Bird Advocates Say Chicago Needs to Upgrade Building Standards

4/16/2024

Advocates for bird safety in Chicago are disappointed after the city’s current sustainability plan has made bird safety design features for new buildings optional, rather than mandatory. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the Bird Friendly Coalition has been working with the city’s Department of Planning and Development on bird safety standards for buildings, but developers are not required to follow the standards, instead earning “points” for using bird-friendly features. The points go towards a rating in the overall sustainability plan from the city.  

Bird Friendly Coalition is advocating for measures like decorative grilles and patterned glass that birds can clock as part of a building rather than reflective glass. Many manufacturers have begun selling this type of patterned glass and as market demand increases, prices will come down, too. 

Buildings turning lights off at night is also a crucial step toward protecting birds from flying into structures. Lights inside a building at night can confuse and distract birds. 

Last fall during migration season, nearly 1,000 birds died in a single day after slamming into McCormick Place on Chicago’s lakefront.  

Greg Zimmerman is senior contributing editor for FacilitiesNet.com and Building Operating Management magazine.