Office Depot declares Chicago number one green purchaser in the country through 2013 Office Depot Green Purchasing Program.

The City of Chicago was honored by Office Depot in Boca Raton, Florida for being number one in green purchasing.  Thousands of local governments are evaluated as contenders for the award each year, and winners are selected based on exemplary leadership in greener and sustainable office purchases.

"Chicago is a national leader in making sustainable choices and we continue to set an example for other cities around the county to follow," said Mayor Emanuel.  "This honor from Office Depot is just another indication that Chicago is well on its way to becoming the greenest city in the world, and shows our commitment to pursuing sustainable behaviors that better the city as a whole."

The City of Chicago joined Office Depot's Green Purchasing Program in 2012l, and within one year, Chicago emerged as the number one green purchasing local government in the country.  Chicago was selected as number one for purchasing the highest percentage of green expenditures, including items that are recycled, remanufactured, energy-efficient, non-toxic or hold an eco-label.  By 2013, Chicago's green spending with Office Depot was at 61 percent surpassing the now number two green spender, Roanoke, VA, by several points.

In addition to green purchasing, the city prioritizes a variety of other sustainable initiatives to reduce Chicago's carbon footprint through the Sustainable Chicago 2015 action agenda.  These initiatives include installing smart meters in homes and businesses, increasing the number of LEED-certified buildings, providing easier access to solar panel permitting and expanding bike share services across the city.  The city works to empower residential and business areas to embrace sustainable initiatives that will make Chicago a healthier and more prosperous city.