Tag: Sustainable DuPage

Chicago Glue and Machine Sets New Industry Standard with State Green Certification

Posted on | by courtney

Leading DuPage County manufacturer recognized for its commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable operational excellence.

Chicago Glue and Machine set a new industry standard by earning green certification through Sustainable DuPage and the Illinois Green Business Program. The achievement recognizes the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship and its successful implementation of sustainable business practices across its operations.

Becoming a Certified Illinois Green Business isn’t just a certificate in a frame, it represents an acknowledgement in how Chicago Glue incorporated sustainability across all its operations. By meeting the IGBA’s high standards, the company has joined an elite group of Illinois businesses dedicated to reducing their environmental footprint while boosting economic performance.

“Sustainability is very important to CGM,” said Adam Norton, General Manager of Chicago Glue and Machine. “We want to make sure that we are doing everything that we can to reduce our impact on the environment.”

To earn this certification, Chicago Glue and Machine underwent a rigorous evaluation of its internal processes, focusing on six key areas of sustainability: energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, pollution prevention, transportation, and community engagement.

“Chicago Glue and Machine was already implementing many sustainability initiatives that reduced waste and environmental impact,” said Cassie Carroll, Assistant Director at the EnergySense Resilience Center at the University of Illinois System. “Certification cemented their commitment to operating as a sustainable business and showcased how manufacturers in the Chicagoland area can join their lead.”

As a part of the certification process, Chicago Glue and Machine implemented several key initiatives, including:

  • Waste Diversion: Implemented a robust recycling program that captures hard-to-recycle materials, such as batteries and bread tabs.
  • Policies in Place: Approved policies to ensure sustainability practices are maintained over time in partnership with their “Stuck on Sustainability” committee.
  • Green Cleaning: Prioritized the use of less-toxic cleaning supplies that were EPA Safer Choice certified to improve indoor air quality and employee safety.
  • Water Conservation: Reuse water in their cooling process and installed low-flow faucet aerators on handwashing sinks to reduce water use.
  • Neighborhood Clean-Ups: Hosts annual neighborhood cleanups in their business park to reduce pollution and litter, keeping their business park clean.

Chicago Glue and Machine’s certification was made possible through the Sustainable DuPage Green Business Program, a partnership between the EnergySense Resilience Center and Choose DuPage.

“The Sustainable DuPage program through Choose DuPage is a powerful catalyst for an organization,” said Greg Bedalov, President & CEO of Choose DuPage. “The program provides practical tools, expert guidance, and a clear path forward, enabling a company to elevate their sustainability efforts and successfully achieve Illinois Green Business Certification. The partnership formed with EnergySense Resilience Center strengthens environmental impact and long-term business strategy.”

Chicago Glue and Machine set an example for others in their industry that demonstrates that increasing efficiency with sustainability in mind can also be a profitable business strategy for Illinois companies.

About Chicago Glue and Machine

At Chicago Glue & Machine, their mission is to keep bottles decent, boxes’ bottoms secured and rid the world of glue-mergencies, 24/7/365. We provide the glue, adhesives and equipment our customers rely on to avoid the drama of a world without glue.

About Sustainable DuPage

Sustainable DuPage is a sustainability-focused program led by Choose DuPage in partnership with the DuPage County Environmental Division, designed to help local businesses adopt greener practices, reduce environmental impact, and connect them to resources, incentives, and education. A key component is offering free Green Business Assessments and sustainability resources that help companies improve efficiency, lower costs, and take actionable steps toward environmental stewardship. The initiative also hosts webinars, toolkits, and sustainability planning tools aimed at educating and motivating organizations to implement sustainable practices in operations and long-term growth. 

Download the Sustainable DuPage Green Business Checklist here.

About the Illinois Green Business Program

The Illinois Green Business Program is a partnership between the nonprofit organization, the Illinois Green Business Association (IGBA) and the EnergySense Resilience Center at the University of Illinois System. Through the Illinois Green Business Certification Program, they provide the tools, support, and resources necessary for businesses to thrive while protecting the environment.

