Photos: Sizing up Chicago's green high rises

Onsite recycling of fluorescent bulbs, which contain mercury, helped the Merchandise Mart to earn green credentials. A recycling centre there also manages paper, glass, and batteries. Building tenants use recycled paper and energy-efficient lighting.

However, many Chicagoans complain about the lack of a reliable citywide recycling program. The vast majority of garbage in Chicago still winds up in landfills.

Credit: Chicago Merchandise Mart

Bicycle storage, shown here in the Merchandise Mart, as well as space for cars that can be rented by the hour, are becoming more popular in Chicago's office and retail buildings whose owners seek a green seal of approval. Close proximity to the city's public buses, subways, and 'El' lines also help to rack up points toward LEED certification.

Credit: Chicago Merchandise Mart

The roof of Chicago City Hall has been covered with greenery since 2001. The project, part of a study with the Environmental Protection Agency, cost $400,000 (£192,000) and has saved the city tens of thousands of dollars in energy bills. The city is offering $285,000 (£137,000) worth of grants to building owners seeking to install green roofs. There are now more than 250 green roofs comprising 93,000 square metres in Chicago.

Credit: Conservation Design Forum

The top of City Hall is home to more than 100 species of native and non-native plants. Unfortunately, it is not open to the public. Access to the roof requires climbing some narrow staircases.

Credit: Conservation Design Forum

The Greenbuild convention attracted more than 22,000 attendees and was held at the new McCormick Place West, which opened under budget in August as the largest new building yet to achieve LEED certification.

Among its eco-friendly features are a 14,000-square-metre roof garden; drip irrigation systems; energy-efficient lighting; and recycled, locally bought building materials. A 945-metre-long tunnel is designed to channel 208 million litres of storm water into Lake Michigan each year.

Credit: Gregory Wenzel

When it opened in 2005, 111 South Wacker became Chicago's first LEED-certified tower. The 51-story, 121,000-square-metre office building features energy-efficient lighting, paints and carpeting with minimal toxic ingredients, as well as recycled, locally sourced materials.

Viracon glass helps to insulate heat and noise. The builders reused most of the foundation from the building previously located on the site. The sloping, spiral ceiling of the lobby is shaped by the parking garage above it.

Credit: Gregory Wenzel

Green rooftops can reduce the summer temperature of buildings, absorb carbons, and attract wildlife. The green roof of 111 South Wacker isn't accessible to building tenants. However, maintenance workers said they don't mind working the nights of holidays like 4 July, because they can enjoy spectacular views of lakefront fireworks.

Credit: Gregory Wenzel

This southern view shows the Sears Tower in the background. The succulent plants, which include sedum, get their moisture from rainwater. They are planted in recycled plastic boxes that allow for easy drainage.

Credit: Gregory Wenzel

The 111 South Wacker tower was designed to locate cubicle-dwellers and conference rooms -- not just executive offices -- along the windows, offering sweeping views of downtown and beyond.

Credit: Gregory Wenzel

The 40-story tower at One South Dearborn is the second office tower in Chicago to attain LEED certification. It features carpeting and paints with reduced toxic chemicals, ultraviolet air purification and drinking water that flows through biodegradable filters. Floor-to-ceiling windows reduce the need for electricity during office hours.

Credit: Gregory Wenzel

The 76,000 square-metre building at One South Dearborn offers all workers access to this balcony, located outside the offices of a law firm.

Credit: Gregory Wenzel

This unfinished office space within One South Dearborn doesn't look much different from those in buildings with fewer energy efficiencies. However, green elements lurk underneath. For instance, more than 40 per cent of the building materials come from local sources.

Credit: Gregory Wenzel

The luxury tower at 340 On the Park packs 350 condominiums and two green roofs into 61 stories. It is the first residential tower in Chicago to win LEED certification. Builders recycled 82 per cent of construction waste. They used recycled concrete, steel and drywall as well as interior materials that are low in volatile organic compounds.

Bamboo floors are standard for each condominium, and the building offers owners green cleaning options. Sensors control kitchen, bath and laundry fans, which are turned off when not in use. A two-bedroom, 177-square-metre condo is priced above $1m (£484,000).

Credit: Gregory Wenzel

Millennium Park is the front yard of the condominium tower, whose location at the edge of downtown helped it earn LEED points. Located near many museums, offices and stores, the park includes a band shell, auditorium, ice-skating rink, fountain, gardens and sculptures including the reflective Cloud Gate 'bean'.

Credit: Gregory Wenzel

Residents of 340 On the Park can use a shared indoor recreation room with a balcony and grill. Six stories of garages are located beneath the lobby, unlike most Chicago high-rises that locate parking above the lobby. The garage includes parking for bicycles, and for a Prius that can be rented by the hour through a car-sharing service.

Credit: Gregory Wenzel