Share your input! The State of Net Zero Buildings in Illinois Survey is LIVE!
Provide valuable insight to improving our educational offerings, policy focus, and updating our net zero building list. In addition, take the survey for a chance to win a ticket to the Limelight Gala on October 12. One winner will be selected after the survey closes on June 30. We want to hear from all professionals, regardless…
Read MoreLessons from a Net Zero Building Operator: Management requires continuous monitoring and dedicated staff
By: Sam Stevens, 2023 Communications Intern Completing a net zero building project is an incredible achievement, benefiting not only the owner and designer but also the community. However, the journey doesn’t end there. Managing a net zero building involves continuous system monitoring, an informed and dedicated staff, and adaptability when troubleshooting new technologies. We…
Read MoreMeet our 2023 Communications Intern: Sam Stevens
Sam wrapped up her Communications Internship with Illinois Green in June 2023. In her role, Sam researched and interviewed experts about new net zero projects and wrote case studies on up-and-coming net zero buildings. She also crafted blog posts, ranging in topics from how to manage a net zero building to overviewing the differences between…
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 More39 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 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…
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