GreenMark Public Relations®, Inc.

On Sept. 18, 2009, Chicago Tribune announced a major achievement for the city of Chicago (home of GreenMark Public Relations) as the greenest city in America by LEED standards. Mayor Richard Daley has long advocated for Chicago to be the greenest city in the country and he’s well on his way after achieving this major milestone. the U.S. Green Building Council reports that 88 projects in Chicago have earned Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification, giving it more certified green buildings that any other city in country, with Portland, Ore. coming in second with 73 buildings.

LEED points are awarded for a variety of features including energy-saving building systems, water conservation and nearness to public transportation. Some of Chicago’s LEED buildings are the McCormick Place West Building and the new FBI Building.

Daley plans on keeping this ranking, too. Every new public building in Chicago is required to achieve LEED certification. Also, public and private projects getting city assistance must have a green roof or pursue similar green building certification.

GreenMark PR stands up and cheers at this announcement. We’re proud to be based in the number one city and are committed to making it an even greener place to work and play. We would also like to congratulate the other cities that made the list for their green efforts. It’s remarkable to see such high numbers for these cities. Let’s see all of these numbers grow! Check out a green building project very near and dear to us: The Green Exchange. Scroll over to our menu and check out their page on our Web site.

Curious about what other cities made the list? See the top ten along with more details at Chicago Tribune’s Web site, here.