From the Office of U.S. Senator Dick Durbin
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced that the Department of Labor (DOL) has awarded a $6,000,000 State Energy Partnership and Training grant to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Today’s funding will be used to implement projects such as the Greater Rockford Solar Initiative and the Chicago Green Jobs for All Initiative, both of which provide green job training and certification.
“Creating good-paying jobs and promoting a clean energy future are two main goals of the Recovery Act,” said Durbin. “This funding will make a significant investment in the effort to reduce the carbon footprint of residents and businesses in Illinois while bringing an estimated 3,000 workers into a new industry that will drive our economy in the years to come.”
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity plans to use this funding to train and place an estimated 1,310 workers in energy efficient occupations, as well as aid approximately 1,700 workers in earning industry-recognized degrees. Earlier today the DOL announced 34 grants nationwide ranging from $2 million to $6 million each. A total of $440 million in Green Job grant funding has been made available by the DOL over the last month. State Energy Partnership and Training grants are designed to teach workers the skills required in emerging industries such as energy efficiency and renewable energy.
Showing posts with label green. Show all posts
Showing posts with label green. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Illinois Department of Transportation Recognized for Exceptional Sustainable Practices
From the Illinois Department of Transportation
SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig announced today that the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) made exceptional progress in 2009 in a statewide effort to become a more sustainable agency.
Among the list of accomplishments, Illinois Department of Transportation received the Green Government Award in December from the Illinois Green Government Coordinating Council during the Annual Sustainable Symposium held in Springfield. The award was in the Sustainable Transportation category.
“We are pleased to have received this award,” said Secretary Hannig. “We work hard each day to ensure our construction projects adhere to the highest environmental standards, while maintaining the safety and effectiveness of our roads. Our efforts to improve construction methods, promote fuel conservation and enhance green practices all are a part of our overall effort to build a cleaner, greener Illinois.”
The award was presented by Governor Pat Quinn’s Director of Sustainability, Kate Tomford. Accepting the award at the Sustainable Symposium were IDOT’s Director of Finance and Administration, Ann Schneider, and IDOT’s Acting Sustainable Practices Manager, Steve Massey.
The award was based on several practices and efforts that IDOT initiated. One of the strides that IDOT made was creating a more environmentally friendly vehicle fleet. The fleet includes 741 alternative vehicles, 36 gas/electric hybrids and one E85/electric. The diesel fleet is now 100 percent capable of burning biodiesel fuel.
IDOT also was recognized for a recent project on the Bishop Ford Expressway in Chicago (I-94). This project utilized recycled shingles that made up approximately 5 percent of the 22,000 tons of mix used for the roadway surface materials.
Secretary Hannig created the position of IDOT Sustainable Practices Manager to identify sustainability and resource savings opportunities. The position also makes policy recommendations to executive staff and works closely with the long-term planning staff on sustainability issues.
IDOT was recognized for the greening of rest areas and welcome centers by installing rain barrels at some locations. The rain barrels were made by Illinois Correctional Industries. The use of green cleaning products at these areas also has begun.
The award highlighted IDOT’s efforts to promote the use of PrePass. IDOT partnered with the Secretary of State’s office to get the word to truckers about the PrePass system. PrePass enrolls carriers and collects required data and safety ratings to automatically determine the carrier fee to weigh stations. About one mile from the weigh station, the PrePass reader identifies the transponder in the windshield of the truck and transmits the data to the computer site. If all data is acceptable, the carrier gets a green light signaling approval to bypass. If the carrier gets a red light, truckers must enter the weigh station. PrePass in Illinois has reduced emissions by decreasing greenhouse gases, saving fuel and increasing efficiency and safety.
IDOT in the fall initiated and worked closely with the Department of Natural Resources to develop the Illinois Fallen Soldier Tree Memorial in Illini State Park in Marseilles, which was dedicated on November 10, 2009. The tree memorial has 250 oak trees planted on 2.5 acres of land in the park. A natural granite monument stone weighing about 7 tons was added to the site with a bronze memorial plaque memorializing Illinois soldiers killed since the beginning of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. A five-car parking lot and memorial with handicap accessibility was built and natural limestone benches were placed in the memorial park area.
