From printers to home renovation suppliers, many Chicago businesses are looking to make green by being green. And now, they'll have a place of their own.

When the Green Exchange opens its doors next year, it will be the country's first commercial real-estate development dedicated to growing green businesses. Located in a renovated lamp factory, the building will provide space for retailers, offices, and incubator lofts.

Occupants will enjoy a green courtyard, bike rooms, car sharing services and priority hybrid parking. But the eco-friendly amenities aren't the only draw for environmentally conscious companies.

Its sense of community motivated Marilyn Jones, owner of Consolidated Printing Company, to open a satellite office at the Exchange. "We became green in 1973, so it was very lonely out there for a very long time," she says. "It's just good to be among people who understand what you're doing as a green business and why you're doing it."

Other companies, including Greenmaker Supply, have also signed on to be the building's first tenants. But the Green Exchange's community will extend beyond its physical location at 2545 West Diversey Avenue.

With an interactive website, the Green Exchange is not just a go-to place for products and services. It's also a forum where tenants will join industry experts to blog and answer your questions. Proving that it's easier to be green when we're working together.

For a virtual view of the new building and all it has to offer, visit Green Exchange.

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