9-Dec-14 – A citywide initiative to cut energy use by one-fifth has attracted seven commercial buildings in River North.

“Retrofit Chicago” has five years to meet the goal.

The mayor’s office announced on Monday that a 50th building has joined the program. The list now includes 440 North Wells, 515 North State, AMA Plaza, Hampton Inn & Suites, Hotel Palomar, Merchandise Mart, and Wrigley Building.

If a building is eligible, it receives a free energy assessment and free installation of energy efficient light bulbs in common areas. Financial incentives are offered to buildings that want to do more, like improve insulation or upgrade HVAC systems.

“Retrofit Chicago participants are leading a rising private sector energy movement that demonstrates how efficiency leads to saving money, reducing carbon emissions, creating 21st century jobs, and lowering the cost of doing business in Chicago,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

The city also announced a new partnership with Elevate Energy to improve energy efficiency over the next three years in 2,500 apartments in Chicago that are electrically heated. The non-profit organization designs and implements energy efficiency programs and, according to the mayor’s office, has upgraded more than 18,000 units in the Chicago area.