Sustainability is a top priority for us, so we consciously go the extra mile to drastically reduce your event's waste and overall carbon emissions.

We Reduce

• Our caterers try to use as much locally sourced food as possible, which minimizes transportation fuel emissions.
• Our caterers also use organic food, which reduces not only the farmer and consumer’s exposure to pesticides, but also reduces the environmental farming impact as a whole.
• We reduce waste by serving items in bulk when possible (ie. condiment dispensers instead of individual sized containers, filtered water cooler stations instead of plastic bottles, etc.)
• We use non-plastic, eco-friendly utensils.
• We utilize non-toxic and eco-friendly cleaning supplies.
• We have water efficient toilets.
• Our energy efficient windows help regulate temperatures.
• Our high efficiency heating and cooling system reduces energy by 22%.

We Reuse

• We have a collection of restored mid-century modern furniture.
• Our hardwood floor is made of a reclaimed 120 year old wood.
• Our entire building was restored and re-purposed and was once a manufacturing facility.

We Recycle

• We use on-site compost and recycling systems (sorted on-site) reducing up to 90% of event-generated waste, which would otherwise be landfilled

Highlights of our Green Building

• Certified Platinum LEED, the highest ranking possible from the U.S. Green Building Council
• State-of-the-art indoor air quality sensor and filtration system
• Environmentally friendly building materials including low toxin (VOC) paints and stains
• 8,000 square foot organic sky garden with native prairie plants and trees, watered using a 41,329  gallon on-site rain cistern system
• Green escalator (30% less energy than an average escalator)
• Co-op vegetable garden on-site
• Filled with innovative green companies and individuals, The Green Exchange is America’s largest sustainable business community

Green Exchange History

Before being transformed into the state-of-the-art LEED Platinum epicenter for green commerce that it is today, 2545 West Diversey was used primarily as a manufacturing site. Originally constructed in 1913, it served as Vassar Swiss Underwear Company’s knitting mill which employed 1,000 workers for nearly 54 years. In 1967 the building was sold to Fredrick Cooper Lamps and became a manufacturing factory for architecturally-inspired ‘elegant lamps’ made from brass, fabric, glass and wood. The lamps are still sold today, but in 2005 after 38 years occupying the building, the Cooper Lamp Factory had to close their doors due to rising labor costs and overseas manufacturing opportunities.

After that, the large vacant building was completely re-developed into what we know it as today: A cutting-edge hotbed for green commerce that gives back to the community and promotes environmental sustainability. Enriched by the building history and tenants who came before us, Greenhouse Loft is humbled to be a part of this incredible building’s community and mission.

Green Wedding Alliance

Greenhouse Loft is proud to be a member of the Green Wedding Alliance, a collection of Chicago vendors who are committed to green business practices and creating low-waste events. To learn more about the Green Wedding Alliance and get tips for planning a sustainable wedding.

“Greenhouse Loft was the first venue we looked at, and I was ready to sign a contract about a minute after walking into the space. GHL has the indoor/ outdoor space we both wanted...this is a roof garden complete with grass, built-in planters, sidewalks, and benches. The actual loft space was perfect for a bride like me, who wanted a clean, modern space. I was able to use minimal decorations - just candles, really - and it looked absolutely amazing… I also have to mention that GHL fit personally with our lifestyle, because they are on track for Platinum LEED-Certification, and offer many sustainable services and amenities including: Locally sourced catering options, excellent air quality, abundant natural light, comprehensive recycling and composting. Everyone commented on what a unique and beautiful space we had for our wedding, and I cannot imagine having had our celebration anywhere else. If you are even considering using GHL, get over there FAST, because dates do not stay open for long!” 

- Melissa, married at Greenhouse Loft in July 2013

Our fully customizable space is 3,600+ square feet, with 16’ ceilings in the glasshouse. Floor to ceiling windows along the east wall provide ample natural light and a view of our outdoor garden area. Our kitchen and green room/bridal suite are right off the main space and the Greenhouse Loft Portrait Studio is adjacent to the venue.

The outdoor garden is accessible throughout the year, weather permitting, and is an ideal space for cocktail hour or an outdoor ceremony of up to 200 guests. Share your vision with us and we will help design an event set-up that’s perfect!

Our max capacity is as follows:

Seated Dinner with a DJ - Maximum of 200 guests
Seated Dinner with a band - Maximum of 170
Cocktail Style with a DJ or band - Maximum of 250 guests

"We got married at GHL in August, and the venue was perfect for our wedding. the team was receptive to our needs (a Hindu ceremony, civil ceremony, and reception all in one day), and they were super responsive throughout the whole planning process. GHL and all of our vendors worked seamlessly together, and the day-of set up was exactly how we had envisioned… We loved this venue, and our ceremonies in and outdoors could not have been beat!"
 

- Cat, married at Greenhouse Loft in August 2014

We’re housed in a LEED Platinum-certified building that’s chock full of sustainable features. We work with caterers, stationers, florists and other vendors who are among Chicago’s most sustainable business owners— they’ll help you minimize your carbon footprint. If you’re really dedicated, our event planners can help you get green down to the tiniest detail!

Each one of the 2.5 million weddings this year in the United States will produce an average of 62 tons of carbon dioxide and 400-600 lbs of garbage* - What can you do to make this stat smaller?  Here are some ideas:**

Venue

• Choose a naturally beautiful venue that won’t need extra “stuff” as decor
• Verify that your venue has environmental friendly policies
• Use your locations and season as inspiration for natural decor

Food + Drink

• Create a menu of local, in-season organic foods and beverages
• Be aware of the service materials, use reusable items wherever possible, be sure to compost disposables
• Make sure your caterer and venue space coordinate with each other on compost and recycling policies

Photography

• Does your photographer use rechargeable batteries, non-toxic inks, online proofs, led, and cfl bulbs

JEWELRY

• Eco-conscious jewelers use recycled metals, and ethically sourced gemstones

Invitations

• Choose papers with a high post consumer waste recycled content
• Ask your stationer if they use plant, water-based, or organic inks

Flowers

• Ask your florist to use local, seasonal and organic flowers
• Repurpose your ceremony flowers for the reception and brunch, donate them the day after
• Arrange to have organic materials composted

Wardrobe

• A vintage dress and/or suite makes a timeless statement
• Consider donating or selling your gown to a charity or resale shop
• Use a green dry cleaner

Favors

• Consider useful, local, organic, consumable, plantable, refillable, favors
• Consider a donation in honor of your guests in lieu of favors
   

*Source: The Green Bride Guide
**Source: Green Wedding Alliance