Chicago Construction News staff writer
Chicago has officially become one of the largest cities in the U.S. to transition all of its municipal operations to 100% renewable energy. Mayor Brandon Johnson, alongside the Department of Environment (DOE) and the Department of Fleet and Facility Management (2FM), announced the city reached this ambitious goal on Jan. 1, 2025—marking a major step forward in the city’s commitment to combat climate change and promote clean energy.
This milestone was the result of several years of collaboration with nonprofit partner Elevate, retail electricity supplier Constellation, and energy developer Swift Current Energy. Together, these groups secured an energy supply agreement and community benefits agreement, making Chicago one of the nation’s largest cities to source all its municipal energy from renewable sources.
“Today, Chicago leads by example, demonstrating that bold action on climate change can power not only our city but our future,” said Johnson. “By transitioning to 100% renewable energy, we’re fulfilling a promise to our residents to create clean jobs, reduce emissions, and move toward a sustainable and equitable future.”
As part of the energy supply agreement with Constellation, 70% of Chicago’s renewable energy will come from the Double Black Diamond solar project—an expansive, 593-megawatt solar farm developed by Swift Current Energy in Sangamon and Morgan counties, located downstate. The remaining 30% of energy will be sourced through renewable energy credits. This shift is expected to cut Chicago’s carbon emissions by approximately 290,000 metric tons annually, equivalent to removing 62,000 cars from the road, advancing the city’s climate goals under the 2022 Chicago Climate Action Plan.
“Chicago’s bold move to 100% renewable energy for City operations is a game-changer,” said Angela Tovar, commissioner of the DOE. “This achievement brings us closer to our target of making all energy consumed in Chicago renewable by 2035, and it’s a testament to our commitment to a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable future for all our residents.”
In addition to environmental benefits, the transition to renewable energy has spurred job creation and new economic opportunities. The city worked with Elevate to ensure the project benefited local communities, particularly those that have historically borne the brunt of environmental harm. The partnership has already led to workforce development initiatives, including new training programs with Chicago Women in Trades, which helps women enter the construction and welding industries.
As part of the project, the city became one of the first public entities to receive the Clean and Equitable Jobs (CEJA) self-direct credit, which is awarded for adhering to labor and equity standards. This achievement signals Chicago’s ongoing commitment to creating good-paying, sustainable jobs while advancing social equity.
“Working together, we’ve achieved something extraordinary,” said Julie Hernandez-Tomlin, commissioner of 2FM. “Our collaborative efforts have not only made Chicago’s operations greener, but also helped create a more equitable, livable city. We’re proud to be at the forefront of this movement.”
Chicago’s success in transitioning to 100% renewable energy underscores the power of collective action between government, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector. Delmar Gillus, chief operating officer of Elevate, emphasized the importance of collaboration: “When we work side by side, communities, businesses, and local governments can achieve extraordinary outcomes. Chicago’s achievement is a testament to what’s possible, and we hope it inspires other cities to take bold climate action and ensure renewable energy access for all.”
Chicago’s renewable energy transition is a crucial step in the city’s broader effort to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 62% by 2040, as outlined in the Chicago Climate Action Plan. The city is also committed to scaling up renewable energy use across all sectors, with a long-term vision of a fully renewable city by 2035.
“We have only just begun,” said Mayor Johnson. “This is a defining moment for Chicago, but it’s just the start of a journey that will make our city stronger, healthier, and more sustainable for generations to come.”
For more details on Chicago’s renewable energy initiatives and progress toward a greener future, visit chicago.gov/chi100.
