illinois-green-alliance-81589

Hub March 2026 Newsletter

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 18:05:43 GMT

Greetings -

Each month the Hub is here to provide objective guidance so you can make informed decisions about building upgrades, operations, and long-term efficiency planning. This month we're excited to highlight ComEd's Kickstart incentives , our new green building case study database , and a number of upcoming education programs that can help you navigate the complexities of your next building retrofit project. Read below for updates on Hub resources, incentives, and live and on-demand education.

Thanks,

Katie, Rimjhim & Matt
The Hub Team

Don't Miss Out on Energy Savings With These Limited-Time ComEd Incentives

ComEd is offering limited-time Kickstart incentives to help businesses and public facilities reduce upfront project costs and move forward with energy efficiency upgrades. Customers who submit a pre-application by March 31 can qualify for up to 40% in additional incentives for most projects.

These incentives can help organizations lower long-term operating costs, improve comfort and safety, and achieve meaningful energy savings.

Don't know where to begin? Start by requesting a FREE facility assessment ?

New! Explore Green Building Case Studies

The Hub has curated a database consisting of green building and energy efficiency case studies prepared by different organizations from across Illinois. You can browse through the database to learn about energy savings, incentives used, ROI and payback periods, and learn more about specific projects. The database is searchable and can be filtered by building type (multifamily, commercial, etc.) and project type (retrofit, new construction, etc.). If there is a case study we should add, let us know.

New on The Building Energy Pod

In the latest episode of The Building Energy Pod , Manny Flores , president and CEO of SomerCor, highlights the role of grants and economic development funds in supporting building upgrades and neighborhood sustainability. Manny addresses the barriers small and medium-sized building owners face in accessing capital for energy efficiency upgrades and emphasizes the need for collaboration among lenders, policymakers, and nonprofits.

Upcoming Hub Events

Hub 101: Tools and Resources for Your Building
Wednesday, May 6 @ 12:00 PM

Join us for a virtual education session to explore how the Hub serves Illinois building professionals with critical trainings and practical resources to plan and implement energy efficiency and high-performance buildings retrofits. In Hub 101, we'll help you navigate these resources and demonstrate how they can help you improve your project, meet code requirements and sustainability goals, and accelerate building performance across Illinois.

#ICYMI: Virtual Education Recordings

The Business Case for Decarbonization: Why it Matters

This recorded webinar will help building owners and operators understand the financial and operational value of energy efficient retrofits. From making the business case to planning and implementation, experts will share strategies, incentives, and success stories that show how practical upgrades cut costs, reduce risks, and strengthen long-term building performance.

Code Workshops: 2023 Illinois Commercial Stretch Code

This session will familiarize building industry professionals with the amendments to the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code® (IECC) that comprise the 2023 Illinois Commercial Stretch Energy Code. The session will focus on the key amendments in the commercial provisions, reasoning behind the changes, and the impact these changes have on the implementation and enforcement

Code Workshops: 2023 Illinois Residential Stretch Code

This program will focus on the key amendments in the residential provisions, reasoning behind the changes, and the impact these changes have on the implementation and enforcement of the energy code. Tune in to get a better understanding of the importance of energy codes in reducing building energy use and meeting the site energy indexes in the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act.

Upcoming Partner Events

Evanston Benchmarking Webinar
Hosted by The City of Evanston
April 7 @ 1:00 PM

Join our partners for an in-depth webinar that walks you through the compliance process for Evanston's energy and water benchmarking ordinance. Learn about the policy, exactly what you need to do to meet requirements, exemptions, verification, where to access the latest guidance, and how to connect with staff support when you need assistance.

Hub February 2026 Newsletter

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 20:36:13 GMT

Greetings -

The Building Energy Hub remains a steady resource for Illinois building professionals. Whether you're planning a major equipment upgrade, navigating evolving energy codes, or seeking guidance on incentives, we're here to help you make informed decisions that save energy and set your building up for long-term success.

From educational resources to policy updates and financing opportunities, the Hub supports you in reducing emissions, managing costs, and planning for future improvements.

Thanks,

Katie, Rimjhim & Matt
The Hub Team

Take Your Facility Management Skills to the Next Level!

Looking for ways to boost your facility’s efficiency? Take the next step by expanding your expertise with the nationally recognized Building Operator Certification® (BOC).

BOC training helps you understand the latest operational strategies to analyze and manage building system energy use, with online and in-person courses offered year-round so you can learn in the way that will help you succeed.

Still not convinced? Check out this real world success story to learn how BOC can make an impact, then explore upcoming courses at boccentral.org/training . Questions? Contact boc@mwalliance.org .

Illinois Stretch Code Grants

The Stretch Building Code Grant Program is designed to facilitate the adoption, implementation, and enforcement of the Illinois Stretch Energy Code by supporting municipalities with the necessary resources to navigate this process. The program will provide financial support for education, community engagement, and technical assistance to ensure that municipalities are well-equipped to integrate the stretch code into their regulatory frameworks. Program funds will be allocated over a five-year period, with the goal of supporting 90 municipalities in adopting the Illinois Stretch Code.

Round 3 of the Stretch Code Adoption Grant Program is now open! Applications are due by April 30, 2026, at 5:00 PM CT.

New on The Building Energy Pod

In the latest episode of the Building Energy Pod , Beth Holaday , Senior Sales Manager at Verde Energy Efficiency Experts, joined us to explore the intersection of sustainability and business. She shared the journey that she takes building owners and facility managers on when starting their energy efficiency journey, starting with the lowest-hanging fruit that often have the quickest payback period, before moving on to larger investments.

In this conversation, Wayne Beals , a seasoned realtor and sustainability advocate, shares his insights on the intersection of real estate and green building. He discusses his journey into the world of sustainable buildings, the critical role realtors play in educating clients about high-performance homes, and the importance of policy advocacy in advancing green building practices.

Building Performance Partnership Network

The Hub is a proud member of the Building Performance Partnership Network , which has just launched a new website. It explains how we are working together with the BPP Network to accelerate measurable, equitable, and sustainable action to improve the health, comfort, and performance of buildings. Please check it out and help us share the news!

Upcoming Hub Events

Contractor Connection: Chicagoland Clean Energy Incubator Program
February 27, 2026 @ 12:00 PM

Join the Building Energy Hub for a virtual education session to learn how Innovation DuPage supports clean energy entrepreneurs and small business owners across the Chicagoland area and beyond. Their Clean Energy Incubator (CEI) Program is a no-cost opportunity for entrepreneurs and small business owners to grow, connect, and lead in Illinois’ clean energy sector.

#ICYMI: Virtual Education Recordings

Episode 3: Making it Happen - Implementation Pathways

In this episode, we explore the most common building upgrades , from HVAC electrification and insulation to solar installations, and how to integrate these into capital planning cycles. Learn how to collaborate effectively with contractors, engineers, and financing partners to streamline projects, and hear practical insights on how to unlock incentives, grants, and loans for your next step.

Upcoming Partner Events

Power Up! How Organizations "Gamify" Energy Savings
Hosted by U.S. Department of Energy Better Buildings Better Plants
March 10 @ 10:00 AM

Organizations have found different incentives to optimize their building occupants' energy management. This webinar highlights the "games" and competitions that partners have developed to help occupants achieve cost savings across their portfolios.

