News
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…
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 MoreSubmit a Program Proposal for our 2023 Education Calendar!
Illinois Green Alliance’s Programs Committee is excited to announce a call for education program proposals to enhance our 2023 event calendar! We seek to increase industry knowledge on the path to net zero buildings and are looking for programs that empower others to take action with us. At this time, education submissions will be evaluated for in-person, virtual, and…
Read MoreAuxiliary Board Applications Open Now
Applications are open now for the Auxiliary Board — Illinois Green Alliance’s volunteer committee for young & emerging professionals in sustainability. Apply for the 2023 Auxiliary Board Create community among emerging professionals, support Illinois Green’s strategic mission through fundraising, event planning, and other support, and develop your leadership skills in the green building industry. Spaces are limited…
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 MoreMeet our Summer Interns
Eric Epstein Communications Intern Eric is a rising senior at Northwestern University studying journalism, psychology, and integrated marketing communications. Eric co-founded the Northwestern Surf Club, with the mission of establishing a diverse and welcoming community of students who love to surf on Lake Michigan and are passionate about conserving its aquatic ecosystems. As the communications…
Read MoreWelcome from our 2022 Board Chair
In 2021, we launched a new strategic plan that will lay the foundation for net zero buildings across Illinois. We’ve made immense strides in educating building professionals, advancing critical climate policy, and bringing tools and technologies to existing buildings across the state. This year, I’m looking forward to accelerating growth in green building and engaging…
Read MoreWhat the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act Means for Green Buildings
by Brian Imus, Executive Director On September 15, the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act was signed into law by Governor Pritzker. This nation-leading law delivers on the goal of a carbon-free power sector by 2045, increases the Illinois Solar for All program 5-fold, and extends electric efficiency programs beyond 2030. This victory is the result…
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