Chicago: The Sustainable City?
Introduction:
Throughout the last century, urbanization has been increasing in both developed
and developing countries. In the United States, about 5% of the population lived in urban
areas in 1800 while about 50% of the population lived in cities by 1950 (Urbanization…).
Today, about 80% of the US population lives in cities and suburbs, while about 50% of
the global population lives in urban areas (Financing… 2005). The rapid urbanization
globally is demonstrated through the ArcGIS maps of world urban populations.
Unfortunately, the rapid growth of cities can lead to significant environmental impacts
because of lack of infrastructure, hasty construction of buildings, and inadequate policy.
Chicago is the third largest city in the United States and the 26th largest city in the
world. Chicago experienced a period of rapid growth during the industrialization at the
turn of the 20th century. While this growth led to economic benefits, it had devastating
social and environmental effects. Chicago’s industry and lack of environmental
regulations led to air pollution, water pollution (especially in the Chicago River), and
inefficient infrastructure, which in turn affected the public (Platt 2005). With the advent
of environmentalism, marked by the first Earth Day in 1970, Chicagoans became more
concerned about environmental issues (Platt 2005). As the cycle of environmental
change continues, Chicago has the stated goal of becoming the world’s most sustainable
city (Building… 2005).
Sustainability is a complex idea that relates to “meeting the needs of the present
without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. While
there are over 300 definitions of sustainability (What is…), the one that is most helpful in
analyzing the sustainability of Chicago is the triple bottom line of social equity,
environmental preservation, and economic performance. Chicago’s goal of sustainability
is being met in many different ways using a variety of techniques. This project analyzes
the sustainability of Chicago, using the rapidly changing and pointing indicators of green
landscaping, land use and transportation.
Landscapes and Open Space
The Environmental Action Agency of the city of Chicago has made progress
increasing the environmental sustainability of Chicago by first of all planting 400,000
trees, creating 70 linear miles of medians and renovating 34 miles of boulevards
(Building 2005). These developments, as well as the renovation of several parks and the
creation of Millennium Park, have begun to better the city for the residents and tourists
(Building 2005). One park that has been renovated is Garfield Park, which has in turn
spurred investment in its neighborhood because of its now aesthetically pleasing
landscaping (Building 2005). Another development has been the creation and restoration
of shoreline parks and lake access, which is important so as to create a desirable shore of
Lake Michigan associated with Chicago for recreational activities (Building 2005).
Currently Greencorps and Chicago Christian Industrial League are training
individuals to work in the landscaping industry (Building 2005), which will promote
economic growth and better the environmental aspects of the city. As well as continuing
the changes already being enacted, another specific goal of the city is to implement better
sustainable landscaping techniques through research, creation of models, documenting of
invasive species and acquiring urban tolerant plants (Building 2005). The changes made
by Chicago thus far have allowed it to earn the title “most livable city in the world” in
2004 (Building 2005).
Native Seed Gardens
Creating native seed gardens in Chicago will have economic, environmental and
social benefits. Chicago is a prime location for these gardens because only .07% of
original landscape remains in Illinois, so there needs to be a focus on restoration (Gabriel
2006). The native seed gardens are an innovative way to restore and create gardens
around the city because these seeds have higher viability, which will make them more
effective (Gabriel 2006).
However, there are a few problems with using native seed gardens, such as lack of
available seeds (due to high demand) and data, as well as the inability to clear areas until
the seeds are available (Gabriel 2006). This could be solved by forming relationships
with possible lenders and building relationships between the community, the economy
and conservation organizations (Gabriel 2006). A number of economic benefits would
also result from native gardens, such as an increase in jobs for people with skills
pertaining to the gardens (Gabriel 2006).
The city needs to form committees to analyze the interested communities for
compatibility with the gardens, because community support and support from the private
and corporate landowners who desire gardens to raise property value, are crucial to the
success of the gardens (Gabriel 2006 and Sichelman). The community as a whole would
also benefit from an increase in open space preservation, community pride and crime
prevention, although it may moderately expensive in the beginning (Gabriel 2006).
Chicago River
Addressing the Chicago River, as part of a green landscaping initiative, is
important because the river has great industrial and transportation importance, but it also
has potential as a recreational shoreline similar to that of Lake Michigan. The city has
created an agenda for the Chicago River that includes areas for wildlife, boaters, fishers,
cyclists and transportation (Building 2005). The riverfront trail is an important step
towards recreational development, as are other areas, such as public boat launches that
will allow for greater public access and opportunities (Building 2005).