Hub January 2026 Newsletter

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 16:30:38 GMT

Greetings -

Happy New Year, everyone! The Hub is back with more programming, upcoming tools, updates to existing resources, and more episodes from The Building Energy Pod. Revisit the Hub’s Resource Library, explore new case studies, and find resources tailored to your role with your building. Find resources for:

Thanks,

Katie, Rimjhim & Matt
The Hub Team

Kickstart Your 2026 Energy Savings with ComEd Incentives

ComEd is offering limited-time Kickstart incentives to help businesses and public facilities reduce upfront project costs and move forward with energy efficiency upgrades. Customers who submit a pre-application by March 31 can qualify for up to 40% in additional incentives for most projects.

These incentives can help organizations lower long-term operating costs, improve comfort and safety, and achieve meaningful energy savings.

Don't know where to begin? Start by requesting a FREE facility assessment .

Illinois Climate Bank Community Geothermal Planning + Pilots Phase One Grants

Illinois Finance Authority/ Illinois Climate Bank (ICB) has released a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for Phase One of the Community Geothermal Planning and Pilots Program . Phase One Planning Grants will fund planning and design activities for projects that have already begun preliminary development and can demonstrate early progress toward community-scale geothermal deployment, up to $250,000 per award.

Application Due Date: February 13, 2026
Available Funding: $1 million
Award Range: Up to $100,000 - $250,000

New on the Pod: Navigating the Future of Solar and Energy Storage with Bob Hattier

In the latest episode of The Building Energy Pod , we sat down with Bob Hattier, Director of Renewable Energy for IBEW Local 134, to discuss the evolving landscape of renewable energy and workforce development. He highlights the importance of attracting young talent to the industry, the impact of legislation on training programs, and the challenges and opportunities presented by energy storage and electrification.

Upcoming Hub Events

Contractor Connection: Chicagoland Clean Energy Incubator Program
February 27, 2026 @ 12:00 PM

Upcoming Partner Events

Team Up: Strengthening Internal Collaboration for Impactful Energy-Saving Projects
Hosted by U.S. Department of Energy Better Buildings Better Plants
February 10 @ 10:00 AM

Energy-saving projects are most successful when internal teams work together, from facilities to finance to operations. This webinar explores how organizations can expand and streamline collaboration across departments to accelerate planning and implementation. Speakers will share real-world strategies for improving internal coordination, aligning goals, and overcoming communication barriers. Learn how cross-functional teamwork can result in energy and cost savings.

Masonry Facade Repair Strategies in Adaptive Reuse Projects
Hosted by International Masonry Institute and Landmarks Illinois
February 19 @ 8:30 AM

IMI and Landmarks Illinois are hosting a virtual program focused on developing effective methodologies for navigating the historic review process and assessing and repairing the exterior envelope of existing buildings, specifically masonry facades in adaptive reuse projects. Through project case studies, an interdisciplinary team of designers and masonry contractor representatives will share best practices for successful masonry repair.

Get Smart: AI and Machine Learning for Improved Energy Performance
Hosted by U.S. Department of Energy Better Buildings Better Plants
February 24 @ 10:00 AM

Artificial intelligence and machine learning can have broad applications to help organizations understand and improve their energy performance, ranging from preventive maintenance to advanced building process controls. Learn from partners starting to incorporate these tools into their operations.

Hub December 2025 Newsletter

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 17:15:17 GMT

Building Energy Hub December 2025 Newsletter

Greetings -

As the Hub team wraps up 2025, we look back on a defining year of impact. Read below to see what the most popular Hub resources in 2025 were, and what’s coming up in 2026.

Happy Holidays from our team at the Building Energy Hub and Illinois Green Alliance!

We are planning our 2026 programming, so if you have any suggestions or would like to see specific resources, email us at info@buildingenergy.hub.

Thanks,

Katie, Rimjhim, Matt & Kieran
The Hub Team

Hub 2025 Wrapped

This was a banner year for the Building Energy Hub ! We hosted 30 webinars and released 10 new online resources, in addition to launching The Building Energy Pod and our Vendor Directory. Check out our 2025 Hub Wrapped below where we highlight our most popular resources and education programs!

ComEd Energy Efficiency Program

Check out our most popular resources of the year, which cover a range of topics from funding and financing to Stretch Code policies and the basics of building electrification!

Below are the top 3 most popular virtual education programs we hosted in 2025.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As we move into 2026, the Building Energy Hub will continue to expand its role as a trusted, practical resource for building owners, property managers, building professionals, and local governments.

Education will remain at the core of our work. We will continue delivering accessible, expert-led programming, focused on turning decarbonization goals into actionable steps, from understanding funding mechanisms to navigating implementation challenges.

Our resource library will continue to grow and evolve. In 2026, you can expect:

Updates to existing resources to reflect new policies and technologies
New resources and checklists designed for real-world application
Case studies highlighting on-the-ground building projects and lessons learned
Building tours that connect theory to practice and showcase what’s working across Illinois

The Building Energy Pod will also continue in 2026, with new episodes released every other Friday. Through conversations with experts, practitioners, and partners, the podcast will further explore the policies, technologies, and people shaping the future of building energy.

Illinois Climate Bank Community Geothermal Planning + Pilots Phase One Grants

Application Due Date: February 13, 2026
Available Funding: $1 million
Award Range: Up to $100,000 - $250,000

New Episodes: The Building Energy Pod

In this conversation, Delmar Gillus, Chief Operating Officer of Elevate , discusses the importance of equity in clean energy initiatives, particularly in underserved communities. He emphasizes the role of workforce development in creating job opportunities and the importance of community engagement in building partnerships. Check out the full episode below!

Hub End of Year Poll

Thank you for reading our newsletter throughout the year as we developed several new resources and educational programs, updated our branding, and curated information to help you make decisions for your buildings. Please help us improve this newsletter by responding to one quick question below:

Upcoming Partner Events

From the Ground Up: Geothermal Heating and Cooling Solutions
Hosted by U.S. Department of Energy Buildings Solutions Center
January 22, 2026 @ 10:00 AM

Across the U.S., organizations are tapping into the power potential under our feet: geothermal. Join this webinar to hear how partners have unleashed Earth's thermal power to heat and cool their buildings and campuses. Partners will highlight the unique flexibility of geothermal power and how this innovative technology can meet their building needs.

Power Up! How Organizations "Gamify" Energy Savings
Hosted by U.S. Department of Energy Buildings Solutions Center
January 29, 2026 @ 10:00 AM

Organizations have found different incentives to optimize their building occupants' energy management. This webinar highlights the "games" and competitions that partners have developed to help occupants achieve cost savings across their portfolios.

Midwest Energy Solutions Conference
Hosted by MEEA
January 27-29

Don't miss the Midwest Energy Solutions Conference happening this January in Chicago! It’s your chance to learn from the best in the industry, connect with peers and discover new solutions for a more energy efficient future.

Hub November 2025 Newsletter

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 16:23:26 GMT

Building Energy Hub November 2025 Newsletter

Greetings -

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! The holiday season is upon us and it's a great time to prepare your building for more efficient heating—and the Hub has resources and educational programs to support you. Revisit the Energy Efficiency Checklist , the Operations and Maintenance Guide , and the Building Performance and Decarbonization Guide . Follow the Building Retrofit Series for Owners and Operators to learn from experts about the pathway to implementing common building upgrades, and real-world results.

We are planning our 2026 programming, so if you have any suggestions or would like to see specific resources, email us at info@buildingenergy.hub .

Thanks,

Katie, Kindy, Matt, Rimjhim & Kieran
The Hub Team

ComEd Energy Efficiency Program

The ComEd Business Energy Analyzer helps you identify opportunities for reducing monthly electrical costs by providing customized energy efficiency recommendations and strategies personalized for your business. Plus, you'll learn about available incentives that can help offset project costs.

