Welcome!

Welcome to the virtual home of the Green Exchange, the country's largest sustainable business community. Green Exchange is the hub of the green economy in the Midwest, and your resource when you're looking for information and referrals to help incorporate sustainable practices into your personal and professional lives.
  • PHOTO: Experience the 8,000 SF organic sky garden where tenants and visitors can meet, mix and mingle!
  • PHOTO: Greenhouse Loft is the country's premier sustainable event venue.
  • PHOTO: GreenChoice Bank, the first LEED Platinum community bank in the Midwest.
  • PHOTO: Experience the 8,000 SF organic sky garden where tenants and visitors can meet, mix and mingle!
  • PHOTO: Committed, an eco-friendly wedding show, at the Greenhouse loft was a huge success!

  • PHOTO: Coyote Logistics named the 2011 #1 Top Workplace by the Chicago Tribune.
  • PHOTO: Green escalator that uses 30% less energy than a traditional escalator.

THE COMMUNITY
  • Greenhouse Loft is the country's premier sustainable event venue. From weddings and social gatherings to meetings and corporate events, Greenhouse Loft seeks to redefine what an event venue can be.

    Greenhouse Loft is a space where guests come to share ideas and experiences in a beautiful, sustainable environment that is unlike anything in the country.

    Greenhouse Loft is the latest project from the folks behind West Loop Studio. For photos and more, visit

    www.greenhouseloft.com
      Learn More
  • Coyote Logistics is the fastest-growing privately owned logistics and transportation company in the country.  Coyote Logistics was launched to bring a better experience to the transportation industry. Its unique operating model, supported by a proprietary technology platform and a growing team of energetic, highly-trained logistics experts, allows it to efficiently aggregate the capacity of an increasingly dense network of transportation partners and match that capacity with the shipping needs of its customer base. Coyote delivers the inherent cost advantages and flexibility of a non-asset based model without compromising on visibility, control, or reliability.

    In addition to striving to provide optimal service and support domestic transportation and supply chain operations throughout North America, Coyote strives for efficiency and sustainability. The company specializes in fleet backhaul, which utilizes client’s trucks to transport loads on return trips reducing the number of trucks transporting half or empty loads, to reduce emissions and overall carbon footprint. Coyote is continuously looking for Green solutions and look forward to our move to the Green Exchange in the Spring of 2011.  For more information, please visit www.coyote.com      Learn More
  • IWE is the leading provider of dual language workforce development services in Illinois. We add value to organizations by delivering results-driven, customized training services in a responsive, professional manner. IWE can help you eliminate gaps in your employee pipeline by helping to recruit and train new hires, and IWE can help you boost your bottom line by training your current employees or new hires. We provide training in all industries, including manufacturing, health care, construction, small business, service, non-profit and green technologies, and we use experienced trainers, effective training materials, and adult education methods to ensure that the training meets your business objectives.  IWE delivers training services including needs assessment, training deployment, and grant writing to underwrite the cost of training for our clients.

    Fore more information: www.iwetraining.com      Learn More
  • GreenChoice Bank is dedicated to providing a better choice for consumers and businesses. Our relationship-driven approach is built on a foundation of core values designed to enhance the environmental, social and financial well-being of our communities and planet.  GreenChoice Bank is the first community bank of its kind in the Midwest, and one of the only in the country, that is implementing these values across all areas of its business – from our Green Exchange location’s anticipated LEED Platinum certification to our back office to products that reward clients for making more sustainable choices.  GreenChoice Bank is the right choice for those looking to make a values-based decision about their banking services and how their deposits are deployed back into the community.  To learn more, visit us at www.GreenChoiceBank.com


      Learn More
  • Purple Asparagus is a non-profit that educates children, families, and the community about eating that’s good for the body and the planet. Nutrition education programs are at the heart of our work. We offer practical and engaging programs so children and their families can learn about healthy eating.

    We encourage children to taste fruits and vegetables that they might otherwise never consider and to engage in interactive cooking lessons to spark their interest in imagining, tasting, and creating healthy meals.

    Purple Asparagus’ flagship program – Delicious, Nutritious Adventures – provides interactive and fun nutrition education classes in elementary schools. Students taste new foods and learn where they come from, how they benefit their bodies, and how to make simple and healthy meals using them. Written recipes go home to parents so families can cook these at home.

