The City of Chicago is making considerable strides to be an energy efficient city and to use it's renewable sources to their fullest potential. Many energy efficient strategies and renewable energy strategies are being implemented to keep the city healthy and sustainable.
Retrofit Chicago
Retrofit Chicago was created by Mayor Rahm Emanuel to put energy efficiency as a priority to strengthen Chicago to help it be the most affordable, competitive, attractive, livable and sustainable city of the 21st century. It's energy efficiency pursuits will help create jobs, save the city money, reduce greenhouse emissions and demonstrate Chicago's environmental leadership.
Commercial Building Initiative
One of the three components of Retrofit Chicago is the Commercial Buildings initiative. A coordinated, cross-sector plan to bring energy efficiency improvements to municipal, commercial and residential buildings throughout the city, it is a large component of the sustainability effort in Chicago.
Participating buildings commit to:
- Reduce energy usage in one or more buildings by at least 20% within 5 years
- Begin energy efficiency work within 6 months
- Track progress and share efficiency successes with the public
- Serve as ambassadors to other buildings interested in increasing energy efficiency.
The Chicago Cener for Green Technology
The Chicago Center for Green Technology is the first rehabilitated municipal building in the nation to receive the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum rating by the U.S. Green Building Council. The Building opened in 2002 and has since become a national model for sustainable design and technology. It serves as the most comprehensive green design and educational research in the Midwest.
Tour of The Chicago Center for Green Technology
Solar Power In Chicago
In 2012, the City of Chicago and ComEd were awarded a grant under the U.S. Department of Energy's Sun Shot initiatives to import solar PV installations by reducing market barriers and soft costs. The grant was sponsored through the Mayor's office and the team was comprised of multiple City, industry, utility, non-profit, and institutional stakeholders. This program makes solar installation on rooftops easier and faster, as efficient and affordable as possible, making it essential to the city's goal of being the greenest and most energy efficient city in America.
In 2012, the City of Chicago and ComEd were awarded a grant under the U.S. Department of Energy's Sun Shot initiatives to import solar PV installations by reducing market barriers and soft costs. The grant was sponsored through the Mayor's office and the team was comprised of multiple City, industry, utility, non-profit, and institutional stakeholders. This program makes solar installation on rooftops easier and faster, as efficient and affordable as possible, making it essential to the city's goal of being the greenest and most energy efficient city in America.