Enroll with your account number and your facility's ZIP code.
Enter your email address, create a password, and complete your company's profile.
Sign back in to access your customized solutions!

Questions? Email BEA@ComEd.com or call 877-426-6331.

New Episodes: The Building Energy Pod

In this episode of The Building Energy Pod, we welcomed Benny Skelton , founder of Cyclone Energy Group, to discuss the business case and ROI for energy efficiency improvements and sustainable retrofits across various sectors. We explored the challenges and opportunities in commercial, educational, and other types of buildings, highlighting the importance of strategic planning and innovative technologies like heat pumps and retro commissioning

Innovate DuPage Clean Energy Incubator Program

Innovation DuPage invites entrepreneurs and small business owners across DuPage County, surrounding counties, and communities beyond the Chicago area to join the Clean Energy Incubator (CEI) Program—a no-cost opportunity to grow, connect, and lead in Illinois’ clean energy sector.

Supported by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity through the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, this program provides a premium Innovation DuPage membership, coworking space, mentorship, training, and access to funding and certification support - all designed to help you scale your ideas into impactful solutions.

Illinois EPA Housing Assistance Funding Release

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is now accepting applications for two energy efficiency grant opportunities . The Energy Efficiency Assessment Program has $350,000 in funding available for recipients to conduct energy efficiency assessments at properties serving residents receiving housing assistance from a state or federal program. The Energy Efficiency Trust Fund Program is offering $10 million in funding to implement projects previously identified in an energy efficiency assessment at eligible properties serving residents receiving housing assistance.

To learn more about eligible projects and how to apply, watch our recorded webinar on the two opportunities.

Upcoming Hub Events

Finance Fridays: Energy Efficiency Future Grant
October 17 @ 12PM

Join the Hub for a free overview of the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity's Equitable Energy Future Grant Program. This program provides upfront capital to support the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects that benefit businesses, community organizations, and the workforce in historically disadvantaged communities.

Upcoming Partner Events

RE+ Midwest, Schamburg
Hosted by RE+ Midwest
December 3-4

RE+ Midwest is the premier forum for professionals dedicated to the integration of solar, storage, and additional renewable energy assets like wind energy and electric vehicle infrastructure in the region.

Built to Last: Energy Efficiency and Reliability Strategies to Strengthen Critical Infrastructure
Hosted by Better Buildings Better Plants
December 9 @ 10:00 AM

Reliable critical infrastructure is essential for ensuring operational continuity, safety, and economic stability. This webinar will explore how partners are improving system reliability by addressing challenges in energy independence, risk mitigation, and energy-saving measures. Partners will showcase best practices in planning, collaboration, and innovative technology implementation that supports long-term reliability.

Hub October 2025 Newsletter

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 21:06:16 GMT

Building Energy Hub October 2025 Newsletter

Greetings -

Fall is here, and the Hub is excited to keep supporting Illinois building professionals with new tools, resources, and events that make energy efficiency more accessible.

If you missed the launch of our Building Retrofit Series for Owners and Operators, check out the first episode on the Business Case for Decarbonization . Whether you’re planning retrofits, exploring funding, or getting ready for the next code updates, the Hub is here to help you stay on track.

We are planning our 2026 programming, so if you have any suggestions or would like to see specific resources, email us at info@buildingenergy.hub .

Thanks,

Katie, Kindy, Matt, Rimjhim & Kieran
The Hub Team

Savings and Service with ComEd Retro-Commissioning (RCx)

Energy efficiency isn’t just good for your bottom line —it’s a powerful way to support your community and protect the environment. Since the program began in 2008, the ComEd Retro-Commissioning (RCx) offering has helped over 2,400 customers save $184 million on their energy bills while avoiding 865,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) from entering the atmosphere.

RCx projects begin with a fully funded engineering study to analyze existing equipment and identify low-cost operational improvements. These projects can save an average of 5-15% on annual energy costs, all while maintaining occupant comfort.

Check out the webinar coming up on November 5th featuring ComEd RCx team, info below.

New Episode: The Building Energy Pod

A.J. Patton , founder and CEO of 548 Enterprise, recently sat down with us to discuss his journey in creating sustainable, affordable housing solutions and building workforce development programs. He also shares his perspectives on streamlining administrative processes to accelerate development and sharing best practices to ensure more building professionals can take part in the green economy.

In this episode of The Building Energy Pod, Joe Clair , Commercial Vice President at Windfree Solar sat down with us to discuss his journey in building sustainability, the challenges of retrofitting existing buildings, and the importance of stakeholder engagement. Tune in to learn how you can identify low-hanging fruit in energy efficiency, navigate historic retrofits, and more!

#ICYMI: SomerCor City of Chicago Small Business Financing Products

This month we hosted another Finance Friday webinar episode that featured Kim Brisky at SomerCor who gave an overview of three small business financing products such as the SBA 504 Green Loan, which provides below-market financing to purchase your building, refinance or renovate it, or access clean energy efficient programming. Check out the highlights above and watch the full webinar below!

Upcoming Hub Events

Building Retrofit Series: Planning for Action—From Awareness to Strategy

November 5 @ 12PM

Join the Building Energy Hub for a practical and hands-on discussion about turning awareness into action through assessments, benchmarking, and strategic planning. Speakers will share how to evaluate your building’s current performance, set baselines, and align emissions reduction goals with your organization’s mission and financial priorities.

Finance Fridays: Energy Efficiency Future Grant
October 17 @ 12PM

Upcoming Partner Events

Illinois Stretch Energy Codes Training
Hosted by Illinois Green Alliance and Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
November 13 @ 12:00 PM

Join our partners at Illinois Green and MEEA for an in-depth look at Illinois’ Energy Stretch Code - what it is, how it works, and what it means for your community or business. We’ll break down the code’s goals, highlight key changes from the base energy code, and discuss how adopting the Stretch Code can improve building performance, lower energy costs, and support Illinois’ climate goals. Whether you’re a municipal official, builder, architect, or energy professional, this session will provide practical guidance and resources to help you prepare for implementation.

RE+ Midwest, Schamburg
Hosted by RE+ Midwest
December 3-4

Hub September 2025 Newsletter

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 16:36:42 GMT

Building Energy Hub September 2025 Newsletter

Greetings -

With summer officially over, we’re taking the momentum around our building performance solutions into the fall season. October 1 is Energy Efficiency Day and Heat Pump Water Heater Day is October 23—which is the perfect opportunity to launch our new education series. Join us for “Start Here: A Building Retrofit Series for Owners and Managers” launching on October 14.

We also want to thank our Summer Intern Grace Yao for her excellent work on a variety of data analysis projects, and welcome our new Fall Intern Kieran Stover to the team! Kieran will serve as our podcast and video editor, and help the Hub expand its multimedia capabilities.

Thanks,

Katie, Kindy, Matt, Rimjhim & Kieran
The Hub Team

New Episode: The Building Energy Pod

Nancy Kohout , Senior Principal at SmithGroup, joined us for the latest episode of The Building Energy Pod to discuss the need for strategic long-term planning in retrofitting existing buildings. She also explored the significance of industry collaboration, mentorship, and her own leadership in fostering a diverse and inclusive engineering community. Listen below for tips on how to get your decarbonization plan started today!

Contractor Corner

October 23 is Heat Pump Water Heater Day , dedicated to education and awareness on residential and commercial heat pump water heaters (HPWH), with special events during the week leading up to the big day. Explore events and register here .

