Client:

City of Chicago, Department of Transportation

Engineer:

Knight E/A

Contractor:

Hey & Associates

Category:

Communications

On the forefront of sustainable design in urban neighborhoods, the City of Chicago and the project team recognized the need for a public outreach campaign to communicate the message and intent of the Green Alley Program by creating The Chicago Green Alley Handbook; a manual promoting the City’s use of best management practices within approximately 1,900 miles of public alleyways.

Promoting and educating residents and public officials on the benefits of the Green Alley Program, The Chicago Green Alley Handbook also encourages property owners adjacent to green alleys to incorporate sustainable techniques on their property to increase the performance and environmental benefits of green alleys. Through the integration of permeable paving, recycled materials, reflective pavements and energy efficient, dark sky compliant lighting, the program will reduce the amount of stormwater runoff into the storm sewer system by up to 80 percent, reduce localized flooding of adjacent properties and reduce the urban heat island effect.

An eye-catching and attractive communication piece, the handbook’s consistent and well-organized messaging and graphics create a user-friendly manual on sustainable design for a general audience. The clarity of the handbook will help to ensure that the Green Alley Program is well received by the Chicago community and its messaging is easily transferred to other urban cities interested in integrating sustainable design principles.