The Lake County Board approved a new Green Business Program on Mar. 10 to recognize local businesses that implement environmentally sustainable practices in areas such as energy, pollution prevention, solid waste, transportation and air quality, and water.
The program aims to encourage more businesses in the county to adopt sustainable operations, which can support community environmental goals and improve business efficiency. Businesses interested in earning a Green Business certificate must demonstrate their sustainable features through facilities upgrades, employee procedures, or future planning. Applications may require supporting documentation such as photographs or invoices.
“Sustainable business practices are proven to lower costs and increase efficiencies,” said Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart. “We hope Lake County’s Green Business Program will encourage more businesses in the county to adopt sustainable practices to support community environmental goals while improving their bottom line.”
Businesses do not need to meet every category but must fulfill a minimum number of qualifications for recognition. Local businesses can also be nominated by others for their sustainability efforts. Certified businesses will receive a branding kit with a window decal and may be recognized by the Lake County Board Chair.
Marah Altenberg, Chair of the Planning, Building, Zoning and Environment Committee and Board Member for District 19, said: “This program is a great example of how community involvement can strengthen sustainability efforts. Engaging businesses helps expand the impact so all residents can benefit from a cleaner environment.”
Paul Frank, Financial and Administrative Committee Chair and Board Member for District 11, added: “The Lake County Green Business designation is an important way that we can recognize, motivate and support businesses of all sizes in Lake County that are choosing to be environmental leaders with their energy, waste and recycling choices. Our County Board continues to lead in this area, supporting and promoting our business partners who are making smart business and sustainable choices.”
While the new program focuses on local business sustainability initiatives led by the board, education remains an important aspect of life in Lake County. The average student-to-teacher ratio was 13-to-1 during the 2022-23 school year with over 122,000 students enrolled across county schools according to state data. Teacher absenteeism was recorded at 30% during that period compared with Illinois’ average of 35.6% as reported by state officials.
Demographic data from local schools show Adlai E. Stevenson High School had the highest enrollment of white students (2,065) according to state records, while it also had the highest number of multiracial students (140) among county schools state data shows. Warren Township High School led in Pacific Islander student enrollment with 16 students according to official statistics, while Waukegan High School had the largest Hispanic student population at 3,499 as reported by state sources.
The launch of this program reflects ongoing efforts by local government bodies to promote both environmental responsibility among businesses and continued attention toward educational outcomes within Lake County.
