Conscious Choice: Save Money and Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

July 2008 | From the Commish

Save Money and Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

With rising costs affecting virtually every part of our lives, it is reassuring to know that there are some things that Chicagoans do on a daily basis to help reduce energy usage and save money. The City of Chicago’s Green Pavilion at the Green Festival in May demonstrated what individuals can do to reduce as much as 3 tons of greenhouse gas emissions and save at least $800 a year by taking the $800 Challenge. You can save on energy bills by following some of these money saving energy tips:

• Eliminate 1 ten-mile car trip per week

• Reduce the heating temperature on your thermostat by 3 degrees

• Increase the cooling temperature on your thermostat by 3 degrees

• Save 4 gallons of water a day by turning off the water while you brush your teeth or reducing your shower time by one minute.

• Keep the car tuned up and tires properly inflated

• Clean and replace your home’s air conditioning filter

• Replace 9 incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs

• Replace outdoor lighting with solar lights

• Plug all your appliances that use standby settings (like your TV and stereo) into power strips and turn off the power strips when not in use.

• Plant one tree

• Disconnect downspouts and add a rain barrel

• Recycle every Sunday newspaper instead of throwing it away

These energy-saving strategies will help save $800 and 3 tons of greenhouse gas emissions. Who wouldn’t want to do that?

Saving money and energy through existing building systems is another great place to start reducing environmental impact. For new or remolded buildings, the City of Chicago is committed to constructing all new municipally owned or funded buildings to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver Certification. The city also provides residents the tools they need to build or remodel in an environmentally friendly manner through such programs as:

Green Home Remodeling Series. Provides step-by-step tips and resources for kitchens and baths, painting, salvage & reuse as well as building envelop and landscape elements. The series also helps you identify how to find green contractors or architects.

The Chicago Green Homes Program. Provides a point system for measuring your construction project and gives incentives of both reduced permit time and fee reductions through the Building Departments Green Permit program.

In July the Department of Environment will host the Chicago Green Homes Fair where attendees can learn from the experts and seek advice on specific remodeling programs technologies. Vendors of sustainable products and services will be on hand as well. Chicago Green Homes Fair, Saturday, July 19, 10am-3pm, Chicago Center for Green Technology, 445 North Sacramento Boulevard. Admission is free.

For more information on the Chicago Green Homes Fair or any other details mentioned here visit cityofchicago.org/environment.

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