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Mayor Rahm Emanuel Press Conference at Green Exchange!

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• Mayor Rahm Emanuel Press Conference at Green Exchange!
  

  We are thrilled to share the exciting news that on Thursday, May 19th, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, only three days into his term as Mayor of Chicago, held an official press conference at Green Exchange. 

   

  
  

  
  

  After being introduced by Green Exchange co-developer David Baum, Mayor Emanuel highlighted Green Exchange as an exemplary public private partnership in which municipal financial resources were effectively utilized to create over 1,000 new jobs, spur economic development in the community, and advance sustainable practices.
  
  Hosting Mayor Emanuel is another illustration of the tremendous support that Green Exchange has garnered from the community, and sets the table as we prepare to open our doors later this summer. 
  
  Be on the look-out for more exciting announcements from Green Exchange in the coming weeks!

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• Green Bank Opening, Green Carpet Unrolling Accolades and excitement abound from GX tenants
  The Green Exchange tenants, many of whom are housed in temporary offices on the third flood of the Baum Building, 1030 West Chicago until the project is complete, have also been busy over the past several months making the world more sustainable.  Here are a few highlights from some of their most recent accomplishments:
  
  Mindful Metropolis Magazine hosts the Green Carpet Gala May 21st.  Walk the green carpet this month at Mindful Metropolis’ premier Green Carpet Gala, the kick off party for the Chicago Green Festival, on Friday May 21 at the Marmon Grand.  This event, featuring the Reader’s Choice Awards ceremony, green speakers, and headliner band Funkadesi, will celebrate the magazine’s first anniversary of connecting and showcasing the best of Chicago’s conscious community.  Mindful Metropolis’ publisher, Richard McGinnis, recently became the newest Green Exchange tenant to join the Social Venture Network.  In an effort to do his part to heal our dwindling bee population, Richard recently installed an apiary on the roof of the Baum Building, and will be giving lessons in urban bee culture this summer.  Check out the May issue of Mindful Metropolis on newsstands now, which features their newest column, Soul of Green, written by Green Exchange tenant Bianca Alexander from Conscious Living TV.  The column highlights the untold stories of people of color in the green and environmental justice movements.  
  
  Vaute Couture Stops the Presses.  Resident eco-couture designer, Leanne Hilgart of vegan-conscious line Vaute Couture has been getting lots of great press lately: she was recently featured on the cover of the April issue of VegNews, entitled “9 Brilliant Eco-entrepreneurs: Veg is the new Green”.  Her line was also featured on Oprah.com, and received high praises on celebrity vegan-activist Alicia Silverstone’s blog.  Debuting at New York Fashion Week, her beautiful Fall 2010 line was seen by the likes of Vogue, Nylon, People, Marie Claire, the Rachel Ray Show, and Paper Magazine. Lastly, her gorgeous blue “El” coat was featured on FOX TV’s Bones in the episode, “Devil is in the Details” on the title star, Emily Deschanel.
  
  Conscious Planet Media Gets the Green Light.  Since moving to the Green Exchange a year ago, Conscious Planet Media has been busy getting the “green light” on their conscious news shows, documentaries and events, including Conscious Living TV.  They recently launched the Mindful Moment, a creative collaboration with fellow Green Exchange tenant Mindful Metropolis Magazine, on their Chicago Green Loop channel.  One of their newest shows, Soul of Green, recently won an Excellence in Health Journalism Award for a story on Chicago’s “Growing Solution to the Food Desert Crisis.” Co-founder Bianca Alexander, who also contributes monthly as a local on-air correspondent for WGN, ABC and Extra Newspaper, will be presenting on this topic at this year’s Chicago Green Festival on Saturday, May 22nd at 2pm.  Soul of Green recently got the “Green Light” as a stand-alone segment on the 2nd season of Emmy-Award winning Next TV, an inspiring news magazine show produced by the Chicago Urban League.  Watch Soul of Green on Next TV Sunday mornings at 8:00 AM on Fox, and Sunday afternoons at 12:30 PM on my50.   You can also join Conscious Living Planet Media, Mindful Metropolis and many other Green Exchange tenants at their monthly “Green Light” Happy hour on May 20, 2010 at the new eco-chic Karyn’s on Green!
  
