Chicago’s Sustainable Development Policy requires that applicable development projects earn at least 100 points by implementing select sustainable strategies. Points can be earned in the following categories: health, energy, stormwater, landscapes, green roofs, water, transportation solid waste, work force and wildlife.
Green roofs will earn a project 10 points if 50% of the building’s net roof area is covered with vegetation, or 20 points if it covers 100% of the net roof area. The net roof area is the gross roof area with the exception of the area for mechanicals, maintenance pathways, window washing systems, swimming pools and skylights. More than 5 million square feet of green roofs have been implemented in Chicago to date as a result of its policy initiatives in support of green roofs.
Chicago Sustainable Development Policy webpage
Chicago Sustainable Development Policy Handbook
Document Type: Existing LawsChicago Zoning Code 17-8-0902 (assigning authority to the Dept. of Planning and Development to enforce the Sustainable Development Policy)
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