The city of Chicago, IL is already more than halfway to meeting its emissions reduction target for 2025. According to the 2017 Greenhouse Gas Inventory report, it reduced its carbon emissions by 15% from 2005 to 2017. The reductions for the 12-year period are equivalent to taking over 1.2 million passenger vehicles off the road for one year or eliminating the energy used to power over 653,500 homes for a year.
Chicago’s greenhouse gas goal is to achieve a 26-28% reduction in emissions levels over the span of 20 years from 2005 to 2025
“Chicago is extremely proud to be leading the way in adopting bold and innovative environmental practices that support the health of our residents and the well being of our entire region,” said Lori Lightfoot, mayor of Chicago. “Nonetheless, we all still have a long way to go towards fully addressing the global climate crisis, and are fully committed to working with businesses, advocacy organizations, along with state and federal leaders, towards finding the urgent solutions needed for a sustainable and environmentally-sound future.”
The report also highlights the city’s goal of transitioning all municipal buildings to renewable energy sources by 2025. To further these efforts, Chicago has purchased 95,000 renewable energy credits to help reduce the city’s reliance on electricity and natural gas.
“The city’s greenhouse inventory confirms the impact of smart energy efficiency policies to drive down emissions associated with the building sector,” said Stefan Schaffer, city strategist for the American Cities Climate Challenge at the Natural Resources Defense Council. “Some of Chicago’s most iconic buildings are leading the way towards a cleaner – and cheaper –energy future by reducing the amount of energy needed year after year.”