  Green Choice Bank Launches.  This summer, GreenChoice Bank will launch the first holistically “green” community bank in the Midwest, with two branches in Cicero and Lockport.  GreenChoice Bank will officially open its doors upon completion of the acquisition of Family Federal Savings of Illinois, allowing them to serve the loyal customers of this 100-year old bank while retrofitting and updating bank operations to the GreenChoice approach.  The flagship location of GreenChocie Bank will open its doors at the Green Exchange when it launches this fall.  Visit GreenChoice at this year’s Green Festival, booth #1804, where COO Steve Sherman will be speaking on a panel entitled: “Can You Find a Good Bank?  Yes You Can!” Saturday May 23rd at 5pm.
  
  Pivotal Production is Greening Up Chicago Events.  Shannon Downey’s green event production company, Pivotal Production, is painting the town green by re-using empty spaces to bring energy and vitality to once vacant areas.  She recently partnered with Firebelly Design to turn vacant storefronts in Wicker Park/Bucktown into short-term art galleries.  She will be sharing her expertise on how to make your event greener at the Chicago Green Festival on Sunday, May 23 at 4 PM.  In collaboration with the Museum of Science and Industry, Pivotal Production also brought TEDx to Chicago with smashing success.  Get information about the next TEDx event here.
  
  A Fresh Squeeze on Going Green.  A Fresh Squeze recently launched their handy Squeeze Card for local, sustainable savings throughout Chicago.  The card is a great way for conscious Chicago shoppers to save money by shopping, eating and going green. There are over 50 local and online merchants accepting the Squeeze Card.  Check out A Fresh Squeeze for more information on green living in Chicago and to sign up for your own Squeeze Card!
  
  2 Point Perspective Stays at the Forefront of Green Design.  2 Point Perspective has had an exciting spring with several new eco-minded architectural clients signing on to upgrade their current spaces or build new ones!  The design of a new facility for green dentistry leaders Ora Dental Studio is sure to turn some heads when is opens at 1850 W. Division Street in the early summer.  Preliminary design studies for the Self-Realization Fellowship, a church in the Western suburbs, also revealed the value of thinking more sustainably from the start.  On the residential side, 2 Point's projects of note include a new modern home that will pursue LEED Silver certification and a 3-flat conversion, which will boast an eco-glamorous interior with a stellar green roof/roof garden.  In addition, they are helping many Green Exchange tenants to design spaces in time for its upcoming launch this fall!
  
  GX Tenants using fellow tenant Greater Than for marketing and web design. Strategic marketing agency Greater Than has been busy helping various several tenants build their brand and awareness.  Greater Than just finished a marketing strategy, brand design, copywriting and website for eco-flooring company CalvertFreeman.  Another tenant, Consolidated Printing, engaged Greater Than to redesign. rewrite and develop their new website, which will be live very soon!  Greater Than also designed the new brand, the new Squeeze Card and website of the new improved A Fresh Squeeze!
  
  For the latest updates within the Green Exchange community, become our fan on facebook! See you next month!...More...
• Green Exchange Moves Forward City supports building project
  Happy Spring!  Now that the winter is finally over, it’s time to share what we’ve been up to at the Green Exchange.  
  
  Last month, the Green Exchange received exceptional support from the City of Chicago.  An ordinance was recently passed authorizing the City to provide a $15 million dollar construction loan to complete the building project. This loan will be made available through the HUD 108 Program.
  