The problem that sill exists is that while the river may be improving in some areas
it is not aesthetically pleasing in others, which causes negative connotations to be
associated with the river. The city has been working to reduce the debris in the river and
heighten the regulations and laws on pollution, wastewater and storm water, but changing
the perception of the public takes time (Building 2005).
The city has already been successful in developing awareness as well as raising
six million dollars from the state and federal governments solely for the Chicago River,
but this needs to continue to achieve the goals set for the river (Building 2005). As the
restoration of the river continues into the future every aspect needs to be addressed, but
most importantly the wildlife, recreational and economic uses of the river all need to be
balanced at a sustainable medium.
Building Management
Building management refers to the way the buildings within Chicago are built and
operated. The improvements within this sector are being made to “ensure City buildings
are designed, built, managed, operated, and maintained in a healthier and more
environmentally friendly manner” (Building… 2005).
Buildings within Chicago will be encourages to be designed and built using the
Chicago Standard. The Chicago Standard is a “set of construction standards [that] guide
the construction, design, and renovation of all City buildings to conserve energy and
reduce operating cost” (Building… 2005). One example of a change in design which
conserves energy and reduces operating costs is using a reflective or vegetated roof,
which reduces air conditioning use during the summer (Building… 2005). Using less air
conditioning is more energy efficient and less wasteful of energy resources. Therefore,
these roofs are more sustainable than regular roofs.
Maintenance is another way that building management is improving and
becoming more environmentally responsible. City buildings are improving their indoor
air quality by using green cleaning products in place of harsh chemicals, giving
preference to furniture companies with green products, minimizing the use of pesticides,
and passing a Clean Air Ordinance for all city buildings that prohibits smoking. The City
of Chicago plans to implement these goals in all city buildings by 2010 (Building…
2005). These initiatives are not only good for the environment, but will also improve the
health of those who work in or visit these buildings. These practices lead to cleaner air
and water, which increases the environmental sustainability of the buildings.
Additionally, they provide safe and clean places for all people to enjoy, which increases
social equity and sustainability.
Municipal Buildings
One of the most important parts of the land use changes in Chicago is that the city
is committed to leading by example. The goal of the building environmentally
responsible municipal buildings is to “implement building design and construction
methodology that is environmentally sensitive, healthy, productive, cost effective and
energy efficient, and provide a forum for agencies to share information” (Building…
2005).
The Chicago Center for Green Technology (CCGT) was built in an abandoned
industrial building on an illegal dumpsite (Building… 2005). The priorities of the
building are to maximize occupant health, have efficient performance, and use ideas
environmental stewardship (Building… 2005). The CCGT also earned the high rating of
platinum LEED certification. The building is currently used to provide economic
opportunities, jobs and job training, and education that benefit the immediate community
and residents of the greater Chicago Area (Building… 2005). The CCGT serves as an
example of a municipal building that leads to not only environmental preservation but
also social equity; its goals are very socio- environmentally oriented.
Additionally, Chicago has taken the initiative of evaluating the green- building
benefits in its facilities and capturing cost data (Building… 2005). This will help to
evaluate the “cost of going green” and well as the quantitative and qualitative benefits of
LEED buildings. This is important as Chicago tries to move environmentally- friendly
building techniques into the public sector; it is difficult to convince investors to build
responsibly if there is no data on the costs and benefits of these practices. By using a
cost/ benefit analysis, Chicago will likely be able to further influence the public sector to
build sustainability.
Residential Buildings
Residential buildings are one of the most crucial parts of Chicago’s sustainable
development plan because it involves reaching out to all Chicagoans and spreading
knowledge about green building design and maintenance. One of Chicago’s goals is to
“make Chicago a recognized leader in providing all of its citizens with housing that
conserves resources, provides a healthy and comfortable indoor environment, is durable
and minimizes costs over the life of the structure” (Building… 2005).
The Chicago Green Bungalow Initiative involved the rehabilitation of four
bungalows using energy efficient and environmentally sustainable rehabilitation
techniques (Building… 2005). The Green Homes for Chicago competition consisted of a
design competition that created five winning houses as a prototype for energy efficiency
and sustainability within a neighborhood context (Building… 2005). These bungalows
and homes were then made available for tours and were publicized in local magazines,
newspapers, and websites (Building… 2005). These projects are creative ways to
educate the public about ways that they can make their own homes more energy efficient
and environmentally sustainable. In the future, Chicago hopes to build upon the model
green housing initiatives by creating a model green town home and replicating existing
plans in larger scale projects.
