Note: This is a guest post by Dan Grifen. Dan is a student at the University of Utica pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Political Science. He is an active member of the political blogosphere (check him out here and here) and a follower of all things green and progressive.

With some of the brightest young engineers coming straight out of The University of Illinois, it’s no wonder why Chicago is at the forefront of all major green initiatives. This includes the development of land conservation, efforts driven by the Chicago Department of Environment, and many more environmentally friendly projects. Amongst these are the significant advances in green space and architecture during the 21^st century.

Chicago’s demand for greener jobs is being answered by companies like the West Pullman plant, which is the largest urban solar plant in the United States. In an article from the Chicago Sun Times, Jim Amedeo, Lead Supervisor, states “Solar plants are only going to get smaller and more efficient, and solar energy will get cheaper to use.” He continues on to discuss the implementation of multiple plants within the city, adhering to the idea of expansion and job openings.

Residential areas are progressively doing their part to ensure a smarter, energy efficient planet by exploring solar alternatives. With the housing tax credit extension, homeowners are more inclined to enhance their efficiency and find new ways to go green. Reports substantiated by NBC of Chicago find that American homes generated twice as much power from rooftop solar panels. Hopefully with the expansion of plants like West Pullman, America will see an increase in solar powered homes and renewable energy.

Leading the way in green civil design in large is Niranjan Shah, CEO of Globetrotters Engineering Corporation out of Chicago, IL. Globetrotters has been granted monies in excess of $13.7 million, all for city consulting and engineering contracts since March, 1994. According to their website, “For over three decades, the Firm has provided a full range of professional architectural and engineering consulting services. [They] have also been active in program management, construction and energy management; property and facilities operation and maintenance; and technology integration and development.”  In building, Globetrotters abides by USGBC guidelines, further promoting sustainability.

With the passing of Earth Day 2010, it’s important that the rest of our nation keep a close eye on the initiatives being taken in Chicago. Even the smallest individual lifestyle changes, such as brushing your teeth with the water off, are a step in the right direction. With the implementation of land conservation and living landscapes, Chicago, along with the rest of the nation will effectively see energy costs go down in the long-term. This will in turn lead to a relatively fast economic incline, not to mention a more sustainable planet.