The following components and descriptions demonstrate the green strides that have been made, the initiatives currently being expanded upon, and future goals of YouthBuild McLean County regarding its efforts and dedication to the environment and green building.

Utilizes green products and programs to achieve business goals and increase efficiency:

• YouthBuild has a LEED Accredited Professional as well as 5 National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) instructors.
• YouthBuild students receive instruction through the NCCER and U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
• YouthBuild maintenance students have learned about green cleaning products and procedures, which they practice in the maintenance of the school and 13 units of rental housing.
• Staff will begin “train the trainer” training in December of 2009 in order to offer training to students for the position of Building Analysts and is part of Building Performance Institute (BPI) training.
• Heartland College will also be providing staff with “Train the Trainer” training for Solar Installation Technician in early 2010. Both of these will be offered to students in the spring of 2010.
• YouthBuild McLean County offers an environmental science class. In this class students study various environment-related topics (such as water, energy, waste, etc).
• Since the fall of 2009 YouthBuild Mclean County has been in the process of obtaining “LEED For Homes” certification for 6 of the Stoneman Garden Homes.

Shows reduced environmental impact through green initiatives:

• YouthBuild and its students have taken it upon themselves to haul the building recycling to a local collection center on a weekly basis.
• As part of its green initiative and in partnership with the Governors’ Sustainable School Compact, YouthBuild has kept over 900 lbs. of waste from finding its end in the landfill.
• Plans are currently in progress to reduce YouthBuild’s impact on the environment by recycling as much of its construction waste as possible.
• During the 2008-’09 school year YouthBuild reduced its waste by 40 cubic yards and increased recycling by 30 cubic yards and were recognized by Ecology Action Center this spring for these environmental efforts.

Demonstrates commitment to utilizing sustainable materials and/or practices:

• The last 13 homes constructed in Stoneman Garden Subdivision received a five star rating from EnergyStar.
• Student-planted native fauna decorates previously vacant property owned by YouthBuild reducing mowing and carbon emissions. Eventually, these plants may serve to landscape homes in Stoneman Garden Subdivision.
• Water that is required for planting is collected at the school by rain barrels constructed by students.