The Climate Group, in collaboration with Chicago 2016 and the City of Chicago (a member of The Climate Group), officially launches Forward Chicago, a unique public-private partnership that engages leading area businesses and local, non-profit organizations. By bringing together the resources and expertise of the public and private communities, Forward Chicago seeks to help the city achieve its greenhouse-gas emissions reduction targets, "green" the bid for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and leave an environmental legacy for all Chicago residents.

In June 2008, The Climate Group and Chicago 2016 introduced 21st Century Green Centers, geographically targeted areas surrounding proposed Olympic and Paralympic venues, a concept that was born out of Chicago 2016s environmental advisory council. Forward Chicago furthers this initiative by providing an ongoing platform for the program's partners and participating companies to work collaboratively to make Chicago the greenest, most environmentally friendly city in the country.

Based on existing research, Forward Chicago has identified three major environmental challenges facing Chicago's neighborhoods: urban heat island effect, open space, and greening and flooding. Each 21st Century Green Center will feature business and non-profits working together, focusing on various sustainability initiatives that support Mayor Richard M Daley's ambitious plans to make Chicago the most environmentally friendly city in the country.

"Through this ongoing partnership, we look forward to helping Mayor Daley achieve his ambitious plans to reduce the city's greenhouse emissions to 25% below 1990 levels by the year 2020, and to 80% below 1990 levels by 2050," said Michael Allegretti, The Climate Group's head of government relations, North America.

The Climate Group
www.theclimategroup.org