IGBA is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping businesses throughout Illinois adopt sustainable practices. EnergySense empowers organizations such as communities, businesses, and public agencies, with practical solutions for climate, energy, and sustainability. 

 

Sustainable DuPage Webinar

Workplace Conservation: Creating Eco-Friendly Landscape

Posted on | by courtney

A Sustainable DuPage Webinar

In this webinar, you’ll learn how to incorporate eco-friendly practices into your business’ green space. Hosted by Jim Kleinwachter, program director at The Conversation Foundation, this seminar explores how you can reduce maintenance costs, improve employee wellness, enhance your site’s visual appeal, and demonstrate your company’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

Presenter:

  • Jim Kleinwachter, Program Director, The Conservation Foundation

View Webinar

To request a copy of this presentation, please contact Choose DuPage.

About the Sustainable DuPage Program Series

Choose DuPage and the DuPage County Environmental Division have partnered to host a series of sustainability-focused events. Made for businesses and communities in the DuPage region, the series covers topics at the intersection of business, life and sustainability.

Learn More About Sustainable DuPage
Sustainable DuPage Webinar

Going Green: How to Build Your Business’ Sustainability Plan

Posted on | by courtney

A Sustainable DuPage Webinar

In this webinar, experts from SEDAC (now known as EnergySense Resilience Center or EnergySense) explain how to use their new resource, Going Green: A Comprehensive Guide to Creating a Business Sustainability Plan. This step-by-step guide provides a framework for your business to reduce costs, enhance efficiency, and engage employees in your sustainability efforts.

Presenters:

  • Cassie Carroll, Marketing & Communications Director, EnergySense (formerly SEDAC)
  • Robert Schlorff, Energy Engineer, EnergySense (formerly SEDAC)

View Webinar

To request a copy of this presentation, please contact Choose DuPage.

About the Sustainable DuPage Program Series

Choose DuPage and the DuPage County Environmental Division have partnered to host a series of sustainability-focused events. Made for businesses and communities in the DuPage region, the series covers topics at the intersection of business, life and sustainability.

Learn More About Sustainable DuPage
Sustainable DuPage Webinar

Charge Up: Preparing Businesses for an Electric World

Posted on | by courtney

A Sustainable DuPage Webinar

This webinar is all about electric vehicles! Learn about evaluating your needs, fleet assessments, and the tools available for business owners considering a move to electric. 

Presenters:

  • Violeta Ryman, Senior Program Manager, ComEd
  • Rahul Chatterjea, Senior Energy Engineer, ComEd

 

To request a copy of this presentation, please contact Choose DuPage.

About the Sustainable DuPage Program Series

Choose DuPage and the DuPage County Environmental Division have partnered to host a series of sustainability-focused events. Made for businesses and communities in the DuPage region, the series covers topics at the intersection of business, life and sustainability.

Learn More About Sustainable DuPage
Sustainable DuPage Webinar

Sustainability Made Simple: How to Reduce Food Waste

Posted on | by courtney

A Sustainable DuPage Webinar

In this webinar, you’ll discover how businesses and communities can manage food waste efficiently and cost-effectively in partnership with Green Era. Jason Feldman, CEO of Green Era, and Susannah Sun, Business Intelligence Manager, will share valuable insights into their sustainability approach, including how Green Era recycles food waste into renewable natural gas and nutrient-rich fertilizer and compost for a greener future.

Whether you’re a business owner looking to reduce food waste or a community member interested in composting and green initiatives, this webinar is for you!

Presenters:

  • Jason Feldman, CEO, Green Era Campus
  • Susannah Sun, Business Intelligence Manager, Green Era Campus

 

To request a copy of this presentation, please contact Choose DuPage.

About the Sustainable DuPage Program Series

Choose DuPage and the DuPage County Environmental Division have partnered to host a series of sustainability-focused events. Made for businesses and communities in the DuPage region, the series covers topics at the intersection of business, life and sustainability.