Heat Pump Water Heater Installer Training Day

This training, held both in-person in San Jose, CA and livestreamed, will cover all aspects of HPWH systems, including installation best practices, system design, and integration with advanced technologies such as recirculation pumps and drain water heat recovery. The training will also feature combination water and space heating systems and skid-mounted central HPWH systems.

LinkedIn Live training topics include:

3:00 PM CT — HPWH installation training across five leading brands, including AOS, LG, Rheem, GE, and Bradford White.
4:30 PM CT — Installation training on commercial skid-mounted HPWH systems.
5:00 PM CT — Installation training on combination systems that use high-efficiency heat pumps to heat space and water.

Whether you’re just starting out with HPWHs or sharpening your skills, this event is built for the trades and designed to move the industry forward.

Energy Efficiency Day #EEDay

Tickets are now on sale for Illinois Green Alliance's inaugural Getting to Zero Tech Form —a fresh, new take on their annual Summit! This novel format will feature a collection of fast-paced presentations by a diverse array of industry experts, showcasing cutting-edge advancements in building technology that drive sustainable and regenerative approaches to the design, construction and operation of the built environment. Tickets also include admission to our annual Limelight Celebration & Emerald Awards Ceremony later that evening!

Upcoming Hub Events

Funding Your Green Projects: Federal & Incentive Updates

October 8 @ 12PM

Join the Building Energy Hub and Illinois Green Alliance for a free interactive session exploring the latest tools, strategies, and real-world examples for financing sustainable development projects for both new construction and building retrofit projects.

Finance Fridays: SomerCor Small Business Financing Products
October 10 @ 12PM

Join the Hub and SomerCor for a free webinar that will explore three small business financing products: The SBA 504 Green Loan, the Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF), and Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF) grant. These are targeted financing solutions for businesses looking to make real estate purchases and/or permanent building improvements.

Start Here: The Business Case for Decarbonization
October 14 @ 12PM

Join the Hub for a conversation on why decarbonization is becoming one of the most important and financially sound decisions building owners can make today. This free session will introduce the fundamentals of decarbonization and explore how carbon translates into dollars through energy costs, operational risks, and shifting market expectations.

Finance Fridays: Energy Efficiency Future Grant
October 17 @ 12PM

Upcoming Partner Events

Illinois Stretch Energy Codes Training
Hosted by Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance

Join these webinars hosted by our partners at MEEA to learn about requirements for the state-developed stretch code aimed at improving building energy efficiency.

Residential Training: September 30 @ 1PM

10th Annual Innovation Rodeo
Hosted by Cyclone Energy Group
October 9 @ 12PM

Join Cyclone Energy Group for their 10th Annual Innovation Rodeo on Thursday October 9th at the iconic One East Wacker Building for a day of knowledge sharing and networking with key industry experts covering a wide range of topics related to high-performance buildings. This event is approved for 4 hours AIA LU/HSW.

ASHRAE Building Decarbonization Conference
Hosted by ASHRAE
October 22-24

ASHRAE’s 4th building decarbonization conference will feature a significant focus on strategies and solutions for scaling up building decarbonization. The conference will bring together engineering and technical solution providers with building owners, utility program managers, local governments and financial services providers who are increasingly challenged to meet stringent building decarbonization goals, policies and regulations in a practical, cost-effective manner.

Chicago Build Expo 2025
October 29-30

The Expo features AIA CES approved workshops and attendees include contractors, architects, realtors, civil engineers, developers, government, house builders, and construction professionals.

Hub August 2025 Newsletter

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 21:16:04 GMT

Building Energy Hub August 2025 Newsletter

Greetings -

This month marks a special milestone: the Building Energy Hub’s two-year anniversary! Since launching in August 2023, the Hub has grown into a trusted resource for Illinois building professionals, offering tools, resources, and technical assistance to help you advance energy efficiency and decarbonization goals.

As we celebrate this milestone, we’re also looking ahead. The Hub continues to expand opportunities for learning, collaboration, and funding, ensuring that Illinois buildings are not just prepared for today’s standards but are leading the way toward a clean energy future.

Thank you for being part of this journey! We’re excited to keep building momentum with you.

Katie, Kindy, Matt, Rimjhim & Grace
The Hub Team

New Episode: The Building Energy Pod

In the most recent episode of The Building Energy Pod , Matt sat down with John Gay , president of architecture firm JAQ, to discuss his unique approach to design as a “rhythm architect,” drawing inspiration from jazz music for his designs. Tune in to hear his insights on the importance of adaptive reuse in sustainable architecture and the critical need for diversity in the architecture and engineering fields.

Want to join the conversation? Tune into the Hub's Discussion Forum to dive deeper into the themes explored in the most recent episode!

Contractor Corner

Selling Energy Training Workshop
Tuesday, September 9 | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Join ComEd for an interactive workshop designed to help contractors and service providers confidently sell residential/whole-home energy efficiency solutions. Whether you're an experienced professional or new to residential work, this training will provide practical strategies to strengthen your sales approach and grow your business.

This workshop includes:

Live coaching on effective pitching and proposal strategy
Guidance on tracking your net profit margins
Tips to better connect with residential customers and increase project success

Why Attend: This session is ideal for contractors and service providers working in residential settings who want to improve their sales skills, build customer trust, and close more projects. Complimentary breakfast will be provided for attendees.

Getting to Zero Tech Forum
+ Limelight Celebration

New Study on Heat Pumps

Large multifamily buildings with central heating systems that burn fossil fuels are among the hardest to decarbonize, but window-mounted heat pumps now provide a lower-cost option than any previous technology, a new study finds. The report from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) recommends that, in most cases, building owners seeking to decarbonize should consider these heat pumps along with mini-split and central air-to-water heat pumps, with the best choice often based on building-specific characteristics.

Upcoming Hub Events

Finance Fridays: Energy Efficiency Housing Assistance Grants
August 29 @ 12PM

Join the Building Energy Hub for an overview of Illinois EPA's Energy Housing Assistance Energy Grants to learn how you can leverage these financial programs for your next project. These programs provide funding for energy efficiency assessments and upgrade projects at eligible properties serving residents receiving housing assistance.

Upcoming Partner Events

Advancing Local Climate Leadership Through a Community of Practice
Hosted by the Building Performance Partnership
September 25 @ 10AM

Join the Building Performance Partnership for a topical discussion about local action to scale building decarbonization in the U.S. This event will feature a snapshot of local building performance policy progress, and a moderated discussion of hub directors and leading real estate professionals covering the state of hub development, real-world success stories, and ways to continue scaling local hubs to increase building energy efficiency.

Powering Progress: Strategies for Efficient & Resilient Central Plants
Hosted by US Department of Energy
September 9 @ 10AM

Improving the resiliency and efficiency of central plants can present organizational, technological, financial, and implementational challenges. This webinar will showcase how Better Buildings Initiative partners have overcome these challenges by implementing novel retrofit solutions. In addition, this webinar will provide an overview of a new resource offering guidance for optimization upgrades, retrofits, or complete replacement of a central plant.

Hub July 2025 Newsletter

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 17:58:48 GMT

Building Energy Hub July 2025 Newsletter

Greetings -

Now that we’re halfway through 2025, it’s a great time to pause and ask: how is your momentum on building retrofits? What's in your capital budget for future clean energy investments? Is your team prepared for the growing demand of building retrofits?

Whether you’re just getting started or already making progress, the path to decarbonization can be complex. The Building Energy Hub is here to support you every step of the way with tools, expert guidance, and insights tailored to Illinois building professionals.

