West Cook News

Cook County, Illinois, has announced significant progress in its sustainability and resource efficiency efforts. The 2024 Energy and Water Benchmarking Report reveals that the county achieved a major Clean Energy Plan milestone seven years ahead of schedule. Originally aiming for a 45% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from County-owned buildings by 2030, Cook County surpassed this target with a 49% reduction as of 2023.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle expressed pride in her team's accomplishments: “I’m extremely proud of the hard work of my staff to set forth ambitious goals and exceed them. I believe that the only way we can tackle the risks of climate change is through immediate and aggressive action at every level possible.” She added that reducing emissions ensures "a cleaner energy future for our communities."

The report highlights additional achievements: 86% of benchmarked properties reduced energy consumption, an energy project at the Cook County Building is projected to save over 1.4 million kilowatt-hours, LED upgrades at the Department of Corrections are expected to save nearly 800,000 kilowatt-hours, and water usage decreased in 47% of properties, contributing to a total water consumption reduction of 19% compared to 2022.

Progress continues under initiatives like the Green Buildings Program and Clean Energy Plan. Cook County exceeded its energy reduction target for 2025 by achieving a 25% reduction in energy use intensity from a 2013 baseline, earning recognition at the Better Buildings Summit in 2023.

Looking forward, Cook County plans to focus on electrification, renewable energy adoption, and infrastructure upgrades. Future strategies include implementing decarbonization study findings, expanding smart water meter technology, and advancing toward a goal of a 50% GHG emissions reduction by 2034 based on a 2018 baseline.

Cook County was among the first counties nationwide to mandate benchmarking for tracking energy and water usage in facilities. These efforts align with President Preckwinkle's goals for carbon neutrality by 2050 and transitioning to complete reliance on renewable electricity by 2030.

For further details and access to the full report, visit www.cookcountyil.gov/benchmarking.