About this Project

The City of Chicago developed a comprehensive strat­egy to encourage the sustainable expansion of the City’s key industries. The Chicago Sustainable Industries Strat­egy (CSI) was the City’s first effort to coordinate the eco­nomic, social, and environmental aspects of Chicago’s manufacturing sector into a single, comprehensive plan­ning effort. As part of this initiative, the City’s Depart­ment of Housing and Economic Development (CDHED) initiated an energy and economic feasibility study to determine whether and how the City’s supply of industri­al buildings and associated property could become sites for solar power systems.

Leveraging our familiarity with local datasets, we analyzed appropriate structures and areas for the development of solar power generation. This analysis was based on a number of factors including, but not limited to—roof type, roof size, elevation, shadow effect of neighboring structures, and soils—and served as a base for the entire study. After identifying possible solar generation sites, these areas were compared to areas from locations in the country that have successfully implemented urban solar power systems. We also created a web-based map viewer that displays the spatial data used in the analysis, allowing the team to share results with a range of stakeholders.

Our team helped to craft a final report that investigated the development of solar systems in Chi­cago, from collection and energy transfer, to licens­ing and incentivized building models. This report also included a business plan outlining an organizational structure for operating a City solar generation program, a costing structure that balances installation costs and energy savings, and a marketing strategy for moving forward. Ultimately, this study helps the City to address the key goals of industrial sustainability, economic vital­ity, and environmental responsibility.