By Vivek Jayaram
Sustainability. Twitter. Eco-Industrial corridors. These words are not historically germane to political discourse. Then again, Manuel “Manny” Flores, the alderman of Chicago’s First Ward, isn’t exactly a conventional politician. As a member of the Democratic Party, Flores has successfully held public office since 2003 by focusing his [...]

This home features several sophisticated green technologies such as geothermal HVAC and a grid-tied, battery backup 2.5 kW photovoltaic system.

The Haworth Merchandise Mart showroom was chosen as one of 104 projects to participate in the U.S. Green Building Council’s nationwide LEED-CI pilot program. In 2005, the Haworth showroom became the first LEED-CI Gold certified showroom in the Merchandise Mart. This project set the bar for at least eight other showrooms seeking LEED-CI or LEED-EB certification within the Merchandise Mart.

Philosophically, green design and preservation hold common values and goals. Both movements are comprised of stewards, protectors of environmental and cultural resources for future generations, and both strive to reduce energy consumption. Preservation is about more than keeping pretty marble foyers and handsome facades intact. It is about retaining a cultural resource that was inherently respectful of the environment, and was built to last hundreds of years. It’s about life cycle costing, and building for future generations.

“We’ve got about 5,000 days to figure it out,” Makower says. That’s just over 13 years before the planet’s environment is damaged beyond repair. “Where’s the urgency,” he asks. “Where’s the audaciously big thinking?” From 5-8 p.m. on June 17th, 2009, The Delta Institute will host Governor Pat Quinn and celebrated author of Strategies for the Green Economy and founder of Greenbiz.com, Joel Makower for it’s annual event, Partners in Change.

Among the most innovative of the home’s green features is the use of insulating concrete forms (ICFs). According to the Insulating Concrete Forms Association’s website, the use of ICFs results in sturdier, quieter, more energy efficient homes. Instead of being made of wood paneling like traditional houses, ICF homes are built with concrete containing two layers of insulation, and are built to withstand the damages of fire, wind and time. The use of ICF should result in lower heating and cooling expenses.