  Additionally, the City of Chicago passed a $20 million dollar Recovery Zone Bond Allocation ordinance.  The Recovery Zone Bond program is part of the federal stimulus package that allows private developers to procure financing at below-market rates.  We’re grateful to the City of Chicago, our Green Exchange tenants, and all of our supporters who helped make possible this major step forward for the Green Exchange community!...More...
• Eco-leader Karyn Calabrese Answers Your Questions Chicago's own vegan restaurant owner talks back...
  Karyn Calabrese, vegan founder of Karyn’s Raw Café and Karyn’s Cooked restaurants, was featured last month as our Eco-Leader. She received many wonderful questions from our web community and has provided a select number of responses. Please read on to see if your question was answered and to learn more about some of the initiatives and programs underway.
  
  Question from Phyllis T.:   Would you explain a bit about your detox classes? Are there different types for different desired results? How long does it take to go through the program and then to see results?   
  
  Karyn: The beauty of my class is that we have over 150 people coming to each session with all types of challenges and different levels of health and everyone gets results- from weight loss, to lowered blood pressure, to lowered cholesterol, to reduced insulin dependence, the list goes on. What this tell us is that there’s only one disease-  A toxic body and poor assimilation of nutrients. We concentrate on 3-4 main concepts in my detox program including diet changes, acid/alkaline balance, and the supplements and therapies that aid in the process. We are happy to send a free DVD with 17 minutes of testimonials and lots of great information to anyone who provides their mailing address. We also have free information sessions twice a month if you’d like to learn more about our programs.
  
  Question from Dan H.: Karyn, you’re such a babe. I am opening a Green Store / Coffee House and want to eventually carry your products. Would you consider your products to be green and who could I contact for future reference for distribution? Thanks.
  
  Karyn: Yes, our products are definitely green. We make sure everything is natural and of the best quality and all of our capsules are vegan. We do offer wholesale pricing for those who want to carry our products in their stores. Please contact my assistant, Jamie, for more information at karyninfo (at) karynraw.com or 312-255-1590.
  
  Question from William T.:  Can you talk a bit about how your food is sourced and what, if any, measures are taken to ensure food is as local as possible and as sustainable as possible?  Thanks!
  
  Karyn: Unfortunately living in the Midwest makes it a huge challenge to use local produce all the time. We would have to change our menu almost daily to remain as close to organic as we do. At this point in time we primarily use Goodness Greenness as our main distributor for organic produce. When the weather allows, we also source produce from local farmer’s markets.
  
  Question from Lena K.:  I currently in school to become a Holistic Consultant. Do you have any advice on starting a business in Holistic Wellness. This has always been a passion of mine, but I put it off to raise my children. Have you ever thought about becoming a mentor and do you offer some sort of internship in your business for those who would like a more hands on training in the field?
  
  Karyn: At this time we don’t really have the resources to devote to an internship program but it is something we would like to incorporate in the future. We do offer lots of education through classes and programs, including free seminars, for people who want to increase their exposure to the holistic world. For someone starting their own business I would recommend a lot of planning, research and patience! Although there are many more resources today than when I started out 25 years ago, it’s still a difficult business to navigate.
  
  Question from Jennifer M.:  What do you think the pie chart would look like among your patrons if split up among omnivores, vegetarians, vegans, and raw-terians?  
  
  Karyn: I would say 65% omnivores, 20% vegetarian, 10% vegan, 5% raw which makes us very happy because we are in the business of educating and trying to bring that 65% of omnivores more into the vegetarian, vegan or raw category.
  
  Comment from Laura H.: Dear Karyn, I do not have a question but I want to tell you how much my family (kids included) and I love your restaurants and go whenever we visit Chicago. We have learned a lot about healthy eating and healthy living from your center and we and thank you for all you do.
  
  Karyn: Thank you so much for helping to sustain the vision
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• Squeeze Card is Coming! Chicago's New Sustainable Savings Card Aims to Help Green Businesses Grow
  A Fresh Squeeze, Chicagoland’s online source for green living, is finishing up a massive website redesign which promises an abundance of new, integrated stories and resources for Chicagoans, plus a gaggle of new customers for Chicago-area green businesses. Launching in late January, the new afreshsqueeze.com will transform its traditional email article format into a dynamic multimedia destination for Chicagoans looking to make green living more understandable and accessible.
  
