The Fountain View Lincoln Square is one of the latest graduates from Chicago’s Green Permit Program, which fast-tracks the approval process for sustainable developments in the city. The mixed-use project on Chicago’s North Side, featuring 18 condo units and about 8,000 square feet of retail space, is chasing LEED®-Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

1313 W. Ohio is one of the first in the current wave of custom single-family homes seeking to be the greenest in Chicago. The project includes an unusually extensive laundry list of green features, going above and beyond the standard green measures in every

1840 N. Leavitt is an example of the jumbo-sized home that works to counteract its large size with a variety of green measures. An existing 100 year old multi-unit residential building being converted to a single family residence. The project is seeking Chicago Green Homes and Energy Star certification.

The Heppner Residence is an example of extreme do-it-yourself green renovation. This existing 100 year-old wood frame single family home is being rebuilt by Tim and Charles Heppner, two brothers, with Tim acting as architect and performing most construction work himself. The Heppner brothers are seeking Energy Star and Chicago Green Homes certification for their new home.

A model home for the Historic Chicago Bungalow Association’s (HCBA) Greener Homes For Belmont-Cragin program. During the construction process, the home was used as a learning lab, instructing residents on techniques for restoring windows, insulation and air sealing, and landscaping.

Nearly every energy conservation measure possible has been applied in this green home in order to reach the zero energy goal. The remaining heating and cooling are provided by a geothermal system. The project has received city approval and is seeking state approval for a greywater and rainwater harvesting system that will be used both for toilet flushing and irrigation. The inverted roof visible in the rendering is designed for rainwater collection, but also cleverly hides the solar hot water and solar electric panels that round out the energy approach. This is a nice example of a design statement and two different performance goals all working in tandem.