7G Going Green
7G Going Green is an initiative to create a green culture at the Chicago Fed's Seventh District offices by promoting environmental awareness and practices. The program focuses on conserving energy, water and resources to benefit the planet, improve the health and welfare of people and reduce the Bank's operating and maintenance costs.
Reserve Center Awarded LEED Silver Certfication
On November 1, the Chicago Fed's Building, the Reserve Center, was awarded silver certification in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). This makes the center the second oldest building in Illinois to receive this certification.
“Earning this designation is just another way we are demonstrating commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility,” said Building Management officer Michael Sutton. Read more...
The Year in Review: 2011 Going Green Report
7Green is commissioned to encourage environmental responsibility within the Chicago Fed and among our employees. As part of this process, our building is being upgraded to twenty-first century environmental standards. We also produce an annual environmental report outlining resource and cost savings from our environmental efforts. Highlights from 2011 include:
| Actions | Results | |
| 86% of construction waste was recycled | 71 tons of metal, 17 tons of wood and 4 tons concrete did not go to landfills | |
| Upgrades made to our cooling and plumbing systems in May | 300,000 gallons of water were saved, enough water to fill half of an Olympic sized swimming pool | |
| Digital Print Center used 100% recycled paper and encouraged double-sided printing | One ton of wood saved; Center received Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification | |
| Increased use of environmentally friendly cleaning products | 80% of chemicals used to clean the Bank are Green Seal Certified | |
| Employee programs to enourage use of public transit for commute | 62% of eligible Bank staff take public transit, estimated emissions reduced by 5,004 lbs of hydrocarbon, 2,780 lbs of nitrogen oxide and 34,750 lbs of carbon monoxide | |
| Bio-based toner used in printers and copiers | 270 lbs of petroleum kept out of the waste stream |
About the Going Green Initiative
Sustainability, or green, refers to the renewal of resources at a rate equal or greater than the rate consumed. Since 2006, the Bank has been evaluating its physical plant and operations to create a green environment. Some steps taken are
- Upgrading the HVAC system to reduce energy use
- Replacing lighting with LED or high efficient fluorescent
- Installing lighting sensors to eliminate wasted energy
- Installing a reflective roof to reduce cooling needs
- Equipping restrooms with high-efficiency faucets to conserve water
- Using environmentally friendly cleaning products to improve workplace air quality
