Chicago has been chosen as a finalist to host the 2016 Summer Olympics. As part of its bid, Chicago promised to host the "Greenest Olympics Yet" but the bid has no binding environmental standards. A city resolution is proposed to mandate that the Olympic Village achieve LEED Platinum certification, the highest standard. This would demonstrate the city's commitment to green building and hosting environmentally friendly Olympics. The resolution details that buildings account for a large portion of carbon emissions and energy costs, and green buildings provide health and cost savings through efficiency. The Olympic Village would consist of towers to be converted to condos after the games.

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