The Illinois Green Government Coordinating Council has members from 15 state agencies and was created to improve sustainable practices under the Green Governments Illinois Act. The council annually presents awards to state agencies that have shown an exceptional commitment to improving the environmental quality of Illinois.
For more information on Illinois’ green initiatives, visit www.green.illinois.gov.
SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig announced today that the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) made exceptional progress in 2009 in a statewide effort to become a more sustainable agency.
Among the list of accomplishments, Illinois Department of Transportation received the Green Government Award in December from the Illinois Green Government Coordinating Council during the Annual Sustainable Symposium held in Springfield. The award was in the Sustainable Transportation category.
“We are pleased to have received this award,” said Secretary Hannig. “We work hard each day to ensure our construction projects adhere to the highest environmental standards, while maintaining the safety and effectiveness of our roads. Our efforts to improve construction methods, promote fuel conservation and enhance green practices all are a part of our overall effort to build a cleaner, greener Illinois.”
The award was presented by Governor Pat Quinn’s Director of Sustainability, Kate Tomford. Accepting the award at the Sustainable Symposium were IDOT’s Director of Finance and Administration, Ann Schneider, and IDOT’s Acting Sustainable Practices Manager, Steve Massey.
The award was based on several practices and efforts that IDOT initiated. One of the strides that IDOT made was creating a more environmentally friendly vehicle fleet. The fleet includes 741 alternative vehicles, 36 gas/electric hybrids and one E85/electric. The diesel fleet is now 100 percent capable of burning biodiesel fuel.
IDOT also was recognized for a recent project on the Bishop Ford Expressway in Chicago (I-94). This project utilized recycled shingles that made up approximately 5 percent of the 22,000 tons of mix used for the roadway surface materials.
Secretary Hannig created the position of IDOT Sustainable Practices Manager to identify sustainability and resource savings opportunities. The position also makes policy recommendations to executive staff and works closely with the long-term planning staff on sustainability issues.
IDOT was recognized for the greening of rest areas and welcome centers by installing rain barrels at some locations. The rain barrels were made by Illinois Correctional Industries. The use of green cleaning products at these areas also has begun.
The award highlighted IDOT’s efforts to promote the use of PrePass. IDOT partnered with the Secretary of State’s office to get the word to truckers about the PrePass system. PrePass enrolls carriers and collects required data and safety ratings to automatically determine the carrier fee to weigh stations. About one mile from the weigh station, the PrePass reader identifies the transponder in the windshield of the truck and transmits the data to the computer site. If all data is acceptable, the carrier gets a green light signaling approval to bypass. If the carrier gets a red light, truckers must enter the weigh station. PrePass in Illinois has reduced emissions by decreasing greenhouse gases, saving fuel and increasing efficiency and safety.
IDOT in the fall initiated and worked closely with the Department of Natural Resources to develop the Illinois Fallen Soldier Tree Memorial in Illini State Park in Marseilles, which was dedicated on November 10, 2009. The tree memorial has 250 oak trees planted on 2.5 acres of land in the park. A natural granite monument stone weighing about 7 tons was added to the site with a bronze memorial plaque memorializing Illinois soldiers killed since the beginning of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. A five-car parking lot and memorial with handicap accessibility was built and natural limestone benches were placed in the memorial park area.
The Illinois Green Government Coordinating Council has members from 15 state agencies and was created to improve sustainable practices under the Green Governments Illinois Act. The council annually presents awards to state agencies that have shown an exceptional commitment to improving the environmental quality of Illinois.
For more information on Illinois’ green initiatives, visit www.green.illinois.gov.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Governor Quinn and U.S. Green Council Urge Illinois Schools to Go Green
From the Office of Governor Pat Quinn
CHICAGO – Governor Pat Quinn today joined with U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) National Board Chair Gail Vittori and Rep. Karen May (D-Highland Park) to urge Illinois schools to implement sustainable building practices as a way to save money and reduce energy use and pollution.
