1. Support the City Resolution Mandating LEED Certification (Platinum
Level) for Chicago’s Potential Olympic Village
THE ISSUE:
• Chicago has been chosen as a finalist for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games
o As part of it’s widely‐publicized bid for the games, the Chicago Olympic Committee
promised to host the “Greenest Olympics Yet”
 Yet, the bid has ZERO binding or concrete green standards to back up this
claim
The City Council must “LEED” the way with the Olympic Village!
THE SOLUTION:
• A City Resolution mandating LEED Certification at the highest possible level for the
Olympic Village – Platinum Level
o This would be a clear and crucial public statement to the Olympic Committee, and
the World, that this Council takes seriously the goal of hosting the Greenest
Olympics Ever
Why Green Building?
The Environment
• Buildings are one of the heaviest consumers of natural resources
• In Chicago alone, buildings are responsible for 70% OF THE CITY’S CARBON
DIOXIDE EMISSIONS
Cost Savings
• This country’s 4.8 million commercial buildings spend $107.9 Billion per
year on energy costs
o 30% of that cost (or $32.37 Billion) is due to inefficient technologies
 Green buildings have much lower operating costs because of
energy and water conservation
Improved Occupant Health
• Green Buildings are proven to result in reductions of disease, allergies, and
asthma
Olympic Village Details:
• Current Plan  Alternating series of 8‐ and 16‐story towers on the current Michael Reese
Hospital grounds on the City’s south side
o The buildings will be converted to private condominiums following the games
• The resolution would draw upon the internationally‐recognized & well‐established
Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design (LEED) system
o But, would also take advantage of the “Chicago Standard”, 46 different practices &
technologies derived from LEED that Mayor Daley has singled out as most fitting for
Chicago buildings