CityStories / City Profiles / Large Cities / Chicago, Illinois
Population: 2,896,016
- Green building
- 300 green roofs
- Greenhouse gas reduction plan
- The City of Chicago Official Site
Photo Credit: Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureaus
Chicago, Illinois
February 2011 Update: Chicago has been named a 2011 Smarter City for Transportation. Chicago is also a 2010 Smarter City for Energy.
Home to the world's first skyscraper, today Chicago is rising to the forefront in green architecture, boasting more Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified buildings than any other city in the U.S.
Chicago's distinctive eco-friendly design feature is the green roof—a landscaped rooftop that cleans and retains rainwater, reduces the urban heat island effect, provides insulation, and improves air quality.
Inspired by Europe's landscaped rooftops, Mayor Richard Daley set out to green the roof of Chicago's City Hall in 2001, when there were only two contractors in the U.S. qualified to do the job. The project succeeded, inspiring many more in Chicago and other U.S. cities. Now Chicago has 300 buildings topped with vegetation and it has mapped the city's hottest spots to concentrate the cooling roofs where they are needed most. Green roof contractors have also multiplied, with more than two dozen in Chicago alone.
In September 2008, Mayor Daley launched the Climate Action Plan, a detailed outline for reducing the city's greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent below 1990 levels by 2020, and 80 percent by 2050. It also targets the completion of 6,000 rooftop gardens by 2020. “It's aggressive but doable,” says Suzanne Malec-McKenna, head of Chicago's Department of Environment. The detailed plan has served as a model for climate action for cities across the country. For an update on the progress after the first two years, download the Chicago Climate Action Plan Progress Report 2008-2009.
The good news about green roofs for other cities? Green roofs tolerate any climate, work best with native plants and are eco-friendly additions to skyscrapers, industrial buildings, residential complexes—even single-family homes whose roofs have a gentle pitch.
Twenty-two U.S. cities have been named "2010 Smarter Cities" for their investment in green power, energy efficiency measures and conservation by the Natural Resources Defense...
Credit: Adrian World/FlickrUrban heat island effect takes a toll on Austin: In the middle of the summer, ubiquitous air conditioners dump heat outdoors while black-topped...
Credit: KLINX/FlickrIt’s not just its proximity to green superstar Portland that makes Beaverton, Oregon, an energy leader. To be sure, it benefits from, for example,...
Mayor Tom Bates created Berkeley FIRST—the first program of its kind in the world—to allow residents to pay for solar installations as a voluntary long-term assessment...
In 2005, Local 103 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers installed the first commercial-scale wind turbine in Boston. All IBEW 103 apprentice...
Credit: Professor Bop/FlickrThe sun shines often on Florida, a fact that gave it bragging rights on license plates with the nickname, the “Sunshine State.” The northern...
Credit:Chicago Tourism BureauHome to one of the largest and oldest transit systems in the country, the Chicago metropolitan region has long been a national transportation...
Credit: Chicago Convention and Tourism BureausWhen it launched in September 2008, the Chicago Climate Action Plan was one of the country’s most comprehensive, aggressive...
Credit: Chicago Convention and Tourism BureausWhen it launched in September 2008, the Chicago Climate Action Plan was one of the country’s most comprehensive, aggressive...
Credit: CodyDean/FlickrEnvironmental reforms in Columbus, Ohio began in earnest in 2005, with the release of the city’s greenhouse gas analysis and the launch of a policy...
Photovoltaics at Trinity River Audubon Center. Credit: Kevin Lefebvre One of the top municipal purchasers of renewable energy in the country, Dallas purchases a full 40...
Credit: Rich Anderson/FlickrAs a small city in a big state, Denton often struggles for priority in state and federal funding for environmental projects—but it also gets...
Credit: Mike Willis/FlickrDubuque, Iowa's city government has made a greener future a top priority for several years, but now they’re reaching out to citizens,...
