Title
Resolution adopting a program design for a Lake County Green Business Program.
Staff Summary
• The Lake County Lake County Green Business Program final design includes the following:
o Promote a free online application for businesses located in Lake County to apply for certification to document sustainable features in facilities and equipment, sustainable procedures and practices conducted by employees, and future planning efforts to increase sustainability in operations; and
o Host awarded businesses at County Board meetings in a recognition ceremony with opportunities for photos and delivery of a signed certificate from the current County Board Chair; and
o Provide awarded businesses with a branding kit to promote their certification in email, newsletters, website, flyers, social media, and other means as appropriate; and
o Allow the use of Lake County’s logo on promotional materials that state Lake County is the official organizer of this program.
Body
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the Lake County Regional Framework Plan encompasses several goals related to energy conservation, reducing emissions, promoting renewable energy, protecting natural resources, and implementing smart growth policies as a part of its commitment to strong environmental protection measures; and
WHEREAS, roughly two-thirds of Lake County’s community greenhouse gas emissions come from the private buildings and industries operating within its borders; and
WHEREAS, a green business program entails supporting and connecting businesses to local resources that help them lower costs and increase efficiency, join local programs that improve profits and support community goals, engage employees and involve the community in sustainability; and
WHEREAS, Lake County recognizes that certifying and awarding local businesses for their sustainable attributes and practices will encourage sustainable business culture as the standard practice of economic activity, save businesses money on their electric bills, create local green jobs, reduce the amount of carbon dioxide produced each year to help limit global warming, and promote Lake County as a green community to work and live in.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by this County Board of Lake County, Illinois, that the Lake County Green Business Program is hereby adopted.
DATED at Waukegan, Illinois, on March 10, 2026.