Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago’s Post

MWRD Seeks Applicants For Sustainable Landscaping Awards; Applications Due September 30, 2024 The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) is accepting applications from Cook County individuals and organizations for its 2024 Sustainable Landscaping Awards until September 30. The awards recognize the activities and innovations from entities such as cities and villages, schools, houses of worship, businesses and others. Qualifications for the Sustainable Landscaping award may be demonstrated through the innovative use of green infrastructure, capital investment (private and public), and public education. Green infrastructure (GI) includes: 🔹Rainwater Harvesting, i.e. through rain barrels 🔹Rain Gardens 🔹Native Landscaping 🔹Stormwater Trees 🔹Porous Pavement 🔹Bioswales 🔹Green Roofs 🔹Greenways 🔹Wetlands 🔹Green Alleys, Streets and Parking Lots Award categories include: 🏆 Excellence in promoting Green Infrastructure to local residents 🏆 Excellence in Green Infrastructure Partnership Program Maintenance 🏆 Excellence in new Green Infrastructure Installation Awards will be presented at the MWRD’s 12th annual Sustainability Summit to be held at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant Auditorium, 6001 W. Pershing Ave., Cicero, IL on October 29 from 10 a.m. – noon. For more information about the awards or Sustainability Summit, contact (312) 751-6633. Apply for an award and/or register for the summit: https://lnkd.in/gPwnsuhp #MWRD #CookCounty #StormwaterManagement #WastewaterTreatment #GreenInfrastructure #SustainableLandscaping

“The term "nature-based solutions" describes the strategic use of natural features or processes to help solve both human and ecological problems. Although most water treatment and reuse projects use conventional water infrastructure, such as sewers and treatment plants, they may also incorporate nature-based solutions, such as treatment wetlands, into their design. Nature-based solutions can be attractive to utilities interested in water reuse because of the multiple benefits they can provide to communities, including improved water quality, habitat restoration and recreational opportunities.” Read more at

I bloody love the look of living walls - but- I'm not convinced about how practical they are (maybe someone can prove me wrong!) 😕 This is M&S' flagstore green store in Ecclesall Road, Sheffield - showing the before and after of having their living wall setup. I don't want to be outed for highlighting the negative here, or accusing M&S of greenwashing - they should be commended for making the effort and giving it a real go. At this site in particular they have applied sustainable construction which features: - Indigenous planting and wildlife habitats 🌼 - Using reclaimed bricks 🧱 - Utilising rainwater harvesting ☔ - Use of heat reclaim technologies ☀ - Sustainable cycle shelters 🚲 - Green roofs & living walls 🌷 - Sun pipes (like a light tube - avoiding the need for artificial lighting) 😎 - EV charging points 🔌 - 100% LED lighting 💡 - and lots more! Did you know the construction sector is responsible for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions? Whilst the living wall might not be in great shape I think it's super important that new builds and the whole construction sector try their best to continue to implement new green build solutions. And finally - if you're concerned about the state of the wall - don't fret - according to an M&S spokesperson they have "looked into this, and it appears there has been some drainage issues so we have a contractor visiting to arrange replanting.” 👏👏👏 (above quote and image via TheStar/National World). #livingwalls #sustainability #carbon #green #actonclimate

1.5m new homes over the next five years is the target, but how can we make sure environmental and social values are at the heart of housebuilding? Learn more with us on 17 July

What if roads could be a force for good? Check out these three good examples! The Netherlands is at the forefront of sustainable road infrastructure with its Smart Highway initiative. These roads incorporate innovative technologies to enhance safety, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Examples include glow-in-the-dark road markings, dynamic paint that responds to temperature changes, and roads that generate energy through embedded piezoelectric materials activated by passing vehicles. The Green Road, or “Ecopista,” is a sustainable transport initiative in Portugal that transforms abandoned railway lines into eco-friendly cycling and walking paths. One notable example is the Ecopista do Dão or Green Road. The Green Road promotes non-motorized transportation, biodiversity conservation, and the revitalization of disused railway infrastructure. It offers a scenic and environmentally friendly route for recreational activities. The Parkville Smart Road Project in Melbourne, Australia, is an endeavor to create a connected and sustainable transport corridor. It leverages technology and data to enhance the efficiency and environmental performance of the road network. Smart infrastructure elements include LED streetlights, sensors for real-time traffic management, and green spaces integrated into the road design. The project aims to reduce energy consumption and improve overall urban sustainability.

Some people say that knowledge is power, but I believe that true Power is born out of strong partnerships. Check out this post to learn more. #Realestatedeveloper #realestatedevelopment #sustainability

#Greenroofs, also known as #rooftopgardens, are planted 🌳over a #waterproofingmembrane and cover a facility’s roof with #vegetation. 🌱 #Facilitiesmanagers should consider green roofs for #stormwatermanagement ⛈️ and #energysavings, as well as to provide rooftop #gardens, #educationalspaces, and #urbanfoodproduction. 🌽 ❓QUESTIONS: Do you have a green roof? If so, what is your advice for others who want to install one? ❓ US General Services Administration, National Park Service, Living Roofs , University of Michigan, American Society for Horticultural Science, US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Chesapeake Bay Trust

New study reveals surging adoption of water and materials conservation and energy efficiency in building practices. How are measuring up? https://lnkd.in/e6daRJgc