Photo: courtesy City of Chicago
Photo: courtesy City of Chicago
Green building design is absolutely necessary if Chicago is to continue to achieve its environmental goals. While the City continues to lead by example in its green building strategies, we understand that the private sector and individual home owners are critical players as well. That’s why we’ve put together a number of programs and initiatives to educate Chicago residents and businesses on what they can do to lessen their impact on the environment — especially when building new construction and renovating our homes and businesses. Green buildings are healthier, use less energy and help preserve natural resources.
The City provides a number of resources to Chicagoans, including rain barrels and compost bins at discounted prices and grants to help with the installation of green roofs. In the last year, the Department of Environment distributed more than 500,000 compact flourescent light bulbs. These resources help Chicagoans save money and become better stewards of the environment.
Just as critical is providing forums for homeowners and prospective homeowners to learn about the resources available and maybe become inspired to make a difference in their own homes.
That’s one of the reasons why the Historic Chicago Bungalow & Green Home Expo (October 27 from 10am-4pm at the Merchandise Mart) has become Chicago’s most popular home show. This free event draws thousands of Bungalow owners and green building enthusiasts to learn about buying, restoring and renovating Historic Chicago Bungalows. But it’s not just limited to Bungalow owners — attendees can learn about innovative green products and design techniques from the leaders of these industries. There will be more than 150 vendors and 15 seminars focused both on home restoration and green building technology — plus information on loans and grants for home purchase and rehab through the Historic Chicago Bungalow Association (HCBA) and the Department of Housing.
The Historic Chicago Bungalow & Green Home Expo is a partnership between the HCBA and the City of Chicago’s Department of Housing and Department of Environment.
If you’ve ever had a question about green building design, then I suggest talking to the vendors or attending a workshop on rehabbing homes using environmentally-friendly techniques at the Expo. If you have any questions regarding the Chicago Green Homes Program, please visit chicagobungalow.org/restore/expo.shtml.
I encourage every Chicagoan to take advantage of the resources that are available whether it’s grants, discounted rain barrels or the Building Resource Center at the Chicago Center for Green Technology (CCGT), 445 N. Sacramento, which is open to the public and offers free seminars and tours. Visitors of CCGT can learn about sustainable design, sustainable materials and get connected to green manufacturers.
Sadhu A. Johnston is commissioner of Chicago’s Department of Environment.