  “A Fresh Squeeze has developed a large loyal following because of our fresh and relevant content,” explained Dan Cox, publisher of the three-year old web-zine. “But our circa 2006 delivery format? Not so fresh and not so relevant.”
  
  The new, improved A Fresh Squeeze will entrust much of its new written articles to local, green expert contributors. Many other local stories will be covered by the new SqueezeTV channel, providing 2-3 new short-form shows every month.
  
  Amid all of these features upgrades, A Fresh Squeeze will also be launching its new SqueezeCard™ Sustainable Savings Program for Chicagoland’s conscious consumers. This subscription discount program encourages card-carrying members to try local green products, services and experiences through exclusive deals that are provided by participating merchants.
  
  “The SqueezeCard is the Match.com for green businesses and Chicago’s conscious shoppers,” said Dan. “Mainstream Chicagoans want to patronize local green businesses and products, and this SqueezeCard program gives them both the wherewithal and the incentive to do it.”
  
  Participating businesses enjoy a variety of benefits, including free marketing and promotion, shared foot traffic with other businesses, an extended business profile on the new A Fresh Squeeze site, as well as the ability to post and manage SqueezeCard deals, events and job openings. There is no cost for merchants to participate.
  
  Dan says nearly forty businesses have signed on to the SqueezeCard program so far, which feature a good mixture of smaller businesses and more recognized brand names. Businesses can apply to be part of the SqueezeCard program at www.SqueezeCard.com....More...
• The Vert Is In Green Fashion Show Hits Chicago with High Design and Low Impact
  For a week at least, a “busy runway” in Chicago may not be an airport reference.
  
  The 5th Annual Fashion Focus Chicago, a city sponsored 4-day event, will provide stages and spotlights for some of the Midwest’s hottest and most prolific fashion designers, resembling a haute couture gathering more familiar to New York City.
  
  But Bianca and Michael Alexander with Conscious Planet Media have been working hard on a participating runway show that will be unique even to the Big Apple.  Vert Couture is a Fashion Focus Chicago runway event highlighting the best in Chicago’s eco-fashion, or fashion that promotes aesthetic design and environmental sustainability.
  
  Vert Couture showcases the work of local designers Lara Miller, Mountains of the Moon, Vaute Couture, Frei Designs, Bryant McLemore Smith and Elise Bergman for the Fall/Winter season.  The show will be held at Yates Gallery in the Chicago Cultural Center on Sunday, October 25th from 7pm to 8pm.
  
  “All of the elements of the show will be sustainable--and fabulous,” says Bianca Alexander, show producer and co-founder of Conscious Planet Media. “And in the spirit of sustainability, all profits from the event will be donated to local charity.”  
  
  To purchase tickets or for more information click here.
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• Platinum or Bust Green Exchange Scores Big on LEED Certification Design Phase
  So far so good.
  
  That was the unanimous sentiment from our building development team as the first scores were received since applying for the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.  At the midway point, Green Exchange has earned 28 of the 45 points needed to attain the highest level of green building certification – LEED Platinum.
  
  About LEED Certification
  
  The U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED rating system is the preeminent program for designing, building and operating green buildings. 35,000 projects are currently participating in the LEED system, comprising over 5.6 billion square feet of construction space in all 50 states and 91 countries. By using less energy, LEED-certified buildings save money for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community.
  
  The Green Exchange has earned 28 points in the design submission, which already meets the threshold for LEED Silver certification. The second, and final, phase is the construction phase which will be reviewed for the remainder of possible points post-construction.
  
