Chicago to Introduce Clean and Affordable Buildings Ordinance

CHICAGO – Today, at a press conference at City Hall, Alderwoman Maria Hadden of Chicago’s 49th ward announced that Mayor Brandon Johnson will be introducing an ordinance at Wednesday’s City Council meeting to set decarbonization measures for all newly constructed or majorly renovated buildings. “Too many Chicagoans are having trouble paying their gas bills, and…

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The Illinois Green Schools Project is back for the 2023-24 school year!

The Illinois Green Schools Project registration is now open! This is a year-long sustainability challenge designed for K-12 schools across Illinois. Gather students, teachers, and staff from your school to form a green team and meet regularly to design and implement a year-long, no-to low-cost, sustainability initiative at your school. Now in its 4th year,…

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39 Illinois Schools Recognized for their Sustainability Projects

Since October 2022, participating schools across Illinois have been hard at work identifying, planning, and implementing low-to-no cost sustainability projects for their schools and communities through the Illinois Green Schools Project. As the school year comes to a close, we want to thank all who were involved and reflect on the achievements and impact of your work. Nearly 1,800…

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Women in Green Building Recommend…

We asked attendees of our Women in Green Building Leadership Luncheon to share their favorite songs, books, and podcasts that inspire and empower. See what they recommended with our Women in Green playlist and favorites lists below! Books All We Can Save: Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis – Edited by Ayana Elizabeth…

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Mayor’s New Report Outlines 26 Building Decarb Recommendations

On October 13, the City of Chicago Mayor’s Office released the Building Decarbonization Working Group Report. The 26 equity-focused policy and program recommendations center on new construction design, energy efficiency, renewable energy, and building electrification. These recommendations set the course for bold building decarbonization action along with lowering the economic burden for residents and businesses.…

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17th Annual Emerald Awards for Green Building in Illinois Announced

2022 Awardees Reflect the Leadership of Municipalities and Nonprofits in Net Zero Buildings Chicago, IL — Illinois Green Alliance announced the recipients of this year’s Emerald Awards, dubbed the 2022 Path to Zero Heroes, for their ongoing efforts to mainstream net zero buildings in Illinois.   The Illinois Green Alliance Emerald Awards were launched in 2008…

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The Proposed Chicago Energy Transformation Code, Explained

Chicago skyline

Illinois Green congratulates Mayor Lightfoot & the Chicago Department of Buildings on the introduction of the 2022 Chicago Energy Transformation Code. The proposed code goes beyond the 2021 IECC baseline by adding key advancements that would make meaningful steps towards advancing building electrification. The Chicago Department of Buildings sought feedback from Illinois Green’s Building Professionals…

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Illinois Green Policy Update: March 2024 

Energy Efficiency Progress Delayed Challenges to the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) may hamper Illinois’ ability to improve energy efficiency—even as the state makes moves to adopt high performance building standards.  Illinois has an obligation to adopt the latest version of the IECC, but some groups have lobbied the International Code Council(ICC) to weaken…

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Policy Brief: Stretch Codes

To comply with one of the mandates in the historic 2021 Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), Illinois has undergone the process of working with energy efficiency experts and stakeholders to develop residential and commercial stretch energy codes. As of early 2024, the drafted stretch codes are ready for state approval. Stretch codes set much more aggressive energy…

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Welcome from our 2024 Board Chair

2023 was a landmark year for Illinois Green Alliance and net zero buildings. In 2024, it is critical we seize the next opportunity to grow our impact! Last year with your help, Illinois Green Alliance’s events and programs reached over 4,000 people. We redoubled our efforts to advocate for building decarbonization policy – including pitching…

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Meet Illinois Green’s 2023 Outstanding Volunteers

We are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2023 Outstanding Volunteer Awards! These six volunteers have gone above and beyond in their work with Illinois Green. They will be receiving their awards in-person at the 2024 Annual Meeting on February 8th. Click here to register!  We asked each recipient to tell us a little…

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A Letter from our Executive Director – Celebrating 2023

Dear valued partner, The progress this past year makes me more excited than ever about our big bold vision to decarbonize every building in Illinois. There has been unprecedented momentum in making Illinois a recognized national leader in net zero building design, technology, and operations. My optimism is rooted in the amazing community of members,…

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Welcoming Our New Board Members

This year the Illinois Green Alliance Board Elections Committee are pleased to present the results of this year’s Board of Directors elections. The Board of Directors guides Illinois Green’s strategic vision — to make net zero buildings feasible, affordable, and so commonplace that every building in Illinois by 2050 is net zero. Illinois Green welcomes…

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18th Annual Emerald Awards for Green Building in Illinois Announced

2023 Awardees Highlight the Impact of Net Zero Action on Communities Chicago, IL — Illinois Green Alliance announced the recipients of this year’s Emerald Awards, dubbed the 2023 Path to Zero Trailblazers, for their ongoing efforts to mainstream net zero buildings in Illinois. The Illinois Green Alliance Emerald Awards were launched in 2008 to celebrate…

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How One Illinois Foundation Catalyzed Net Zero Building Growth

By: Sam Stevens, Communications Intern The Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation (ICECF)’s net zero energy building grant has played a significant role in driving the growth of net zero energy buildings in the state of Illinois in the last decade. However, with the grant’s resources ending, it is essential to explore and create alternative funding…

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