Renewable Energy Powers all Chicago Municipal Buildings

As of January 1, 2025, all 411 municipal buildings in Chicago, including airports, fire stations, libraries, and City Hall, are powered entirely by renewable energy. This milestone was achieved through a five-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Constellation, signed in 2022. 

The city’s energy needs are primarily met by the 4,100-acre Double Black Diamond solar farm, the largest east of the Mississippi. The remaining 30% of power comes from renewable energy credits (RECs), which fund clean energy projects across the U.S.

The move is expected to reduce Chicago’s carbon emissions by 290,000 metric tons, equivalent to taking 62,000 cars off the road. Critics have raised concerns about RECs potentially being greenwashing, but the city argues they encourage further renewable energy development locally. 

Chicago aims to power all buildings with renewable energy by 2035, which would make it the largest U.S. city to do so. The city has also invested in a $400,000 annual clean energy job training program.

https://www.ecowatch.com/chicago-city-buildings-renewable-energy.html

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Author: Sylvia Jacobs

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