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CHICAGO (September 20, 2006) – The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon was
joined by the City of Chicago today to announce the planting of more
than 75 trees along the West Loop section of the race course as part of
a new multi-year plan to “green” the Marathon.
In launching this effort, LaSalle Bank and The LaSalle Bank Chicago
Marathon aim to further the Bank’s commitment to being more sustainable
by physically “greening” the course by planting additional trees,
expanding recycling efforts, increasing the use of organic products and
reducing waste at its annual premier event.
The tree-planting project is being organized in conjunction with the
Chicago Department of Environment, Mayor Daley’s GreenStreets, the
Department of Streets and Sanitation and the Bureau of Forestry to
mitigate existing Urban Heat Islands in the city. Urban Heat Islands are
caused by dark colored or non-vegetated areas that absorb heat and raise
temperatures during summer months thereby increasing energy costs and
reducing air quality for nearby residents and businesses. By adding
mature trees to the neighborhood landscapes, the City is increasing
shade cover in the areas to offset high temperatures and reduce energy
use.
LaSalle Bank, through The LaSalle Bank Sports Charitable Fund, financed
the installation of trees along the 1400-2000 blocks of west Adams and
Jackson streets and plans to work with the City in the years ahead to
identify similar stretches that coincide with the 26.2-mile course.
“We’re committed to making Chicago the most environmentally friendly
city in the world,” said Chicago’s Mayor Richard M. Daley. “LaSalle Bank
is a corporate leader in this area. Partnering with them to green an
event annually attended by more than 1.5 million people is a significant
step to further sustain Chicago.”
Beginning with the Oct. 22 running of The 29th LaSalle Bank Chicago
Marathon, event organizers will look to improve upon current practices
to lessen the event’s impact on the local environment. Plans include
additional recycling procedures, use of recycled and organic products,
decreased greenhouse gas emissions and reduced energy use.
“LaSalle Bank has deep ties to the communities in which we live and
work. Our commitment to them includes ensuring a healthy environment,”
said David Rudis, president of Retail Banking at LaSalle Bank. “We plan
to examine all of our operations and continue to identify opportunities
to make this a green Marathon.”
The LaSalle Bank Sports Charitable Fund was established in partnership
with The Chicago Community Trust to support the needs of the communities
served by the Bank. Monies for the Fund are generated through LaSalle
Bank Sports events and sponsorships in the Bank’s primary markets. The
LaSalle Bank Sports Charitable Fund will support charitable
organizations that assist in sustaining a healthy environment and
encouraging children and adults to lead healthy lifestyles.
The 2006 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon will take place on Sunday, Oct.
22, beginning and ending in Chicago’s historic Grant Park.
source ChicagoMarathon |
Time-to-Run Marathon section