“It is important for schools and school districts to make sustainability a guiding principle for building operations, maintenance, grounds and classroom activities,” said Governor Quinn at the Tarkington School of Excellence. “I want to thank the U.S. Green Building Council for making a commitment here in Illinois to help green our state.”
USGBC, in partnership with local community groups, has announced a project to retrofit three Illinois schools: one in Chicago, one in the suburbs, and one downstate. The schools will achieve certification under the USGBC’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards for sustainable building.
Green schools represent a potential $32 billion in energy savings over the next 10 years nationwide. On average, green schools save $100,000 per year, which could pay for two new teachers, buy 200 new computers or purchase 5,000 new textbooks.
“Moving from conventional schools to green schools is one of the best investments we can make,” said Gail Vittori, USGBC Board Chair. “Green schools can help improve student learning and health, and they have the potential to save taxpayers and schools billions of dollars in energy costs.”
Buildings in the United States are responsible for 39% of CO2 emissions, 40% of energy consumption and 15% of GDP, making green building a source of significant economic and environmental opportunity. Greater building efficiency can meet 85% of future U.S. demand for energy, and a national commitment to green building has the potential to generate 2.5 million American jobs.
Tarkington School of Excellence has signed the Governor’s Sustainable Schools Compact. The compact challenges Illinois K-12 schools to pursue a number of sustainable best practices by December 2010. Since the launch of the compact in January 2008, more than 175 schools throughout the state have signed on to participate in the program.
CHICAGO – Governor Pat Quinn today joined with U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) National Board Chair Gail Vittori and Rep. Karen May (D-Highland Park) to urge Illinois schools to implement sustainable building practices as a way to save money and reduce energy use and pollution.
“It is important for schools and school districts to make sustainability a guiding principle for building operations, maintenance, grounds and classroom activities,” said Governor Quinn at the Tarkington School of Excellence. “I want to thank the U.S. Green Building Council for making a commitment here in Illinois to help green our state.”
USGBC, in partnership with local community groups, has announced a project to retrofit three Illinois schools: one in Chicago, one in the suburbs, and one downstate. The schools will achieve certification under the USGBC’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards for sustainable building.
Green schools represent a potential $32 billion in energy savings over the next 10 years nationwide. On average, green schools save $100,000 per year, which could pay for two new teachers, buy 200 new computers or purchase 5,000 new textbooks.
“Moving from conventional schools to green schools is one of the best investments we can make,” said Gail Vittori, USGBC Board Chair. “Green schools can help improve student learning and health, and they have the potential to save taxpayers and schools billions of dollars in energy costs.”
Buildings in the United States are responsible for 39% of CO2 emissions, 40% of energy consumption and 15% of GDP, making green building a source of significant economic and environmental opportunity. Greater building efficiency can meet 85% of future U.S. demand for energy, and a national commitment to green building has the potential to generate 2.5 million American jobs.
Tarkington School of Excellence has signed the Governor’s Sustainable Schools Compact. The compact challenges Illinois K-12 schools to pursue a number of sustainable best practices by December 2010. Since the launch of the compact in January 2008, more than 175 schools throughout the state have signed on to participate in the program.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Governor Quinn Presents Green Youth Awards for Excellence in Environmental Achievements
From the Office of Governor Pat Quinn
SPRINGFIELD – April 22, 2009. On Earth Day, Governor Pat Quinn presented the 2009 Governor’s Green Youth Awards to recognize Illinois’ schoolchildren for their outstanding work on environmental and conservation projects.
“In order to protect our environment, we must help the next generation understand the importance greening our earth,” said Governor Quinn. “These students are taking learning one step further by teaching their communities about conserving resources, recycling, and energy efficiency.”
The winners of the Governor’s Green Youth Awards were students who worked on environmental projects either individually or as part of a group, and K-12 schools recognized for their achievements in waste reduction, energy efficiency, and sustainability.
“These projects demonstrate the innovative ways young people throughout the state are working to protect Illinois’ environment,” said Doug Scott, Director of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. “Through these awards, we hope to teach other young people about the importance of environmental protection.”
