chicago

Environmentalists can be almost as funny as feminists....

kidding kidding....

The term "green architecture" usually is associated with sleek new buildings that employ the latest innovations in recycled materials, energy efficiency and environmentally conscious design.  But the fact remains that new construction covers only a small number of the estimated 4.5 million commercial structures in the United States.

So when one of the world's largest wholesale commercial buildings -- the venerable Merchandise Mart in Chicago -- underwent a massive, multistage conversion that won it a coveted environmental certification, many people took notice.

Chicago, driven by the vision of Mayor Richard Daley, has become a national leader in promoting green buildings.

Green buildings "tread lightly on the earth," says Chicago environmental commissioner Suzanne Malec-McKenna. Not only are they constructed in part from recycled materials, but they are also water- and energy-efficient and healthier for people to live and work in.

What are you doing this weekend? if you're in the Chicago, check out the Green Festival in Navy Pier! 350 green businesses are displaying and selling eco-friendly, fair trade and sustainable products and more than 150 visionary speakers will appear for discussions, presentations and other interesting events. It's only this weekend so don't miss it.

When generating electricity, roughly two-thirds of the energy is lost. Heat is created as a byproduct to spin turbines and later wastes away in cooling towers. Chicago has committed to produce 1.5 billion kilowatt hours of electricity by 2010 with a process call combined heat and power or cogeneration, which finds use for the generated heat. This process can be over 90% efficient.

Ballot Access News announces Chicago's win of the Green Party of the United States (GPUS) 2008 National Convention, praising Illinois ' recent Green Party successes as the cause of the award. Just as interesting are the comments which follow, including references to Nader and the last two elections.