BOLINGBROOK, IL – INTERRA, Inc. has been selected as winner of the 2018 Illinois Sustainability Award, the nation’s longest-running state award for excellence in environmental performance.
“Illinois’ success as an economic and cultural leader depends upon our responsible management of natural resources, as well as sustainable development,” said Kevin O’Brien, director of the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center, which administers the awards program.
The announcement was made at the Illinois Sustainability Awards Ceremony Tuesday, October 23, 2018 at the Union League Club of Chicago, 65 W. Jackson Boulevard in Chicago. INTERRA joins an elite group of committed environmental and sustainability team leaders working to reduce their carbon footprint and to strengthen green initiatives. A total of 27 Illinois companies and organizations were honored for their achievements in protecting the environment and helping build a more sustainable future.
INTERRA was evaluated on their operations, programs, technology, products and company culture to become a 2018 Illinois Sustainability Award Finalist.
INTERRA in December 2017 was awarded the Illinois Road and Transportation Builders Association 2017 Green Industry Achievement Award for their outreach and advocacy on green practices.
Green efforts began with INTERRA implementing several key measures: the addition of new rooftop solar panels, LED bulbs, recycling, incorporating electric vehicles into company fleet, community outreach, the development of the Green Committee, among many other actions.
The new rooftop 220 panel, 75.9 Kilowatt DC Solar Panel system were installed September 2017. Approximately, 100,000 kWh energy production meets about 80 percent of the company’s electricity consumption, equivalent to almost 2,400 trees being planted yearly or 150,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions being eliminated.
Another key measure is through recycling the following: concrete and asphalt samples, paper, glass, metals, electronics, chemicals, and plastic. Among the chemicals being recycled is Trichloroethylene (TCE) where the chemical is reclaimed to be used again and the sludge is disposed of. The recycling of concrete and asphalt accounts for 108 tons yearly. Another effort in 2017, INTERRA began converting company fleet to electric and presently has four electric chargers available to clients and staff.
As result of INTERRA’s green in-house projects and community outreach, approximately a half million pounds of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, will not be emitted into the environment annually.
Since 1987, ISTC has presented Sustainability Awards to organizations in Illinois that have demonstrated a commitment to environmental excellence through outstanding innovative sustainability practices. Any Illinois public or private organization is eligible to apply for the award. Winners are selected through a rigorous process of review and examination by ISTC technical assistance experts.
For more information about the Ceremony please visit: https://www.istc.illinois.edu/