Chicago's MerchandiseMart was recognized recently by the U.S. Green Building Council for its work to promote green building practices and environmental stewardship in its 4.2 million-sq.-ft. building.

The Mart was awarded the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Existing Building Silver certification for operating a high-performance green building. The building is managed by MMPI and home of the Chicago Market: Living and Giving and other trade industry shows.

Several of the 700 tenants have achieved, or are seeking, LEED-CI (Commercial Interiors) certification for their showrooms, including Milliken & Company, Haworth, and IIDA.

“The Merchandise Mart's tenants have been great partners in our endeavor to achieve LEED-EB certification,” said Myron Maurer, senior vice president, MMPI. “They have embraced green building initiatives and have helped improve building performance and minimize our impact on the environment.”

The LEED Green Building Rating System is a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. Projects are awarded Certified, Silver, Gold or Platinum certification depending on the number of credits achieved.

The Merchandise Mart first began working toward certification in 2005.

“We don't view this as a completed project,” Maurer said. “We have developed the tools, now we use those tools in our day-to-day operations. The Mart is going to continue to refine and improve our green building practices. This is a way of life at The Merchandise Mart.”

Mart officials are considering building a green roof, similar to this one planted on over walkway between buildings, on the 4.2 acre Mart roof to lower energy costs and capture and cool storm runoff.