SUBSTITUTE
ORDINANCE
WHEREAS, A national leader in the urban green movement, the City of Chicago is proud of its reputation as one of the greenest cities in America and of its commitment to creating a local economy that is prosperous, sustainable, environmentally responsible and fundamentally sound; and
WHEREAS, In keeping with Mayor,Richard M. Daley's and the Chicago City Council's belief that it is essential to promote good stewardship of the earth and its resources, a Joint Committee of the Committee on Finance, the Committee on Energy, Environmental Protection and Public Utilities, and the Committee on Economic, Capital and Technology Development of the Chicago City Council established a Chicago Green Business Task Force, comprising city officials, private citizens and business owners, in an effort to find ways to encourage and reward local businesses that adopt environmentally friendly policies and practices; and
WHEREAS, Based on the recommendations of the majority of the Task Force, the Chicago City Council seeks to establish a Chicago Green Business Program to certify businesses that demonstrate environmental leadership; that meet and exceed minimum environmental regulatory requirements; that take voluntary steps to reduce energy and water use, waste and greenhouse gas emissions; that otherwise conserve natural resources; and that challenge themselves to conduct their business activities in an environmentally sound and sustainable manner; and
WHEREAS, Each business that pledges to "go Green" by complying with minimum standards of environmental performance will qualify under the Program for certification as a Chicago Green Business, and will be issued a Chicago Green Business Logo that the business can display and use to market itself to an ever-growing body of environmentally conscious consumers; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago Green Business Program will empower individuals to make purchasing decisions consistent with their own environmental philosophy by providing consumers with invaluable information about the operational practices of the businesses, they choose to patronize; and
WHEREAS, By encouraging the growth of a market for businesses that embrace green practices, the Chicago Green Business Program will provide local businesses with an incentive to implement environmentally friendly policies, such as resource and energy conservation, pollution prevention, and air emissions and solid waste reduction, thereby decreasing the negative impact of business on the environment; and
WHEREAS, The initial thrust of the Chicago Green Business Program is directed at establishing minimum, common-sense standards that all businesses wishing to participate in the Program will be expected to meet. The Program, however, is designed to enable the City of Chicago's Department of the Environment to develop, over time, additional minimum standards for particular industries seeking certification as a Chicago Green Business, such as restaurants, automobile repair shops, office and retail establishments, hotels, contractors and landscapers; and
WHEREAS, Environmental leadership, responsibility, flexibility and choice are the hallmarks of the Chicago Green Business Program. These qualities, coupled with a legal mechanism that allows for the ongoing development of an innovative, technologically current and nuanced checklist of business-specific green practices and standards, will ensure that the Chicago Green Business Program remains viable and relevant in the twenty-first century; and
WHEREAS, With support from local businesses, the Chicago Green Business Program will guarantee Chicago's future as a clean, environmentally responsible, and evergreen place for all Chicagoans to live, work and play; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO:
SECTION 1. The above recitals are expressly incorporated in and made part of this ordinance as though fully set forth herein.
SECTION 2. Title 11 ofthe Municipal Code ofthe City of Chicago is hereby amended by inserting a new Chapter 11-6, as follows:
CHAPTER 11-6 CHICAGO GREEN BUSINESS PROGRAM
11-6-010 Establishment of Program
Pursuant to the powers and authorities granted under Section (6)(a), Article VII of the 1970 Constitution of the State of Illinois, and the home rule powers granted thereunder, the Chicago Green Business Program is hereby established by the City of Chicago, a home rule unit of government. The Chicago Green Business Program shall be administered by the department of the environment.
11-6-020 Definitions.
As used in this chapter:
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"CGB" means Chicago Green Business.
"CGB rules" means rules or regulations duly promulgated by the commissioner pursuant to authority granted to the commissioner under Section 11-6-160 or Section 11-6-170(a).
"Chicago Green Business" means any business that is certified as a Chicago Green Business by the department of the environment.
"City" means the City of Chicago.
"Commissioner" means the City's commissioner of the environment or the commissioner's designee.