  There are only 9 LEED Platinum buildings/commercial interior spaces in the City of Chicago, and Green Exchange is set to become one of the largest.  Of the four levels of LEED Certification --Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum -- the Green Exchange will seek to obtain Platinum certification under the Core and Shell (CS) 2.0 rating system which is used for substantial rehab.
  
  GX Design Highlights
  
  Green Exchange boasts numerous interesting green building features, many of which contributed to the 28 Design points that have already been earned toward certification.
  
  The building is conveniently located on an urban site in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago’s northwest side. There are three bus lines including the Diversey Ave. bus and two Western Ave. bus lines within a quarter mile of the building. Eighty covered bike storage spaces, lockers and showers will be provided for building occupants to encourage bike traffic to and from the building. There will be priority parking for low emitting and fuel efficient vehicles. In addition, the Green Exchange will have fifty-six work/live lofts in which tenants can work and live in the same space and essentially have no commute. Altogether, this site location and transportation approach contributed to 6 LEED Design points.
  
  Green Exchange’s 41,000-gallon cistern will collect rain water and be the sole source for irrigating over 15,000 square feet of vegetated roof. Combined with water efficient fixtures, potable water consumption will be reduced 37.5% over a comparable building. These water efficiencies lead to achieving 4 LEED Design points.
  
  The design of the mechanical system will be at least 22% more efficient than that of a comparable building, according to energy modeling we performed.  Ninety solar thermal panels will heat all of the domestic water. This hot water will also be used for a cutting-edge air-conditioning and dehumidification application for the work/live loft corridors that contributed to 6 of the LEED Design points.
  
  What’s Next
  
  The Green Exchange has already been pre-approved for its construction points. The project was reviewed at the schematic design stage and the USGBC acknowledged the construction points were achievable if everything goes as proposed. We must continue to document Construction LEED points throughout the building process and then submit them for final approval when construction has been substantially completed....More...
• Eco-leader Alderman Manuel Flores Answers Your Questions First Ward Alderman Manuel Flores talks back...
  Manuel Flores, Chicago's First Ward Alderman, was featured last month as our Eco-Leader. He received many wonderful questions from our web community and has provided a select number of responses. Please read on to see if your question was answered and to learn more about some of the initiatives and programs underway.
  
  Question from Thomas F: It’s great to see such a proactive Alderman when it comes to bringing the green economy to Chicago.  Besides the Green Economy and your support of the Green Exchange, what other endeavors are you exploring?
  
  Answer: We are currently working on redeveloping the Addison industrial corridor into a sustainable clean technology park, as well as helping Lathrop Homes, a Chicago Housing Authority site, achieve LEED ND Gold certification. By working with different groups, organizations, and business on innovative and creative projects, we can significantly increase sustainable development not only in the 1st ward but throughout the City of Chicago. To learn more about my various legislative efforts, feel free to visit www.mannyflores.org.
  
  Question from Beth W: Do you see the soft economy slowing down progress on environmental progress and policy?
  
  Answer: The economic downturn has certainly slowed the rate of investment in clean technologies and new construction.  But even the recession provides new opportunities—for example, the stimulus passed by Congress earlier this year invests billions in worker training for “green jobs”, home weatherization, smart grid updates, and research into new technologies.
  
  I see environmental sustainability as a crucial factor in getting our economy back on track and making Chicago more competitive in this new economy. While some might argue that living sustainably has higher upfront costs, those actions ultimately result in lower electricity bills, lower gas payments, cleaner air, and a more livable community. As Alderman of the 1st Ward, I continue to promote the development of “green” buildings, holding workshops for development professionals to explain the true costs associated with green construction, and to expand public incentives for businesses and developments that are environmentally responsible.
  
  Question from Dominic M: The Chicago Climate Action Plan is a good start, but the follow-up execution seems to be slow.  Are we still on track to meet our goals?
  
