearly 200,000, Aurora is the second-largest city in Illinois after Chicago. But when it comes to sustainability, our ambitions are second to none.

While most U.S. cities are risk-averse and slow to innovate, Aurora aims to be not only a national, but a global leader in sustainability. We have blazed trails with initiatives related to community-centric innovation, data-driven accountability, green infrastructure projects, zero waste pilots, and energy action plans.

Achieving these goals requires a collaborative effort. That's why Aurora pursues public-private partnerships to advance sustainable urban development and share insight across industries.

Community-centric innovation

To me, one of Aurora's most inspiring approaches is its focus on co-creating alongside its citizens. Instead of citizens learning of the technologies implemented in their community after the fact, Aurora ensures its residents are involved from the outset. This is accomplished through innovative tools like Zencity, a platform that allows real-time engagement through active and passive polls.

Through Zencity, citizens can voice their concerns, share ideas, and shape the city's sustainability goals—without waiting for City Hall meetings. Aurora also uses the platform to gather input on new technology implementations, ensuring decisions reflect the community’s values and priorities.

Another unique initiative is the Innovation and Technology Commission, a diverse group of community experts from various sectors. The commission meets monthly to present research, share updates on current initiatives, and explore new technologies that can benefit Aurora. These meetings are open to all residents, fostering transparency and inviting fresh ideas.

Data-driven accountability

Transparency is at the heart of Aurora's Net-Zero strategy. Many cities are happy to say they have sustainability goals, but the city of Aurora is confident enough to say, "Let's actually track our progress." The city has partnered with Restore, an IMM platform, to create an online portal where residents and decision-makers alike can track sustainability progress in real time.

This platform turns complex environmental data into digestible insights, aligning Aurora’s efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It highlights successes, identifies areas for improvement, and uses AI-powered storytelling to demonstrate how each initiative contributes to the city’s Net Zero journey.

The road ahead

Aurora's 2019 Sustainability Plan set ambitious goals such as achieving 50% renewable energy usage and launching zero-waste initiatives. Guided by the vision of Mayor Richard C. Irvin, Aurora is integrating these goals with broader strategies to enhance safety, education, and economic development.

Aurora's journey to becoming a Net-Zero city is a shining example of the power of community, technology, and visionary leadership. By embracing transparency, fostering partnerships, and prioritizing citizen engagement, Aurora is not just planning for a sustainable future, it is actively building one. We hope this way of approaching Net Zero becomes a new standard we hold our cities to.

As we strive to reach these ambitious goals, we recognize that true progress is a collective effort. Achieving a sustainable future will require unity, shared purpose, and the power of collaboration. By exchanging ideas, sharing insights, and driving innovation together, we can turn possibility into progress and ambition into action. We invite you to join us in shaping a brighter future for generations to come.