Chicago Public Library (CPL) and the Departments of Environment (DOE) and Fleet & Facility Management (2FM) today announced new solar installations at the South Chicago and Humboldt Park Branch locations.
The new rooftop solar panels and retrofits help further the City’s Chi100 initiative, which represents Chicago’s efforts to expand clean, renewable energy solutions citywide. As part of the project, the two library locations also received a full energy retrofit, including lighting upgrades and high-efficiency HVAC replacement, to help maximize energy efficiency. Two additional library solar projects at the Toman and West Lawn library branches are slated to begin construction by Fall 2025.
“The City of Chicago started 2025 by transitioning our municipal operations to 100% renewable energy,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “Today, with new solar installations on two Chicago libraries, we are taking our commitment to clean energy to the next level. My administration recognizes the importance of climate action in our neighborhoods, and we will continue to push forward an equitable and bold climate agenda that benefits all Chicagoans.”
The library solar projects were funded by the Chicago Recovery Plan, the City’s plan to create an equity-based investment strategy as part of the economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. By bringing onsite renewable energy generation to historically underinvested community areas, these projects are designed to improve community resilience while reducing energy consumption in public buildings. Neighborhood libraries were specifically chosen for this project given their important role as community anchor institutions, gathering spaces for individuals and organizations, disseminators of information, and in general, trusted members of their respective communities.
“As we re-envision the future of our libraries, we see them as smart, sustainable civic spaces rooted in the fabric of our neighborhoods,” said Chicago Public Library Commissioner Chris Brown. “These solar installations show how libraries can lead on climate action while advancing equity and knowledge and they bring to life this year’s Summer at CPL theme: Growing Minds, Going Green.”
The improvements are projected to provide increased comfort, operational cost savings, and positive environmental outcomes, including:
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South Chicago Branch:
- 22.7% total energy reduction
- 57% of all electricity consumption to be offset by solar energy
- 51% overall reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This is the equivalent of removing 14 vehicles from the road annually.
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Humboldt Park Branch:
- 22.3% total energy reduction
- 91% of all electricity consumption to be offset by solar energy
- 71.7% overall reduction in GHG emissions. This is the equivalent of removing 27 vehicles from the road annually.
Those outcomes will help bring Chicago closer to its climate goals as laid out in the 2022 Chicago Climate Action Plan.
“The overarching goal of our Chi100 efforts is to make all energy consumed in Chicago 100% renewable, while ensuring that we make the transition equitably,” said Angela Tovar, Chicago’s Chief Sustainability Officer and DOE Commissioner. “By completing energy retrofits and installing solar panels in South Chicago, Humboldt Park, Toman, and West Lawn, the City is helping ensure that we can bring the comfort of a retrofitted buildings to neighborhoods that might not otherwise have received such improved amenities.”
"We are delighted to help drive the transformation of these neighborhood libraries,” said Julie Hernandez-Tomlin, 2FM Commissioner. “With these improvements, we are successfully reducing the City’s energy use and the buildings’ operating costs at the site level, while making our libraries more comfortable for staff and patrons.”
“As the only non-profit affordable housing developer in South Chicago, we understand that clean energy solutions and energy efficiency are crucial components for making communities more resilient,” said Angela Hurlock, CEO of Claretian Associates. “We are glad to see these updates at our neighborhood library, making our community more prepared for the future and giving everyone the opportunity to learn about the benefits of solar energy.”
Starting next week, CPL and DOE will co-host a series of public workshops focused on solar energy. In partnership with Citizens Utility Board, Elevate, and 548 Enterprise, the workshops will give attendees a chance to hear from industry professionals and Chicago homeowners and businessowners about the process, costs, and benefits of installing solar panels. To learn more, please visit chi.gov/ReadySetSolar, opens a new window.
To read more about the City’s Chi100 efforts, please visit the Chi100 page at Chicago.gov/Chi100, opens a new window.
Chicago Department of Environment
The Chicago Department of Environment (DOE) works to equitably advance the climate and environmental priorities of the City of Chicago. DOE coordinates across all sectors and City departments to mitigate the threats of climate change, alleviate environmental harm in Chicago's most overburdened communities, generate community wealth-building opportunities in the green economy, and foster health and resiliency in all 77 communities. For more information, please visit chicago.gov/environment or follow DOE on X (@ChicagoDOE, opens a new window), BlueSky (@chicagodoe.bsky.social, opens a new window), LinkedIn (Chicago Department of Environment, opens a new window), or Instagram (@chicago_doe, opens a new window).
Chicago Department of Fleet & Facility Management
The Department of Fleet & Facility Management (2FM) supports the operations of City Departments by providing high-quality and cost-effective services. For more information, please visit chicago.gov/city/en/depts/2fm.html, opens a new window.