Programs

Actions for Impact
Committed to helping the business community be green, the Chamber shortly will launch a campaign to help businesses take the five simplest actions that have the biggest impact on reducing cost and impact on the environment.
1. Power down or turn off office equipment when not in use.
2. Make two-sided printing and copying standard practice.
3. Recycle office paper.
4. Buy office products that have a recycled content or less chemical content.
5. Eliminate bottled water.

Green Business Forum
The Green Business Forum brings together businesses, partner organizations, as well as technology and investment, to further green business opportunities in Chicagoland. The Chamber established the Green Business Forum to help its members, as well as the wider Chicagoland business community, reap the benefits that green can deliver from reduced operating costs and impacts on the environment.

Join the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Deloitte, for a series of events that make the business case for green and provide tactical ideas on saving operating costs and the environment.

The Forum continues to monitor pending green legislation in front of the City Council. Alderman Ed Burke (14) introduced an ordinance to create a new Chicago Green Business program to certify businesses that meet at least one third party requirement or certification to receive a “Chicago Green Business” moniker by the city’s Department of Environment.

A third party certification includes but is not limited to Energy Star, Green Seal Standard for lodging properties, US Green Building Council Leed, and City of Chicago Green Office Challenge. Additionally, the city’s Department of Environment is authorized to approve an “alternative” third party certification or requirement.

The intent of the ordinance is to encourage Chicago businesses to undertake and publicize green business practices as well as develop standards to achieve the Chicago Climate Action Plan.

Events

Green Business Clinics
The Chamber hosts monthly Green Business Clinics that highlight simple cures for waste issues and save businesses both money and the environment. These hour-long webinars are led by green practitioners and supported by subject matter experts and solution providers from among the Chamber members.

Incentives
The Chamber provides member links to programs that provide support for businesses planning to convert to green practices.