A new initiative to help bring about a greener future for IL schools has been created: the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification Task Force.

Dan Bulley, executive director of the Green Construction Institute, has been appointed byChristine Radogno, Senate Republican Leader, 41st District, IL, to serve on the newly created Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification Task Force. This task force will investigate how to retrofit three public schools in the State of Illinois to achieve LEED certification. One school will be located in Chicago, with one in the suburbs and one downstate.

“I look forward to working with the other task force members to help create a greener learning environment for Illinois students,” Bulley said. “This initiative will be making schools healthier while reducing waste and expenses.” Bulley, who also serves as senior vice president of theMechanical Contractors Association (MCA) of Chicago, added that the task force will recommend funding options for the projects, which will include grants and corporate donations.

This appointment was made pursuant toHouse Joint Resolution 45, adopted by the 96th General Assembly. According to Resolution 45, “This project provides a model for a statewide campaign to transform every existing Illinois public school into a green school so that within a generation every child in Illinois can attend a green school.”

Member of the LEED Certification Task Force include:
  • Representative Karen May, State Representative, 58th District, Illinois General Assembly
  • Representative Robert Pritchard, State Representative, 70th District, Illinois General Assembly
  •  Doug Widener, Executive Director, USGBC-Illinois Chapter
  • Eric Heineman, Sustainability Policy Advisor, Office of the Governor
  • Kate Tomford, Sustainability Director, Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
  • Lisa Mattingly, Administrator, Professional Services, Capital Development Board
  • Karen Shoup, Division Supervisor, School Business and Support Services, Illinois State Board of Education
  • Senate minority appointee, Dan Bulley, Senior Vice President, Mechanical Contractors Association
  • Senate majority appointee, Christopher Dillion, Managing Director, Vermilion Development