A Win for Energy: Evanston Becomes First City to Adopt Stretch Codes | Policy Update: February 2025

Evanston – On February 24, Evanston became the first community in the state to adopt the Model Stretch Energy Codes after a unanimous vote from city council.   

“I’m proud of Evanston’s decision to adopt the Illinois Stretch Code. This will result in more energy efficient buildings, improved public health, and lower utility costs for Evanston residents,” said Evanston’s Mayor Daniel Biss. “It’s the right thing to do for climate action and for energy conservation, and I urge my colleagues in other municipalities to join us in taking this important step.” 

Here are 5 reasons why this is a green building win: 

1. New residential buildings will be 50% more efficient and new commercial facilities will be 40% more efficient than the baseline and every three years these codes will be updated to meet even greater energy standards. 
2. By being the first community in Illinois to adopt the stretch codes, Evanston is bringing one of the major initiatives from the nation-leading 2021 Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) from concept to reality. 
3. New homes built to the stretch code are projected to save $250 a year in utility costs and pay back their investment in 10-11 years.  
   
4. If other cities follow Evanston’s lead, Illinois could see a green domino effect. If the stretch code was to be adopted across the state, Illinoisans would save a cumulative $1.97 billion and eliminate 14.5 million metric tons of CO2. 
5. It demonstrates that, despite whatever is happening at the federal level, local leaders can take meaningful green action in their communities.   

These Stretch Codes will now apply for all Evanston new construction or major renovation projects permitted after October 1, 2025. 

Meanwhile, Evanston continued to work toward passing the Healthy Buildings Ordinance, which would target emissions in the city’s largest buildings. 

The proposal would set performance targets for commercial buildings larger than 20,000 sq.ft. and residential buildings larger than 50,000 sq.ft., the source of over 53% of Evanston’s greenhouse gas emissions. By 2050, these buildings would have to reach a maximum efficiency target, eliminate onsite greenhouse gas emissions, and achieve 100% renewable energy use, with 5-year performance targets leading to the final goals. 

Green building advocates, and other stakeholders showed up in numbers to continue the discussions from previous meetings and ensure that council members have the resources and input necessary.  

With the discussion running late into the night, Council members decided to table the vote to give time to work through small amendments that would clarify language and definitions as well as allow more members of the community to be educated on the proposal. The ordinance is set to be revisited in two weeks, on March 10th. 

Now, we need the green community’s support to help get this passed. 

If you’ve worked on an energy efficiency retrofit project, you can help us demonstrate the benefits by sharing case studies or articles about your work! We' re also looking for statements of support from building industry professionals who are eager to lend their voice. Reach out to Ryan Wilmington, Illinois Green's Policy Associate, with any questions, resources, or words of support we can share.