Research + Learning

View the recording of the panel discussion on microplastics that took place at The Plant in July 2022, with leading experts discussing the science behind the impacts of plastics on the environment and our bodies, while also providing useful insight into how we can take action.

Graphic of the pollution prevention hierarchy is courtesy of John Scott with the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center, and the slides from his presentation are here.

We envision the digester project as an opportunity to provide food-waste processing alternatives to businesses in the surrounding urban industrial area as well as elsewhere in the City, while also realizing the revenue possible by harnessing this valuable waste stream.

Using renewable energy is an important step to reduce your carbon footprint, though be sure to decrease demand as you go!

Graphic courtesy of MC Squared Energy Services.

Bubbly Dynamics has repurposed a 9,000-gallon tank, which was formerly used by Peer Foods to hold brine for pickling pork products, as a cistern that collects rooftop runoff. This allows growers to use commercial drip tape and walking irrigation systems to increase crop yields and save on tap water bills.

This 3,000-gallon wetland incorporates native plants and fish (hybrid bluegill and mosquitofish) in a constructed environment that mimics a natural symbiotic system. The refreshed water is used for agricultural purposes in The Plant, including the bio-remediation planters along the front windows of the lobby.

The carbon dioxide system captures CO2 from Whiner Beer Co.’s brewing system and transports it from their brewhouse to agriculture uses in the building, where indoor farms and algae bioreactors use it as an input to their process.

Developed and implemented in-house, our smart metering system can track both the total wattage used in the building in real time and where the power is being used, as each business has its own smart meter.

The 5Rs — refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose, and recycle — address key principles for an effective waste stream plan. This resource provides recommendations for robust implementation strategies for these basic tenets, as well as strategies for implementation such as recommended bins and signage.

Cut through the greenwashing, and select sustainable options for your purchasing needs. Considerations include carbon footprint, social/community impacts, waste generated from shipping, and ultimately what companies you’re supporting with your hard-earned cash. Guidance is provided for selecting vendors whose corporate policies align with your values.