Partners involved in this case study
The Grove Goes Green
Seven Generations Ahead’s solar consultant, Mark Burger, helped guide Gulyas and fellow residents through their options to decarbonize the energy used in their common areas. This project is part of the Cross Community Climate Collaborative (C4), which was founded by the mayors of Broadview, Oak Park and River Forest and the Urban Efficiency Group and Seven Generations Ahead to bring together communities across racial, ethnic, and income lines to drive solutions related to climate, equity and sustainability.
The Problem
The residents at the Grove, a condominium in Forest Park, Illinois, sought to reduce its carbon footprint and embrace sustainable practices. Similar to many other condo associations, they faced the hurdle of navigating the complexities of implementing building-wide sustainability initiatives, including securing resident buy-in and finding cost effective solutions.
SGA's approach
Through our work with the Cross Community Climate collaborative (C4), we provided guidance to the residents at the Grove. SGA’s solar consultant helped residents explore their options for decarbonizing their energy usage, ultimately leading them to community solar. SGA’s involvement highlights the power of collaboration and expert advice in driving community-level sustainability initiatives.
“There are condos out there, and people like David who want to put the work in, but it seems daunting,” said Mark Burger. “We want to make it so it’s not daunting.”
About the Sustainability Impact
Reduced Carbon Footprint: In subscribing to community solar, the condo association is supporting the generation of clean energy.
Cost savings for residents: Residents are projected to save 10-20% on their electricity bill.
Increased Resident Engagement: Projects like these help foster a sense of community and engage like-minded individuals in sustainability initiatives relevant to their own lives.
Model for Other Condo Associations: The Residences at the Grove serves as a successful model for other condo associations looking to implement community solar.