Align Your Building with the Chicago Climate Action Plan

If you manage a building in Chicago, you’ve probably heard about the Chicago Climate Action Plan (CAP). It’s the city’s roadmap for fighting climate change while improving energy use, reducing pollution, and making communities more sustainable. But don’t worry if it sounds complicated—this guide will break it down so it’s easy to understand and show how it applies to your building.

What Is the Chicago Climate Action Plan?

Chicago’s Climate Action Plan is a big deal. The goal is to reduce the city’s carbon emissions by 62% by 2040. Why? Because lower emissions mean cleaner air, more efficient buildings, and a healthier city overall.

The plan focuses on five main areas:

1. Energy-Efficient Buildings: Buildings waste a lot of energy, and the CAP encourages upgrades to fix that.
2. Clean and Renewable Energy: Transitioning to renewable energy sources to power buildings and infrastructure.
3. Improved Transportation: Making it easier to use buses, trains, bikes, or even walk instead of driving to reduce emissions.
4. Reducing Waste and Pollution: Cutting back on garbage and harmful emissions.
5. Adapting to Climate Change: Preparing for weather changes and making buildings and communities more resilient.

Why Should Building Operators Care?

Any property manager or building owner in the Chicago area is on the front lines of implementing the CAP. Many of its goals tie directly to how your building runs every day. If you make your building more energy-efficient, not only will you help the environment, but you’ll also save money. Upgrading your building can mean lower energy bills, fewer tenant complaints, and even avoiding penalties under new environmental regulations.

For example, monitoring temperature and humidity levels creates a more comfortable and energy-efficient environment in your building. With sensors that provide real-time data, you can optimize indoor conditions, reduce energy waste, and prevent costly issues like mold growth or tenant discomfort. This is a significant upgrade to how most buildings currently run.

Even small temperature adjustments can have a significant impact on energy costs, with just one degree potentially increasing heating expenses by up to 3%. Fine-tuning your building’s temperature settings not only lowers utility bills but also reduces emissions, aligning with sustainability goals. 

Simple Ways to Make Your Building Energy-Efficient

Improving energy efficiency doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are some easy steps:

• Conduct Energy Audits: Identify areas where your building is losing energy and develop a plan to address these inefficiencies.
• Upgrade Lighting Systems: Replace outdated lighting with energy-efficient LED fixtures to reduce energy consumption.
• Optimize HVAC Systems: Regular maintenance and upgrades to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems can lead to significant energy savings.
• Install Smart Controls: Implementing smart thermostats allows for precise control of building temperatures, enhancing comfort and efficiency.
• Utilize Renewable Energy Sources: Explore options like solar panels or purchasing renewable energy credits to power your building sustainably.

Renewable Energy Is Easier Than You Think

You might think solar panels or other renewable energy sources are out of reach, but they’ve become more affordable. Plus, some programs and rebates can help with upfront costs. You can also purchase Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) to support clean energy projects without installing anything in your building.

Chicago Has Resources to Help You

The city has created programs to make it easier for you to align with the CAP:

• Retrofit Chicago: This program helps buildings become more energy-efficient through expert advice and financial support.
• Climate Infrastructure Fund: Grants are available for projects that reduce emissions, improve energy use, or make your building greener.

These programs can take a lot of the guesswork (and financial pressure) off your shoulders.

How Smart Controls Help

Runwise is a smart control platform that can make your building greener, cheaper to operate, and easier to manage. It installs in less than a day and doesn’t require expensive construction. Runwise uses a wireless network and a single control system to manage things like heating, cooling, leak detection, and gas safety—all in one app.

Here’s why Runwise is perfect for aligning your building with the CAP:

• It’s 90% cheaper to install compared to using multiple systems.
• You’ll see an average of 21% energy savings, which directly cuts your carbon footprint.
• You can manage your entire building remotely, so no more guessing or tenant complaints about being too hot or too cold.

Best of all, Runwise’s subscription model keeps them accountable for results. The company only makes money if you save energy and stick with the platform. 

How to Get Started

The Chicago Climate Action Plan isn’t just about big city projects—it’s about everyday changes that start with buildings like yours. By taking steps to improve energy efficiency and exploring tools like Runwise, you can make a real difference. You’ll save money, improve tenant satisfaction, and help Chicago reach its climate goals.

Want to learn more? Check out the Climate Action Plan website and start exploring programs and tools that fit your building. The future is green, and it’s time to make your building part of it.