The McHenry County Board has been a champion of environmental and sustainable initiatives for many years.  In the Board's latest Strategic Plan, an entire key issue area is devoted to environmental sustainability. 

This page highlights some of the projects the County Board has commissioned and completed, as well as those which are still in progress. 

Solar Panels

In 2010, solar panels were installed on the roof of the McHenry County Administration Building.  Over the years, these panels have reduced the facility's need for energy from utility companies by providing free solar power. 

^TOP^

Electric Vehicles

McHenry County has supported electric vehicle usage by providing electric vehicle charging stations that were installed in 2020 at the courthouse. The stations were purchased through a generous grant from the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County, and the installation costs were paid in part by ComEd's Powering Safe Communities grant.  The County intends to convert portions of its fleet to electric vehicles in the future and has received a report analyzing options for fleet charging stations at different County properties. 

^TOP^

Water Conservation

McHenry County is always looking for new and innovative ways to reduce its water consumption.  In 2019, the McHenry County Facilities Department converted 350 fixtures in the McHenry County jail to low-water flow devices to save over 1 million gallons of water annually. 

^TOP^

Xeriscape Garden

The entrance to the McHenry County Administration Building is bordered by two demonstration gardens comprised of flowering plants and grasses that are native to McHenry County.  With their deep root systems, these plants build healthy soils that hold enormous amounts of water and help reduce flooding.  Landscaping with native plants can help conserve water and reduce pollution because they are adapted to our local climate and do not need irrigation or fertilizer.  The native plants also provide vital habitat that our native pollinator species need to survive.  In addition to providing these incredible benefits, landscaping with native plants creates striking beauty that is constantly changing throughout the year.  The next time you visit the McHenry County Administration Building, please take a moment to appreciate the benefits these native gardens provide and think about how you might be able to include native plants in your own landscapes.

To learn more about the County's Xeriscape Project, please watch the video below.

^TOP^

LED Lighting

In 2009, McHenry County began the process of converting thousands of light bulbs across the County facilities to LEDs. As of 2023, all exterior, security, wall and parking lot lights have been converted saving taxpayer dollars and reducing energy consumption. 

^TOP^

Reduce Carbon Footprint

McHenry County is continuously working to reduce its carbon footprint in accordance with its Strategic Plan.

In 2008, McHenry County Government buildings consumed 14.3 million kilowatt hours of electricity.  By 2023, McHenry County facilities have reduced this amount by 43% to 8.8 million.  This equates to a 4,833 ton reduction every year in greenhouse gas emissions. 

For more information on this initiative, please review our decarbonization plan. 

McHenry County is also the recipient of the 2015 Illinois Governor's Sustainability Award due in part to its efforts to reduce its carbon emissions by 1,300 metric tons annually. This is the equivalent of removing 270 cars from the road and planting 1078 acres of forests.