This summer, we’re excited to launch a new way to stay connected and informed: The Building Energy Pod . This podcast will feature practical strategies, local success stories, and conversations with leaders shaping the future of high-performance buildings in Illinois.

Stay focused on your retrofit goals and remember, the Hub is your partner in making it happen.

Katie, Kindy, Matt, Rimjhim & Grace
The Hub Team

The Building Energy Pod Launch

Starting this week, join us every other Friday for in-depth conversations with the industry leaders, innovators, and changemakers shaping the future of building retrofits, green construction, and energy efficiency.

Hosted by our very own Matt Watson, The Building Energy Pod is your go-to resource for navigating the evolving world of high-performance buildings. Each episode explores big-picture trends, real-world challenges, and practical solutions, covering everything from financing and new technologies to regulatory compliance and building out a team.

Our first episode features a conversation with Lesley Showers, Executive Director of the Institute of Cultural Affairs, who joined us to share insights on the challenges and opportunities of retrofitting a 100-year-old landmark building into a beacon of sustainability.

Follow us now on your favorite podcast platform and be the first to hear new episodes as they drop.

Building Energy Hub Case Study:
Round Barn Manor

Check out our most recent building retrofit case study , which explores the green energy and efficiency upgrades at Round Barn Manor, an affordable senior housing complex located in Champaign, Ill. Related Midwest leveraged Solar Investment Tax Credits to incorporate solar energy into the project, which substantially reduced operating costs and energy use.

Video Highlight:
Getting Started with the Hub

Looking for a place to get started on your building performance and energy efficiency journey? Check out this short video where our very own Kindy Kruller provides an overview of the Hub's "Getting Started" portal. In this video you'll learn: How to navigate the Hub's Getting Started guide

Basic frameworks to understand your building's performance
How to plan energy efficiency improvements to your buildings
How you can find the right tools and resources to take action

Organization Spotlight: HACIA

Since 1979, the Hispanic American Construction Industry Association (HACIA) has championed diversity, equity, and inclusion in the construction industry. Through advocacy, networking, and training, HACIA helps small and diverse-owned businesses break barriers and grow. HACIA is launching a new initiative to connect underrepresented contractors with clean energy opportunities.

Clean Energy Contractor Incubator (CECI)

Starting August 5, 2025, HACIA is launching the Clean Energy Contractor Incubator (CECI), a no-cost, hybrid program offering workshops and personalized coaching to help small and mid-sized firms enter the clean energy market.

What You’ll Get:

Access to low-cost capital and insurance assistance
Help registering as a vendor for state incentive programs
Connections to hiring firms and project opportunities
One-on-one business coaching and technical support

Contractor Corner

Take advantage of two free Heat Pumps trainings that are currently offered:

IREC and partners are offering: Boost Your HVAC Skills with FREE Heat Pump Training!

Ready to power up your career in the growing HVAC industry? The BENEFIT program, led by ICAST in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy, offers 100% free training on Cold-Climate Air-Source Heat Pumps (ccASHPs) to prepare you for America’s energy-efficient future. Fill out the online SkillCat User Sign-Up Form and select “ICAST- Heat Pump Service, Design, Installation” under Desired Learning Paths.

ComEd: Become a ComEd Heat Pump-Trained Contractor

With the growing shift towards heat pump technology, demand for heat pump-trained contractors is increasing. ComEd heat pump-trained contractors can differentiate themselves in the market with these benefits:

Be added to ComEd’s customer-accessible heat pump-trained contractor list to show customers you’re knowledgeable about heat pumps
Access trainings, resources, customer guides and more
Gain the ability to offer valuable equipment discounts

In order to become a heat pump-trained contractor, you must take 4 on-demand trainings, along with at least one manufacturer training. Get started here .

Upcoming Hub Events

Finance Fridays: Stretch Building Code Grant Program
August 15 @ 12PM

Join us for an overview of overview of Illinois Finance Authority’s Stretch Building Code Grant Program. This virtual education session will explore how your local government can apply for and utilize this critical funding tool. Representatives of local governments are invited to learn how this opportunity can positively impact their communities.

Finance Fridays: Energy Efficiency Housing Assistance Grants
August 29 @ 12PM

Upcoming Partner Events

Too Hot to Waste: Turning Heat into High-Impact Savings
Hosted by US Department of Energy
August 12 @ 10AM

In this webinar, attendees will learn how Better Buildings and Better Plants partners are turning waste heat into a valuable energy asset. Panelists will share strategies for recovering heat from industrial processes, HVAC systems, and commercial operations—unlocking significant energy and cost savings.

HVAC Hacks: Accelerating Small Building Efficiency with Improved Controls
Hosted by US Department of Energy
August 19 @ 10AM

In this webinar, hear from leading organizations about how they harnessed the power of smart thermostats and advanced building controls. Attendees will also discover resources to support small and medium-sized buildings, including the ‘stairway to better buildings’ and the importance of setpoints and scheduling.

What's Using Energy? Save Energy Costs with Sub-Meters and Sensors
Hosted by US Department of Energy
August 26 @ 10AM

Common financial analysis metrics such as simple payback period and return on investment (ROI) do not fully capture the costs and benefits of projects. This webinar will present a holistic financial assessment framework and highlight partner experiences in leveraging various financial metrics to build a strong case for energy efficiency initiatives.

Hub June 2025 Newsletter

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 20:40:56 GMT

Building Energy Hub June 2025 Newsletter

Greetings -

While funding opportunities, policies, and priorities may shift, the Building Energy Hub remains a steady resource for Illinois building professionals. We always share the most relevant and up-to-date tools, including the just released ASHRAE Guide to Strategic Decarbonization Planning —learn more below!

From technical assistance and contractor connections to policy updates and peer learning, the Hub supports you in reducing emissions, managing costs, and preparing for future capital improvements. And you can join us at the Illinois Green Summer Social to connect with building industry friends and colleagues at Morgan's on Fulton in Chicago!

Katie, Kindy, Matt, Rimjhim & Grace
The Hub Team

Welcome Grace, our new Data Analyst Intern!

Please join us in welcoming Grace Yao, Data Analyst Intern , who will be supporting the Building Energy Hub this summer. Grace is a Master of Public Policy candidate at the University of Chicago’s Harris School, where she focuses on energy, environmental policy, and data analysis.

She brings a strong interest in GIS mapping, community engagement, and using data to inform equitable sustainability strategies. At the Hub, Grace will support beneficiary mapping, website analytics, and outreach insights to help improve how we serve building professionals across Illinois.

#ICYMI: Energy Efficiency Bridge Loan

Check out this short video to learn how you can leverage the Illinois Climate Bank’s Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund , which is now accepting applications to support energy efficiency and clean energy projects throughout the state. The program offers Bridge Loans to cover gaps between project completion and the disbursement of federal or state incentives, and Co-Lending/Participation Loans to support longer-term project financing.

If you’d like a deeper dive, watch the Building Energy Hub’s full webinar detailing the program here .

Stay up to Date on State & Federal Financing & Funding Opportunities

The State of Illinois is releasing a variety of grants that you can leverage for your own projects. The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) hosts the state’s grant opportunities that support energy, sustainability, and economic development across the state.

Programs like the Equitable Energy Future Grant and Energy Transition Community Grants provide critical funding for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and workforce development projects—especially in equity-focused and transitioning communities. These grants can help building owners, local governments, and community organizations move retrofit and clean energy initiatives forward.

