During the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago's (MWRD's) second annual Sustainability Summit held July 2 at the Allerton Hotel in Chicago, four organizations received awards for their sustainable efforts.
Evanston High School and the Chicago Park District received the 2014 Biosolids Beneficial Reuse awards. Both organizations have used biosolids to improve their properties. Biosolids are a low-cost, sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizer and is developed through the wastewater treatment process.
The Village of Franklin Park and Historic Chicago Bungalow Assn. (HCBA) won awards for sustainable landscaping. The Village of Franklin Park was recognized for its newly constructed Police Department facility, which incorporated multiple sustainable features. The HCBA was honored for its commitment to educate the public about measures to manage storm water and mitigate flooding.
In addition to the awards presentation, MWRD staff and representatives from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Office of the Governor and the Cook County Dept. of Environment offered insight about available resources and sustainable solutions. A representative from the Illinois State Treasurer's Office was on hand to search their database for lost or forgotten funds through the I-Cash program.
Source: MWRD