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"Controlling person(s)" means any person who (1) is an officer, director, manager, managing member, partner, general partner or limited partner of a legal entity seeking or holding CGB certification under this chapter; or (2) owns, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediate ownership entities, 25% or more of the interest in a legal entity seeking or holding CGB certification under this chapter; or (3) is in charge of the day-to-day management or operations of any legal entity seeking or holding CGB certification under this chapter.
"Department" means the City's department of the environment.
"Legal entity" means any sole proprietorship, corporation, general partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company or other legally recognized business arrangement. The term "legal entity" includes all controlling persons of such legal entity.
11-6-030 Eligibility for CGB Certification.
Except as otherwise provided in subsection (J) of Section 11-6-170, each separate place of business that is owned, operated, maintained, managed or otherwise controlled by any legal entity located within the corporate limits of the city is eligible to be certified as a Chicago Green Business if (1) such separate place of business is properly licensed by the City of Chicago or State of Illinois; and (2) such,place of business meets all applicable requirements set forth in this chapter.
11-6-040 Application for CGB Certification.
(A) An application for certification as a Chicago Green Business shall be made in writing to the commissioner, on a form provided by the department, which may be a digital or electronic form, and shall be accompanied by the following:
(1) the applicant's contact information;
(2) the license number of the place of business seeking CGB certification and the
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jurisdiction that issued such license (i.e City of Chicago or State of Illinois);
(3) descriptive information about the applicant's business;
(4) whether any company-owned of leased vehicles are used at the applicant's place of business;
(5) whether the place of business seeking CGB certification has more than 100 full-time or part-time employees or any combination thereof;
(6) a signed and dated copy of the CGB Certification Pledge, as required under Section 11-6-090; . -
(7) a signed and dated copy of the CGB Compliance Checklist, as required under Section 11-6-100;
(8) a signed and dated Compliance Affidavit, as required under Section 11-6-110;
(9) the CGB Certification Fee, as required under Section 11-6-120; and
(10) any other pertinent information that the commissioner may reasonably require.
(B) It is a condition of certification as a CGB under this chapter that all information in the application for such certification be kept current. Any change in required information shall be reported to the commissioner, in the manner required by the department, no later than 14 business days after such change has occurred.
(C) Eligibility for certification as a CGB under this chapter shall be a continuing requirement for maintaining such certification. Failure to maintain such eligibility may result in revocation of such certification in accordance with the requirements set forth in Section 11-6-150.
11-6-050 Certification issuance and renewal prohibited when.
No CGB certification shall be issued to any legal entity for any place of business whose CGB certification has been revoked for cause at any time within the last three years.
11-6-060 Minimum requirements for CGB certification - Applicable to all businesses.
Legal entities seeking or obtaining CGB certification for any place of business shall comply with all applicable local, State and federal environmental laws and regulations. Except as otherwise provided in the CGB rules, such legal entities shall also meet the minimum requirements set forth in subsections (A) through (E), inclusive, of this section.
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(A) Air Emission Reductions. Except as otherwise provided in the CGB rules, legal entities seeking or obtaining-CGB certification for any place of business shall reduce air emissions by implementing at such place of business, prior to certification as a CGB and at all' times that such certification is in effect, at least four ofthe following steps:
(1) Encourage employees to use alternative forms of transportation to get to work, such as bus, train, bike or car pool;
(2) Provide secured and enclosed bicycle parking for employees (e.g. bike rooms or lockers);
(3) Inform employees and customers about biking options (bike route maps and
maintenance work shops) and public transportation options for reaching the place of business (i.e. post transit schedules/routes);
(4) Establish a car/van pool program;
(5) Help employees share rides by posting commuter ride sign-up sheets or employee'' home zip code maps; <
(6) Allow employees to telecommute;
(7) Offer flexible schedules so that workers can avoid heavy traffic commutes;
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(8) Invest in videoconferencing, web conferencing or other innovative technologies to reduce the amount of travel required by employees;
(9) Provide incentives for employees to live within walking or biking distance of the place of business;
(10) Set aside special parking spaces for car/van pool parking;
(11) Provide bus passes for employees;
(12) Encourage employees to consolidate trips;
(13) Offer a pre-tax public transit benefit incentive program for employees; and
(14) Any other related steps that the commissioner may reasonably approve.
