November 28, 2007—The City of Chicago announced at the recent Greenbuild conference that it is set to claim one of the world’s largest retail spaces and America’s tallest building as green. Both the Sears Tower and the Merchandise Mart are being retrofitted to meet LEED certification through Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design ratings of the US Green Building Council.
The Sears Tower opened in 1973 as the world’s tallest skyscraper. It and 4.2 million square feet of retail space in the Merchandise Mart are being retrofitted with energy efficiencies and other green features, with support from the Clinton Climate Initiative.
The Merchandise Mart, built in 1930, achieved LEED Silver certification just before the Greenbuild conference. Its owners say they are moving forward with plans to expand green features, including the addition of a green roof.
Chicago’s agreement with the Clinton Foundation also includes retrofitting privately owned, multi-tenant housing. For more information, see the Clinton Foundation Web site.
