Cook County has begun a $44.2 million building improvement project through a guaranteed energy savings agreement with NORESCO. The
guaranteed energy savings agreement allows Cook County to make large-scale energy efficiency upgrades without having to invest a significant amount of capital. Upgrades are paid for through the savings they generate, and NORESCO, an energy services company, guarantees the savings. These energy efficiency projects will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve occupant comfort and upgrade lighting infrastructure, aging mechanical systems and temperature controls. Construction will last for 2 years in this 20-year contract.

County Employees and the public can learn more about upgrades to the buildings they work in and visit during Earth Week. Cook County's Bureau of Asset Management, as part of its energy management program, is making significant energy upgrades throughout County buildings. These upgrades will significantly reduce the County's utility costs while contributing to President Preckwinkle's goal to reduce County greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 80 percent! 

Stop by one of our roving workshops!

West Suburban Brownfields Initiative Public Information Event

Want to find out more about Cook County's work with seven West Suburban communities, to assess under-used commercial and industrial properties so they can be cleaned up and redeveloped? 

Come to a public event Thursday, May 19th, 7:30 am to 9:30 am, at the Bellwood Public Library, lower level. This event is graciously hosted by the Bellwood Chamber of Commerce, and is open to the public. Please RSVP to  [email protected].

Brownfields are abandoned or under-used properties with actual or perceived contamination. With assistance from a USEPA grant, the Cook County Department of Environmental Control is working with Bellwood, Forest Park, Franklin Park, Maywood, Melrose Park, Northlake and Schiller Park to identify sites, conduct environmental assessments, develop cleanup and redevelopment plans. We want to hear from you about potential sites, your views on future uses for sites, and your questions about brownfields or the assessment and cleanup process.

For direction to the library: http://www.yelp.com/map/bellwood-public-library-bellwood    Click here for more information about the Cook County Brownfield Program.