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 What Your City Does:
Green Construction
Our planet’s growing population places demands on the natural resources that supply the construction industry with building materials, heating and cooling technologies, power supplies, and more. To meet the demand and conserve these resources, many new and innovative “green” technologies have emerged.
Businesses and homeowners looking to be kind to the environment and save money at the same time will find more affordable options than ever before. Recycled lumber, new energy-efficient appliances, and water-conscious landscaping techniques are just a few of the possibilities.
The City of Chicago has created a number of forward-thinking programs designed to make these environmentally friendly opportunities available to Chicagoans.
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Chicago Center for Green Technology
 The buildings, grounds, and programs at Chicago’s Center for Green Technology help architects, builders, and homeowners learn how green technology is both cost effective and good for the environment and people.
The Center is the only renovated building in the United States to achieve the coveted Platinum rating of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™. By exploring the Center’s many innovative features and participating in educational classes, visitors can discover how to incorporate environmentally friendly and cost-saving elements into their home or business.
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Green Bungalow Initiative
The City of Chicago has created the Green Bungalow Initiative to provide financial incentives for Chicagoans interested in buying, restoring, and improving historic bungalows. These funds are targeted specifically for rehabbers who are willing to showcase energy efficiency in the context of historic design.
In the 6400 South Fairfield area, the City has purchased four bungalows to demonstrate "green" renovation techniques that are within the historic Bungalow style. The renovations are both affordable and energy efficient—plus, they conserve natural resources by utilizing environmentally sensitive building materials and native drought-tolerant plants for landscaping.
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 Green Homes for Chicago
To demonstrate that “green” practices and techniques are affordable, the City sponsored a Green Homes for Chicago Design Competition. Participants designed houses that showcased the latest in energy-efficient cooling and heating technologies, eco-friendly building materials, water- and energy-conserving appliances, and more.
Five winners were selected, and the construction of their designs was sponsored by the City of Chicago. Each home is now available for purchase through the City’s affordable housing program.
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Find Out More
For details on any of these programs, check out the Chicago Department of Environment website.
Introduction | Investigate Biodiversity | YBC | Meet the Scientist | Explore Global Diversity | Events and Programs | Take Action! | Teaching Biodiversity | Biodiversity Exhibition | Credits
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