McHenry County Green Team News - October 2010
How is McHenry County Going Green? We are making a commitment and changing the way we do business. In the early 90s we developed the County's Adopt - A - Highway program and acknowledged the national recycling efforts by passing and enforcing the Residential Recycling Ordinance. In the past few years, we have added staff to develop strategies to conserve our water resources, developed and approved the County's Green Policy, and implemented changes in many of the products we use. Below are a few examples of the ways your county is working to preserve your quality of life:
Green Cleaning Certification McHenry County was presented with the Elkhorn Chemical & Packaging’s Green Cleaning Certification in April of 2008. For five County Buildings; The Government Center, Administration, Annex A, Annex B and the Division of Transportation Buildings.
Energy Star Ratings Items with the Energy Star rating are designed to save money and protect the environment. This year the County's computer lease includes many items which meet the Environmental Protection Agency's July 20th, 2007 Energy Star guidelines. All appliances and techology items purchased by the County must be Energy Star Rated.
In 2003 McHenry County was the first county in Illinois to join Energy Star. McHenry County was the first Illinois county to join the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) in 2007.
Adopt - A - Highway This program is a volunteer effort to eliminate litter along sections of County Highways. More details and application forms are available at the Department of Transportation website. The McHenry County employees (pictured above in the middle) have adopted a highway and meet regularly to contribute towards keeping McHenry County clean!
Fall 2010 Clean-up Pictures
Alternative Fuels The McHenry County Division Of Transportation has been using alternative fuels for several years. They use ultra low sulfur- Bio Diesel and flex fuel. The Division of Transportation purchases flex fuel vehicles whenever possible but most vehicles are diesel.
Treasurer's Office Efforts The McHenry County Treasurer's office is now able to email and fax copies of a person's tax bill directly to them, without first making a copy. This paperless operation will be done right from the employee's desk. In the past, a bill had to be printed before it was faxed. The hard copy would then be disposed of.
This is expected to reduce the number of copies made, by nearly 3,000 copies. This email process also saves on the number of envelopes used, reducing solid waste and saving the taxpayers by reducing postage expense.
Awards:
Accomplishments in County Buildings: