• We used recycled material for the steel, brick, carpet backing, gypsum board, and ceramic tile.
• We have most of the building floored with linoleum because it lasts longer than carpet and saves on excess use of the landfill.
• The paint is hypoallergenic.
• We used low energy lights. The lighting is sensor controlled so it gets brighter when it is dark, limiting energy costs during the day when there is more ambient light.
• The air in the building is controlled by an enthalpy economizer that specially tempers the air.
• We used locally grown wood that was harvested according to special guidelines.
• The parking lot is paved with special permeable brick to allow proper run-off and a return of the water to the water table.

For more information on LEED and the US Green Building Council please visit www.usgbc.org.

Police Department Activities

• Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System that reduces reliance on paper reports by moving the reporting system to an electronic reporting system
• Encourage and order personal safety equipment (flashlights, radios, etc) with rechargeable batteries reducing our need for single use batteries
• The Firing Range uses a 3-step HEPA Filtering System to capture air-bone lead and fine particulates from ammunition
• The Firing Range is scrubbed by an expert team to abate lead and other contaminates from collecting on surfaces and safely disposes/recycles all contaminated products
• Recycle disposed of useable paper into note pads
• We cut up old paper and use it at the desks for note taking
• The first Police facility in Illinois to have a green roof

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Village Hall/Administrative Activities

• New computers and office equipment that are purchased are energy star compliant
• Community Development has stopped using 6 part carbon copy forms for building permit applications and has begun to use standard 8.5x11 office paper. This switch reduces the amount of paper used, reduces printing costs and allows for recycling of any extra paper copies that may be created. Carbon paper can not be recycled. All building permit applications are available on-line – thus we can refer people to the website rather than handing paper copies each time.
• After May 1, 2009 all new cleaning products purchased will be Green Seal Certified. Green Seal Certification ensures that a product meets rigorous, science-based environmental leadership standards. This gives manufacturers the assurance to back up their claims and purchasers confidence that certified products are better for human health and the environment. For more information on the green seal program, please go to www.greenseal.org.
• The Village is no longer purchasing aerosol products.
• Incandescent light bulbs in various municipal facilities are being transitioned to fluorescents where possible.
• The Village received an energy efficiency grant for two building projects to incorporate more energy efficiency measures such as energy efficient lighting and other measures
• The Village Matters and the Business Matters Newsletters are printed using soybased ink. Soy ink is naturally low in VOCs (volatile organic compounds, chemical compounds that evaporate and react to sunlight) and its usage can reduce emissions causing air pollution. For more information on soy based ink, please go to www.soya.be/soy-ink.php
• Internal monthly financial reports and quarterly financial reports including balance sheets are all distributed electronically.
• Electronic copies of the budget and audit are online, reducing the number of printed copies
• Train parking permits can be renewed via e-mail. Over 70% of the parking permit holders utilize this system. This has saved on additional paper waste, envelopes to mail out the application and postage.
• Traffic & Safety Commission packets are emailed. This reduces the amount of paper used.
• Various applications for things like Building Permits, Certificates of Occupancy, Amusements, Vending, Liquor, Train and Raffles are available online.

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Parks and Recreation Department Activities

• Twin Lakes Park will include 30,000 square feet of native plantings in bioswales which will improve water quality and increase wildlife habitat
• Since 2006, all new trees installed along the Illinois Prairie Path have been native trees such as Sugar Maple, Burr Oak, Red Oak, White Oak, and Amelanchiers

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Fire Department Activities

• Uses fluorescent bulbs in place of incandescent where possible.
• Keeps lights turned off when lights not necessary.
• Uses ceiling fans to reduce heating/air conditioning use.
• Uses infra-red heaters in apparatus rooms to heat equipment and personnel and not the air itself. Infrared heat warms people and objects at occupancy level, not the air in the room. This is a major advantage because warmed air rises to the ceiling where it is not needed, and wastes the fuel dollars spent to heat it.

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Municipal Garage Activities

• Used oil is recycled by an outside vendor.
• Used oil filters are drained, then crushed and the remaining metal is recycled by an outside vendor.
• Used coolant is recycled. We then purchase the recycled coolant for use in our fleet vehicles.
• We recycle cardboard, paper and scrap steel.
• We have one Hybrid in service and one additional proposed for 2010.
• We use Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel fuel with 2% Bio for cleaner air.
• We have a vehicle idle guideline, which also addresses methods to increase fuel efficiency.
• We have outfitted our newer vehicles with LED type lighting to reduce engine idling and increase battery life.