Sherman Hospital’s expansion along Randall Road which will include the development of a geothermal lake – one of the largest lake loop heat-pump systems in the world and the first built by an Illinois hospital. The geothermal lake is projected to reduce Sherman’s gas and electric costs by nearly $1 million annually.

Judson University’s construction of its new Harm A. Weber Academic Center integrates such green features as natural ventilation, natural light and sustainable energy circulation. It expects to reduce operational fossil fuel costs by 50%. The building has been designed to meet the standards of the U.S. Department of Energy high-performance buildings and expects to earn a LEED silver rating by the U.S. Green Building Council. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System is a nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings an promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.

Elgin Academy’s new 42,300 sq.-0ft. Media, Science and Fine Arts Center construction has been designed to attain a “Gold Level” LEED Certification awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Waste Management’s Transfer Station, near the intersection of Gifford Road and Bluff City Blvd., was built to attain the “Gold Level” LEED certification. The project was designed with a green roof for wetlands mitigation and it also seeks to reuse gray water. Gray water is runoff from sinks, roofs and parking lots.