Frequently asked questions
Can
offices outside of Chicago’s Central Business District participate in the Challenge?
No,
tenants and commercial buildings outside of Chicago’s Central Business District are
currently unable to participate in the Challenge. But don’t let that deter you from
greening your office; browse our
website for strategies to decrease your waste, water and energy use.
Why can only offices in Chicago’s Central Business District participate in the Challenge?
The Chicago Climate Action Plan found that 39% of Chicago's greenhouse gas emissions come from commercial buildings. Since the largest concentration of commercial buildings are in the Central Business District and the Challenge aligns with the Climate Action Plan, that is the current focus at this time.
If I
am in the Central Business District, can I still register for the
Challenge?
Round 2 of the Challenge is open with an anticipated start in September 2010. Register at
http://www.chicagogreenofficechallenge.org/pages/take_the_challenge_/6.phpWhat are the boundaries for the Central Business District?
The boundaries we use for the Challenge are Halsted to the West, North Ave to the North, Roosevelt to the South and as far East as Lake Michigan.
What is the cost of participating in the Green
Office Challenge?
There
is no cost for participating in the Challenge, but there is the opportunity for savings!
What
is the time frame of the Challenge?
The
Challenge is a 12 month program.
What
type of publicity will my company receive by participating in the
Challenge?
Great
publicity! At the end of each Round, Mayor Daley and the Chicago Department of Environment will host an awards ceremony during which participants will receive awards and recognition for their achievements.
Can I
view the scorecard if I’m not a registered participant?
No,
the Tenant Scorecard is available only to registered participants at
this time. Please feel free to browse the "Office Tenants" tab to view the same strategies that are listed on the Tenant Scorecard. However, if you are a local government representative,
please contact your local ICLEI representative for Green Office Challenge resources. To identify which ICLEI staff to contact by region, please visit ICLEI's website, here:
http://www.icleiusa.org/about-iclei/iclei-by_regionIs the
Challenge only for new buildings?
The Challenge is for any tenant or property manager located within the Central Business District, regardless of a building's age.
Is
there a separate Challenge for tenants and property managers?
No,
there is only one Challenge.
However, the tools tenants and property managers use to
measure their reductions in waste, water, and energy use differ; tenants use
the Tenant Scorecard, while property managers use ENERGY STAR Portfolio
Manager and other tools created by the Green Office Challenge Team.
Do I
use the Portfolio Manager to track my waste, water and energy use?
As a property manager, you'll use Portfolio Manager to track your water and energy and a separate tool to track waste. Tenants will use the Tenant Scorecard as the primary tool to guide their reductions
in waste, water and energy use.
Can participating tenants
earn points by recruiting tenants from a building other than their own?
Yes, tenants
can earn multiple points by recruiting other tenants within the Central Business District. To receive recruitment points,
please ask the referral to write your company's name into the "How did you hear about the Challenge" section of the registration form.
If my company is eligible, why should we participate?
If your company is just beginning to explore "Going Green," the Challenge offers many strategies and assistance to help you get started. If your company has been committed to "Going Green" for awhile, there may be strategies you already have in place and you may learn a few new ideas. Those who participate will be recognized by Mayor Daley and the Department of Environment for their efforts. By reducing waste, water and energy use within your office, your company will also be assisting Chicago in reducing it's green house gas emissions.
How do I become a sponsor of the Chicago Green Office Challenge?
If you're interested in learning about our available sponsorship opportunities, please email us at
greenofficechallenge@cityofchicago.org