Governor Quinn also presented a proclamation to Tayler McGillis, a four-time Green Youth Award winner. Tayler, a 14-year-old home-schooled 9th grader from Toluca, has recycled nearly 23,000 pounds of aluminum and his efforts have generated more than $18,000 for local charities, including Habitat for Humanity and a local animal shelter.
The 2009 award ceremony marks the seventh anniversary of the awards, which encourage young people to undertake environmental projects that will make a difference in their community.
SPRINGFIELD – April 22, 2009. On Earth Day, Governor Pat Quinn presented the 2009 Governor’s Green Youth Awards to recognize Illinois’ schoolchildren for their outstanding work on environmental and conservation projects.
“In order to protect our environment, we must help the next generation understand the importance greening our earth,” said Governor Quinn. “These students are taking learning one step further by teaching their communities about conserving resources, recycling, and energy efficiency.”
The winners of the Governor’s Green Youth Awards were students who worked on environmental projects either individually or as part of a group, and K-12 schools recognized for their achievements in waste reduction, energy efficiency, and sustainability.
“These projects demonstrate the innovative ways young people throughout the state are working to protect Illinois’ environment,” said Doug Scott, Director of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. “Through these awards, we hope to teach other young people about the importance of environmental protection.”
Governor Quinn also presented a proclamation to Tayler McGillis, a four-time Green Youth Award winner. Tayler, a 14-year-old home-schooled 9th grader from Toluca, has recycled nearly 23,000 pounds of aluminum and his efforts have generated more than $18,000 for local charities, including Habitat for Humanity and a local animal shelter.
The 2009 award ceremony marks the seventh anniversary of the awards, which encourage young people to undertake environmental projects that will make a difference in their community.
Governor Quinn Kicks Off Earth Day by Implementing Green Practices at the Executive Mansion
From the Office of Governor Pat Quinn
SPRINGFIELD – April 22, 2009. On Earth Day, Governor Pat Quinn announced a new effort to make the Illinois Executive Mansion a greener place on the inside and the outside – by installing light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs and using rain barrels. Governor Quinn also signed an executive order to reduce the environmental impact of state government operations.
“It is important to make the Land of Lincoln green for future generations,” said Governor Quinn. “The effort to make the people’s house more energy efficient sets an example for everyone to follow.”
LED bulbs are replacing incandescent light bulbs at the Executive Mansion to cut down on energy use. More than 350 LED bulbs are being donated to the mansion by The LED Way of Skokie and Polybrite International. So far, 122 LED bulbs have been installed. Each LED bulb can last up to 50,000 hours and uses 90% less electricity than a regular light bulb. According to an energy savings calculation by The LED Way, placing just 122 LED bulbs in the mansion will save more than $4,500 per year and nearly $60,000 over the lifetime of these bulbs.
Our state has especially close ties to the LED bulb, as it was created by an Illinoisan. Nick Holonyak, of Zeigler, Illinois, invented the energy saving bulb back in 1962. Holonyak is a professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Six rain barrels are being placed around the grounds of the mansion to capture rain water that will be used to water the gardens. Not only will using rain barrels help reduce the water bill at the mansion – the rain water is also better for plants than chlorinated water. One inch of rainfall on a typical residential roof can produce 625 gallons of water, which is enough to fill 11 rain barrels.
The rain barrels are green for a few other reasons: Illinois Correctional Industries is making them out of plastic barrels that were previously used for recycling, and they are delivering the rain barrels to the mansion in a biodiesel truck. Governor Quinn has long been an advocate for rain barrels and would like to make Illinois the rain barrel capital of the world.
Governor Quinn also signed an executive order to reduce the environmental impact of Illinois state government operations. The executive order directs state agencies to lead by example in waste prevention, energy efficiency and conservation, procurement, and water quality and conservation. By implementing these sustainability practices, agencies will not only benefit the quality of our air, land and water; they will also save Illinois taxpayers' money by reducing utility bills, waste disposal fees, and other operating costs.
