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Chicago's
Going Green ! The City of Chicago has announced a series of programs or initiatives to try to project an environmental friendly city. The basic idea is to coordinate government programs with private investments and reduce annual emissions of carbon dioxide. At the same time the scope of reducing energy consumption is very broad and includes retrofitting existing commercial buildings. Sadhu Johnston is Chicago's first Chief Environmental Officer. A Chicago employee since 2003 when he began as Assistant to the Mayor on green initiatives, he was elevated to the Commissioner of the Department of Environment two years later and in August of this year was appointed Deputy Chief of Staff and Director of Environmental Policy for the Mayor's office, City of Chicago. At the EDC luncheon he will describe the policy changes that are underway and the programs being developed to assist with this. The Delta Institute is a not-for-profit organization formed in 1998 to develop ideas for bringing about sustainable communities. It is rethinking the disciplines of environmental protection and economic development and their integration. As part of its green development program, the Delta Institute is working with the Merchandise Mart on a comprehensive sustainable plan to implement green building operations. From managing construction waste to reducing indoor air pollutants, the Merchandise Mart sustainability plan also includes an energy management plan, a green purchasing program, a green events guide and a program to encourage contractors to recycle. Elise Zelechowski is the Associate Director of the Delta Institute and Project Manager on the Merchandise Mart program. The luncheon is at noon, at The Tower Club, 39th floor, 20 North Wacker Drive, Chicago. The cost of the lunch and program is $35 for EDC members, $50 for non-members, and there is no charge for EDC Corporate and Sustaining members. Reservations are mandatory. To register online, prepay by clicking one of the links below.
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