Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Hub? 

The Building Energy Hub (the Hub), a project of Illinois Green Alliance, is a trusted resource for building professionals at every level of experience with energy efficiency. 

The Hub delivers practical training, tools, and technical guidance to building professionals in Chicago and across Illinois. This work helps the state meet its climate goals for buildings while expanding economic opportunity in urban, suburban, and rural communities. 

Who is the Hub for? 

The Hub primarily serves the people who develop, own, manage, and operate buildings: 

• Developers and building owners 
• Property managers 
• Building operators and facility staff 
  

The Hub also supports contractors, architects, engineers, and other professionals who shape building projects, along with the community leaders and organizations working to improve building performance locally. 

Our programs and services help these professionals make confident decisions about their buildings. That includes identifying solutions that improve performance, complying with energy policies, navigating financing options, and planning strategies that lead to high-performance, low-emissions buildings. 

How is the Hub managed? 

The Hub Advisory Board provides strategic guidance on the Hub's programs, resources, and educational offerings. Its members also recommend initiatives and partnerships that keep the Hub focused on what the market needs. 

Hub staff manage day-to-day operations and program implementation. 



The Illinois Green Alliance Board of Directors holds legal and fiduciary responsibility for the Hub.

How do I access the Hub? 

The Hub offers online and in-person education, along with tools and resources available right here on this website. Find upcoming trainings and events on the Events Calendar and past recordings in the Education Library. 

The Hub does not have a physical location at this time. 

How can the Hub help my building? 

The Hub offers one-on-one guidance and a library of practical, ready-to-use resources. Use them to improve your building's performance, meet compliance requirements, and fund upgrades. 

Get individual support. Submit a question or email Hub staff at info@buildinghub.energy for guidance specific to your building. 



Find the right resource for your project: 

• Start with the fundamentals. The Energy Efficiency Checklist, Energy Benchmarking 101, GHG Emissions 101, and Building Electrification 101 cover the core concepts behind building performance. 
• Follow step-by-step guidance for your role. Playbooks for building owners, property managers, engineers, contractors, and architects lay out clear next steps. 
• Get a clear roadmap to compliance. The Illinois Stretch Code Guides and the Building Performance & Decarbonization Guide break down local and state requirements. 
• Find funding for your upgrades. Funding and Financing Resources, including ComEd offerings, point you to incentives and financing options that offset project costs. 
• Get straightforward answers on technology and operations. Technology Primers explain key building systems, and the Operations & Maintenance Guide covers the practices that keep them running efficiently. 
• See proven results. Case Studies show how other buildings have improved their performance. 
• Find help with implementation. Use Find a Vendor to connect with service providers for your energy project. 

Local government staff and elected officials can start with our Municipal Resources.