Click here for the latest issue of Sustainable Chicago magazine.

In this Issue

• O’Hare Goes Green. Big Time.
• The 9 Largest Green Roofs in Chicago
• Chicago’s Own High Line: The Bloomingdale Trail
• Slow Down in the UK: A Chicagoan in London
• John Marshall Law School Offers New Certificate in Sustainability Law
• The Chicago Energy Code Turns Ten

A new ranking of US states by green buildings finds Illinois in the top ten. The USGBC’s list ranked states for LEED-certified commercial and institutional green buildings per capita. The District of Columbia lead the nation, with more than 31 square feet of LEED-certified space per person last year.

Ten years ago, then-Mayor Richard M. Daley announced a plan to renovate the area’s overtaxed, international airport. The O’Hare Modernization Program (OMP) advocated new and extended runways, a reconfigured layout and a newly-constructed western terminal. In keeping with the city’s standards of environmental stewardship, the OMP created a sustainable design manual in 2003 to guide the green aspects of the airport modernization.

The nine largest green roofs in Chicago:

#1 Millennium Park

#2 Soldier Field

#3 FedEx O’Hare

and more…

Ten years ago, the city of Chicago introduced its Energy Conservation Code, based largely on the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). The 2001 Chicago Energy Code was written to increase savings by lessening energy drain both commercially and residentially. In that time, it has been revised twice: in 2006 and 2009. These revisions have seen some modest gains in efficiency. The 2009 edition, for example, contains a 15% increase in overall energy savings beyond the 2006 book. In 2012, the Chicago Energy Code will become even more stringent.

I don’t own a clothes dryer. When I go shopping, I take a bag with me. I can rent a bike to get to work. I am a Chicagoan turned European. Moving to London in January of 2011, I knew adjustments would need to be made. Modern conveniences today dictate that whatever we can get done faster, better and without making a negative impact on our environment means it’s the way forward. I’m here to argue that sometimes slowing down, thinking and making a plan actually lead to a fuller, more eco-friendly life.

• January 31, 2012
  • Better Business ConferenceBetter Business Conference
    
    Better Buildings: Better Business Conference • New utility rebate programs being launched in Illinois mean new business opportunities for you. • The 2012 building code sets the bar high when it comes to energy efficiency. This conference will bring you up to speed and help you prepare for compliance. • Customers will be looking to you for ideas and state-of-the-art technologies for saving energy and creating high performance buildings. • This is a great time to pick up new skills that will set you apart from the competition. all day
• February 1, 2012
  • Better Business ConferenceBetter Business Conference
    
    Better Buildings: Better Business Conference • New utility rebate programs being launched in Illinois mean new business opportunities for you. • The 2012 building code sets the bar high when it comes to energy efficiency. This conference will bring you up to speed and help you prepare for compliance. • Customers will be looking to you for ideas and state-of-the-art technologies for saving energy and creating high performance buildings. • This is a great time to pick up new skills that will set you apart from the competition. all day
• February 2, 2012
  • Better Business ConferenceBetter Business Conference
    
    Better Buildings: Better Business Conference • New utility rebate programs being launched in Illinois mean new business opportunities for you. • The 2012 building code sets the bar high when it comes to energy efficiency. This conference will bring you up to speed and help you prepare for compliance. • Customers will be looking to you for ideas and state-of-the-art technologies for saving energy and creating high performance buildings. • This is a great time to pick up new skills that will set you apart from the competition. all day
• February 21, 2012
  • eQUEST Energy Modeling SerieseQUEST Energy Modeling Series
    
    If eQUEST is to energy modeling what a hammer is to building a house, the experience of your teacher makes all the difference. In these sessions, you will learn from trainers who have deep knowledge of building energy systems. The eQUEST tool provides comprehensive building performance modeling and detailed analysis that can help you in all phases of the design process. Join us for two days of eQUEST training that will take you from an introductory knowledge of the tool to advanced building design analysis skills. all day
• February 22, 2012
  • eQUEST Energy Modeling SerieseQUEST Energy Modeling Series
    
    If eQUEST is to energy modeling what a hammer is to building a house, the experience of your teacher makes all the difference. In these sessions, you will learn from trainers who have deep knowledge of building energy systems. The eQUEST tool provides comprehensive building performance modeling and detailed analysis that can help you in all phases of the design process. Join us for two days of eQUEST training that will take you from an introductory knowledge of the tool to advanced building design analysis skills. all day