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Lake County staff propose a green business recognition program; committee seeks details on roll-out and partnerships

Lake County Planning, Building, Zoning, and Environment Committee · January 7, 2026

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Summary

Sustainability staff presented a draft Lake County Green Business recognition program modeled on other jurisdictions; committee members raised questions about staff capacity, chamber engagement, verification and recertification policies and asked staff to refine the design for final approval at a future meeting.

Lake County Sustainability Programs Manager Robin Hallgrim presented a draft design for a county Green Business recognition program that would certify local businesses for sustainability practices across categories including water, energy, pollution prevention, solid waste and transportation/air quality.

Hallgrim described a low‑burden application process: businesses would submit a free online application documenting sustainable actions, staff would verify evidence by phone or, if necessary, site visit, and eligible businesses would receive recognition and a branding package. "First, they would go on our website, and they would fill out a free online application… Second, the county staff would review the application… and if the business is eligible, they are rewarded with recognition from the county," Hallgrim said.

Staff recommended awarding certifications by category rather than requiring all categories, suggested one‑time certification rather than automatic recertification (to limit staff workload), and proposed staff‑led verification primarily via photo or invoice review. Committee members welcomed the concept but raised questions about staff bandwidth, involvement of municipal chambers of commerce, coordination with existing municipal programs (e.g., Lake Zurich), and engagement with SWALCO on composting resources. Hallgrim said staff will incorporate feedback and bring a final design to the committee later this month.

The committee indicated consensus to move the draft forward for further development and final approval at a future meeting; no formal vote or adoption occurred at the session.