meetinchicago.com McCormick Place FOCUS ON McCORMICK PLACE Learn some sustainability facts about North America’s largest convention center. McCormick Place recently achieved Gold Level Certification to the Event Industry Council’s Sustainable Event Standards, in recognition of its continued leadership in environmental and social responsibility. Its farm-to-fork rooftop garden — the largest in the Midwest — grows 8,000 pounds of produce annually for on-site food and beverage operations. Food waste becomes nutrient-rich fertilizer. Unlock your wheels from over 800 docking stations around the city and hit the bike lane. If your attendees are coming from the Chicago suburbs, the Metra commuter rail provides easy — and eco-friendly — access to the city. These trains reduce carbon dioxide emissions by over 256,000 tons annually! And for those traveling from farther away, Amtrak trains arrive downtown at Chicago Union Station from cities across the country. Amtrak trains are 34% more energy-efficient than flying, and 46% more efficient than driving. The Kimpton Gray Hotel repurposed Chicago’s 1894 New York Life Building, saving it from demolition. The hotel sources local ingredients from sustainable farmers and partners with Clean the World to keep soaps out of landfills. TRANSIT Chicago’s extensive public transportation system makes it easy to get around. The ‘L’ train has stops at both Chicago O’Hare and Midway International Airports. And the city is working toward an all-electric bus fleet by 2040. Bikeshare provider Divvy offers classic bikes, ebikes, and scooters for single rides or all-day rentals. McCormick Place offsets 100% of its electricity usage with certified wind renewable energy certificates, helping to protect migratory birds. Fight2Feed, a nonprofit fighting hunger and food waste that recently moved its operations into McCormick Place, has rescued millions of pounds of food to provide meals for those in need.
Chicago Meeting Professionals Guide 2026: Page 55
