Download Carbon Reduction Strategy Cool Tool here

Click here for the October 2007 issue of Eco-structure Magazine featuring the Cool Tool

Chicago COTE has just launched a tool to assist you with this work, aptly named the "AIAChicago COTE Carbon Reduction Strategy Matrix Cool Tool." It is currently in the Pilot version 1.0.

The Cool Tool is for anyone interested in reducing their carbon footprint, but has a focus on measures building professionals can implement to decrease global warming through energy efficient building design and management.

The Carbon Reduction Strategy Matrix incorporates some of the policy ideas discussed with our partners at the City of Chicago's Department of Environment for commercial buildings, but has been expanded to include strategies that can be used on all building types. Inspired by Ed Mazria's Architecture 2030, it has input from our local Committee Members, as well as from our Review Sub-Committee of Lighting Professionals, Mechanical and Electrical Engineers, Architects and City Officials. The information included in the Cool Tool is also sourced from a number of different publications including the National AIA Sustainability Discussion Group 50to50 principles, and EPA's Energystar program. Although adaptable to any building location, it has been formatted to include specific strategies related to the Chicago Region by political, economic, and ecological relationships already in place.

The Pilot version 1.0 of the Cool Tool is available now. We encourage you to send us your comments and suggestions during the remainder of 2007. After this comment period, we will be revising the Pilot for issuance of a full version, projected to be launched in early 2008.