New chapel at All Saints Cemetery breaks new 'green' ground

The first cemetery building in the Archdiocese of Chicago to be certified by a leading environmental group was blessed Sept. 29 by Cardinal Francis George.

A new chapel and office building at All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines was the subject of the cardinal's visit.

Cardinal George also blessed the St. Mother Theodore Guerin Shrine, just west of the new complex in section 45 of the cemetery.

According to the archdiocese, the new interment chapel and office complex at 700 N. River Road represents the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified building in a Catholic cemetery in the Archdiocese of Chicago.

LEED certification is the recognized standard for measuring building sustainability. Achieving LEED certification demonstrates that a building project is truly "green," and that it reduces the negative environmental impact while improving occupant health and well-being.