New Report Shows Chicago Shines on Building Energy Efficiency

(CHICAGO – January 17, 2017) The City of Chicago today released its 2016 Chicago Energy Benchmarking Report, an annual overview of Chicago buildings’ energy performance, as well as a summary of energy findings and trends. Each building receives a score based on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star system, which measures how efficiently buildings use energy. Nearly two-thirds of the city’s biggest buildings received above-average scores.

“Chicago continues to put buildings’ energy efficiency front and center, and today’s benchmarking report shows the initiative is paying off. Buildings account for more than a third of our nation’s carbon pollution, meaning lower electricity use in these properties results in a healthier city for all. With the Windy City’s stellar energy performance in buildings and the state’s landmark Future Energy Jobs Bill, Illinois is leading the country toward a cleaner, more affordable electricity system.”

• Ellen Bell, Manager, Midwest Clean Energy