Feature Story
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…
Read MoreMeet the Candidates for the Board of Directors
This year the Illinois Green Alliance Board Elections Committee are pleased to present 8 candidates for consideration for 5 open board seats. 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. There are five…
Read MoreHow 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…
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 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 More2023 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools Honorees from the Illinois School Board of Education Announced
Award Honors Schools, Districts, and Postsecondary Institutions for Reducing Environmental Impact and Costs, Improving Health and Wellness, Offering Effective Sustainability Education The U.S. Department of Education today released the names of the 2023 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools, District Sustainability Awardees, and Postsecondary Sustainability Awardees. One school and one district from Illinois are…
Read MoreMeet Illinois Green’s 2022 Outstanding Volunteers
We are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2022 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 2023 Annual Meeting on February 8th. Click here to register! We asked each recipient to tell us a…
Read MoreOver 125 Business Leaders Call on Mayor Lightfoot to Act on Building Decarbonization
Over 125 business leaders call on Mayor Lori Lightfoot to act on electrifying and decarbonizing Chicago’s buildings, in a letter to be delivered to the Mayor this afternoon by Illinois Green Alliance and E2 (Environmental Entrepreneurs). E2 also released a new report, “Building Opportunity: Chicago,” revealing that Chicago is already home to more than 12,000…
Read MoreMeet the Candidates for the Board of Directors
This year the Illinois Green Alliance Board Elections Committee are pleased to present 8 candidates for consideration for 5 open board seats. 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. In 2023, there…
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 More