(B) Solid Waste Reduction. Except as otherwise provided in the CGB rules, legal entities seeking or obtaining CGB certification for any place of business shall reduce solid waste
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by implementing at such place of business, prior to certification as a CGB and at all times that such certification is in effect, at least fourteen of the following steps:
(1) Buy only copiers and printers that make two-sided copies and provide staff training on how to optimize office equipment;
(2) Require and set default settings on printers and copiers for double-sided printing and copying of multi-page documents;
(3) Set document defaults to smaller fonts and margins;
(4) Eliminate unwanted mailings by calling the sender's 800 number or writing "refused" on first class mail, or utilize an anti-junk mail/mail preference registry service to remove the business from mailing lists;
(5) Routinely review and purge the business's mailing list to eliminate duplicate or unnecessary mailings;
(6) Design mailers and other marketing materials that require no envelope - simply fold, tape and mail;
(7) Request that mailers and other marketing materials be printed on recycled content paper;
(8) Send bills and invoices in reversible "two-use" envelopes or implement digital invoicing and billing options;
(9) Use targeted direct mailings only;
(10) Print directly on envelopes instead of using labels;
(11) Use electronic files rather than paper files;
(12) Use software that allows faxing directly to computers without printing;
(13) Order supplies via the internet or phone instead of using paper forms;
(14) Keep a stack of scrap or previously used paper near printers and fax machines for use as fax cover sheets, drafts, internal memorandums, or designate a draft tray on printers with multiple trays;
(15) Eliminate disposables in the kitchen/break room by using permanent ware (mugs,
dishes, utensils, etc.) instead of disposable cups, plates and cutlery;
(16) Set up a bulletin board to post general in-house memos to minimize the need for individual copies;
(17) Use e-mail and voicemail instead of memos and faxes, where appropriate;
(18) Make reports and other documents available on-line to reduce the need for individual copies;
(19) Donate or resell unwanted but usable items (furniture, appliances, electronics, etc.) to a church, school, community organization or not-for-profit corporation;
(20) Install high-efficiency air hand dryers in bathrooms to eliminate paper.towels;
(21) Eliminate the use of polystyrene containers. Utilize one of the following options (in order of preference): paper, paperboard, compostable containers (starch-based sugarcane, rice hull, and/or corn) or recyclable plastic;
(22) Eliminate unnecessary forms and redesign existing forms to use less paper;
(23) Purchase items in bulk or economy sizes or concentrated form;
(24) Purchase items in reusable containers;
(25) Purchase items made of post-consumer recycled and/or pre-consumer recycled content;
(26) Purchase items with the least amount of packaging;
(27) Request that deliveries be shipped in returnable boxes or containers and return the boxes/containers to the distributor;
(28) Invest in equipment that is repairable and, when possible, repair the equipment instead of discarding it or purchasing new equipment;
(29) Rent infrequently used tools or equipment instead of purchasing such items;
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(30) Implement on-site food scrap composting or bring food scrap materials to a permitted food scrap recycler;
(31) Recycle more material types than required by the existing recycling ordinance;
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(32) Provide separate containers for recycling; and
(33) Any other related steps that the commissioner may reasonably approve.
