Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle spoke to elected officials, environmental leaders and enthusiastic volunteers at Earth Day Rally Chicago 2016."I believe that Cook County should be a world class model of sustainability," she declared. "We think big. We've invested in energy efficiency projects to reduce energy use in the County's buildings.Our Forest Preserves created the 21st Century Conservation Plan, which commits to restoring 30,000 acres of natural habitat and acquiring another 21,000 acres." Read More. 

Ozone at ground level is a harmful air pollutant because of its effects on people and the environment, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. It is the main ingredient in "smog." Breathing ozone can trigger a variety of health problems, particularly for children, the elderly and people who have lung diseases such as asthma. Read on to find out how to get the daily air quality forecast, how to protect yourself, and how to reduce your own pollution.

Visit www.airnow.gov to get current local air quality reports and next-day forecasts.

From our blog:

http://blog.cookcountyil.gov/sustainability/2016/06/03/ozone-season-is-here-be-prepared/

You may have noticed the new logo at the top of this newsletter.  During Earth Week, Cook County rolled out the new look for its sustainability efforts, Cook County Conserves.   Energy consultants with our Bureau of Asset Management traveled to different County facilities and talked with employees and visitors about our $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.  

On the County's new website, find out about the program by going to the link:  https://www.cookcountyil.gov/content/cook-county-conserves