Cook County surpasses emission reduction goals

For the third consecutive year, Cook County has exceeded its greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) reduction goals, the county's annual Sustainability Report shows.

GHGs from county buildings have decreased 22 percent since they were calculated in 2010, an achievement that surpasses the target of a 10 percent reduction from 2010 through 2015, according to the county.

The county has increased energy efficiency through measures such as updating building control systems and replacing and modernizing boilers and chillers. It also has invested in renewable energy technology at its facilities.

The reduction in utility use between 2010 and 2015 has saved taxpayers more $5 million and reduced the carbon dioxide emissions equivalent to the electricity use of nearly 24,000 homes in one year, officials said.

"The county has made tremendous progress in making our buildings more energy efficient and I am very proud that we've surpassed our goal by such a large margin," Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said. "We are working to implement sustainable practices into all of our programs. We are focusing on reducing our emissions from fleet and transportation, reducing water use and waste, and finding ways to make the county's communities more sustainable in the years ahead."