Illinois Green Policy Update: March 2024

Ryan Wilmington • March 27, 2024

Energy Efficiency Progress Delayed 

Challenges to the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) may hamper Illinois’ ability to improve energy efficiency—even as the state makes moves to adopt high performance building standards. 


Illinois has an obligation to adopt the latest version of the IECC, but some groups have lobbied the International Code Council(ICC) to weaken energy efficiency requirements. This follows the ICC’s decision to revamp their code development process, which gave outside interests a more prominent role. Now, opponents of the code have been allowed to submit appeals past the deadline and without proper examination of their merits. 


These appeals have also halted progress on a major initiative from Illinois’ landmark Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA)—the development of Residential and Commercial Stretch Codes, which is keeping local communities from improving efficiency standards. 

The delay stems from the stretch codes using the 2024 IECC draft as a reference. Illinois Capital Development Board members, worried that this link could lead to lawsuits, voted in February against approving the stretch codes. The state is required to have the stretch codes complete and ready for adoption by July 1, 2024, but the likelihood of meeting that deadline has become slim. 


Research shows that the residential stretch code alone could save the state billions of dollars in energy costs while significantly reducing consumer utility bills. However, municipalities—who are currently waiting in limbo—are unable to provide these benefits to their communities until the Capital Development Board takes action and the stretch codes are approved. 


Supporters of high efficiency codes can tell policymakers to approve the stretch codes without alteration or further delay by providing public comment, written or verbal, at the upcoming Capital Development Board Meeting on April 9. Contact Ryan Wilmington at rwilmington@illinoisgreenalliance.org for more information. 


City Council to Hold Hearing on Clean and Affordable Buildings Ordinance 

The Chicago City Council is set to hold its first public hearing this year on building decarbonization policy, including the Clean and Affordable Buildings Ordinance (CABO). 



CABO, introduced by Mayor Brandon Johnson and co-sponsored by 11 members of City Council, aims to protect the city’s health, environment, and financial wellbeing by setting indoor air quality standards for new buildings, in part by banning appliances that emit large amounts of emissions. 


Immediately after CABO’s introduction, a group of council members assigned the ordinance to the Rules Committee instead of allowing it to be debated in a Joint Environmental and Zoning Committee as it was initially intended. 


The public hearing, taking place on April 3 at 9:30 AM, provides an opportunity to advance the ordinance after this delay. Advocates and detractors of CABO will testify in front of council members and be questioned on the merits of emmissions limits in new buildings. 


The hearing is an opportunity to demonstrate that CABO is effective, commonsense policy for meeting the city’s climate goals and protecting residents. 


Supporters of sustainable, healthy buildings are highly encouraged to show their support for CABO by attending the hearing. [RSVP Here] 

Other Green building news

  • Governor Pritzker announced his fiscal year 2025 budget, which includes tens of millions of dollars for building electrification and decarbonization. Many of these initiatives stem from the state’s Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) and Federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Take a deeper dive into the proposed programs and other state environmental funding here.
  • The City of Chicago is currently in the process of soliciting community feedback to inform the 2024 update of its Sustainable Development Policy. This policy is meant to ensure that important projects in the city, like those receiving public assistance, are achieving the highest levels of sustainability possible. The Department of Planning and Development is collecting opinions from building experts, developers, and community leaders and we want to make sure Illinois Green Members have a seat at the table. Make your voice heard by filling out this short survey.
  • Mayor Johnson introduced Marlene Hopkins as his pick for the new Department of Buildings Comissioner. Most recently, she was the Deputy Comissioner of the Department. City Council will likely vote on her confirmation next month. 


In Other Sustainability News

Why We're Attending the 2026 Green Schools Conference

By Twyla Neely-Streit • December 16, 2025
he mission of the Illinois Green Schools Project (IGSP)—our year-long school sustainability action and recognition program--is to empower educators, school administrators, students, and school communities to create healthy, sustainable learning environments. This work requires passion, collaboration, and informed support, and as an IGSP program coordinator, I’m always on the lookout for opportunities that help schools build the knowledge and connections needed to drive meaningful, lasting change in their buildings and districts. The Green Schools Conference has long been one of the most impactful gatherings in this space. Its focus on the intersection of environmental health, sustainability, and education makes it a uniquely valuable event for anyone working to make schools healthier and greener places for students to learn and grow. From educators, administrators, and district representatives to facilities managers, students, and community organizations, the Green Schools Conference is a powerful space to learn, collaborate, and fuel your next big idea. This year’s conference promises a rich lineup of workshops, education sessions, and networking and recognition events that speak to the needs and realities of today’s school sustainability landscape. Districts across Illinois are navigating shrinking budgets, aging infrastructure, and a newly passed state-wide law requiring the inclusion of climate education in public school curriculum starting in 2026. Therefore, I’m particularly excited to see sessions on the agenda exploring climate action and resilience planning, opportunities to connect students to sustainability career pathways, and environmental literacy in classrooms. These conversations are essential as programs like the Illinois Green Schools Project continue evolving to support schools in setting goals, tracking progress, and engaging diverse communities in sustainability work. If you’re considering attending this year, I encourage you to take a look at the agenda and explore the sessions that could support your school or organization’s goals. You’ll find no shortage of practical insights, creative ideas, and meaningful connections. I know those who attend will come away with the same clarity, inspiration, and sense of comradery that have made past conferences so influential for myself and others in the Illinois school sustainability community.

Illinois Green Members at Forefront of Huge Policy Year

By Ryan Wilmington • December 15, 2025
At the start of 2025, I told our members that we can build a movement of green building advocates that can continue the progress made in Illinois for high-performance building, regardless of what happens in Washington D.C. Over the last year, you’ve proven me right. While elsewhere green building and clean energy goals have been put on pause, Illinois has continued the fight and won three huge victories that completely change the landscape for green buildings and clean energy.

Illinois Green Policy Update: November 2025

By Ryan Wilmington • November 13, 2025
Welcome to the November edition of the Illinois Green Policy Update. We're incredibly excited to share some important updates about Illinois' recent climate policy achievement and more!
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