Improving Operating Efficiency
Rock Island's Green Team is an innovative municipal effort to bring all City departments together to determine ways it can operate in a more efficient and environmentally responsible manner. The team "thinks green" for City operations that may afford an opportunity for saving taxpayer dollars through reduced utility charges and for exploring new opportunities for economic growth.

The City Manager created the Green Team to include volunteers from each City department who have an interest or passion to create a more sustainable environment. The Team's mission is to create a healthier, safer city that encourages and implements sustainable growth and maintenance of the community.

Subcommittees
The Green Team is working to make Rock Island a leader in environmental solutions and is currently organized in the following subcommittees:

Budget and Grants Education, Outreach, and Communications Energy

Environmental Management System Sustainable Development Waste Management

Aspirations & Goals
The Green Team goals for December 2008 to March 2010 are:

Analyze alternate energy sources and recommend policy. Develop green purchasing policies. Educate employees to increase green living at home and at work.

Obtain LEED certification for new or expanded City-owned buildings. Reduce carbon footprint to 7% below 1990 levels by 2012. Reduce City energy consumption.

Members of the Green Team
The following employees make up the Green Team:

Bob Hawes, (Chair) Public Works Director Tom Ayers, Community and Economic Development Mark DeMarlie, Parks and Recreation Department Blake Humphrey, Fire Department Justin Johnson, Public Works Department Mike Kane, Public Works Department Rich Landi, Police Department

Roberto Medina, Finance Department Mark Nenniger, Administrative Services Department Amy Penry, Library Carrie Roelf, Parks and Recreation Department Cherise Schwabe, Administrative Services Department Shawn Simmonds, Police Department Bill Woeckner, Public Works Department