 The Illinois Climate Bank has a new website where updates on their funding programs and related resources can be reviewed. Funding opportunities are showcased by building type and owner type—check out the Developers & Contractors page and the Commercial & Industrial Businesses page to see some of the current opportunities.

Better Buildings Financing Navigator

The Financing Navigator from the US Department of Energy’s Better Building initiative helps you cut through the complexity to secure financing for your energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Explore their funding hub, connect with financial allies, and find financing that fits your needs.

Spotlight: ASHRAE Center of Excellence for Building Decarbonization

ASHRAE’s Center of Excellence for Building Decarbonization (CEBD) offers a growing library of practical tools to support building professionals in decarbonization efforts, including the just-released Guide to Strategic Decarbonization Planning . Resources include easy-to-use technical guides on thermal systems, grid-interactive strategies, and retrofit planning, along with videos , case studies, and interactive learning modules. These materials are designed to help building owners, facility managers, and sustainability teams plan and implement low-carbon upgrades. Explore the full suite of CEBD resources to gain insights, get inspired, and stay current with best practices in building decarbonization.

Interested in learning more? Chicago is hosting the 2025 ASHRAE Building Decarbonization Conference October 22-24, 2025. Check out the conference info here .

Want Personalized Assistance?

The Hub Help Desk is ready for your questions and inquiries. The Help Desk provides free, comprehensive support for building professionals, including commercial and multi-family building owners, contractors, and municipal representatives. Call us at 855-520-7693 or email help@buildinghub.energy today! You can also provide details via our online form about your building, role, and what assistance you need.

Upcoming Hub Events

Finance Fridays: Energy Efficiency Housing Assistance Grants
July 18 @ 12PM

Upcoming Partner Events

What's Using Energy? Save Energy Costs with Sub-Meters and Sensors
Hosted by Wisconsin Energy Partnership
June 30 @ 12PM

Discover how sub-meters and sensors can transform an energy management strategy in this webinar on monitoring energy use, learning about different types of data loggers, real-world applications for tracking consumption and how these technologies can identify operational issues and drive energy savings

Hub May 2025 Newsletter

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 16:55:39 GMT

Building Energy Hub May 2025 Newsletter

Greetings -

Summer is almost here and with it, fresh opportunities to advance your building’s energy performance. At the Building Energy Hub, our team is excited to welcome a summer intern and provide support to Chicago and Evanston to help meet their community benchmarking deadlines. We’re also staying plugged into partner events and highlighting new resources to help you make the most of this busy season, including two webinars on the Illinois Stretch Code, below.

Make sure you’re following us on LinkedIn and checking the Hub website regularly to stay in the loop!

Katie, Kindy, Matt & Rimjhim
The Hub Team

Join the Hub for Daylight Hour on June 20!

The Building Energy Hub is participating in Daylight Hour 2025 . This is an annual social media campaign raising awareness about energy efficiency in the built environment. On June 20th, participants all over the world will turn off their lights for one hour (12 - 1 pm local time) and share their experiences via social media. Calculate your organization's energy savings here and join the #DaylightHour campaign to show your support.

New Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Grants

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has released three new grants to fund clean energy projects across the state! Check out these opportunities below and sign up for an upcoming information session here .

Equitable Energy Future Grant Program: Provides pre-development funding to support the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects benefitting businesses, community organizations, and the workforce in Illinois, with a specific focus on historically disadvantaged communities.
NOFO Information Session: Wednesday, June 4, 2025 | 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Community Solar Energy Sovereignty Program: Provides pre-development funding to support the development of programs and entities to assist in the long-term governance, management, and maintenance of community solar projects, such as community solar cooperatives.
NOFO Information Session: Monday, June 16, 2025 | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Energy Transition Community Grant Program: Provides funding for the activities to help communities develop economic opportunities to replace the revenue/jobs lost due to plant/mine closures, and achieve environmental goals outlined in the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA).
NOFO Information Session: Wednesday, June 11, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Want Personalized Assistance?

Benchmarking Deadlines are Approaching in Chicago and Evanston

If you own or manage a building in Chicago or Evanston that is covered by size requirements to submit your energy information in Portfolio Manager, remember: local benchmarking deadlines are coming up! The Hub can help walk you through ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, data collection, and submission. Check out our Benchmarking resources below.

Upcoming Hub Events

Code Workshops: IECC 2024 Residential Stretch Code

June 16 @ 12PM

This webinar will familiarize building professionals with the amendments to the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code® (IECC) that comprise the 2023 Illinois Residential Stretch Energy Code. The session will focus on the key amendments in the residential provisions, reasoning behind the changes, and the impact these changes have on the implementation and enforcement of the energy code.

Code Workshop: IECC 2024 Commercial Stretch Code

June 19 @ 12PM

This virtual education session will focus on the key amendments in the 2021 IECC commercial provisions, reasoning behind the changes, and the impact these changes have on the implementation and enforcement of the energy code. Attendees will also receive links to resources and other support needed for stretch energy code adoption.

Upcoming Illinois Green Alliance Events

Adaptive Reuse & Electrification: Multi-Family Building Tour

June 6 @ 12PM

Join Illinois Green Alliance and the Hub for a tour of two exciting adaptive reuse projects in Evanston—Lodge Evanston and The Varsity. These all-electric multifamily buildings highlight how older buildings can be transformed into modern, climate-forward homes in urban settings.

In Case You Missed it: Education Programs

Finance Fridays: Illinois Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund

Check out the recording of the Illinois Climate Bank's Revolving Loan Fund Webinar on our YouTube channel and learn how you can leverage this financing opportunity to support your next energy efficiency project.

Hub April 2025 Newsletter

Thu, 01 May 2025 19:07:09 GMT

Building Energy Hub April 2025 Newsletter

Greetings -

We're excited to share some big news—the Building Energy Hub has a brand-new look! As Illinois’ trusted resource for building energy efficiency, we’ve refreshed our brand to better reflect who we are: practical, reliable, and dedicated to empowering professionals like you.

While our appearance is new, our commitment remains the same. You’ll continue to find the clear solutions, trusted guidance, and actionable resources you rely on—now with a look that aligns even more closely with our mission and values.

Interested in partnering with us? The Hub team is available to present on our tools and resources virtually and in-person, drop us a line . Thank you for your continued partnership!

Katie, Kindy, Matt & Rimjhim
The Hub Team

New on the Hub Blog: Electrification in Affordable Housing

Nuestro Hogar’s recent retrofit of three multifamily buildings in Humboldt Park shows how electrification can lower energy bills, cut emissions, and create healthier homes—especially for affordable housing residents. Read the Q&A with the project’s Energy Engineer below!

April Spotlight: Illinois Climate Bank

The Illinois Climate Bank is helping drive Illinois’ clean energy future by making financing more accessible for energy efficiency, electrification, and decarbonization projects. Through programs like the new Revolving Loan Fund, the Climate Bank is lowering barriers for building owners, contractors, and communities ready to invest in clean energy upgrades.

Want to tap into these new funding tools? You can learn more about the Illinois Climate Bank and its funding opportunities below. And see the next section for our upcoming webinar where we host experts from the Climate Bank to explore the Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund!

Upcoming Hub Events

Finance Friday: Illinois Climate Bank Revolving Loan Fund

May 9 @ 12PM

Join the Building Energy Hub for an overview of the Illinois Climate Bank's Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund (EE RLF) program. At this virtual program you’ll hear from Claire Brinley and Maria Colangelo at the Illinois Climate Bank about how you can leverage this exciting financing tool to support your next energy efficiency project.

