Chicago joins environmental elite

‘Where to live’ list loves the windy city Consumer website thegreenguide.com has compiled a top 10 list of the greenest US cities - and come up with a surprise selection. Alongside the usual West Coast suspects - San Francisco, Seattle, Portland and Oakland - the guide highlights Chicago as among the best places to live based on environmental and public health criteria. A city of 2.9 million people, Chicago is better known for heavy industry and rundown neighbourhoods than as a green oasis, but has earned its inclusion through a strong commitment to green design, transport and energy. According to Greenguide, an impressive 42 municipal building projects have been registered for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification, and the city’s integrated bus, train and subway system is so efficient that a third of commuters use public transport. Residents receive tax incentives to install energy-efficient technologies, and the municipal authority is retrofitting diesel buses to reduce air pollution. It has also made good use of Chicago’s famous wind. Over 10% of the electricity it uses was generated by renewables by 2003, and a 20% target has been set for 2006. Last but not least, says Greenguide, for those to whom green living signifies the great outdoors, it’s hard to beat that lakeside setting for windsurfing, kayaking and canoeing. Other cities making the top 10: Madison, Wisconsin, which is replacing all lead service pipes and boasts 100 miles of bike lanes; Austin, Texas, which earmarks 15% of city space for parks and nature reserves and has pledged to meet 20% of energy needs by renewable energy and energy efficiency by 2020; Boulder, Colorado, for its green building and green power purchasing initiatives for businesses and citizens; Minneapolis, which designates 15% of city land for green space and offers solar power installation rebates to home owners and businesses; and Honolulu, Hawaii, for its very high clean air and water standards and its sustainable tourism programmes. - Polly Ghazi

20 June 2005

Polly Ghazi