(C) Energy Conservation: Except as otherwise provided in the CGB rules, legal entities seeking or obtaining CGB certification for a place of business shall conserve energy by implementing at such place of business, prior to certification as a CGB arid at all times that such certification is in effect, at least twelve of the following steps:
(1) Monitor, record, and assess energy usage If more than five people are employed at the place of business, post monthly gas and electricity usage information for employees to view;
(2) Institute a business policy that reduces energy usage through better power management of computers, printers, appliances and unoccupied rooms. Consider using computer management software or plug load sensors and strips;
(3) Set computers to sleep mode or turn computers off when not in use;
(4) Use light switch reminders to remind employees to turn off lights;
(5) Install occupancy sensors for lighting in intermittent usage areas, such as walk-in refrigerators/freezers, unoccupied rooms or storage areas;
(6) Use an energy management system to control lighting in low occupancy areas;
(7) Require employees to turn off equipment and lights when not in use. Turn off unnecessary lights;
(8) Incorporate de-lamping where possible by reducing the number of lamps, and increase lighting efficiency by installing optical reflectors or diffusers;
(9) Upgrade existing linear fluorescent lighting to T-8 lamps with electronic ballasts. Recycle old lamps and ballasts as hazardous waste;
(10) Replace or retrofit existing High Density Discharge (H.I.D.) fixtures, such as mercury, high pressure sodium and metal halide fixtures, with a more efficient alternative, such as hi-bay fluorescent or induction lighting;
(11) Replace incandescent lightbulbs with compact fluorescent lights;
(12) Install weather stripping to close air gaps around doors and windows;
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(13) Insulate all accessible major hot water pipes;
(14) Convert hot water heaters to instantaneous on-demand systems, where possible;
(15) Insulate refrigeration cold suction and heating lines;
(16) Rearrange work space to take advantage of natural sunlight and, when remodeling, design the space in a manner that increases natural lighting;
(17) Plant native shrubs or trees near windows for shade, where possible;
(18) Clean lighting fixtures, bulbs and lamps on a regular basis to ensure maximum lighting;
(19) Replace inefficient or broken windows with double pane, energy-efficient windows;
(20) Use rechargeable batteries rather than single use batteries, whenever possible;
(21) Select electrical equipment with energy star features (e.g. Energy Star);
(22) Install a programmable thermostat to control heating and air conditioning. Utilize the thermostat's night set back;
(23) Complete regularly scheduled maintenance on the HVAC (hearing, ventilation and air conditioning) system. Clean permanent filters with mild detergents every two months, and keep condenser coils free of dust and dirt. Change replaceable filters every two months;
(24) Check the entire HVAC system each year for coolant and air leaks, clogs and obstructions of air intake and vents, and keep record logs of refrigerant use and service to help identify leaks or abnormally high recharging;
(25) Install an electronic leak detection system on all refrigerant equipment;
(26) Use renewable resources (such as wind, solar, and solar-thermal) to supply some or all of the building's energy needs;
(27) Retrofit exit signs with LEDs or fluorescent bulbs;
(28) Set hot water heaters to standard 110-120 degrees;
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(29) Review the business's water bill regularly for indications of leaks, spikes and other problems, and regularly check for and repair all leaks at the place of business. Train staff to monitor and respond immediately to leaking equipment;
(30) Install toilets manufactured to flush 1.28 gallons or less and low-flow urinals;
(31) Install low flow aerators in faucets (1.5gpm) and showerheads (2.5 gpm);
(32) Install ceiling fans to increase air circulation and reduce the need for air conditioning;
(33) Install quick closing toilet flappers; and
(34) Any other related steps that the commissioner may reasonably approve.
(D) Pollution Prevention. Except as otherwise provided in the CGB rules, legal entities seeking or obtaining CGB certification for a place of business shall prevent pollution by implementing at such place of business, prior to certification as a CGB and at all times that such certification is in effect, at least eight of the. following steps:
(1) Use copy, computer, fax and other paper products made from 35-100% post-consumer waste;
(2) Use unbleached paper products (towels, napkins, copy/computer paper, etc.);
(3) Replace traditional janitorial chemicals, including those used in restrooms and staff break rooms, with Green Seal Certified products or cleaning solutions that are biodegradable, non toxic, or have low toxicity;
(4) Switch from commercial air fresheners to potpourri or vinegar & lemon juice;
(5) Switch from toxic permanent ink markers/pens to water-based markers/pens;
(6) Purchase laundry detergents that have no phosphates;
(7) Designate a storage area for spent fluorescent bulbs and lamps, and ensure that these items are disposed of properly and not put into trash or recycling containers;
(8) Add plants, which absorb indoor pollution, in cubicles, offices, reception areas and other appropriate areas within the place of business; .
(9) Purchase products shipped in returnable or reusable paper;
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(10) Replace aerosol products with non-aerosol alternatives;
(11) Choose vendors that take back products when the product is no longer useful;
(12) Use paints that contain low volatile organic compounds (VOC's);
(13) Seal or plug all floor drains in or near chemical storage areas, and inspect and clean stormwater drains regularly for clogs;
(14) Any other related steps that the commissioner may reasonably approve.