Upcoming Partner Events

From Mobilize to Manage: Decarb Strategies for Existing Buildings

Hosted by Illinois Green Alliance
May 14 @ 12PM

This virtual, hour-long education session provides a practical introduction to decarbonizing existing buildings, covering the urgency of climate action, key sustainability concepts, and the business case for emissions reduction. Speakers will provide an overview of the 5M Decarbonization Roadmap, a best practice approach to developing and implementing comprehensive decarb strategies for existing buildings.

Get Ready: 2024 IECC Updates

Hosted by SEDAC
May 20 @ 12PM

The 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) is here—and changes are on the way for Illinois. This training will cover major updates from the 2021 to 2024 IECC and preview proposed Illinois amendments.

Strategic Decarbonization Planning Training Series

Hosted by NYSERDA , Building Energy Exchange, RMI, Ember Strategies

This three-part series is designed to help industry professionals tackle complex retrofit projects with confidence. Tailored for professionals in engineering, real estate, and technology, this training series will equip participants with the tools and knowledge to drive practical, cost-effective low-carbon retrofits in large buildings.

Want Personalized Assistance?

The Hub Help Desk is ready for your questions and inquiries. The Help Desk provides free, comprehensive support for building professionals, including commercial and multi-family building owners, contractors, and municipal representatives. Call us at 855-520-7693 or email help@buildinghub.energy today! You can also provide details via our online form about your building, role, and what assistance you need.

Hub March 2025 Newsletter

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 17:17:28 GMT

Building Energy Hub March 2025 Newsletter

Greetings -

Spring has arrived, and with it, a season of fresh resources! We’re excited to share the latest tools we’ve been working on to support your decarbonization journey—including a new online discussion forum, expanded technical assistance, a Decarb Planning Guide , real-world case studies, and stretch code guidance for both commercial and residential buildings. Looking to sharpen your skills? Join us for our upcoming education sessions, where we’ll explore emerging HVAC technologies and offer tips and tricks on energy benchmarking .

Got ideas for future programs or topics you’d like to see? We’d love to hear from you—drop us a line !

Katie, Kindy, Matt & Rimjhim
The Hub Team

Building Retrofit Expert Interview Series

Navigating Code Compliance and Grant Requirements for Nonprofit Retrofits

There’s a well-known adage in the green building community—that “the most sustainable building is the one that already exists.” It’s a sentiment that drives the work of Maria Bergh, Founder and Architect at We Build Agency and lead architect on the nonprofit Plant Chicago’s adaptive reuse of a 100-year-old-plus Chicago Firehouse into their new, sustainable headquarters and indoor urban farm. Maria recently sat down with us to discuss her experiences retrofitting older buildings in Chicago for nonprofit and small business clients, and provide lessons for other design and construction professionals.

The Decarbonization Planning Guide is here!

The Building Energy Resource Hub has launched a new online planning tool to help guide building professionals through their decarbonization journey. This step-by-step resource walks users through key principles: knowing your building, setting goals, and implementing strategies. Designed for flexibility, it includes best practices, educational materials, and technical resources to support every stage of the process. Start using the guide today to plan how to reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency, and future-proof your building!

Join the Discussion Forum!

We’re excited to introduce the Decarb Discussion Forum , an online community platform designed to support building professionals navigating the complexities of decarbonization. Moderated by staff with professional advice from volunteer industry experts, the forum provides a space to ask detailed, project-specific questions and receive reliable, peer-informed guidance. Whether you're looking for help interpreting policy, exploring technology options, or overcoming implementation hurdles, this is your space to connect, collaborate, and problem-solve with others in the field.

Check out the new Illinois Stretch Code Overview & Guides

Understanding code updates is essential to staying on track with building performance and decarbonization goals. We’re excited to share new resources that outline the key differences between the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), the 2024 IECC, and Illinois' Stretch Codes for both residential and commercial buildings. These guides highlight the most significant code changes and includes practical implementation tips to support project teams navigating compliance.

Want direct assistance on your decarb project?

Call the Hub Help Desk today!

The Hub Help Desk is ready for your questions and inquiries. The Help Desk provides free, comprehensive support for building professionals, including commercial and multi-family building owners, contractors, and municipal representatives. Call us at 855-520-7693 or email help@buildinghub.energy today! You can also fill out a Help Desk Form and our team will get back to you promptly.

Upcoming Hub Events

 Innovative Gas Technologies and the Role of Utilities in a Clean Energy Future
April 2 @ 12:00 PM

As the energy sector moves toward a low-carbon future, both electric and gas utilities will play a critical role in ensuring safe, reliable, and affordable energy solutions. This virtual session will explore the latest advancements in gas efficiency, taking a deeper look at emerging and existing technologies that lower emissions and energy bills. Experts will discuss the potential of decarbonized fuels and innovative systems in achieving efficiency goals. Join us to learn how you can leverage these innovative technologies to lower energy costs in your next project—and which Peoples Gas incentives could help save you money up front.

Energy Benchmarking Tips and Tricks
April 23 @ 12:00 PM

This webinar will provide you with tips and tricks on how to use the free building benchmarking tool, ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, and help you understand how to create accurate building profiles, how to best gather and enter monthly energy, water, and/or waste data, and how to interpret your performance over time in the tool. All levels of knowledge and experience with benchmarking and energy management are welcome!

Upcoming Partner Events

Passive House Certification, Energy Codes & Resilience

Hosted by SEDAC
April 15 @ 12:00 PM

This training will take a deeper look at Phius certification as one of the newest compliance paths available in Illinois. Our partners will discuss the five key concepts of the Passive House building standard and how these concepts result in high-performance buildings. The training will cover how the increased performance of this building standard uses the science behind the requirements of the code to substantially increase energy efficiency and overall resilience of a structure.

Phius 101: Foundation of Passive Building and Phius Standards
Hosted by Illinois Green Alliance and Phius
April 17 @ 12:00 PM

Join Illinois Green Alliance and Phius to learn how you can build comfortable, healthy, cost-efficient buildings for a more resilient world at Phius 101 for Architects and Engineers! In Illinois, Phius certification is an alternative compliance path to the base energy code, stretch energy code, and the Chicago Energy Transformation Code, and included in the point structure for the Illinois Qualified Allocation Plan and Chicago Sustainable Development Policy.

The Benefits of Electrification for Affordable Housing

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 19:26:03 GMT

Industry Expert Q&A with an Energy Engineer

Project: Nuestro Hogar

Building electrification retrofit projects are gaining popularity as building owners become more familiar with the benefits of electrification, including lower energy bills, reduced emissions, and cleaner indoor spaces. Yet it can be particularly beneficial in affordable housing when such projects require equipment upgrades, as the tenants generally realize the cost savings.

This was one of the main drivers for Bickerdike Development Corporation, a nonprofit developer of affordable housing, to embark on an electrification program for a number of its properties. Working with Elevate Energy and ComEd through the utility’s Whole Home Electric program, Bickerdike recently completed a partial electrification of its Nuestro Hogar Apartments, a two-building, 31-unit property in Humboldt Park.

Bickerdike approached Elevate about the potential electrification of Nuestro Hogar in 2022 as a number of the buildings’ systems, such as gas furnaces, were reaching the end of their life cycle. This is the ideal time for a decarbonization upgrade, given that owners and operators of affordable housing can usually only afford to replace a system once it stops working.

“We want to make sure we’re electrifying these systems, because if we put in a new fossil fuel system now, it will be in there a lot longer than in a market rate building,” which can afford more frequent upgrades, says Bill Lyons, Senior Engineer III at Elevate.

