10.20.09
CHICAGO, IL - An increasing number of cities are asking tourists to "go green" while visiting. The City of Chicago is among those and is leading by example. This city of nearly three million people is very proud of its push to be eco-friendly. Its Office of Tourism is quick to list the city's accomplishments on the environmental front.
"Chicago has more LEED Certified buildings than any other city in the country," Tourism Director Laura Chmielewski says. "Chicago has more green roofs than any other city in the country - combined."
The city boasts more than seven million square feet of the "living" roofs, which help absorb rain runoff, provide insulation, and cool the city in the summer. While many are on private buildings, others can be enjoyed by tourists. "Millennium Park is the largest green roof in the world, and it is completely public accessible," says Chmielewski. The park was completed in 2004 and covers a still operational rail yard on the city's Lake Michigan waterfront.
Another major green roof is on top of City Hall. Chicago encourages tourists to be environmental as well. Several free walking tours are offered and the city has a vast, easy-to-use public transit system.
Hotels in Chicago are getting in on the eco-wave. There are several Green Seal properties from which to choose. And those not on the list, like the historic Hotel Allerton, are working to get certification. The Allerton recently upgraded a half-century old furnace system for a new one that cuts energy use substantially.
