Changes taking place at the Sears Tower go beyond a name change, though "Willis Tower" will become the Chicago landmark's official name in July.
According to an article in the Chicago Tribune, the owners of the tower unveiled a plan Wednesday to reduce electricity use by up to 80 percent as part of a $350 million effort to make the 110-story building more environmentally responsible. The tower's green efforts will include installing renewable energy sources - solar panels and possibly wind turbines - to power a luxury hotel the owners want to build adjacent to the downtown skyscraper. Other initiatives, including window glazing and mechanical and lighting system retrofits, are fueling the tower's efforts to become more energy efficient.
While the West Coast is known for taking the lead on many green initiatives, Chicago is not far behind. Vegetative roofs have become a key cog in the city's green efforts, and other landmark facilities, such as The Merchandise Mart, recently have achieved LEED for Existing Buildings Certification. The fact The Merchandise Mart, the world's largest commercial building, achieved LEED certification is proof that managers in facilities of all shapes and sizes can commit to green initiatives and accomplish their goals.
Seeing what's taking place at the Sears Tower hammers that point home.
interesting - wonder what the timeline is? thanks for sharing.
I updated the article link in the blog. The new article states it will be about a five-year project and could begin next spring. Thanks for the comment.
Chris