Governor Ryan Announces Second Green Government Award Winners

SPRINGFIELD, ILL --- Governor George H. Ryan today announced ten state agencies have been recognized for showing exemplary leadership in carrying out the goals of his Green Illinois program to incorporate environmentally sustainable practices into day-to-day state government operations.

"These agencies are showing real leadership when it comes to reducing waste, preventing pollution and showing energy and resource efficiency," said Governor Ryan.

This is the second round of awards since the Governor's Green Government Coordinating Council was established by Executive Order in 2000.

The second annual report by the Council detailing continued actions to implement Governor Ryan's Green Illinois program initiatives was also released today.

The various categories of awards were presented by Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Director Renee Cipriano to the Department of Corrections, Department of Central Management Services, Department of Military Affairs, Department of Natural Resources, Department of the Lottery, Department of Public Aid, Department of Transportation, Department of Nuclear Safety, Pollution Control Board and Illinois State Police.

"These agencies are making a difference and leading the way in making our state a safer and healthier place for generations to come," said Director Cipriano.

Awards for overall "Outstanding Performance" were presented to Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and the Department of Military Affairs.

Transportation was recognized for reclaiming obsolete and damaged highway signs for reuse; adopting environmental management plans to proper handle storage and use of regulated substances; testing a reusable oil filter for heavy equipment and trucks; updating the HVAC system with automated controls at the District 9 facility and converting to high efficiency boilers at the District 3 facility.

The State Police were recognized for using rechargeable battery packs in crime scene investigations; increasing distance learning/video conferencing; installing water saving shower and toilet components at the State Police Academy; expanding the use of environmentally preferable cleaning products and increased lighting and energy efficiency measures.

Military Affairs was recognized for distilling paint gun cleaning solvent for reuse; using membrane filtration systems to extend the life of cleaning solvents; and installing energy efficient fixtures, programmable thermostats and high efficiency windows as part of a renovation project.

The Pollution Control Board was recognized in the special category of Resource Efficiency for the use of video conferencing for 50 percent of its meetings and encouraging carpooling and use of public transit.

The Department of Nuclear Safety was recognized in the special category of Environmentally Preferable Purchasing by use of "just-in-time" purchasing and chemical tracking and replacing mercury thermometers with alcohol or electronic thermometers.

Two agencies were presented with the Melissa Paige Awards for Waste Reduction. The awards are named in honor of the former coordinator of the state's I-CYCLE program, who passed away earlier this year.

Department of Military Affairs was recognized for recycling paper, scrap metal, universal waste, vehicle waste fluids, paint cans and carpeting.

Department of Corrections was recognized for recycling numerous materials at its facilities as well as processing recyclable materials at the Menard Correctional Center that were generated from communities in Randolph County.

Corrections was also recognized for Protecting an Endangered Species by setting aside 20 acres at the Stateville Correctional Center to protect the Hine's Emerald Dragonfly.

Finally, five agencies honored at the First Green Government Awards in February were recognized today for Continuing Excellence.

• The Illinois Department of Lottery for various resource and energy savings measures;

• Department of Central Management Services for numerous energy conservation efforts and an integrated pest management program;

• Department of Natural Resources for recycling, energy conservation and incorporating environmentally preferable products and green building concepts into its new headquarters building;

• Department of Public Aid for waste reduction, use of ethanol vehicles and rechargeable batteries; and

• Department of Corrections, receiving its third Green Government Award for a variety of energy efficient and resource conservation steps.