Energy Initiatives

Cook County was the first governmental agency in Illinois to pass an energy initiative, with an ordinance requiring all new construction to be LEED-certified by the US Green Building Council. LEED is a point-based rating system developed by the US Green Building Council which allows the owner to select energy conservation elements to incorporate into a design. New construction for the County complies with LEED. New initiatives in LEED now make it possible for older buildings to participate as well.

Provident Hospital is now a more sustainable facility that will operate with lower energy costs, and has earned the LEED Silver Rating. New construction enabled reduced energy and water usage and implemented stricter recycling procedures and practices. Cook County also installed high efficiency air filters and used significant amounts of recycled materials in construction.

Provident Hospital  Pharmacy (photo left). Awarded LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Silver certification status. Provident Hospital, located in the City of Chicago’s south side, was one of the first hospitals founded by African-Americans. It was established in 1891 and acquired by Cook County in 1990.