    Purple Asparagus also offers Good Eating for Families classes to help parents bring healthy foods into their diets with recipes, tastings, and cooking demonstrations. During the summer, our Family Fun at Farmers’ Markets activities engage families in hands-on cooking projects using unfamiliar but healthy foods.

    For more info, please visit www.purpleasparagus.com

      Learn More
  • GREEN ENERGY IMPROVEMENT is an energy efficiency home performance business founded in March 2010 to serve homeowners in the Chicago area. The company specializes in consulting and contracting services that improve residential comfort and lower energy bills by providing education, comprehensive energy audits, air sealing, insulation, HVAC, water heater and window replacement. Offices are located in Chicago and Oak Park, Illinois to accommodate customers from Chicago to Ottawa.

    Our building analysts and envelope professionals are trained and certified by the Building Performance Institute. We guarantee our technicians will install the appropriate materials, products and equipment that will increase comfort and lower energy bills by using diagnostic equipment including blower door and infrared camera before and after an energy efficiency retrofit service.

    GREEN ENERGY IMPROVEMENT is a division of  CARNEGIE CREDIT CORPORATION, a woman-owned and family operated company since 1966 that is dedicated to providing education, service, support and financing for energy efficiency retrofits.
    Our team offers over 100 years combined experience in providing solutions for lowering utility bills and improving your comfort, safety and the durability of your home with low cost, energy efficient products, equipment and services.

    For learn more, please visit www.greenenergyimprovement.com      Learn More
  • The mission of Renewable Energy Alternatives is to represent and install products manufactured to conserve, save and produce clean energy. This primarily includes photovaltaic roof tiles, roof membranes, window glass, windmills,and wind spirals as well as edible green roof and wall systems.

    To learn more, visit www.renewableenergyalt.com
      Learn More
  • Ale Syndicate Brewers is the newest addition to the Green Exchange campus. Founded by brothers Jesse Edwin Evans and Samuel Evans, the brewery aims to make beers that are uniquely Chicago. The Ale Syndicate team is leasing temporary space in the main building while they build out the brewery space next door (just west on Diversey). 
     
    The space where the brewery will go was actually an old train station for the town of Maplewood, which was annexed by the city in the 1800's. When finished, the brewery will house a 30 barrel system (producing around 60 kegs of beer at a time) and a tap room where visitors can grab a pint and watch the brewers at work! 
     
    "We're excited to be the newest addition to the Green Exchange and Logan Square", said Samuel Evans. "We're eager to create a community space that will not only serve innovative and unique brews, but also a place for neighbors to enjoy local music and culture." 
     
    Learn more about Ale Syndicate by visiting their website: 
      Learn More
  • Rainforest is an early childhood learning center training tomorrow's global citizens.  With an environmental arts based curriculum, Rainforest focuses on the child's creative spirit using specialty materials like mosaics, ceramics, and pottery.  Its non-traditional approach to early childhood education has received notice and acclaim from some of the city's most prominent private and public elementary programs, who are now educating Rainforest graduates.  Rainforest cares for children as young as six weeks and as old as six years. It is a full day program that is open Monday thru Friday, year round.

    Green Exchange will be the second location for Rainforest, and we are excited to partner with them as they expand.  Anyone interested in seeing what Rainforest is all about is invited to visit the current location in the South Loop at 1325 S. State Street, or by contacting them at 312-913-9793 or info@greenpreschool.com

    For more information: www.rainforestlearningcenter.com or www.facebook.com/rainforestlearningcenter      Learn More
  • Harnessing the combined powers of traditional and new media, we create marketing strategies that deliver. At Pivotal we embrace what's known and what's next. Because it's not either/or. Traditional media is not dying. It’s evolving. And while it's true that brands that do not evolve will die, any marketer who does not embrace the bedrock principles of smart, time-tested, brand-building, classically-modeled methods will also be left on the side of the digital road. That is the Pivotal difference.

    Pivotal is a certified Women Business Enterprise and B Corporation. In fact, Pivotal was just named one of the Top 10 'Small but Mighty' B Corporations in the world. @PivotalChicago

    www.pivotalchicago.com
      Learn More
  • Heather N. Schafer is an Intellectual Property and Registered Patent Attorney.  With over six years experience, Heather’s practice focuses on IP protection and counseling for entrepreneurs and startups.  Heather is an adjunct professor at Chicago Kent College of Law and regularly conducts seminars and writes articles on Intellectual Property issues for books and periodicals such as Intellectual Property Magazine.