SPRINGFIELD – April 22, 2009. On Earth Day, Governor Pat Quinn announced a new effort to make the Illinois Executive Mansion a greener place on the inside and the outside – by installing light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs and using rain barrels. Governor Quinn also signed an executive order to reduce the environmental impact of state government operations.
“It is important to make the Land of Lincoln green for future generations,” said Governor Quinn. “The effort to make the people’s house more energy efficient sets an example for everyone to follow.”
LED bulbs are replacing incandescent light bulbs at the Executive Mansion to cut down on energy use. More than 350 LED bulbs are being donated to the mansion by The LED Way of Skokie and Polybrite International. So far, 122 LED bulbs have been installed. Each LED bulb can last up to 50,000 hours and uses 90% less electricity than a regular light bulb. According to an energy savings calculation by The LED Way, placing just 122 LED bulbs in the mansion will save more than $4,500 per year and nearly $60,000 over the lifetime of these bulbs.
Our state has especially close ties to the LED bulb, as it was created by an Illinoisan. Nick Holonyak, of Zeigler, Illinois, invented the energy saving bulb back in 1962. Holonyak is a professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Six rain barrels are being placed around the grounds of the mansion to capture rain water that will be used to water the gardens. Not only will using rain barrels help reduce the water bill at the mansion – the rain water is also better for plants than chlorinated water. One inch of rainfall on a typical residential roof can produce 625 gallons of water, which is enough to fill 11 rain barrels.
The rain barrels are green for a few other reasons: Illinois Correctional Industries is making them out of plastic barrels that were previously used for recycling, and they are delivering the rain barrels to the mansion in a biodiesel truck. Governor Quinn has long been an advocate for rain barrels and would like to make Illinois the rain barrel capital of the world.
Governor Quinn also signed an executive order to reduce the environmental impact of Illinois state government operations. The executive order directs state agencies to lead by example in waste prevention, energy efficiency and conservation, procurement, and water quality and conservation. By implementing these sustainability practices, agencies will not only benefit the quality of our air, land and water; they will also save Illinois taxpayers' money by reducing utility bills, waste disposal fees, and other operating costs.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Governor Quinn Recognizes I-GO Car Sharing and ComEd for Partnering to Green Illinois
From the Office of Governor Pat Quinn
CHICAGO – April 21, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn recognized I-GO Car Sharing and ComEd for their commitment to greening Illinois, during the Governor’s Green Expo in the James R. Thompson Center. Thanks to a donation from Commonwealth Edison, I-GO Car Sharing, a Chicago-based non-profit car sharing service, was able to purchase two plug-in hybrid electric vehicles for their fleet.
“As we celebrate Earth Week in Illinois, I want to salute I-GO Car Sharing and ComEd for recognizing the importance of making our state more green and sustainable” said Governor Quinn.
The converted 2009 Toyota Priuses can achieve a fuel economy in excess of 100 MPG through the 30- to 40-mile range of their fully charged plug-in batteries. Beyond this range, they achieve the fuel economy of a regular Prius. Overall, these plug-in hybrid electric vehicles reduce CO2 emissions by up to two-thirds in comparison to a regular Prius.
The I-GO Car Sharing service has cars at locations in more than 30 communities across Chicago, Evanston, and Oak Park. I-GO members have around-the-clock, smart-card access to low-emission, energy-efficient vehicles and do not have to pay for gas or insurance.
The event took place in conjunction with the Governor’s Green Expo, which hosted booths from numerous state agencies highlighting their environmentally friendly practices. The event seeks to inform the public about green practices in the state government and to provide ideas on how Illinois citizens can be more environmentally friendly in their own lives.
I-GO was established in 2002 by the Center for Neighborhood Technology, a non-profit organization whose mission is to invent and implement new strategies that make urban communities more livable and environmentally sustainable.
Governor Quinn was joined by Sharon Feigon, Chief Executive Officer of I-GO Car Sharing, and Fidel Marquez, Vice President, External Affairs, ComEd.
For more information on I-GO Car Sharing, please visit igocars.org.
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