  Answer: Adopting the Chicago Climate Action Plan was a great step in the right direction and we have already begun to move forward in the implementation. However, this ambitious plan is going to require continuous effort and a commitment from not just City Hall but also from city residents and other community stakeholders. Resources like greeneconomychicago.com are ideally suited for bringing people together in the kind of grassroots effort that is necessary for the successful implementation of the Chicago Climate Action Plan.
  
  Question from Martha P: You’ve been opposed to the Mayor’s financial promises around Chicago’s Olympics bid.  Do you think there is a realistic scenario that works for both the IOC and the people of Chicago?
  
  Answer: The City Council recently passed an ordinance that I introduced to mandate transparency and oversight of the Olympics planning process. The ordinance requires detailed quarterly financial reports, information on contracting requests and expenditures, and comprehensive financial disclosure forms – including notice of every contractor and whether he or she has donated to the Organizing Committee. My ordinance also creates a joint City Council committee of the Finance and Budget committees to provide ongoing oversight of the Olympics planning process and includes the chairmen of the Budget and Finance committees on the Olympics Organizing Committee board of directors.
  
  Many of us on the City Council were also concerned about the financial liability that could fall on Chicago taxpayers.  To address this issue, we mandated the purchase of capital replacement insurance for the development of the Olympic Village. Capital replacement insurance is a brand new insurance product that was developed exclusively to protect the Chicago 2016 games in case developers can not meet their obligations as was the case in Vancouver.
  
  Question from Tom F: Which other Aldermen are taking on green projects or programs in their communities?
  
  Answer: Aldermen Helen Schiller (46), Joe Moore (49), Virginia Rugai (19), Margaret Laurino (39), Carrie Austin (34), John Pope (10) and Mary Ann Smith (48) have been vocal about promoting sustainability and have acted on the issue. However, there has been movement towards sustainability throughout the entire city; all 50 wards are home to projects that promote clean development.   
  
  Question from Franklin S: It seems like your green initiatives have been as much about creating jobs as environmental sustainability.  What is your definition of a green job, and what types of green jobs do you think will grow most quickly in Chicago?
  
  Answer: I view a “green” job as having three main attributes: first, it must be in an industry that does not inherently have a negative impact on the environment; second, it must provide a good wage and benefits to its workers; and third, it must provide for upward mobility if the worker is willing to work hard.
  
  I expect great job growth in the design and construction of sustainable architecture and the retrofitting of exiting structures to meet global efficiency standards. Chicago should also be competitive in attracting companies that develop alternative energy systems such as wind turbines, solar energy panels and geothermal structures. All of these clean energy and technology ventures need to be funded and that is why green finance will also grow in the near future...More...
• Conscious Planet Media Relocating to Chicago's Green Exchange Full-Service Media Production Company Joins Growing Tenant Roster
  Originally from Southern California, Conscious Planet Media is setting down roots in Chicago as one of the city’s first full-service green media and HD video production companies.
  
  The company is creating its custom Platinum-LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) television studio at Green Exchange, 2545 W. Diversey Ave. When it opens later this year, Green Exchange will be the country’s largest business community committed to environmental sustainability, profit and positive social impact.
   
  Dedicated to telling stories that help create a more just and sustainable world, Conscious Planet Media produces High-Definition film, TV and lifestyle programming, including Conscious Living TV and The Soul of Green, launched earlier this year. With its move to Chicago, Conscious Planet Media is expanding its video production division to meet the rising demand of socially-responsible entrepreneurs and sustainable businesses and organizations looking to harness the power of HD video to tell their unique stories.
  
  Traditional production companies often have a devastating impact on the environment because they produce lots of waste and use an exorbitant amount of energy.  Conscious Planet Media prides itself on its low carbon footprint.  According to Michael Alexander, Conscious Planet Media President and Executive Producer, “Throughout our company, we employ the latest green practices, including employing state-of-the-art production equipment, show cameras and energy-efficient lighting.  We also use recycled materials wherever possible, and offset the carbon emitted from all of our productions.”
  