(E) Training and public outreach. Except as otherwise provided in the CGB rules, legal entities seeking or obtaining CGB certification for a place of business shall encourage understanding and expansion of the CGB Program by implementing at such place of business, within each 12-month period following certification or recertification as a CGB, at least four of the following steps:
(1) Provide, at least once each year, in-house training about the. CGB Program to all of the CGB's employees and management personnel;
(2) Provide, each year, at least one incentive for employees or management personnel to meet the minimum requirements.set forth herein, such as an "Employee of the Month" or reward program;
(3) Inform the CGB's customers about the steps the business is implementing to meet the minimum requirements necessary to obtain certification as a CGB;
(4) Assist at least one other local business to learn about (i) the CGB Program, or (ii) the practical steps that such local business can take to meet the minimum requirements for air emission reductions, solid waste reduction, energy conservation and pollution prevention set forth herein;
(5) Include in any contract with a custodial service or other contractor hired to work at the place of business a requirement(s) that such custodial service or contact follow best environmental practices when working at the place of business; and
(6) Any other related steps that the commissioner may reasonably approve.
11-6-070 Businesses with company-owned vehicles - Additional minimum requirements.
Except as otherwise provided in the CGB rules, legal entities seeking or obtaining CGB certification for any place of business shall implement at such place of business, prior to certification as a CGB and at all times that such certification is in effect, at least two of the
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following steps, if company-owned or leased vehicles are used at such place of business:
(1) Convert, purchase or lease hybrid or alternative fuel vehicles;
(2) Use local biodiesel fuel(100% or blends from recycled or bio-waste sources) instead of petrodiesel in vehicles;
(3) Institute a "smart driving" education program for drivers. (Reduce excess weight in vehicles, drive the speed limit, drive at steady speeds, accelerate and decelerate slowly and steadily, turn off engine when stopped for more than a minute or two);
(4) Plan delivery routes to eliminate unnecessary trips;
(5) Keep vehicles well maintained to prevent leaks and minimize emissions, and encourage employees to do the same;
(6) Use a vehicle washing service that recycles water; and
(7) Any other related steps that the commissioner may reasonably approve.
11-6-080 Businesses with more than 100 employees - Additional minimum requirements.
Except as otherwise provided in the CGB rules, legal entities seeking or obtaining CGB certification for any place of business shall implement at such place of business, prior to certification as a CGB and at all times that such certification is in effect, at least three of the following steps, if more than 100 full-time or part-time employees, or any combination thereof, are employed at such place of business:
(1) Provide car/van pool parking; *
(2) Provide a commuter van;
(3) Offer a shuttle service to and from bus, train and/or light rail stops;
(4) Provide shower facilities for employees who walk/jog/bike to work or contract with a conveniently located athletic club to use the club's shower facilities;
(5) Encourage bicycling to work by offering rebates to employees on bicycles bought i for commuting;
(6) Provide secured and enclosed bicycle parking for employees (e.g. bike lockers);
(7) Offer electric vehicle recharge ports for visitors and staff using electric vehicles;
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(8)
Install renewable energy sources, such as solar panels or wind generators;
(9) Conduct an annual greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory and post the results of such inventory, as well as targeted GHG reduction goals, in a conveniently located place where persons can access this information;
(10) Draft and implement a 3-year Business Climate Action Plan, which (i) sets a goal to reduce the business's carbon footprint by a targeted percentage over three years; and (ii) identifies key additional steps on the CGB Checklist that will be implemented at the place of business in'Order to reach reduction goals;
(11) Draft, circulate to employees and implement an Environmental Policy, which shall be placed on business letterhead and signed by a controlling person, that includes, at a minimum, sections outlining methods to achieve the following
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(12) Any other related steps the commissioner may reasonably approve.