    To learn more, please visit www.schaferiplaw.com
      Learn More
  • 2 Point Perspective specializes in modern, eco-friendly architecture as well as interior and furniture design services for residential and commercial clients.  Founders, Lisa and Ron Elkins are LEED accredited architects with more than a decade of experience in Chicago, San Francisco and London.  2 Point Perspective includes the design of Chicago’s vegan restaurant Balanced Kitchen on their resume, as well as many residential properties including a zero-net energy home in the city’s Oak Park neighborhood.  They will also count numerous offices and retail showrooms within Green Exchange as part of their portfolio.  You can view more of their work at www.2pointperspective.com.  Learn More
  • Spartan Surfaces is a sales and consulting group specializing in commercial flooring. At Spartan, we pride ourselves in taking a human-centered approach to finding the right product for each and every application.  People are at the center of everything we do.  At every step of the selection process, we put ourselves in the shoes of the people involved - from the architect to the designer, manufacturer to installer, owner’s representative to end user.  We start with you - your priorities, goals and challenges - and end by evaluating our work based on your success.

    Spartan is a team of great people dedicated to great products, great families, great friendships, and great happiness.  Check out our website to learn more about the Spartan team and our comprehensive product offering at midwest.spartansurfaces.com 


    Michael J. Blasek , LEED AP (Managing Partner of Spartan Surfaces | Midwest) is the former Chairman and founding member of the Illinois chapter of the USGBC.  He has served on the Regional Heartland Council and is on many of the USGBC corresponding committees.

    Connect with me on Linkedin
    Follow me on Twitter

      Learn More
  • Smithereen is the leader in Integrated and Low Environmental Impact Pest Management, also referred to as Green Pest Management. Our service comprises three basic components: INSPECTION, PROBLEM SOLVING and COMMUNICATION. Smithereen offers extensive and effective Green, Low Environmental Impact programs designed to control a wide variety of structural pests. Exclusion, Behavior Modifications and Sanitary Assessments along with green formulations as natural repellents and baits are included in the program.

    Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®)
    Smithereen, “Your Partner for a Healthy Environment”, can partner with you to complete your pest control eligibility requirements for LEED® certification. Smithereen employees have demonstrated a thorough understanding of green building practices and principles by pursuing and receiving LEED® Professional Accreditation. Smithereen is an active member of the U.S. Green Building Council and local chapters.

    Smithereen’s Green Shield Certified Service
    Smithereen continues to lead the industry as a provider of Green Shield Certified Service. Smithereen’s Green Shield Certified Service means smarter, more effective pest control without unnecessary pesticide use. Smithereen certified professionals solve the underlying cause of pest problems, providing lasting control. For 123 years Smithereen has been serving the Chicagoland area, including portions of Wisconsin and Indiana. Smithereen also has a location serving the Kansas City area.

    To learn more, please visit www.smithereen.com
      Learn More
  • WeFarm America is a social enterprise that offers customized organic residential, school and community gardens.With our Garden Installation packages, a WeFarm Specialist visits the property for a consultation and soil test, generates custom designs, and returns to install a complete garden according to the customer’s preferences and specifications. From there, the customer is free to follow the detailed instructions on sustainable gardening based on WeFarm's suggested best practices or develop their own strategy.

    We're working to convert lawns to food gardens and vacant lots to community gardens and urban farms across the city. Our residential garden work helps fund school and community garden projects in Chicago’s under-served neighborhoods.

    For more info, please visit www.wefarmamerica.com

      Learn More
  • NewGrange Development LLC is a Building Design, Construction, and General Contracting Company with a focus on sustainable developments. We are passionate about sustainable design, quality construction, and environmental responsibility. With our in-house team of LEED AP’s and Construction Professionals, we offer design, construction, and general contracting services for your home or building project. Our goal is maximize value for our clients and the environment through effective, efficient, and resourceful buildings.  From single family homes and multi-family buildings - to commercial construction, we’re here to retrofit existing buildings and build high performing new ones. To learn more visit us at newgrangedevelopment.com
      Learn More
  • Rishi Tea offers the highest quality organic and Fair Trade Certified loose leaf teas, imported directly from gardens around the world. We travel thousands of miles each year to work hands-on in the fields with skilled artisans and their families, who have been making traditional teas and herbs for generations. Our direct, long-standing relationships allow us to produce rare and exclusive teas that offer an unmatched level of freshness, quality and authenticity.  Our trade, travels, and study are devoted to expanding the understanding of loose leaf tea and setting the standard for quality. We are proud to offer over 200 loose leaf teas and herbs, and welcome you to try our teas and share in our direct link to origin. For more info please visit www.rishi-tea.com  Learn More
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News

Earth Day In The Green Exchange

Come celebrate Earth Day in the Green Exchange! 

