Cook County’s Chief Sustainability Officer Deborah Stone was recognized on June 27 by Crain’s Chicago Business as a notable leader in sustainability. Stone has served as the county’s first sustainability officer and the first female director of the Department of Environment and Sustainability since 2011.
The recognition highlights the growing importance of environmental leadership at the local government level. Stone’s work impacts thousands of businesses and residents across Cook County, focusing on both regulatory oversight and community initiatives.
“I am grateful to Deborah and her commitment to creating a better and healthier Cook County for all residents,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “Doing as much as we can as quickly as we can, in the face of climate change and other environmental challenges, ensures that future generations are able to thrive economically, socially and environmentally.”
Stone’s department regulates about 9,000 businesses and manages programs related to asbestos removal, solid waste, recycling facilities, solar panel installation incentives for residents, material reuse from demolitions, renewable energy financing for businesses, and brownfield site cleanups. The department is preparing new initiatives aimed at strengthening electric vehicle charging infrastructure, expanding brownfield redevelopment efforts, addressing flooding issues, and providing water and energy efficiency benefits for lower income residents.
The county implemented a Clean Energy Plan in July 2020 with goals including a 45% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from county facilities by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Since last year, emissions have been reduced by 7.9%, totaling a decrease of 40.2% since 2010.
“I’ve always been passionate about how a better environment can improve health, community life and economic development,” said Stone. “Lower income and minority residents have been historically burdened with a worse environment. Addressing these environmental justice issues is an integral part of making communities within Cook County places where we all want to live.”
Stone previously held roles at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources overseeing regional water supply planning; she also directed the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission. Her experience includes positions at the Illinois Governor’s Office of Budget and Management and Metropolitan Planning Council. For over a decade she has taught environmental courses at DePaul University and University of Illinois at Chicago.
She currently serves as vice chair of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning’s Climate Committee among other professional appointments.
