Chicago Green Homes Program

29 Jun 2010 Leave a Comment

by Green Mansions Foundation in Chicago Tags: , , , , ,

The City of Chicago now offers a voluntary certification program for homeowners, residential builders, and developers looking to incorporate sustainable design into their residential building. Certification is granted by the Chicago Green Homes Program (CGHP), which uses a point-based system to certify homes according to a 3-star rating scale. Homeowners can choose from various point categories to incorporate into their project, including sustainable sites, energy efficiency, materials, health and safety, resource conservation, homeowner education, and innovation.

Chicago Center for Green Technology

The goals of the CGHP program are to:

  • Provide greater energy efficiency
  • Provide healthier indoor air
  • Reduce water usage
  • Preserve natural resources
  • Improve durability and reduce maintenance
  • Reduce waste and pollution

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    There are additional benefits for incorporating sustainable design into your building. These benefits include cost savings associated with the green permitting process, access to green industry professionals that can provide expert advice, support and feedback given by CGHP, and community recognition for sustainable leadership. 

    To get started, visit CGHP and register for an orientation session.

    Recap: Chicago Green Music Fest

    28 Jun 2010 Leave a Comment

    by Green Mansions Foundation in Chicago, DIY, Sustainability Tags: , , , , ,

    Yesterday, Green Mansions Foundation checked out the Chicago Green Music Fest. It was a beautiful sunny afternoon, perfect weather for grabbing a cold microbrew (New Belgium’s Ranger IPA was our choice) and strolling around the Fest. We stopped and looked at several booths selling eco-friendly apparel and watched some break dancers show off their skills by the family fun area. After a walk around the Fest, a booth run by the Dirty Printmakers of America caught our eye. For $20 (or $10 if you brought your own shirt), Joseph at DPA would create a shirt for you on-site using one of his many stunning hand-carved woodblocks. Melanie, one of GMF’s writers, had a funky bat girl shirt made. She even got a chance to participate in her shirt’s creation by turning the wheel of the press.

    We then sat on a local restaurant’s patio where we grabbed lunch and nodded our heads to the DJ, who had a sweet world-beat vibe. Afterwards, we spoke to a volunteer for the Chicago Center for Green Technology, where we learned about Green Tech U. For free, or close to it, you can earn a certificate from Green Tech U in one of six subject areas: architecture, building and construction management, engineering, green business, green home and garden, and interior design. Six classes need to be completed within a twelve-month period in order to earn a certificate. Attending Green Tech U seems like a great way to learn more about sustainability, public policy, green building and to meet like-minded folks. Look for Green Mansions Foundation to start attending classes in the near future. We really are lucky to have such an incredible program accessible to us and to have been able attend the Green Music Fest.

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    Chicago Green Music Fest

    25 Jun 2010 Leave a Comment

    by Green Mansions Foundation in Chicago, Food, Green Mansions, Sustainability Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

    There’s not much better than Chicago in the summertime. This weekend, in particular, there are dozens of exciting things to do (Tour de Fat, Taste of Chicago, Summerfest, and Pride Fest are but a few examples). After much deliberation, Green Mansions Foundation has decided to attend the Chicago Green Music Fest on Sunday, June 27.

    The innovative green technology-themed event will fuse original live music with green vendors, services and local retail, art, craft and food vendors. There will be two stages and musical guests include great acts such as the Wailers and DJ Klever. There will also be activities for kids of all ages, including break-dancing lessons, cooking demonstrations, and face painting.

    Important to Green Mansions Foundation is that the event will also be produced in the most eco-friendly way possible with bio-diesel fuel operated generators, biodegradable plastic cups, recycling and composting options, free bike valet courtesy of Active Transportation Alliance and Special Service Area 29.

    The Green Music Fest is located in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood, on Chicago Ave. between Ashland and Noble. The event runs from 12 pm – 10 pm on June 26 and 27. There is a suggested donation of $5.

    Chicago Green Music Fest

    ‘Tis the Season for Farmers Markets

    09 Jun 2010 Leave a Comment

    by Green Mansions Foundation in Chicago, Food, Organic Tags: , ,

    Chicago Farmers Market Guide

    Or, in other words, it’s our favorite time of the year. Come join the fun, support local farmers, and try some delectable local fare this summer. Here’s a comprehensive listing of Chicagoland Farmers Markets:

  • Chicago Farmers Markets – from the City of Chicago. Includes downtown, neighborhood, and independently run market listings.

  • 2010 Chicagoland Farmers Markets – courtesy of the Trib. Includes suburban markets and is organized by day of the week.

  • Illinois Farmers Market Directory – includes markets from each corner of the state and everywhere in between.

  • Yelp Farmers Market Guide – a handy guide to local farmers markets by those who support them and like to talk about it.

    If there are fantastic Farmers Market listings that we have missed, please let us know and we’ll post them. Enjoy the sweet taste of eating local!

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