Governor Pat Quinn signs green bills into law at 2009 Sustainable University Symposium

PALOS HILLS – July 24, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn signed a series of environmental and sustainability bills into law today during the 4th Annual Sustainable University Symposium at Moraine Valley Community College.

“These new laws will work to preserve and improve our precious environment.” said Governor Quinn. “I also salute the Illinois universities and colleges for being leaders in the green movement. These schools are not only setting an example, but encouraging others to adopt a green way of thinking and acting.”

Governor Quinn signed House Bill 1013, creating the Green Buildings Act. This new act requires all new state-funded building construction and major renovations of existing state-owned facilities to meet certain green building practices. The governor also signed: House Bill 2437, requiring every state-owned building to use only environmentally-sensitive cleaning products; House Bill 1042, which amends the Green Governments Illinois Act; and Senate Bill 1932, requiring all state agencies to use compost materials for all land maintenance.

Governor Quinn gave the keynote address at the symposium, which brought together more than 300 environmental leaders from colleges and universities around the state. The day-long symposium encourages Illinois institutions of higher learning to train students for careers in environmental fields and make investments in sustainability efforts.

This year was the first time the symposium has been held at a community college. Moraine Valley Community College is a Sustainable University Compact member, as are 43 other community colleges in Illinois. Moraine Valley has shown its commitment to sustainability by seeking Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification for the Tinley Park Southwest Education Center and using green cleaning products on campus.

The Sustainable University Symposium also featured presentations from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville about green roofs and permeable pavement; Saint Xavier University, which is saving money by going green at O’Brien Hall; and Lake Land College, which has incorporated technologies such as wind turbines and natural lighting via skylights on campus.