Chicago suburb considers bird collision deterrent requirement on all new buildings

The Chicago suburb of Highland Park, Ill., is considering a proposal that would require all new commercial and multifamily residential buildings to be built according to standards meant to reduce bird collisions.

The standard would follow a LEED pilot credit program. The program requires buildings to score a bird “threat factor” of 15 or less through bird-friendly design, lighting, and location selection.

Highland Park’s City Council has already passed a bird-friendly design and materials standard for new city buildings. In a related development, U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley of Chicago introduced the Federal Bird-Safe Buildings Act this year. This legislation would require public buildings funded by the General Services Administration to incorporate bird-friendly design.