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What Your City Does

Chicago is “going green” and working to conserve biodiversity within the City limits. Dedicated to making Chicago a better place to live, work, and play, Mayor Daley and his staff are constantly striving to improve public health and safety, and quality of life, while supporting regional economic development.

The Chicago Department of Environment has created a host of environmental programs and conservation initiatives designed to protect and improve the City’s key resources—its land, water, air, and natural spaces.

By partnering with local businesses and community organizations, institutions, and other government agencies, the City of Chicago is developing ecologically responsible programs that address issues like water conservation, air quality, degraded property cleanup and redevelopment, energy use, recycling, and habitat protection and restoration.

Select a category below to see just a sampling of the City’s many efforts to take action and conserve biodiversity.

	Energy Conservation Learn more about how the City of Chicago is exploring alternative energy sources and promoting renewable forms of energy around town.
	Water Quality and Management Examine various programs that help preserve and protect Chicago’s water resources and the City’s valuable Lake Michigan shoreline.
	Air Quality Discover what the Department of Environment is doing to improve air quality and reduce harmful emissions in Chicago.
	Land Use Investigate the ways in which the City is encouraging recycling and tackling the issue of land redevelopment in areas blighted by environmental concerns.
	Green Construction Check out the opportunities and funding available to those who are interested in incorporating green technologies into their homes and businesses.
	Natural Spaces Explore the variety of programs designed to protect Chicago’s natural spaces and native species.

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