Cook County reaches greenhouse gas goal seven years early

Cook County has reached its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in county-owned buildings by 45% seven years ahead of its initial timeline, officials announced.

As of 2023, the county had achieved a 49% reduction in such emissions, officials said.

“I’m extremely proud of the hard work of my staff to set forth ambitious goals and exceed them,” County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said in the announcement. “Reducing greenhouse gas emissions at our facilities through energy reductions and mechanical upgrades ensures a cleaner energy future for our communities.”

Officials say the county remains focused on electrification, renewable energy adoption and infrastructure upgrades. Future plans include implementing findings from decarbonization studies, expanding smart water meter technology and advancing the goal of a 50% greenhouse gas emission reduction by 2034.

For more information and the full report, visit www.cookcountyil.gov/benchmarking.