Advancing Policy
We convene green building professionals to advance high performance buildings for all.
Reducing building emissions is crucial for meeting state and local climate goals.
To overcome barriers to net zero adoption, we will engage our network of building professionals to develop new policies, like net zero building codes and building performance standards, and educate policymakers about meaningful solutions that will help overcome roadblocks and incentivize net zero buildings.
Our Current Policy Goals
Clean and Affordable Buildings Ordinance (CABO) - Chicago
In early 2024, Mayor Brandon Johnson and 15 co-sponsors introduced an ordinance that would limit carbon dioxide emissions in new-construction to reduce climate impacts and protect residents from the negative health impacts associated with natural gas. The ordinance would prohibit fuels that emit more than 25 kg/btu of Co2, promoting cleaner energy sources.
Clean and Healthy Buildings Act - Illinois
To build of the success of the 2021 Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, The Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition (ICJC) launched three new bills to continue the state's progress in climate, equity and energy. The new platform outlines solutions for the electric grid, transportation, and buildings.
Stretch Code Adoption - Statewide
Illinois is in the final stage of approving Commercial and Residential Stretch Codes - optional, high-efficiency codes available for municipalities to adopt in place of their base code. The draft 2023 residential stretch code targets an Energy Use Intensity reduction of 22.7% compared to the 2021 base code and likewise the commercial targets a 4.4% reduction. Research on the residential stretch codes projects $250 in annual utility savings and a lifetime cost savings of $8,829 for the average homeowner.
Green Policy News
Green Building Policy Resources
Listing of a resource on this page does not imply endorsement by Illinois Green Alliance. This page was curated by our staff and Board Members. If there's a resource we should add, let us know.
Want to share your expertise with policymakers?
Illinois Green can connect you with opportunities to advance green building policy.
