On April 22, 2003 The Chicago Center for Green Technology (CCGT) was awarded a “Top Ten Green” award by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and its committee on the Environment (COTE). As one of 10 awarded nationwide, CCGT was selected as an example of architectural and “green” design solutions for addressing significant environmental challenges with designs that integrate architecture, technology and natural systems.

The Chicago Center for Green Technology, located at 445 N. Sacramento Blvd., on the West side of Chicago, was dedicated in May of 2002 by Chicago’s Mayor Richard M. Daley. It is a national model of energy efficiency and environmentally responsible design, being about 40% more energy efficient than a conventional building of its size. The project consisted of the renovation of an existing building on a former Brownfield site using the U S Green Building Council’s LEED Rating System.

The center gets 20% of its energy from the sun, with solar panels on the roof and photovoltaic awnings shading south-facing windows. Offices in the building have fluorescent lights with special sensors so the lights dim or brighten automatically depending on how much sunlight is coming in through the windows. Skylights and large windows further reduce the need for electricity.

Spectrum Engineering, Inc. provided electrical engineering services including design of site utilities, security, fire alarm and power distribution system, as well as a system for monitoring solar panel output, and a switching mechanism for integration of solar power to the main switchboard.