Learn More About Sustainable DuPage
Sustainable DuPage Webinar

Meet Sustainability Goals & Reach Energy Savings Potential with C-PACE Financing

Posted on | by courtney

A Sustainable DuPage Webinar

C-PACE is an innovative tool that enables commercial property owners to obtain financing to help meet their sustainability goals and reach their energy savings potential. In this webinar, you’ll learn more about C-PACE financing and its benefits, while hearing real-life examples of DuPage businesses that have utilized the program.

Presenter:

  • AnnaMaria Kowalik, Senior Vice President, The Illinois Energy Conservation Authority NFP

To request a copy of this presentation, please contact Choose DuPage.

About the Sustainable DuPage Program Series

Choose DuPage and the DuPage County Environmental Division have partnered to host a series of sustainability-focused events. Made for businesses and communities in the DuPage region, the series covers topics at the intersection of business, life and sustainability.

Learn More About Sustainable DuPage
Sustainable DuPage Webinar

Powering ESG with Data & Analytics

Posted on | by courtney

A Sustainable DuPage Webinar

This webinar explores how businesses can achieve their environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals. Andrew Simmons, an expert from Wavicle Data Solutions, will highlight the transformative role of data and analytics in ESG initiatives—and explain how you can get started.

Presenter:

  • Andrew Simmons, ESG Data and Analytics Leader, Wavicle Data Solutions

To request a copy of this presentation, please contact Choose DuPage.

About the Sustainable DuPage Program Series

Choose DuPage and the DuPage County Environmental Division have partnered to host a series of sustainability-focused events. Made for businesses and communities in the DuPage region, the series covers topics at the intersection of business, life and sustainability.

Learn More About Sustainable DuPage
green business opportunities

Green Business Opportunities: 5 Certifications to Consider

Posted on | by Kira Ryan

DuPage County businesses know that prioritizing sustainability is about more than reducing harm to the environment. It’s a way to promote local economic growth, create business opportunities and proactively address challenges for future generations.

Most importantly, it’s about action.

Consumers want to know that the companies they support are taking tangible steps to help combat environmental harm. As such, it’s paramount for organizations of all sizes to do things like earn clean energy certifications, pursue commercial energy incentives, stay on top of sustainability education, and leverage other sustainable business resources.

In this blog, we’ll delve into five essential clean product certification programs that empower businesses to evolve into more eco-conscious and profitable enterprises. Keep reading to explore how these certifications, ranging from sustainable business site recognition to green product badges, can help your company scale up responsibly and effectively.

1. UL ECOLOGO® CERTIFICATION

UL ECOLOGO® sustainable product certifications are a powerful endorsement of a business’s dedication to environmental sustainability. This voluntary, multi-attribute certification program evaluates products and services across various criteria, including materials, energy usage, manufacturing practices, environmental impact, product performance and innovation.

Certifiable product categories include:

  • Building Materials
  • Cleaning Items
  • Disinfectants
  • Electronics
  • Office Supplies
  • Paper And Plastic Goods
  • Personal Care Items
  • Mineral Exploration Equipment
  • Renewable Electricity Products

ECOLOGO® certification is a remarkable asset for sustainable businesses in the DuPage area. It signifies a genuine commitment to responsible manufacturing practices and harnessing clean energy in DuPage County—assuring customers and partners that your company has gone the extra mile to meet stringent third-party standards.

2. UL GREENGUARD CERTIFICATION

The UL GREENGUARD certification program addresses the rising concerns of chemical emissions and their effects on businesses’ indoor air quality. It sets strict test methods and emission limits for various product categories, including:

  • Furniture
  • Flooring
  • Building Materials
  • Electronic Equipment
  • Interiors
  • Cleaning Products

Obtaining UL GREENGUARD Certification not only improves the well-being of employees and customer satisfaction concerning indoor air quality; it can open pathways to valuable sustainability incentives for businesses committed to enhancing their commercial properties.

Products holding UL GREENGUARD Certification can earn points in recognized green building rating systems like LEED. Plus, they can fulfill code or ordinance criteria and IAQ-specific request for proposal (RFP) requirements.

