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…
Read MoreWomen 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…
Read MoreMayor’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.…
Read More17th 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…
Read MoreThe Proposed Chicago Energy Transformation Code, Explained
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…
Read MoreNet Zero Building Case Study: Adlai E. Stevenson High School EBA I
Project Overview In 2021, the Adlai E. Stevenson High School East Building Addition became the first verified net zero energy building in Illinois. The all- electric powered project achieved Zero Energy Certification from the International Living Future Institute. Project Team Owner: Adlai E. Stevenson High School District 125 Architect: Wight & Company MEP, Structural Engineering:…
Read MoreHigh Performance Building Case Study: Ford Calumet Environmental Center
Project Overview In 2021, the Ford Calumet Environmental Center opened in Chicago’s Southeast side. The LEED Silver building is located within Big Marsh Park, which is a part of the Chicago Park District’s largest reclamation projects. Project Team Owner: Chicago Park District Architectural Design: Valerio Dewalt Train General Contractor: Chicago Commercial Construction Civil Engineering: Primera…
Read MoreNet Zero Building Case Study: Carroll Community Center
Project Overview Carroll Community Center is one of the first net zero verified buildings in Illinois, earning PHIUS+ 2018 & Source Zero certifications. The building was completed in 2020 and net zero verified in 2021. Project Team Owner & Co-Construction Manager: Park District of Oak Park Architect, Co-Construction Manager, & Certified Passive House Consultant: Tom…
Read MoreUplift Community High School: Plant Parenthood Project
Project Type: Nature, Biophilic design Students: 10 Staff: 2 Location: Chicago, IL Grade Levels: High School Winner: Judges’ Choice Award Uplift Community High’s Green Schools Project was selected by the panel of Illinois Green Schools Project reviewers as the Judges’ Choice winner for holistically addressing sustainability at school. The Project This project follows up on a…
Read MoreLincoln Middle School Goes Green…Again
Project Type: Waste Reduction Students: 202 Staff: 1 Mentor: Robyn Munici Location: Park Ridge, IL Grade Level: Grades 6-8 The Project As a participant in the 2022-23 cohort of the Illinois Green Schools Project, worked to engage students and community in waste reduction. Lincoln Middle School worked last year to implement a waste reduction program,…
Read MoreMarion High School: Human Impacts on Ecosystems in Southern Illinois
Project Type: Environmental Justice Staff: 4 Location: Marion, IL Grade Level: 10th Grade Winner: Community Engagement Award Marion High School’s project was awarded the Community Engagement Award by the Illinois Green Schools Project reviewers. The Project The Marion Green Team set out to create a new Biology unit on environmental justice, centered around the land…
Read MoreGwendolyn Brooks Middle School: What’s Up with Worm Composting?
Project Type: Path to Net Zero, Waste Reduction Students: 20 Staff: 2 Mentor: Richard Katz Location: Oak Park, IL Grade Levels: 6th, 7th, & 8th The Project As a participant in the 2022-23 cohort of the Illinois Green Schools Project, the Brooks Green Team, composed of 20 students across 6th, 7th, and 8th grades, set…
Read MorePleasantdale Elementary: Zeroing in on Closing the Loop
Project Type: Path to Net Zero, Habitat Restoration & Biodiversity, Food Garden, Outdoor Learning Space, Waste Reduction Students: 111 Staff: 5 Mentor: Theresa Johnston Location: Milledgeville, IL Grade Level: Kindergarten & 1st Winner: First Place Elementary School Pleasantdale Elementary’s project was recognized with the 1st Place Elementary School award by the panel of Illinois Green…
Read MoreMilledgeville High School: Trash Analysis & Recycling Awareness
Project Type: Waste Reduction Students: 13 Staff: 2 Mentor: Hannah Nelson Location: Milledgeville, IL Grade Level: Grades 10-11 The Project As a participant in the 2022-23 cohort of the Illinois Green Schools Project, Milledgeville High School engaged in waste reduction activities. Milledgeville High School does not have a recycling program, so students in the Honors…
Read More