Credit: Hectore/FlickrWith 302 days of unadulterated sun each year, it comes as no surprise that El Paso (aka “Sun City”), Texas is aggressively pursuing onsite solar...
Credit: photokayaker/FlickrDespite a 5 percent growth in population, Fort Collins, Colorado’s annual greenhouse gas emissions haven’t increased since 2005, thanks in...
Credit: jcookfisher/FlickrKnown as “Surf City”, for its 8.5 miles of beaches and ideal waves, Huntington Beach can now add “NRDC 2010 Smarter City” to its list of...
Credit: Kevin Dooley/FlickrLong Beach is joining the front lines in the fight against global warming, releasing its first greenhouse gas emissions inventory in 2009 and...
The Electric Power Research Institute has estimated that power from tides and currents could generate 3,000 megawatts of power. In 2008, Verdant Power deployed these...
Credit: City of OaklandOakland has attracted nationwide attention for its efforts to couple solutions to poverty and environmental problems. “We believe in a...
Credit: OPowerEvery morning, shortly after waking up, Bill Rowan checks to see how much electricity he used the night before.“I really want to cut my energy bills...
Credit: Conlawprof/FlickrPortland, Oregon—long a green frontrunner—has been named an NRDC Smarter City for its energy conservation programs and green energy production...
Reno, Nevada is known for its casinos and quick divorces, but this city at the foot of the Sierra Nevadas also has a flourishing green energy sector. In addition to a number of...
Credit: Mischiru/Flickr San Francisco’s dense urban core, located on the tip of a peninsula in the San Francisco Bay, translates into energy savings when it comes to...
Credit: Alkiol/FlickrSanta Clarita, California has a commitment to clean energy and conservation that is already making its mark: The city’s latest energy consumption...
Credit: Martapiqs/Flickr In Santa Cruz, the residents are a powerful resource for preventing emissions of heat-trapping pollutants. Since 1996, emissions associated with...
Credit: Elephant Wearing Striped Pants/FlickrWet climate and Jimi Hendrix aside, Seattle is known for its ahead-of-the-curve energy conservation and production...
Credit: Giant Ginko/FlickrThe smart grid, long past due, is getting closer to becoming a reality. In a digital age, where smart phones and other gadgets ensure we’re...
Illinois Capitol Building in Springfield Credit: Aka Keith/FlickrWhile Chicago has received more coverage for its green roof effort and its climate action plan, the...
Credit: danishwindindustryassociation/FlickrLook out your window on a commercial flight across West Texas and you’ll enjoy plenty of clear views of the American landscape...
Playbook for Green Buildings and Neighborhoods
The Playbook website provides local governments with guidance and resources to rapidly advance green buildings, neighborhoods and infrastructure. Strategic action in these sectors promotes economic development, builds healthier communities, strengthens energy independence, and supports climate protection.
Switch to Green Power in NYC
This website allows New York City residents and small businesses to sign up for green power in 3 easy steps.
Green Building: LEED for Neighborhood Development
The LEED for Neighborhood Development Rating System integrates the principles of smart growth, urbanism and green building into the first national system for neighborhood design. LEED certification provides independent, third-party verification that a development's location and design meet accepted high levels of environmentally responsible, sustainable development. Learn more.
Portland Municipal Resources
Download the City of Portland and Multnomah County Climate Action Plan 2009 (pdf), which details the cities conservation and climate change preparation initiatives.
Visit Clean Energy Works: Portland for information on financing for residential energy effiency upgrades.
See the Portland Ecoroof program for information on the city's living roof projects.
Click here for information on Portland's sustainable stormwater management efforts.
See the Portland Brownfield Program to learn about how the city is reclaiming contaminated sites for development.
El Paso Municipal Resources
Download the City of El Paso's Livable City Sustainability Plan (pdf) for the city's overall strategy to improve quality of life in El Paso.
The El Paso Solar Energy Association (EPSEA) supports the development of solar installations in West Texas, Southern New Mexico and Northern Mexico.