  Conscious Living TV, currently filming its fifth season, offers the most current green lifestyle information pertaining to a broad spectrum of practical, conscious living topics including eco-fashion, green travel and design, home and garden, spirituality,  natural beauty, organic food and holistic health.
  
  The Soul of Green, which debuted in February, features the often untold stories of people of color who are on the leading edge of the green movement, with practical tips for navigating the sometimes murky waters of sustainable living.
  
  Veteran TV Host and Green Living Expert, Conscious Planet Media CEO Bianca Alexander states, “Our mission is to raise the consciousness of the planet by using the inspirational and educational power of media to authentically tell stories currently not told by mainstream or traditional media outlets. Moving to Green Exchange is an innovative way for Conscious Planet Media to interact with a broad and receptive network of like-minded businesses and eco-conscious consumers.”
  
  Conscious Planet Media is a welcome addition at Green Exchange, which seeks to broaden the sustainable business marketplace from niche to mainstream and further Chicago’s efforts to become the greenest city in the United States. As a convergence point for the green community to share best practices, network and provide an environment actively fostering tenant success, Green Exchange also will showcase a mix of complementary businesses offering a unique collection of green products and services to environmentally-conscientious consumers.  Since its move to Chicago in February, Conscious Living TV has been capturing and broadcasting the stories of the Green Exchange tenants and the evolution of this historic building project.
  
  For more information about Conscious Planet Media, click here, or watch its shows at www.ConsciousLivingTV.com and www.SoulofGreen.com.
  ...More...
• Green Exchange Momentum Accelerates Several New Tenants Join GX Community
  We are very pleased to report that despite current challenges in the global economy, Green Exchange has had a strong surge in momentum as its community of tenants continues to grow each month. Our enthusiastic and vibrant community continues to grow each month with recognizable enterprises, non-profit organizations, as well as fledgling startups.  Green Exchange is a unique home for any type of business looking to advance the green economy in some way.
  
  Some of our newest committed tenants include:
  
  Mindful Metropolis is a free socially-conscious print publication available at more than 570 distribution points throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.  More than 40,000 copies of the full color glossy eco-friendly print magazine are circulated monthly, featuring stories about living more consciously in and around Chicagoland.  Mindful Metropolis is dedicated to connecting Chicagoland’s conscious community by uplifting businesses, non-profits, local organizations and educational institutions which inspire individuals and communities to act responsibly, by exploring green culture art and design, and by bringing conscious living concepts from the kitchen table to the boardroom table and all places in between.
  
  Local First Chicago was formed in 2005 as a network of locally owned, independent businesses and community organizations joined together to keep money and character in our neighborhoods and build a thriving local living economy. In doing so, Local First Chicago hopes to promote the overall social, economic, and environmental health of our economy and communities.  Local First Chicago's mission is to educate the public on the importance of choosing locally owned, independent businesses. We work primarily through public education, business support, and advocacy.
  
  Conscious Planet Media is one of the city’s first full-service green media, HD video production, TV and lifestyle programming companies located in a custom, Platinum LEED television studio. The company is dedicated to telling stories that help create a more just and sustainable world. Its productions include Conscious Living TV and The Soul of Green. Conscious Planet Media is expanding its video production division to meet the rising demand of socially-responsible entrepreneurs and sustainable businesses and organizations looking to harness the power of HD video to tell their unique stories. It employs the latest green practices, state-of-the-art production equipment, show cameras, recycled materials and energy-efficient lighting.
  
  The Centre for Sustainability and Excellence (CSE) North America is an international advisory, coaching and training organization specializing in sustainable development solutions. CSE has offices in Chicago, Athens, Brussels and Cyprus. It works with private and public sector clients for the advancement of sustainability within operation and organizational framework. CSE’s goal is to assist organizations and institutions in producing positive impact and added value for stakeholders. It provides targeted support in the areas of: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Management & Reporting, Climate Change Solutions, Green & Social Cause Marketing, CSR Assurance & Sustainable Investments, Performance Management, and Executive Training Workshops.
  
