Mayor Brandon Johnson and Chicago's Department of Environment (DOE) recently announced a significant milestone in the city's environmental efforts: a 39% reduction in carbon emissions per square foot in large properties. This update was included in the 2022-2023 Chicago Energy Benchmarking Report, a reflection of the city's commitment to combatting climate change. The report, which covers buildings over 50,000 square feet, traces successes and outlines future goals for energy efficiency and emissions reductions, according to a press release on the city's official energy benchmarking page.
Chicago has taken to bold step forward with policies aimed at reducing building emissions, which currently account for 70% of the city's greenhouse gas emissions. "Chicago is committed to taking bold steps toward reducing emissions," said Mayor Brandon Johnson in a statement. The city's efforts are a part of a multipronged strategy to encourage building owners and managers in decarbonizing efforts, with initiatives like the energy benchmarking program and public transparency about energy performance through the Chicago Energy Rating System.
Angela Tovar, Chicago’s Chief Sustainability Officer, emphasized the importance of collective action in addressing building emissions, the city's primary source of greenhouse gases. "Reducing our city's emissions is a process that requires tackling the variety of different emissions sources, with a special focus on the biggest source, which is buildings," Tovar stated. With the reestablishment of the DOE in 2024, the city is now better equipped to provide support to these key stakeholders.
Despite some challenges, such as a slight decline in buildings' compliance rate and minor upticks in certain sectors' energy use, the report indicates progress and areas for improvement. The pandemic had impacted the regularity of reporting and led to the combination of two years' worth of data into one report, aiming to re-normalize the publication schedule. "This is a process that requires a lot of stakeholders and coordination," Tovar explained, acknowledging the complexities of aligning various interests and objectives.
Looking towards the future, the 2022-2023 report also highlights initiatives like Green Homes Chicago, aimed at helping homeowners transition to electric power. Such programs, alongside the growing energy benchmarking program and push for renewable energy adoption, demonstrate Chicago's proactive stance on energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. The city's resolve, as reflected by the latest report, remains steadfast in contributing to the global efforts to mitigate the climate crisis.
