|
|
|
|
 |
A Visitor's Guide to Green Chicago
Chicago is one of the greenest cities in America. Experience one of the city's many green attractions, visit a functioning green roof, learn what makes a hotel 'green', and discover how to help keep Chicago green with our simple visitor tips!
There is plenty to see and do for a visitor looking to experience a bit of Green Chicago. Two world-class conservatories and award-winning Millennium Park are just a few of Chicago's many green attractions.
Whether you choose to stay at a certified green hotel, dine at a green restaurant, or explore the city by bike or on foot, there are many ways to make your Chicago visit as eco-friendly as possible with these easy visitor tips.
Since taking office in 1989, Mayor Richard M. Daley has been committed to the greening of Chicago. Under his watch, Chicago has become a national leader in the urban green movement by adopting green building and business practices, among many other accomplishments and initiatives.
There is plenty to see and do for a visitor looking for a close-up Green Chicago experience. Two world-class conservatories, award-winning Millennium Park, the innovative Center for Green Technology and a whole network of Green certified museums are among Chicago's many green attractions.
Chicago's dedication to green modes of transportation is evident in the over 300 miles of bikeways that span the city. Coupled with the nation's second largest public transit system and an ever-increasing car sharing presence, Chicagoans are committed to green ways of getting around!
In 2000, Mayor Daley installed a rooftop garden on Chicago's City Hall as an experiment in the economic and environmental viability of green roofs. Since then, there are over 7 million square feet of green roofs completed or underway throughout Chicago, more than all other U.S. cities combined.
The Chicago Green Hotels Initiative was instituted in 2007 with the goal of having more green certified hotels than any other U.S. city. With 14 hotels currently holding Green Seal Silver or Bronze certification, and many more on the way, Chicago has certainly met and exceeded that goal.
 This ground-breaking plan was launched in 2008 to address the impact of global climate change, and to determine ways of reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions. It is one of the most comprehensive climate action plans of any city in the United States.
 Residents of Lakeview, Mary and Edward are deeply involved in sustainable initiatives around the city, like the nonprofit Resource Center's award-winning City Farm. Read their profile.
 There are many ways visitors can help Chicago become even more of a Green city. We offer five simple tips that anyone can use to reduce their impact on the environment, and five Green things to do while having fun in Chicago.
Information on this Green Chicago page has been compiled by the Chicago Office of Tourism, in collaboration with the City of Chicago Department of the Environment and other partner agencies.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
