Grey to Green Chicago

Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, with Co-Host Blacks in Green, will be bringing you Grey To Green Chicago: Exploring Green Infrastructure & Economic and Environmental Justice on June 6 & 7, 2024.

At the 2024 Grey to Green Chicago Conference, we will explore and learn about:

  • Bridging the health/wealth gap

  • Accessing federal funding for green infrastructure projects

  • Advancing environmental and economic justice through green infrastructure, using the Sustainable Square Mile concept

  • Chicago’s climate action plan and how designers and green practitioners can achieve the proposed co-benefits

  • Best practices in green infrastructure design and maintenance

  • Designing green roofs and walls for maximum performance with the Living Architecture Performance Tool

  • Community scaling up green infrastructure design and cost benefit analysis

  • Benefits of integrating Solar with Green Roofs

  • and more!

Key Details

  • June 6 - GRIMP Training & Tours (8:00 AM - 4:00 PM)

    June 7 - Conference Programming & Networking (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)

    June 7 - Networking & Cocktails at Omni Ecosystems HQ (6:00 - 8:00 PM)

  • Conference & GRIMP Training Venue:

    4131 S State St, Chicago

  • The Grey to Green Chicago: Exploring Green Infrastructure & Economic and Environmental Justice is co-hosted by Blacks In Green (BIG).

    Blacks in Green is a national network for environmental justice and economic development created to close America’s racial health/wealth gap via the new green economy using a whole-system solution for the whole-system problem common to Black communities everywhere.

This conference proudly champions economic and environmental justice, recognizing the imperative of ensuring equitable access to the benefits of sustainable development for all communities across Chicago. Through insightful discussions, cutting edge technical presentations, and networking opportunities, we'll delve into actionable solutions that empower individuals and organizations to drive positive change.

As we gather, we will celebrate the remarkable progress Chicago has made in green roof implementation, highlighting the city's leadership and innovation in sustainable urban development. Together, we will celebrate achievements, exchange ideas, and inspire one another to continue our journey towards a healthier, more sustainable, and more just Chicago.


Quick Overview

Conference - Plenary Sessions

Explore topics like health/wealth gaps, federal funding for green projects, environmental justice, Chicago's climate plan, green infrastructure design, community projects, solar integration, and more at the 2024 Grey to Green Chicago Conference. Celebrate progress and inspire change for a healthier, fairer city.

Date: Friday June 7th

Time: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Address: Omni Ecosystems HQ - 4131 S State St, Chicago, IL

Early Bird Pricing (Ends May 31st, 2024):

  • Nonmembers: $149 USD

  • GRHC Members: $99 USD

Continuing Education: Approved for 7 GRP CEUs, Submitted to AIA and ASLA 

Grey to Green Chicago Venue - Omni Ecosystems HQ Green Roof / Meeting Space.
Photo courtesy of Scott Shigley.

Chicago GRIMP Training

The Green Roof Installation and Maintenance Professional (GRIMP) Training is designed to provide participants with a grounding in this information, covering a variety of different green roof systems, and a wide range of planting types to provide green roof installers and maintenance professionals with the information, techniques, and training necessary to successfully install and maintain green roofs.

Date: Thursday June 6th (World Green Roof Day)

Address: Omni Ecosystems HQ - 4131 S State St, Chicago, IL

Time: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Trainer: Blaine Stand, GRP, Professional Resources Manager, GRHC

CEUs: Approved for 7 CEUs from GRP, Submitted to ASLA and AIA

Pricing:

  • Nonmembers: $495 USD

  • GRHC Members: $395 USD

*Waiver required for participation

Registration is limited to 16 participants, and includes:

  • Unlimited access to online course recordings

  • Hands-on training with a selection of green roof modules

  • Digital resource manual

  • One attempt at the online GRIMP Exam

  • One year of GRHC Individual Membership

GRIMP Training Agenda

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

  • GRIMP Training Session, led by Blaine Stand

4:00 - 5:00 PM

  • Omni Ecosystems Maintenance Visit

5:00 - 6:00 PM

  • Networking on the Omni Ecosystems Green Roof

GRIMP Training participants laying down sedum mats in Toronto, ON - June 11, 2023.

Grey to Green Chicago Tours

Omni Ecosystems HQ Green Roof - Photo Credit Scott Shigley

Grey to Green Chicago Multi-Stop Tour - Thursday June 6

Guide: Jesse Rosenbluth, President, Omni ReWild
Price: $39 USD
Overview: Join us for an immersive journey through the verdant heart of Chicago as part of the Grey to Green Conference. Embark on a multi-stop tour where each destination showcases locally significant green infrastructure installations. Led by Jesse Rosenbluth (President, Omni ReWild), we will traverse various sites, delving into the intricacies of diverse green infrastructure systems at play. From innovative stormwater management solutions to urban green spaces teeming with life, this tour offers a firsthand exploration of Chicago's commitment to sustainability and resilience. Experience the city's transformation into a greener, more vibrant urban landscape, and gain insights into the strategies shaping its sustainable future.

Important Notes:

  • Attendees will have to find their own way to the first meeting place. Upon meeting at the first stop, we will coordinate a carpool for everyone to reach the subsequent destinations

  • Times and Tour Stops may change on short notice - attendees will be notified

Stop 1 - Palenque LSNA
Address: 2840 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago
Meeting Time: 12:00 PM
Duration: 12:00 - 1:00 PM

Stop 2 - The Salt Shed (Morton Salt)
Address: 1357 N Elston Ave, Chicago
Meeting Time: 1:20 PM
Duration: 1:20 PM - 1:50 PM

Stop 3 - The Old Post Office
Address: 433 W Van Buren St, Chicago
Meeting Time: 2:10 PM
Duration: 2:10 PM - 2:40 PM

Stop 4 - Omni Ecosystems HQ
Address: 4131 S State St, Chicago, IL
Meeting Time: 3:15 PM
Duration: 3:15 - 6:00 PM

As we end the tour at OMNI Ecosystems HQ, we will join with the cohort of GRIMP attendees and have a networking session on the Omni Ecosystems Green Roof!


Detailed Agenda


Co-Host


Event Sponsors


Continuing Education

The Chicago Grey to Green Conference is pending approval for 7 HSW CEUs from: AIA, ASLA, and GRP.