3. GREEN SEAL CERTIFICATION

Green Seal, a pioneer in eco-labeling, certifies a wide range of products across the following categories:
• Paints
• Floor Care
• Cleaning Supplies
• Laundry Products
• Personal Care Items
• Paper
• Plastic Trash Bags

Their iconic certification mark is a widely recognized symbol of health and environmental leadership, specified by more than 100 federal, state, and local purchasing policies. On top of that, all products that receive a Green Seal certification can display Amazon’s Climate Pledge Friendly badge—an invaluable tool for marketing and building trust in your brand.

4. EPEAT CLIMATE+™ ECOLABEL

Managed by the Global Electronics Council, EPEAT Climate+™ is an ecolabel that measures the social and environmental impacts of electronics and tech products from cradle to grave.

To receive an EPEAT Climate+™ certification, products must demonstrate their compliance with EPEAT’s rigorous climate change criteria and meet requirements for circularity, reduced use of harmful chemicals, and corporate ESG performance. Categories include:

  • Computers
  • Imaging Equipment
  • Mobile Phones
  • Photovoltaic Modules
  • Inverters
  • Servers
  • Televisions

Obtaining this certification is beneficial for a few reasons. First, it assures purchasers that your business is taking actionable steps to become more sustainable. It also means joining a network of like-minded companies helping drive change at a global scale, working product by product to mitigate environmental damage.

5. GREENSCREEN®CERTIFICATION

GreenScreen® Certification recognizes products that are free from thousands of toxic chemicals—PFAS, phthalates, bisphenols, etc.—and promotes the use of more environmentally friendly chemistry throughout the manufacturing process.

Businesses that produce the following goods are eligible for GreenScreen® Certification:

  • Firefighting Foam
  • Cleaners & Degreasers in Manufacturing
  • Furniture & Fabrics
  • Food Service Ware
  • Textile Chemicals

Becoming a GreenScreen®-certified business not only demonstrates your company’s commitment to social responsibility and ethical business practices; it also helps empower your purchasers to make more informed decisions. This is especially important given the complicated nature of PFAS and other toxic chemicals—consumers deserve to know if what they’re buying is safe.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY IN DUPAGE COUNTY

If you’re considering relocating your business to the Chicago area, start your search in DuPage County, Illinois. With abundant industrial properties and a thriving local economy—plus innovative public- and private-sector programs promoting solar energy in DuPage County and green energy in Chicago and beyond—we’re built for eco-friendly businesses.

Whether you represent an established company seeking expansion or a budding startup eager to explore new horizons, now is the time to join our dynamic, forward-thinking business hub.

Reach out to us at info@ChooseDuPage.com to learn more.

Sustainable DuPage Webinar

Energize Your Business Through Energy Efficiency

Posted on | by courtney

A Sustainable DuPage Webinar

Energy efficiency isn’t just an option – it’s a crucial factor that can impact your company’s financial health and environmental impact. In this webinar, Choose DuPage and the University of Illinois’ Smart Design Assistance Center (SEDAC) discuss energy efficiency in business operations.

Program Topics:

  • The importance of energy efficiency and how it can help maximize your bottom line.
  • Low and no-cost ways to improve energy efficiency – including available funding and support programming.
  • Renewable energy.

To request a copy of this presentation, please contact Choose DuPage.

About the Sustainable DuPage Program Series

Choose DuPage and the DuPage County Environmental Division have partnered to host a series of sustainability-focused events. Made for businesses and communities in the DuPage region, the series covers topics at the intersection of business, life and sustainability.

Learn More About Sustainable DuPage
sustainability initiatives in dupage county

Green Business Assessment: Choosing Sustainability in DuPage

Posted on | by Kira Ryan
“Sustainability” is more than just a buzzword. It’s an intentional act, a strategic choice made by business owners to consider how their operations affect not only their bottom line, but their surrounding communities and our environment. 
 
Though the payoff is massively rewarding, adopting and promoting sustainability is no small task. Amid the day-to-day responsibilities of running a successful company, business owners face a lot of important and complex decisions. From figuring out ways to reduce energy consumption to implementing eco-friendly waste management tactics and beyond, the journey toward greener business practices can feel overwhelming. 
 
But what if business owners didn’t have to navigate this process on their own?
 
