![Argonne Sustainability Program Manager Karen Kosky (second from left) and Argonne Facilities Energy Analyst Brenda Teaster accepted the 2014 Illinois Governor’s Sustainability Award on behalf of Argonne. Kosky and Teaster are pictured with Eric Heineman (left), Senior Sustainability Advisor, Office of Governor Pat Quinn, and Illinois Sustainable Technology Center Director Kevin O’Brien (right).](https://sandbox4-www.anl.gov/sites/www/files/styles/article_teaser_16x9/public/2018-07/10053_15574489080_0ae8c80755_o.jpg?h=34bbd072&itok=ePGD_IZy)
On Oct. 23, Argonne National Laboratory was presented with the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center’s 2014 Illinois Governor’s Sustainability Award. The award recognizes the lab’s continued excellence in sustainable practices used on its 1,500 acre campus.
“This year, Argonne was recognized as an Illinois leader for its deliberate practice of sustainability in building design, operation efficiency, renewable energy infrastructure, recycling and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions,” said Karen Kosky, Argonne Sustainability Program Manager. “I’m proud to be part of a team that pushes the boundaries of sustainability to surpass standard targets and practices.”
Some of Argonne’s sustainable campus achievements include an energy reinvestment program that generates more than $1 million in annual energy and water savings and completed plans for a new combined heat and water plant that will become the lab’s main source of steam for heat. The plant, expected to launch in 2016, is estimated to save more than $2.7 million and 24,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually.
Since 1987, the Illinois Governor’s Award has been presented to public and private organizations in Illinois that have demonstrated a commitment to environmental excellence through outstanding and innovative sustainability practices.