About Us


Cool-Challenge is a non-profit organization of Chicago area volunteers united to bring about an immediate and dramatic reduction in regional greenhouse gas emissions to lead the US in fighting global warming. 
 

 

Building on the best practices of individual businesses and institutions, the Cool-Challenge is a one-year initiative to produce a one-billion-pound reduction in Northeast Illinois' carbon dioxide emissions. This achievement will be equivalent to taking 80,000 cars off the road.  This reduction will serve as both a springboard for more lasting solutions and business practices and as an inspiring model for the rest of the country. Cool-Challenge will demonstrate the immense practical, financial, marketing, and environmental benefits of investing in stronger energy efficiency measures.

 

The Cool Capital Challenge compliments other climate initiatives.  Over 680 mayors nationwide, including many Northeast Illinois mayors, have signed the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, coordinated by the US Conference of Mayors.  Additionally, Cool-Challenge is producing trainings and other technical assistance in collaboration with a range of regional partners.


Cool Capital empowers people with specific, positive, and money-saving steps that each of us can take right away to improve our own lives while setting a decisive example for the rest of the planet. Structured like a campaign with contributions of carbon savings instead of cash, Cool-Challenge will boost the power of each household, school, congregation, business, and agency to magnify our impact through coordinated action and outreach to others. In so doing, we will leverage new capital and revenue streams to meet this challenge with new innovation, power, and enterprise.

 

Cool-Challenge will help the Northeast Illinois area to lead the country in the transformation of household energy choices, business practices, market forces, workforce training, and transportation options that our new climate demands.  We intend to stay in business until climate change is licked.  When we reach our initial goal of one-billion-pounds reduction, we will enter a new phase of the Challenge. 

Cool-Challenge steering commitee includes:

(Organizations are for identification only)


Steering Committee Bios