Visit the El Paso Department of Sustainability for information on local sustainabiltiy initiatives.
Seattle Municipal Resources
Download the Seattle Climate Protection Initiative Progress Report 2009 (pdf) for a report on recent initiatives.
Download the 2008 Seattle Community Greenhouse Gas Inventory (pdf) for details on the city's most recent energy audit.
See the Seattle Office of Housing HomeWise program for weatherization services available to homeowners.
See the Powerful Neighborhoods program to learn about free retrofits available to South Seattle residents.
Fort Collins Municipal Resources
Download the City of Fort Collins Utilities 2009 Energy Policy (pdf), which details the utilities goals and vision for 2050.
Download the City of For Collins Utilities Electric Energy Supply Policy 2008 Annual Update (pdf), which details the city's activities and progress since the Energy Policy.
Download the 2008 Fort Collins Climate Action Plan (pdf), which outlines the city's strategic plan to meet it's 2020 goal.
Click here for information on rebates and programs available to Fort Collins residents.
Community Solar Project
The resource manager in Ellensburg, WA came up with a plan to bring solar power to the whole community. In this Q&A he provides some useful advice on everything from financing to choosing the right solar panels.
Berkeley, California Municipal Resources
To read about Berkeley's clean energy initiatives, check out the City of Berkeley official website.
San Francisco Municipal Resources
Visit San Francisco's environment department at SFenvironment.org to learn about the city's environmental programs and policies.
See GoSolarSF for information on solar installation incentives and a map of solar activity in the city of San Francisco.
San Francisco Energy Watch provides energy assessments and discounts on efficiency installations and equipment.
Dallas Municipal Resources
Download the City of Dallas Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventory (pdf) for details on the city's most recent energy audit.
See the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for information on how the state is working to preserve the air, land and water in Texas.
The Dallas Office of Environmental Quality works with the city toward environmental improvements in Dallas.
Green Dallas is the city's hub for local green initiatives and information.
Boston Municipal Resources
Download the Boston Municipal Greenhouse Gas Inventories (pdf) for details on the city's energy audits.
See Sparking Boston's Climate Revolution Summary Report (pdf) for Climate Action Leadership Committee and Community Advisory Committee recommendations.
Read Boston's Solar America Cities profile to learn about Boston's efforts to increase local solar energy capacity.
Visit Solar Boston for a map of solar installations in the city.
Oakland Municipal Resources
The Oakland Green Jobs Corps provides green jobs training and employment services for low-income adults in Oakland.
See the Oakland Green Building Resource Center (GBRC) for local green building support.
See Energy Upgrade California in Alameda County to learn about the program's goals and projects.
See the Oakland Sustainability Program, through the City of Oakland Public Works Program, for information on upcoming local sustainability events, recent sustainability inititatives and programs and to download Oakland Sustainable Community Development progress reports.
Columbus Municipal Resources
See Get Green Columbus for a summary of the city's sustainability efforts from 2005-2009.
Download the Columbus Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Project List (pdf) for details on how the city is using the grant.
Download the Get Green 2010 Memo (pdf) for Columbus' green action plan.
The Columbus Green Forum promotes energy efficient and environmentally sustainable building in Central Ohio.
Download the Ten Year Reform and Efficiency and Action Plan (pdf) for the city's plan reduce municipal spending.
The Ecomony, Energy and Environment (E3) program is a collaboration between local and federal governments, manufacturers and utilites working toward greener industry.
New York City Municipal Resources
Download the Inventory of New York City Greenhouse Gas Emissions (pdf) for information on the city's latest energy audit.
Download the PlanNYC Progress Report 2010 for a summary of the city's green acheivements to date.
See New York City's Greener, Greater Buildings Plan for details on the city's strategies for improving energy efficiency in existing buildings.
See New York City's Solar America Cities profile to learn about what New York is doing to increase solar energy capacity in the city.
Austin Municipal Resources
Download the Austin Climate Protection Plan 2009 Annual Report for details on the city's progress.
