Sears Tower to undergo $350M green remodel

Chicago’s most iconic landmark is going green – and spending big bucks to get there. 

In an attempt to gain LEED status, the Sears Tower is undergoing $350 million renovations.  This remodeling effort will include green features such as solar panels, wind turbines and a roof garden.  The whole project will take approximately five years to complete.

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification is awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council to buildings and communities with sustainable, eco-friendly design. Criteria include reduced CO2 emissions, water efficiency, improved indoor environment, sensitivity to resource use, and the impact of such use.

The plan for the Sears Tower should reduce its electricity use by 80 per cent and save 24 million gallons of water annually. Additionally, updates will be made to the restrooms, windows, elevators, lights, and mechanical systems – to make them all more efficient.

The hope is if an iconic building makes the effort to retrofit with green technology, others will follow. Corporate buildings are the world’s largest contributor to carbon emissions. The Sears Tower is using this as an opportunity to demonstrate their position as world leaders.

The renovations are not the only major change the Sears Tower has in store. The 110-story skyscraper was renamed the Willis Tower this summer, after London-based Willis Group Holdings, who will lease a large portion of the tower upon completion.

The Sears company has moved its headquarters to a suburban location, but remains in Chicago.