Green Homes for Chicago | Chicago
The Green Homes for Chicago (GHC) program was an international design competition to solicit future thinking green single family designs. Once built, the homes were sold at affordable rates, and their energy performance was monitored for 18 months. The design for the GHC achieved an Energy Star Five Star rating and was used in several presentations to educate the public about the possibilities of affordable, green homes. The design goals were to reduce resource consumption by using renewable and recycled building materials, creating a healthy interior, and combining Energy Star equipment with simple, green building techniques to create energy efficiency, all to be done on a tight budget of $210,000 (1999 Dollars). The construction was accomplished on time.
The Green Homes for Chicago home were open to the public for tours. The media coverage included several articles in the local press, City of Chicago printed material and online information. This program kickstarted the successful Chicago Green Home Permit Process and the Green Home Rating System, and provided guidance and information to homeowners looking to integrate sustainable design practices into their own projects