Visit CoolAustin.org to learn about the city's efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
Click here to learn about the Urban Heat Island Mitigation Project in Austin.
Click here to learn about Austin's Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure (ECAD) Ordinance.
Chicago Municipal Resources
See the Chicago Climate Action Plan for comprehensive details on the city's carbon reduction initiatives and for information on what businesses and residents can do to help.
Chicago's Climate Action Plan Progress Report 2008-2009 provides an update on the the first two years of city's efforts.
The Chicago Green Office Challenge is a friendly competition designed to inspire office tenants and property managers to conserve energy in office buildings.
The City of Chicago Environment Department liasons with other city departments, state agencies and nonprofits to develop and enforce environmental codes and regulations.
Chicago Municipal Resources
See the Chicago Climate Action Plan for comprehensive details on the city's carbon reduction initiatives and for information on what businesses and residents can do to help.
Chicago's Climate Action Plan Progress Report 2008-2009 provides an update on the the first two years of city's efforts.
The Chicago Green Office Challenge is a friendly competition designed to inspire office tenants and property managers to conserve energy in office buildings.
The City of Chicago Environment Department liasons with other city departments, state agencies and nonprofits to develop and enforce environmental codes and regulations.
Long Beach Municipal Resources
Download the Sustainable Long Beach Sustainable City Action Plan for details on the city's conservation goals and strategies.
Visit the Long Beach Office of Sustainability to read about the city's efforts to implement renewable energy.
See the 5th District Solar & Sustainability Task Force for information on the group's activity including meeting dates and agendas.
Berkeley Municipal Resources
Berkeley FIRST provides financing for local solar installations.
See berkeleyclimateaction.org for a pdf of the Berkeley Climate Action Plan and an executive summary of the city's progress.
See the Berkeley Office of Energy and Sustainable Development for information on energy efficiency programs, rebates and resources.
Huntington Beach Municipal Resources
Click here for information on rebates for upgrading to water-saving fixtures and appliances in Huntington Beach.
Click here for building energy efficiency standards in Hungtington Beach.
Santa Clarita Municipal Resources
Click here for information on the Community Energy Partnership (CEP), a coalition working toward effective energy efficiency programs in the seven participating Southern California cities.
Click here for information on energy efficiency rebates available to Southern California residents.
Santa Cruz Municipal Resources
Click here for information on the Climate Action Program in Santa Cruz.
Click here for the City of Santa Cruz Green Building Program.
Visit 30x20.org to join a Climate Action Team in Santa Cruz and pledge to reduce your carbon emissions.
Beaverton Municipal Resources
Click here for a map of green projects underway in Beaverton.
Click here for information on the launch of Solar Beaverton, a pilot program providing solar incentives to 50 homeowners in Beaverton.
Sustainable Beaverton provides information on the city's most recent conservation initiatives.
Denton Municipal Resources
Click here for information on energy efficiency rebates in Denton.
Download the final report of the Texas REConnect project, which considered how Texas utlities respond to requests for net metering and interconnecting small renewable energy generators.
Energy: Smart Grids
Energy: Feed-in Tariffs
Database of Solar Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (lists some FIT programs), Department of Energy
Gainesville Regional Utilities feed-in-tariff documents
Sacramento Municipal Utility District FIT page
Text of the Vermont Energy Act of 2009 (H. 446) (pdf)
A Policy Maker's Guide to Feed-in Tariff Design, produced by the Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (pdf)
Learn More
Climate Action Plan Progress Report 2008-2009
Chicago Green Office Challenge
City of Chicago Environment Department
Switchboard: Linking the Chicago climate plan to the broader region
Switchboard: New Facility Brings Green Jobs to Chicago
American Cities Get Smart about Energy
Minute, Morning, Month: Save energy and reduce stormwater runoff. Install a green roof.
LEED for Neighborhood Development
Quiz: What Do You Know About Saving Energy?
Home Improvement: Energy Out the Window
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