Environmental Progress - Winter 2002

Governor Ryan Issues
"Green Government" Order

Will mandate "greener" approach to operations, purchases, construction.

Gov. Ryan talks with reporters about his executive order.

A broad-based executive order that will mean a "greener" approach to operations, purchasing and construction activities by state agencies was recently issued by Gov. George H. Ryan.

"As a result of this Executive Order #11, state agencies will lead by example through reducing waste and pollution, saving energy and conserving resources," Gov. Ryan said.

He noted the executive order is based on recommendations of the Illinois Green Government Coordinating Council, formed by him last year to help state executive agencies improve the environmental and energy efficiency of their facilities and operations.

"I commend Governor Ryan for putting state government in the forefront in adopting, and not just talking about, environmentally responsible practices, whether it involves purchasing, constructing new buildings or modifying our daily operations," said Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Director Renee Cipriano, who co-chairs the Council.

Council's first report available on state websites

Governor Ryan also announced the Council's first report on state agency environmental and resource conservation programs is now available and can be downloaded from the Governor's Home Page (www.state.il.us) or the Illinois EPA web site (www.epa.state.il.us).

"This executive order adopts many of the already existing successful efforts that have been put into practice by individual agencies and will increase their effectiveness throughout state government," Gov. Ryan said.

Some of the efforts highlighted in the Green Government Coordinating Council report include use of more energy-efficient equipment, recycled materials and low-polluting paint, and performance guidelines to incorporate energy-efficient lighting and mechanical systems into the construction of new state buildings.

Other major initiatives included in Executive Order #11 require agencies to use electronic media to post announcements and reports, and to modify purchasing policies to use recycled content carpeting and low-emission paints in state renovation and construction projects whenever possible.

New approach is a spinoff from Green Illinois Initiative

The Green Government program is part of the Green Illinois Initiative launched by Governor Ryan in April 2000.

The Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation is also partnering with Illinois EPA in the Green Communities program by providing additional financial resources to municipalities who pursue "green" building design practices, such as requiring more energy efficient design and materials as part of building codes. Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation, 2 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 950, Chicago, Il. 60602, through the web site www.illinoiscleanenergy.org, or by phoning 312-372-5191.