Bobby Knight – 1984 U.S.A. men’s Olympic basketball coach – said,
“The key is not the will to win. Everybody has that. It is the will to prepare to win that is important.”
This statement is very true for the staff at the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center. They not only want the world to be sustainable, they are willing to prepare for a sustainable future and create new ways to be more sustainable. Some examples include their efforts on Zero Waste Illinois and their research on innovative ways to mitigate emerging contaminants.
And ISTC staff are not only dedicated to improving the environment and industrial sectors but are also dedicated to sustainability efforts at Illinois office buildings with programs such as their Illinois Green Office Challenge.
But most of all, what better way to show their commitment to sustainability than to do what they preach. ISTC staff have taken great measures to make their headquarters function as sustainably as possible. Their efforts were recognized when they were rewarded with a Gold Certified level in the University of Illinois’ iSEE Certified Green Office Program on Earth Day 2015. See iSEE’s news release for a list and photo of all the award winners.
Joining the Certified Green Office Program has five basic requirements, but ISTC went the extra mile by completing over 80% of the additional commitments. Some of these additional commitments included efforts in sustainable purchasing, reducing waste, and minimizing energy consumption. Bart Bartels (pictured with Nancy Holm) was the ISTC ambassador for the program and ISTC staff will continue to look for ways to further their commitment to sustainability in other facets of their workplace.
The Compact includes objectives such as purchasing renewable energy, implementing green building practices, developing sustainable transportation options, improving water conservation, and incorporating sustainable dining practices.
Gold for institutions that are integrating sustainability throughout their campus and working towards measured improvement.