11-6-090 Pledge - Required
(A) Legal entities seeking or obtaining CGB certification for any place of business shall be required to take the City of Chicago's Green Business Pledge, as follows:
"We believe that a successful business is dependent on a healthy environment. We are actively working to show our environmental stewardship to our community by committing to the following objectives:
To comply with all applicable environmental laws and regulations and strive to exceed compliance
To implement and strive to exceed our business's Compliance Checklist
To conserve energy, water, materials and other natural resources
To develop and implement practices that prevent pollution and waste
To be an environmentally responsible business within our community
To strive for continuous improvement."
(B) The owner or operator or other controlling person of any place of business certified as Chicago Green Business shall post a legible copy of the CGB Pledge required under subsection (A) of this section in a conspicuous place (1) near the entry to the place of business or in any other place where the pledge is visible to members of the general public; and (2) in at least one common area routinely used or frequented by the business's employees.
11-6-100 Compliance checklist - Required.
Legal entities seeking or obtaining CGB certification for any place of business shall be
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required to complete a checklist, on a form provided by the department, identifying the minimum requirements set forth in Section 11 -6-060 and, as applicable, in Section 11 -6-070 and Section 11-6-080, that such person pledges to meet, and shall meet, as a condition of certification as a Chicago Green Business. A copy of such checklist shall be posted (1) in a conspicuous place immediately adjacent to the CGB Pledge required under Section 11-6-090; and (2) in a manner that is conducive to review during the business's normal operating hours by members of the general public, authorized city officials, the business's employees and managers and other interested persons. If, due to lack of space or the configuration, location or unique characteristics of a place of business, it is physically impossible or hazardous to post the compliance checklist immediately adjacent to the CGB pledge, a sign shall be posted near the CGB pledge directing persons to the location of such checklist, which shall be conveniently located as near as possible j to the CGB Pledge in an area accessible to the general public.
11-6-110 Compliance affidavit - Required.
Legal entities seeking CGB certification for a place of business shall submit an affidavit to the department certifying to the City that the business (1) meets the minimum eligibility requirements for CGB certification set forth in this chapter and in any rules or regulations promulgated thereunder; and (2) has implemented all of the minimum requirements indicated on the business's Compliance Checklist, as required under Section 11-6-100.
11-6-120 Certification fee - Duration of CGB certification - Nontransferability.
The fee for certification as a Chicago Green Business shall be $100.00. Such certification shall be valid for a period of twelve months from the date of its issuance, as indicated on the face of the CGB logo issued by the department. A CGB certification shall not be transferable from one legal entity or place of business to another legal entity or place of business.
11-6-130 Unlawful acts.
(A) It shall be.unlawful for any legal entity to use or post a Chicago Green Business logo at any place of business under such legal entity's ownership or control unless such place of business is in full compliance with the requirements of this chapter.
(B) It shall be unlawful for any legal entity to advertise, market, characterize or otherwise hold out its place of business as a Chicago Green Business unless such place of business is in full compliance with the requirements of this chapter.
(C) It shall be unlawful for any legal entity certified as a CGB to fail to comply with any reasonable request made by the department in connection with any audit that may be conducted by the department to determine compliance with the requirements of this chapter.
(D) It shall be unlawful for any legal entity certified as a CGB to fail to comply with any reasonable request made by any authorized city official in connection with any inspection that may be conducted by such authorized city official to determine compliance with the
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requirements of this chapter.
(E) It shall be unlawful for any legal entity to make any material omission or misleading or false statement of material fact in connection with any application submitted under Section 11-6-040 for certification as a Chicago Green Business.
(F) In addition to any other penalty provided by law, any person who violates any requirement of this section shall be subject to a fine of not less than $250.00 nor more than $500.00 for each offense. Each day that a violation continues shall constitute a separate and distinct offense to which a separate fine shall apply.
11-6-140 Disclaimer.
Certification of a place of business as a Chicago Green Business shall not be construed as an endorsement by the City of such place of business. Nor shall such certification be construed to confer on such place of business any legal right or privilege not explicitly provided for in this chapter.
11-6-150 Revocation of certification - Three year wait for new certification.
