About Us
MISSION
The Illinois Green Alliance is a membership-driven, community centered nonprofit that works collaboratively to promote green buildings and sustainable communities for all. Our network of sustainability professionals believes green buildings are important to improving the quality of life for everyone in Illinois.
VISION
To combat climate change in Illinois, it's time we made net zero buildings feasible, affordable, and so commonplace that every building in Illinois by 2050 is net zero.
STRATEGIC PLAN
To advance our 2050 vision, we are working to mainstream the technologies and strategies that make net zero possible for new and existing buildings. That’s why, through year-end, 2025, we will build on our experience sharing, high performance and cutting-edge strategies through education, demonstration, and policy. Read our full strategic plan -->
EDI COMMITMENT
We firmly believe that embracing a wide array of backgrounds, experience and perspectives will allow us to address climate change more effectively. We are committed to ensuring our mission and our work are equitable, inclusive, and just. Learn more about our EDI work -->
Our History
We were founded in 2002 by professionals from industries tied to the built environment who believed their work could address environmental problems facing our communities.
2002
Founded by a group of passionate green building advocates
2003
The Center for Green Technology in Chicago, the first LEED Platinum municipal building in the world, became a signature project and living laboratory.
2009
Supported the passage of the Illinois Green Buildings Act, which requires all new state buildings to meet LEED Silver.
2012
Illinois was recognized as the state with more LEED square footage per capita than any other state.
2013
Supported the passage and implementation of the Chicago energy benchmarking ordinance.
2016
The 2016-2020 strategic plan, called the Epic Challenge, built on our experience with LEED to bring green building experience to more buildings and neighborhoods.
2020
The Neighborhood Power Project launched to assist community oriented buildings with sustainability operations.
2020
The Illinois Green Schools Project launched to engage students and classrooms around green building.
2021
Launched our 2021 - 2025 Strategic Plan, focused on making net zero buildings feasible, affordable, and commonplace through education, policy, and support for existing buildings.
Organizational Transformation
Illinois Green Alliance was founded by green building advocates in 2002 as the Chicago Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Our first Executive Director was hired in 2006. In 2009, we merged with the USGBC – Central Illinois Chapter and became USGBC-Illinois, and in 2017 we updated our name to Illinois Green Alliance. We are a member-driven, mission-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving the state of Illinois.
