Eying to bring carbon emissions down by a 25% by 2020 from where it stood in 1990, Chicago shows its earnestness with the completion of the first phase of an all-inclusive Decarbonization Plan for the downtown Loop area. Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, the architects working on greening of Chicago’s Willis Tower, have worked hard for a year to come up with the plan in due course. The plan culminates in devising a place that is just perfect for residents, commuters and visitors as well. Second phase will include similar plans for meeting energy and carbon reduction goals elsewhere.
Gordon Gill says…
One of the most exciting aspects of the plan is that it envisions a repositioning of aging buildings as real estate, transforming them from deficits to assets. Ultimately the goal of the plan is to leverage the latent assets of the built environment to save money and invite new development with zero impact on the urban ecosystem. The result will be a new economy that improves energy and carbon performance as well as the overall quality of life in the Loop.
Complete with a below-grade pedway system for easy strolling in adverse weather conditions, a green corridor and below-grade inter-modal axis on Monroe Street, and a pneumatic waste disposal system, the plan has much more to offer. The plan promotes river walking and biking through dedicated walkways erected for the purpose. The schools within the region will be handed with a manual of urban design and decarbonization.
