Chicago creates plan to slash greenhouse gases

CHICAGO On Thursday, Mayor Daley announced the Chicago Climate Action Plan, which the city calls a roadmap for action in reducing climate change.

The plan- which includes leaders of government, business and faith-based groups- outlines specific strategies and calls upon local, regional and national governments to improve policies.

The ultimate goal is to reduce its 1990 Green House Gas emissions by 80-percent by the year 2050.

The Strategies:
• Energy Efficient Buildings (30-percent)
  • Retrofit commercial and industrial buildings
  • Retrofit residential buildings
  • Trade in appliances
  • Conserve water
  • Update City energy code
  • Establish new guidelines for renovations
  • Cool with trees/green roofs
  • Take easy steps
• Clean and Renewable Energy Sources (34-percent)
  • Upgrade power plants
  • Improve power plant efficiency
  • Build renewable electricity
  • Increase distributed generation
  • Promote household renewable power
• Improved Transportation Options (23-percent):
  • Invest more in transit
  • Expand transit incentives
  • Promote transit-oriented development
  • Make walking and biking easier
  • Car share and carpool
  • Improve fleet efficiency
  • Achieve higher fuel efficiency standards
  • Switch to cleaner fuels
  • Support intercity rail
  • Improve freight movement
• Reduced Waste and Industrial Pollution (13-percent):
  • Reduce, reuse and recycle
  • Shift to alternative refrigerants
  • Capture storm water on-site
• Adaptation:
  • Manage heat
  • Pursue innovative cooling
  • Protect air quality
  • Manage storm water
  • Implement Green Urban Design
  • Preserve our plants/trees
  • Engage the public
  • Engage businesses
  • Plan for the future