The Village of Lombard, Illinois, is participating in its first carbon credit planting project. The Village planted and replaced trees along streets and in rights-of-way. The Village hopes to contribute to regional goals including environmental sustainability, the mitigation of climate change, and overall positive community impacts. There are 1,314 trees enrolled in the project, consisting of 84 different species. The top species include lilac, gingko, linden, and elm trees. The trees were planted as part of the Village’s tree planting efforts between October 2021 and May 2024.

One of the primary goals of the Village’s tree planting program, as it was devastated by Emerald Ash Borer, is to increase the overall diversity of its urban forest. Several of the tree species planted as part of this project were either underrepresented or non-existent within the tree population, previously. By increasing tree diversity, the Village seeks to improve the overall health of its urban forest. Replanting trees that had to be removed will provide additional stormwater reduction benefits. Additionally, the Village planted size-appropriate flowering trees under utility lines, which will enhance community aesthetics. Revenue from the sale of carbon offsets from this project will be reinvested into additional tree planting and maintenance performed by the Village of Lombard.

Total Credits Issued: 228

• 2024: 228 credits issued

Total Credits Sold: 0

Total Credits Retired: 0

Total Credits Cancelled: 0

Total Credits Available for Purchase: 228

Co-Benefits

Trees planted as part of this project will provide ecosystem services, also known as co-benefits, when they reach 25 years old. The co-benefits represent a savings (avoided costs) of $81,320 per year when the trees reach age 25, and $2,114,320 over the next 25 to 50 years.

• Rain interception (stormwater management) – 5,362 m3/year, $38,387 per year
• Air quality – 0.1901 tons/year, $854 per year
• Energy use – cooling (electricity) – 199,592 kWh/year, $15,149 per year
• Energy use – heating (natural gas) – 2,766,424 kBtu/year, $26,930 per year

Social Impacts

The 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are an urgent call for action and global partnership among all countries, representing key benchmarks for creating a better world and environment for everyone. Well-designed and managed urban forests make significant contributions to the environmental sustainability, economic viability and livability of cities. The main SDGs for this project are described below, with more detailed information in the Project Design Document.

A diverse mix of tree species were planted throughout the Village of Lombard to promote maximum mature canopy shade potential. The trees will intercept stormwater and pollution as they mature.

Planted trees are visible from windows, and placed in size-appropriate locations. This will benefit residents of the city, and allow for long-term tree maturation and growth.

The project trees are situated to provide increased pollution and stormwater interception as they grow to maturity. They will improve the infiltration of intercepted storm water into the soil, reduce energy costs, and provide wildlife habitat in an urban setting.