The Windy City is making waves in the green energy movement! As of January 1, 2025, Chicago proudly announced that all its city-owned buildings are now powered entirely by renewable energy. This ambitious goal, years in the making, marks a major leap forward in sustainability.
Over 400 city buildings—including landmarks like O’Hare International Airport, the Harold Washington Library, nearly 100 fire stations, and two of the world’s largest water treatment plants—are now running on clean energy sources. With an annual energy consumption of around 800,000 megawatt hours, the city’s switch is no small feat.
The environmental impact? Massive. Chicago is cutting its carbon emissions by an estimated 290,000 metric tons annually. That’s like taking 62,000 gas-powered cars off the road each year! This accomplishment puts Chicago among the nation’s largest cities to fully commit its municipal buildings to renewable energy.
Matthew Popkin of the Rocky Mountain Institute praised the city’s leadership, noting it sets an example for others: “Chicago is showing how cities can lead by example, adopt ambitious goals, and support a more equitable renewable energy future.”
Chicago’s bold steps not only inspire other cities but also shine a light on how renewable energy can drive meaningful change. Learn more about this exciting transition here. 🌱
