Renewable energy to power public buildings in Chicago

The City’s Mayor, Rahm Emanuel is willing to replace electricity of public buildings to renewable energy by 2025.

At the beginning of the month, on the Shedd Aquarium’s rooftop which is composed of solar panels, Chicago’s Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced his commitment to shift electric power of 900 city-owned buildings to renewable energy by 2025.

Emanuel Rahm said: “... by committing the energy used to power our public buildings to wind and solar energy, we are sending a clear signal that we remain committed to building a 21st century economy here in Chicago.”

Chicago Public Schools (CPS), Chicago Park District, Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) or City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) are among the institutions committed.

The city is looking for acquiring renewable energy credits, utility-supplied renewable energy via Illinois’ Renewable Portfolio Standard and on-site generation, with purchases to start in 2018-2019.

Jack Darin, Illinois Sierra Club president declared: "Today’s action is a historic step forward in establishing Chicago as a clean energy leader.”

If implemented, the project would make Chicago the largest major city in the USA to have a hundred percent renewable energy supply for public buildings.