Getting things done.

The Illinois Green Business Association (IGBA) originally started as a student organization at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. In 2007, several environmentally aware students founded C.O.R.E., or Community Organized Recycling Efforts, focusing on improving access to recycling services for multi-family housing units in Champaign. C.O.R.E. brought people together from different backgrounds who realized the need for better recycling systems in Champaign. C.O.R.E. engaged hundreds of students in recycling through a Green-House Competition and campus clean-up events, diverting over 7,000 pounds of materials to recycling that otherwise would have gone to a landfill.

Careful thought and research led to the discovery of successful green business programs on the West Coast, in California. The directors applied for and received a Building a Lasting University Environment grant from the University of Illinois’ Department of Environmental Compliance, hoping to start a similar green business certification program for small and medium-sized Illinois businesses. By bringing together a board comprised of community leaders, the young organization continued to grow as more partnerships developed. In 2008, the Illinois Green Business Association became incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and the staff of three found a home in One Main Development in downtown Champaign, and partners in Busey and The University of Illinois Office of Public Engagement.

IGBA has continued to make strides in spreading the vision of passion, collaboration and openness in achieving change. With the continued support of our partners and leaders who share our vision, we look forward to creating sustainable change in Illinois businesses and communities.