Chicago Transit Authority:
On an average weekday, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), one of three
sectors of the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), provides over 1.6 million rides
on approximately 2,000 buses, 1,190 rapid transit cars, and a commuter rail (Metra) that
serves Chicago and its suburbs (Mass Transit In Chicago). The CTA covers over 2,500
route miles in the Chicagoland area with approximately 12,200 stops along the way
(Mass Transit In Chicago 2006). Annual per capita ridership on the CTA is nine times as
high as in suburban Chicago and six times the national average (Figure #2) (Cox et al.
1998). The CTA has received “Green Fleet” Awards from the Illinois EPA in recognition
for their exceeding Clean Fuel Fleet Program requirements (Building… 2005).
More Efficient: Cars or Buses?
There is strong evidence that buses and trains are equal in passenger-miles per
gallon of fuel. Despite their weight, engine types, and frequent stops, buses and trains are
actually more environmentally friendly than cars (Lawyer 1996). If a person were to
travel by car to work everyday by himself, he would be using between 25% (for a four
seat vehicle) to 12.5% (an 8 person SUV) occupancy, while at peak hours, CTA vehicles
are at over 200% occupancy (Parker 2004). During these peak hours, public
transportation is almost 10 times more efficient than cars. However, when Chicago is not
experiencing its peak hours; buses and trains still run without maximum occupancy
which means they are much more inefficient than cars. Chicago has tried to eliminate
this problem by cutting routes that do not average 25% occupancy for a majority of the
day.
Traffic Jam!
This percentage of occupancy and efficiency does not take into consideration the
amount of traffic that takes place during not only peak hours, but also the whole day in
the metropolitan area. Chicago has the third highest average of time spent in traffic jams
in the U.S., just over 56 hours a year (Chicago Commuters… 2006). That works out to
just over 10 minutes a day that every car that is driven is running without moving and
giving off harmful emissions. This making the CTA more efficient for a majority of t
day because it does not experience these traffic jams.
Making A Change:
In the past five years, the CTA has deployed over 95 compressed natural gas
vehicles in 13 city departments, including 22 in CTA (Building 2005). This new fleet of
vehicles is much more efficient than regular gasoline vehicles. Along with the
compressed natural gas vehicles, Chicago has deployed 195 ethanol light duty vehicles,
45 city-owned hybrid sedans, and 6 hybrid city SUV’s (Building 2005). Using these
new ultra-low sulfur diesel fuels, the CTA has been able to greatly reduce their emissions
(Building 2005). Chicago was also the first city to introduce fuel cell-powered buses and
continues to demonstrate the ability of zero-emission technology (Building 2005).
Chicago has worked towards increasing their recycling of used and no longer working
automobile related goods. Annually, Chicago recycles 336,00 gallons of oil, 140 tons of
batteries, 12,000 gallons of anti-freeze, 10 tons of plastic, and 18,000 tires (Building
2005).
Maintaining Effective Transportation:
The Chicagoland Transportation and Air Quality Commission has been working
on a new plan called the Blue Island Plan which focuses on “transportation enhancement”
proposals for paths, greenways, and sidewalks that are part of the Metra station
(Chicagoland 2005). The RTA has also proposed to the Illinois legislature to increase
their funding for the lowering of ticket prices for all RTA services to increase public
transportation (Wheeler III 2004). Chicago planners are also looking and replicating the
policies such as Portland, which require that, “85 percent of all new growth must be
within five minutes walk of a designated transit stop” (Newman 1998).
The Future:
By the year 2010, the City of Chicago is planning to: 1) maximize the number of clean
fueled and hybrid vehicles in the fleet and add over 100 fuel cells powered trucks, cars
and buses and install catalytic converters to reduce emissions in their older fleets and 2)
research, document, and implement green fleet activities and best practices in the City of
Chicago (Building 2005).
By the year of 2020, the City of Chicago is planning to: 1) reduce vehicle
emissions through the pursuit of the latest engine technologies, mainly reducing overall
emissions by 50% and continue strides towards a zero emissions fleet and 2) maximize
the number of alternately and hybrid vehicles in the city fleet (Building 2005).
Conclusion
While sustainability is a complex goal, we believe that Chicago is taking
proactive steps toward being more sustainable. Many of Chicago’s changes in green
landscaping, land use, and transportation have led to the triple bottom line; an increase in
economic growth, social equity, and environmental preservation have all been caused by
valuing the goal of sustainability. Policy changes that are being made by the city show
that Chicago is moving towards becoming a sustainable city. However, sustainability is
inherently future- oriented and while we can predict the long- term effects of current
changes, no one knows with certainty what additional adjustments may be needed in the
future. Therefore, we conclude that while Chicago is actively moving towards
sustainability, it will need to actively and intelligently work to remain up- to- date on
technological, environmental, economic, and social advances in order to continue
achieving its sustainability objectives.