  Kuma Energy Solutions, LLC provides sustainable energy efficient solutions including the one-of-a-kind Aeroturbine urban wind turbine to commercial, industrial and institutional consumers. The company offers a range of renewable energy and energy efficiency assessment, action planning services and products. Kuma Energy's featured product is the Aeroturbine, specifically designed for the urban environment. The patented vertical axis wind turbine can be installed on existing rooftops or included in new building design to provide clean renewable energy at the site of consumption. Manufactured by AeroEdison Industries, LLC, the Aeroturbine qualifies for federal and state renewable energy incentives. It can be mounted vertically, horizontally or stacked; energy production can be increased by use in combination with the AeroEdison Solar Panel Incline. Kuma Energy also offers energy efficiency products including LED lighting, reflective roofing and weatherization.
  
  Barefoot Concrete is an FSC-certified provider of polished concrete floors with green benefits that can translate to points toward LEED certification. Rejuvenation of existing concrete surfaces allows Barefoot Concrete customers in industrial, commercial and residential settings to choose environmentally-friendly, cost-efficient flooring.  The polishing process promotes sustainability and cost efficiency without demolition, removal and disposal of existing floors; materials are VOC-compliant (unlike many tile or carpet options); inherent reflective and thermal mass properties can substantially reduce lighting and heating energy consumption; and durable, long-term flooring provides simplified maintenance. For more information, visit.
  
  Greenspace Supply is a one-stop source for office, janitorial, energy and maintenance supplies and solutions that make facilities greener, healthier and more efficient. Greenspace saves organizations money and increases their efficiency by developing cost-effective green purchasing, building operations and maintenance programs. It offers reasonably priced products available for next-day delivery nationwide from more than 50 warehouses. Greenspace developed its innovative EcoMetrics™ scorecard system to help customers measure and report on the success of their green programs. Greenspace’s programs, product offerings and metrics are developed under the supervision of its LEED® Accredited Professionals. Currently based in Northbrook, Ill., Greenspace is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council and is an Energy Star Partner....More...
• Eco-Leader Nick Andrews Answers Your Questions Managing Director of the Centre for Sustainability and Excellence talks back...
  Nick Andrews, Managing Director of the Center for Sustainability and Excellence, was featured last month as our Eco-Leader. He received many wonderful questions from our web community and has provided a select number of responses. Please read on to see if your question was answered and to learn more about some of the initiatives and programs underway.
  
  Question from Dick E: We have a mineral, least toxic, EPA Registered pesticide that also absorbs CO2.  Looking for information on Carbon Credit Exchanges and how to get it registered as such.  My company is DiaSource, Inc www.bugging-out.com
  
  Answer: Hi Dick, your product represents a value to the environment in that it absorbs CO2. Regarding the CCX, the carbon credits made possible by your product can be sold on the CCX market, but only on a relatively massive scale. Therefore, if your company cannot collect enough CO2 offsets to be sold on the CCX, you have the option of selling them to what is known as an "Aggregator" who can collect enough to then be sold on the market.
  
  Question from Amy L: Is it ok for any organization to enter the Show Your Carbon Footprint competition? We are not a sustainability specialist or "green" organization, but have many ideas for events and marketing in this particular area.
  
  Answer: Hi Amy, Our "Show Your Carbon Footprint" competition is open to all and any organizations with an innovative, out of the box, idea to develop a product/service/event with no carbon emissions.
  
  Question from Michael M: What are some of the challenges you face in guiding corporations to move from awareness to action?
  
  Answer: Hi Michael, the benefits of Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility are generally long term, making it hard for business leaders to see the immediate business case for investments. Like any business investment, there must be a proven return on investment for each project invested in. In the debate on Sustainability, new research has been released by the UN Global Compact and Goldman Sachs proving a financial benefit from investing in Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility....More...
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