Green Airport Initiative

EDI partnered with Landrum & Brown and other leading area firms to help the Chicago Department of Aviation achieve measurable short and long term benefits in environmental quality and energy savings. The objective of this project was to identify strategies for both maintaining and exceeding regulatory compliance, while simultaneously improving environmental quality and reducing operating costs. The product of this program was a clearly defined strategic plan for accommodating growth in a manner illustrating the principles of sustainable development. As part of this project objective, the following disciplines were investigated: air emissions; water effluent; energy consumption; carbon footprint; noise; solid waste; and environmental program management.

The major tasks of this project included the documentation of environmental achievements, the identification of opportunities to exceed compliance, the illustration of each airport’s “Environmental Footprint,” getting the word out, strengthening relationships with neighboring communities, and securing outside support for programs as needed.