In a monumental victory for both the environment and the city’s residents, Chicago has officially achieved a groundbreaking milestone: every one of the city’s 411 government-owned buildings now runs on renewable energy. This incredible accomplishment isn’t just a step forward for Chicago—it’s a powerful statement that cities across the country can lead the way in the fight against climate change.
This historic shift follows the signing of a game-changing agreement in 2022 under former Mayor Lori Lightfoot. The city secured renewable energy from Double Black Diamond Solar, a solar farm and one of the largest solar projects east of the Mississippi River. The 593-megawatt solar farm, located in Sangamon and Morgan counties just outside Springfield, provides the clean power that now fuels Chicago’s municipal buildings. Developed by Swift Current Energy and powered by Constellation Energy, this project is helping transform Chicago’s energy landscape, proving that large-scale clean energy solutions are not just possible—they’re happening now.
“Every Chicagoan interacts with a city-owned building, whether the cultural center, City Hall, Harold Washington Library, O’Hare and Midway (international airports), or your local library. To be able to achieve this milestone on behalf of city residents is exciting,” said Angela Tovar, the city’s Chief Sustainability Officer. Indeed, this is a victory for every resident, no matter where they are in the city.
This transition to renewable energy represents a major step in Chicago’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. By switching to solar power, the city will cut its carbon emissions by an estimated 290,000 metric tons—an achievement equivalent to removing 62,000 cars from the road, according to Grist.org. This is no small feat, and it’s just the beginning of Chicago’s ambitious green transformation. It’s a testament to the power of political will, public-private partnerships, and the spirit of innovation to create meaningful change. Chicago has shown that a city can balance growth and progress with its responsibility to the environment, and it sets a strong example for other cities to follow.
While 70% of the city’s energy needs are now powered directly by the Double Black Diamond solar farm, the remaining 30% is met through financing renewable energy projects elsewhere in the country. Although this has raised some concerns, city leaders, including Tovar, view this as a smart and necessary strategy to bridge the gap. “The financing allows us to buy time and explore other sustainable solutions, such as rooftop solar, which we hope will close that remaining gap in the future,” Tovar explained. With a roadmap in place for further innovation, Chicago is well-positioned to continue making strides toward a fully sustainable future.
Looking to the future, Chicago has set an even more ambitious goal: to power all buildings within the city limits with 100% renewable energy by 2035. If successful, this would make Chicago the largest city in the United States to achieve such a remarkable feat, cementing its status as a leader in clean energy and environmental sustainability. This bold target underscores the city’s commitment to not just meeting current needs but anticipating future challenges and leading by example. Chicago’s plan is a roadmap for other cities to realize that transitioning to renewable energy isn’t just a lofty ideal—it’s achievable.
The city’s shift to renewable energy is not just a victory for Chicagoans—it’s a beacon for cities around the world to take bold action in the fight against climate change. From city offices to international airports, every corner of Chicago is now part of a larger movement toward a more sustainable, energy-efficient world.
This isn’t just about reducing emissions—it’s about building a future where cities can thrive in harmony with the planet. And with this incredible achievement, Chicago is proving that a brighter, cleaner future is not only possible—it’s happening right now. As more cities step up to make similar commitments, the momentum will grow, and the global transition to a clean energy future will become an unstoppable force.
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