Starting at 5pm on Monday, April 22nd the Green Exchange community will host a series of workshops + speakers (full list coming shortly) 

Guests can experience the global collaborative art project: As You Are: A Decade of You Are Beautiful, as seen on OWN's Super Soul Sunday. 

Then enjoy an incredible live music performance by the talented Rebecca Loebe starting at 7pm in the Greenhouse Loft. 

Award winning singer/songwriter Rebecca Loebe is both candid and self-depreciating, attributes that shine through in her songwriting and laugh-out-loud storytelling. Since quitting her job as a full-time recording studio engineer, she has performed an average of 150 shows per year in listening rooms, festivals and theaters in 30 states of the US and in Europe. Last spring she took a break from the road to appear as a contestant on Season 1 of NBC's "The Voice", with a performance of Nirvana's 'Come As You Are' that inspired Christina Aguilera and Adam Levine to offer her mentorship and charted on iTunes worldwide. An Atlanta native, Loebe now makes her home in Austin. She is touring nationally to support her 3rd full length release CIRCUS HEART, an album that mixes intimate folk with jubilant pop and has received rave reviews from all over the world. 

To purchase tickets visit: http://gxchicago.eventbrite.com/

News

As You Are: A Decade of You Are Beautiful

During the month of February, You Are Beautiful will fill the raw spaces of The Green Exchange. The exhibition will survey this exciting global project from inception to present day. 

You Are Beautiful is a bold and simple statement established in Chicago in 2002. This powerful message has spread around the world, distributing close to half a million stickers, along with generating countless projects to beautify neighborhoods in cities globally. The project is open to all, from established artists & designers, to inspired youth. No matter who is involved, the intention and enthusiasm remains unwavering.  

This exhibition is curated by creative director & founder, Matthew Hoffman. Hoffman sees his role as an organizer, and insists the power of this project is led by those sharing the message. With chapters and communities springing up around the world, Hoffman prefers the emphasis on the excitement and hope You Are Beautiful offers. "There has never been a more vital time for positive intervention than now."

On Thursday, February 7th, 2013 the Green Exchange 
hosted the opening night reception for the You Are Beautiful exhibit. 

The Green Exchange will also host a number of workshops and events with the You Are Beautiful curator, Matthew Hoffman, throughout the month of February. 

The exhibit will be on display and open to the public starting 
Friday, February 8th

Monday thru Friday: 9:00am - 5:00pm  
Saturday: 8:30am - 1:00pm 

Location: 
The Green Exchange
2545 W. Diversey Ave, 2nd Floor
Chicago IL, 60647

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: 

NEWS

Blindfold Magazine features "Women of The Green Exchange"

Pick up this months issue of Blindfold Magazine at a WholeFoods near you and check out the feature article on the women business owners of The Green Exchange.  

The article features Gx tenants:



NEWS


#Ecofriends
Connecting The Green Community One Tweet at a Time

This January, The Green Exchange is excited to extend the conversation of green living + sustainability via a new Twitter chat called #EcoFriends.

#Ecofriends will occur every Tuesday at 2pm CST and will be lead by @GxChicago.

The hashtag #Ecofriends will be used to moderate and participate in the chat. @GxChicago will ask a series of 5 open-ended questions for participants on a range of topics, anywhere from shopping local to raising green children. As the chat grows and we learn more from the twitterverse, we will craft the chat topics around the interests of the participants.

Gx business owners, experts, thought leaders and friends will join the conversations and share their green expertise and we hope that you will too!

So please join us, every Tuesday starting January 8th at 2pm CST for #EcoFriends and let’s move the dialogue forward.
NEWS
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Growing Green Exponentially

NEWS

Green Exchange Shuttle Schedule

The Green Exchange offers shuttle service for its tenants before and after work, Monday thru Friday. 

For more information on the shuttle schedule Click Here
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