Enter Choose DuPage’s Green Business Assessment. Created in partnership with the Smart Energy Design Assistance Center (SEDAC), this initiative provides no-cost sustainability assessments for businesses across DuPage County, giving them the insights and guidance to make a lasting difference.   
 
Keep reading to learn the critical role of this program, its impact on environmental responsibility and the value it offers businesses.

WHAT A GREEN BUSINESS IS & THE BENEFITS OF BECOMING ONE

Before we elaborate on the details of our Green Business Assessment, it’s important that we get on the same page about what it means to be a “green business” in the first place.
 
SEDAC identifies green businesses as companies that operate across six key areas of sustainability which minimize their environmental impact and maximize their growth potential. 
 
  • Waste Reduction: Minimizing waste isn’t just ecologically beneficial; it helps create tangible cost savings both now and in the future.
  • Pollution Prevention: A steadfast commitment to pollution prevention directly contributes to a healthier environment and safer communities.
  • Trimming Utility Usage and Costs: Smart energy practices directly translate into reduced utility bills, while also supporting broader energy conservation efforts.
  • Engaging Employees in Sustainability Efforts: Involving staff in sustainability initiatives nurtures teamwork, camaraderie and shared responsibility.
  • Promoting Healthy Workplaces: Sustainability practices extend to fostering healthier indoor environments, which, in turn, boost employee productivity and satisfaction.
  • A Journey of Continuous Improvement: Green businesses are inherently committed to an ongoing journey of innovation and enhancement of their sustainable practices.
Let’s dive into the ins and outs of the Green Business Assessment and get a closer look at how it all works.  

HOW THE PROCESS WORKS

The Green Business Assessment, a partnership between Choose DuPage and SEDAC, is your roadmap to align with green energy and enhance energy efficiency in DuPage County. Follow it to leverage green building incentives and create real change. 
 
Here’s how it works.   
 

1. GET ASSESSED: 

We conduct a free sustainability assessment, delving into your operations and identifying opportunities for sustainability improvements. 
 
This information-gathering phase is crucial. From the amount of greenhouse gases emitted by the businesses in your supply chain, to how long and how many lights you keep on throughout the workday, each data point helps us understand the bigger picture. 
 

2. RECEIVE YOUR PLAN: 

Next, we’ll create a unique green action plan that outlines your path to reducing costs, boosting operational efficiency and switching to renewable energy sources, if possible. 
 
You’ll be able to connect with sustainability initiatives in DuPage County, such as the ComEd Distributed Generation (DG) Rebate. This program helps offset the out-of-pocket costs of solar panel installation, offering rebates of up to $300/kW. (For more information, please visit ComEd’s website.)
 

3. TAKE ACTION: 

Whether it’s optimizing your industrial properties’ energy consumption or finding office space outfitted with the latest energy-efficient technology, we assist you in making sustainable, value-driven choices. 
 
These decisions can help unlock exciting business opportunities and may even make the business relocation process easier. 
 

4. RECEIVE INCENTIVES AND CERTIFICATION: 

As you continue to complete the practices outlined in your plan—whether it’s playing an active role in integrating solar energy in DuPage County, lowering your Scope 3 emissions by localizing your supply chain, etc.—you’ll become eligible to receive financial incentives and sustainability certifications. 
 
You can even become an official SEDAC/Illinois Green Business Association (IGBA) Green-Certified Business, showing your customers and the greater DuPage business community that your organization leads by example. You’ll also receive valuable exposure via a press release, social media coverage, a public map listing, county-wide Choose DuPage promotion, and state-wide recognition.

GET STARTED

Interested in participating in our Green Business Assessment? We’re welcoming businesses of all sizes and types—from startups to established enterprises, nonprofits to public-sector organizations.  
 
By embracing sustainability and taking advantage of our Green Business Assessment, you’re not only benefiting your company—you’re contributing to a greener future for DuPage County and beyond. Together, we can establish a thriving business ecosystem that embodies the DuPage Difference and sets an influential example of global environmental stewardship.
 
To participate or gather more information, please reach out to us at info@ChooseDuPage.com.