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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2023 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…

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Meet 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…

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Over 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…

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Meet 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…

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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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Neighborhood Power Project Testimonial: Ann Hinterman, Family Matters

Family Matters is a youth development and community leadership organization based in the North of Howard area of Rogers Park. The organization supports more than 130 youth in daily programming and their families, with an additional 300+ people participating in community collaborations. Family Matters’ programming is divided into three primary initiatives: Youth Development, including school…

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Pleasantdale Elementary School: Color the World with Butterflies

By Clare Zhang First thing every morning, the kindergarteners in Kara Mulder’s class run to check on the growth of their plants. They add food waste to the classroom compost buckets, then take them outside as a class to add to the bin in the school’s butterfly garden. This new routine is a result of…

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