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Committee approves Lake County Green Business recognition program
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Summary
The Planning, Building, Zoning & Environment Committee approved a resolution to adopt a Lake County Green Business program design, clearing the way for an online application and staff outreach should the county board later adopt the resolution.
A committee vote on March 4 approved a resolution adopting the final design for a Lake County Green Business recognition program that will let local firms apply online for voluntary certification of energy, water, landscaping and other sustainability practices.
Robin Hallgrim, the county’s sustainability programs manager, told the Planning, Building, Zoning & Environment Committee the program uses a free online verification tool and an internal staff review and, if adopted by the county board, would allow applicants to be certified and receive a branding toolkit and a scheduled recognition ceremony. “This is a program that’s gonna recognize local businesses that have sustainable features in their facilities and equipment, sustainable procedures and practices conducted by their employees, and have future planning efforts to increase sustainability in their operations,” Hallgrim said.
Members pressed staff on how claims would be verified. Hallgrim said applicants may be asked to submit artifacts — for example, photographs of EV chargers or invoices for renewable energy certificates — and that some employee‑practice claims would be accepted without extensive audits. She also said recipients must certify their applications and that the county may rescind recognition if false statements are later shown.
Committee members requested a flexible approach to the recognition ceremony and branding. Member Frank suggested the resolution avoid an absolute commitment to present awards at board meetings, and Hallgrim confirmed the resolution calls for a recognition ceremony but allows flexibility for the venue. Several members also urged integrating the recognition into county newsletters and outreach when the program launches.
The committee approved the resolution by voice vote after a motion by Member Frank and a second by Member Campos. The resolution’s final adoption is subject to the full county board’s action; if adopted there, the online application would go live on the county sustainability web page and staff would begin an initial outreach push.
