A Letter from our Executive Director – Celebrating 2023

Dear valued partner, The progress this past year makes me more excited than ever about our big bold vision to decarbonize every building in Illinois. There has been unprecedented momentum in making Illinois a recognized national leader in net zero building design, technology, and operations. My optimism is rooted in the amazing community of members,…

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Welcoming Our New Board Members

This year the Illinois Green Alliance Board Elections Committee are pleased to present the results of this year’s Board of Directors elections. 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. Illinois Green welcomes…

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2024 Auxiliary 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 2024 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…

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Introducing the Building Energy Resource Hub

Dear Illinois Green Community, Last week we launched the Building Energy Resource Hub, with the help of our project partners.    This new resource for Chicago & Northeastern Illinois stakeholders to provide critical training and resources, ensuring that the region can meet aggressive climate action goals within the buildings sector, while building an inclusive green…

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Net 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:…

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Uplift 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…

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Lincoln 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,…

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Marion 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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Gwendolyn 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…

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Pleasantdale 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…

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