Conscious Choice: 2007 Highlights and A Look Toward the Future

January 2008 | From the Commish

2007 Highlights and A Look Toward the Future

As we begin a new year, it’s a great time to address some changes within the Chicago Department of Environment, look back at some of the highlights of the past year, and look toward the future as we all work to make Chicago the most environmentally friendly city in America.

This column has helped us inform the readers of Conscious Choice about the exciting things taking place in the City of Chicago. As of this past September, DOE has been moving forward under the guidance of Suzanne Malec-McKenna, and Sadhu Johnston is now the Chief Environmental Officer for the City working out of the Mayor’s Office to expand and incorporate environmental strategies across City Departments and Sister Agencies. The Departments of Environment, Water Management, Streets & Sanitation, Housing, General Services, Buildings, Transportation, Planning & Development, Chicago Park District, and others have instituted many programs and initiatives that we can be proud of, but we recognize we have more work ahead of us and look forward to working with our partners to continue the great work taking place in Chicago.

Here are the some of the many initiatives and programs that have occurred this past year and contributed to Chicago’s growing reputation as an environmentally-friendly city.

Weatherization Fairs: The City of Chicago and partners serve thousands of Chicago families each winter at Mayor Daley’s Winter Preparedness Fairs. Last winter we distributed more than 22,000 weatherization kits to families that helped keep them safe and warm as well as reduce their energy costs. The fairs are taking place this winter thru January 19, 2008. Visit cityofchicago.org/environment for locations and times.

Solar Thermal Grants: This past February, the City awarded Solar Thermal Grants to 13 facilities. The award announcement took place at North Park Village Senior Residence, which received 66 solar thermal panels to help heat the buildings’ hot water. The solar thermal panels are manufactured locally by Solargenix. We are excited to be working with Solargenix and implementing this great technology in Chicago.

Smart Bulb Program: This year, more than 580,000 free compact florescent lights bulbs were distributed to residents. The Smart Bulb Program’s goal is to educate residents about energy and cost savings simply by replacing their incandescent bulbs. The CFLs use two-thirds less energy than a standard bulb, produce the same amount of light and last ten times as long. This distribution, partially funded by NIEP (Northern Illinois Energy Project), a partnership of the Citizen’s Utility Board, the City of Chicago, and the Cook County State’s Attorney, will result in 130,500 tons of carbon emission reductions.

Take Five Pledge: During Earth Month, Mayor Daley took the Take Five for the Environment Pledge and encouraged all Chicagoans to do the same. The Pledge addresses five areas in which everyone can make difference through their daily actions — energy, water, air, land and water. For example, if every Chicagoan replaced one car trip a month with walking, bicycling or public transit, together we could decrease carbon dioxide emissions by 1.5 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

Green Festival: Chicago hosted the world’s largest environmental expo this past April. There was a record number of attendees (31,000 people) for a first time city. Folks from across the area joined us for great workshops, sustainable products and organic food. We look forward to Green Festival 2008 which will be held May 17 and 18 at Navy Pier. Thanks to Global Exchange and Co-Op America for a great event.

Green Roof and Cool Roof Grants: In October, the City of Chicago once again offered a grant program for green roofs and expanded the program to include cool roofs. People can get up $5,000 to $6,000 to either add vegetation or a reflective surface to buildings — residential and commercial. Cooling roofs contribute to reducing the urban heat islands across the City.

Clinton Foundation Announcement: In November, Mayor Daley and President Clinton announced the City and the Clinton Foundation will launch two programs aimed at helping Chicago’s multi-unit homeowners and owners of commercial and industrial buildings reduce their energy usage by 30 percent. Katie McClain, Clinton Foundation City Director, is based in our office and is working with us to make this happen. (For more, see Choice News).

Also in November, awards were given to residential and business leaders for landscaping, green buildings, green products and services, and green processes. These programs grow each year and acknowledge all the great work that is happening across Chicago communities.

We are proud to continue our expansive partnerships to improve Chicago’s environment and quality of life. Happy New Year!

Suzanne Malec-McKenna is commissioner of Chicago’s Department of Environment.

Sadhu A. Johnston is the Chief Environmental Officer of the City of Chicago.

Recommend this page to a friend

Top Ten pages recommended to friends: