Building Green

©Mark McCabe, 2010, courtesy of HNTB. The Illinois Tollway seeks to minimize the environmental impact of roadway construction by reducing, recycling and reusing materials. The Illinois Tollway is committed to using renewable energy and green technology, as well as adopting research initiatives and best practices to reduce energy use and costs.

Natural Environment and Resource Protection

The Tollway seeks to adopt mitigation and landscaping projects with local and regional benefits, as well as best practices to improve nearby wetlands and waterways.

Wetland mitigation – For every acre impacted, a minimum of 1.5 acres will be restored or created.
Native vegetation – Use native and adaptive vegetation to reduce maintenance and mowing costs.
Stormwater management – Continue and expand surface and groundwater monitoring research; use results to guide future work.

Waste Reduction and Recycling

Increase the use of recycled, reused and reclaimed materials. New programs will quantify resources preserved and materials recycled, as well as eliminate landfill waste.

Waste-reduction work zone – Develop a pilot project to eliminate construction waste that is traditionally sent to landfills for disposal.
100 percent recycled materials – Recycled concrete, asphalt and other materials, including roof shingles and tires, will be used as base materials, backfill and in new pavements.

Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation

The Tollway seeks to incorporate renewable energy sources and conservation strategies proven to provide operational and maintenance benefits to conserve energy and reduce costs.

Renewable energy – Install solar, wind and geothermal systems.
Warm-mix asphalt – Maximize use in place of hot-mix asphalt on all program projects, reducing CO2 emissions and energy consumption by about 20 percent during asphalt production.

Investing in Technology

Incorporate new and innovative technologies to reduce maintenance and operating costs without sacrificing quality and efficiency.

LEED-certified buildings – Develop construction plans for maintenance facilities and other buildings that meet standards for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and other green certification standards.
Intelligent Transportation Systems – Installation and use of dynamic message signs, portable changeable message signs, cameras and other technologies to enhance safety and reduce delays; every minute of delay can result in four to nine minutes of congestion.