Oct. 29--For the second time in three years, the state recognized St. Charles-based Clarke mosquito abatement and environmental services for its employee-driven sustainability practices.
Clarke was among 19 companies and organizations honored Oct. 27 with 2015 Governor's Sustainability Awards, presented by the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center based at the University of Illinois.
The awards were first presented in 1987, and Clarke previously was honored in 2012 for initiatives that include using environmentally safe chemicals, treating stormwater catch basins by bicycle instead of vehicle, and converting its gasoline-powered fleet of vehicles to hybrids.
"They are one of Illinois' fabulous champions of being at the top of their sector because of their sustainability commitment," said ISTC spokesman Jim Dexter.
The company recently relocated its headquarters and research center to a building in St. Charles. It replaced 225 fluorescent lights with more efficient fixtures, diverted 95 percent of its demolition waste from landfills, recycled concrete, established an electric car-sharing program for employee carpooling, and installed waste stations for recycling paper, compost and other materials, the ISTC said in its certificate for Clarke.
"This latest recognition is largely because of our new building" at 675 Sidwell Court, said Clarke spokesman Dave McLaughlin. Clarke occupied the space in 2014 after moving from its base in Roselle. The 27,000-square-foot administration center has achieved LEED Silver status for Leadership in Environmental Energy Design by the U.S. Green Building Council.
"The property was purposely chosen because it abuts a residential area as well as an industrial park," McLaughlin said. "We want to be a good neighbor."
Clarke's sustainability initiatives reduce the company's carbon footprint and are driven by the company's 145 employees, he said. About 60 work in St. Charles, another 25 at an operations center in Roselle, and the rest are sales representatives worldwide. Initiatives such as switching catch basin applications to bicycles from vehicles helps retain employees too, he said.
"When you look at the caliber of employee doing that job, they're athletic and motivated," McLaughlin said.
Sustainability practices are good for business for many reasons, he said.
"That's a message we'd like to get out to other businesses," McLaughlin said. "We think it's the direction we're all going to have to go at some point."
The company is a third-generation family-operated business founded in 1946.
A local official said Clarke sets a good example for other companies.
"Clarke inspires other city businesses to achieve their best," said Stacey Ekstrom, president and CEO of the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce.
Ted Slowik is a freelance reporter for the Chicago Tribune.
triblocaltips@tribune.com