(A) Following notice and the opportunity for a hearing before the commissioner, the ^ commissioner may revoke a place of business's certification as a Chicago Green Business if the commissioner determines that (1) such place of business is not properly licensed or has otherwise failed to maintain its eligibility for certification as a Chicago Green Business as required under subsection (C) of Section 11-6-040; or (2) such place of business has failed any audit conducted by the department to determine compliance with the requirements of this chapter; or (3) such place of business or controlling person thereof has been found liable in the department of administrative hearings for any violation of Section 11-6-130. The commissioner's revocation decision shall be final and may be appealed in the manner provided by law.
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(B) No place of business whose CGB certification under this chapter is revoked for any cause shall be granted another CGB certification under this chapter for a period of three years from the date of such revocation.'
11-6-160 Minimum requirements subject to change when.
The commissioner is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations to (1) add minimum requirements to, delete minimum requirements from, or otherwise modify the list of minimum requirements set forth in Section 11-6-060, Section 11-6-070 or Section 11-6-080; and
(2) increase or decrease the number of minimum requirements, as set forth in Section
11-6-060, Section 11-6-070 and/or Section 11-6-080, that a legal entity is required to implement at a place of business in order to be certified as a Chicago Green Business; and
(3) develop additional or supplemental minimum requirements that must be met by particular types of businesses seeking CGB certification under this chapter, including, but not limited to, restaurants, automobile repair shops, office and retail establishments, hotels, contractors and
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landscapers. Provided, however, that such duly promulgated rules and regulations shall not apply to any business currently certified as a CGB until such time that such business renews its CGB certification.
11-6-170 Powers and duties of the commissioner and other city department heads.
(A) Rules and regulations - Authorized. In addition to the rules and regulations authorized under Section 11-6-160, the commissioner is.authorized to promulgate any other rules and regulations necessary to implement the requirements of this chapter.
(B) Green business logo - Required. The commissioner shall create a Chicago Green Business Logo for use by certified Chicago Green Businesses.
(C) CGB website - Authorized. The commissioner is authorized to create a website to support the Chicago Green Business Program.
(D) Auditing - Authorized. The commissioner is authorized to audit on a random or complaint-driven basis, or based on objective criteria set forth in the CGB rules, any place of business certified as a Chicago Green Business for the purpose of determining whether such place of business in compliance with the requirements of this chapter.
(E) Inspections - Authorized. The commissioner of the environment, the commissioner of business affairs and consumer protection, the head of any city department authorized to inspect a place of business for the purpose of determining compliance with the requirements of this Code and their respective designees are authorized to inspect any place of business certified as a Chicago Green Business for the purpose of determining whether such place of business is in compliance with the requirements of this chapter.
(F) List of certified Chicago Green Businesses - Required. The commissioner shall maintain a current list of all businesses that have been certified as a Chicago. Green Business. At least once every four months, the commissioner shall post a current copy of such list on the.City of Chicago website.
(G) Annual report - Required. A joint committee of the committee on finance, the committee on economic, capital and technology development and the committee on energy, environmental protection and public utilities, or their applicable successor committees, shall be convened annually for the purpose of receiving a report from the commissioner about the Chicago Green Business Program. The commissioner shall appear before such joint committee to (1) present such report; (2) answer questions about the CGB Program; (3) describe the local business outreach program required under subsection (G) of this section; (4) describe any incentives for participation in the CGB Program developed pursuant to subsection (H) of this section; and (5) provide the joint committee with a current list of all businesses certified as a Chicago Green Business.
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(H) Outreach to local businesses - Required. The commissioner shall work together with the department of business affairs and consumer protection to develop a business outreach program to inform all businesses licensed by the City of Chicago about the Chicago Green Business Program, including information about how to become certified as a Chicago Green Business.
(I) Interdepartmental collaboration to develop CGB Program incentives - Required. The department of procurement services, the department of housing and economic development, the department of business affairs and consumer protection, the department of the environment, the office of compliance and the office of budget and management shall collaborate on a regular basis, by meeting at least twice a year, to develop and implement operational, financial and other incentives to encourage participation by local businesses in the Chicago Green Business Program.
(J) Limitation on the issuance of CGB certifications - Authorized. The commissioner is authorized to limit the number of CGB certifications issued by the department in any given year based on the availability of department resources and in accordance with objective criteria set forth in the CGB rules.
SECTION 3. This ordinance shall take full force and effect on January 1, 2012.
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