Bill Lyons recently sat down with the Hub to discuss the benefits of electrification for affordable housing, explore the planning process, and outline lessons for other AEC professionals.

Question: What motivated the retrofit and electrification of Nuestro Hogar apartments?

Answer: Bickerdike has prioritized building electrification after a successful retrofit of another property. Many of their affordable housing units are in gentrifying areas where electrification helps lower operating costs and mitigate rising tax expenses. With utility incentives, state and federal programs, and philanthropic grants, these upgrades can proceed even without capital reserves. Electrification also improves tenant comfort by providing air conditioning.

Q: How were the most impactful upgrades selected? 

A: We conducted a utility analysis to ensure tenant costs wouldn’t rise and assessed electrification feasibility. Factors like heat pump technology suitability, available outdoor space, electrical capacity, and physical constraints were considered. Each measure was evaluated for feasibility and cost before presenting options to the building owner. Once finalized, the project went to contractors for pricing and adjustments before the final package was approved. 

Q: Why is integrating sustainability into affordable housing important? 

A: Lower operating costs, improved tenant health, and future cost stability make electrification essential. Beyond cost savings, projects should also enhance building durability and indoor air quality. As more homes go electric, fossil fuel costs shift to fewer users, disproportionately impacting those unable to upgrade. Market-rate homeowners can switch to heat pumps at will, but affordable housing typically replaces systems only at failure, making proactive electrification crucial. 

Q: What is the “spark gap”? 

A: The spark gap (or spark spread) is the cost ratio between electricity and fossil fuels on an equal energy basis. For example, if electricity costs $0.12/kWh and gas costs $1.01/therm (equivalent to $0.0345/kWh), the spark gap is 3.48—electricity costs 3.5 times more per unit of energy. However, heat pumps are 4-5 times more efficient than gas heaters, offsetting the cost difference and reducing utility bills. 

Q: What are the expected benefits of this project? 

A: Tenants are projected to see a 5.3% reduction in utility costs, a 52% drop in energy use, and the building is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 645 tons over its lifespan. The project eliminated fossil fuel combustion in tenant spaces. Gas stoves were replaced with electric flat-top models, and furnaces with cold-climate heat pumps. This improves air quality and provides central AC, eliminating the need for noisy, inefficient window units.

Q: What engineering challenges did you face, and how were they overcome? 

A: The original furnaces did not include air conditioning, so there were no existing chases for the heat pump line sets. The team identified and confirmed a new chase path. The in-unit electrical panels were 100 amps, so cold-climate heat pumps were chosen to avoid the need for electric resistance heating, preventing costly electrical upgrades. The range required a 240-volt electrical outlet, but the panel was far from the kitchen. An existing soffit was identified to run the conduit, avoiding extensive modifications. Future refrigerant regulations will require additional considerations, such as ventilated chases for safety. 

Q: How did you collaborate with partners like Bickerdike, Slipstream, and ComEd? 

A: Frequent communication was key. Supply chain delays due to COVID and other factors required timeline and funding adjustments. Regular updates ensured flexibility and problem-solving as challenges arose. 

Q: What financing incentives supported this project? 

A: This project was part of an Elevate-led electrification pilot, co-funded by ComEd and private donors, covering 100% of costs. Affordable housing projects often face split incentives—where building owners bear upgrade costs while tenants benefit from savings. Full funding removed the need for owner investment recovery. 

Q: What lessons from this project can help other AEC professionals with decarbonization? 

A: Electrification is a phased journey. Developing a long-term roadmap is key to meeting stakeholder needs. Leveraging existing infrastructure simplified the heat pump and stove installations. Planning for future upgrades ensured that water heating conversion was deferred to avoid an electrical service upgrade until necessary. Proper equipment sizing is critical to minimize costs and prevent increased electrical demand. Oversized electric resistance heating can inflate both project and operational costs, making careful planning essential. 

Q: How can Nuestro Hogar’s electrification serve as a model for other affordable housing retrofits? 

A: Identifying buildings with aging, inefficient systems allows for the most cost-effective electrification. Replacing furnaces with heat pumps is easier than converting boiler systems. A phased approach ensures immediate benefits while planning for future upgrades as existing systems age, maximizing long-term efficiency and cost savings. 

This resource is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy under the Building Technologies Office—DOE-ELEVATE-0010930-23.

Why Improving Building Performance is Key to Standing Out in a Challenging Market

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 19:41:01 GMT

Industry Expert Q&A with an Operating Engineer |

Project: 401 North Michigan

In today’s challenging commercial real estate environment, owners and operators of large office buildings are looking for innovative ways to bolster the value of their properties. Many are turning to sustainability upgrades, retrofits, and green certifications that serve to improve overall building performance while reducing energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

And while owners and management teams have the final say on such decisions, building operations staff must be brought on board to successfully execute any large-scale sustainability project. Kurt Anderson, Chief Engineer at 401 N. Michigan Avenue and BOMA/Chicago’s 2021 Building Engineer of the Year, attributed the success of his team’s sustainability efforts to a collaborative approach and a focus on continuing education among staff.

“I lean heavily on my team’s expertise,” Anderson says. “The better they understand each building system and individual piece of equipment, the better prepared everyone is to employ sustainability measures.”

Anderson sat down with the Hub to discuss his role in helping 401 N. Michigan achieve LEED Platinum status as well as his strategies for bringing building staff on board with sustainability upgrades—including those who may be skeptical of messaging around climate change.

Question: Why is it important to improve building performance and sustainability in today’s market?

Answer: Obviously being cost competitive in today’s [commercial real estate] market is huge and garners support from all parties involved, but more importantly—it’s the right thing to do. Regardless of which side of the climate change debate you are on, sharing the earth’s resources should be driving everyone’s thought process.

I’ve spoken to building management, and they are finding more and more inquiries from lenders, investors, and owners as to how their assets fit into the ESG (environmental, social, and governance) equation and asking what the onsite teams are doing to get close to the finish line, even if it’s not crossing the finish line. These folks seem to know what we’re doing to make these continual adjustments to stay current and on the cutting edge of sustainability.

What I understand from the leasing team is that green investments are probably more top of mind for larger space users. For smaller tenants, it’s more of a softer issue—a feel-good alignment with their core values. They use the investment in these items as a marketing item and a testimonial of landlord’s continual investment.

Q: How do you stay up to date on emerging green technologies and trends?

A: Staying active with organizations like Illinois Green Alliance, BOMA/Chicago and BOMA committees, as well as pursuing all programs afforded to us via utility providers. Also, working closely with Local 399’s training administrator and facilitating outings for sustainability classes for both Local 399 and IIT [Illinois Institute of Technology]. The utility providers offer custom rebate programs, facility assessments, web-based training, and energy calculators. For me, to forward these tools to my team gives them a lot of information and helps explain things at their own level

Q: How did you foster collaboration between the building owners, your operations team, and the building’s tenants during an energy efficiency project? How did you ensure everyone was working toward a common goal?

A: Being mindful to engage all levels of building staff is important. Top brass clearly needs to support our initiatives, but if we leave essential building staff and/or trades out, we will likely miss many opportunities. Town Hall Meetings go a long way as well. Tenants have great questions and concerns relating to not just sustainability but to the environment we provide while at work. Again, COVID provided many lessons in overlap in what we do and how sustainability goes hand in hand with a safe and healthy work environment.

Bringing building staff and trades to the table before these measures and features are decided on goes a long way in engaging everyone. If you know there is a pending edict coming down and you get on board early, you can help be a part of writing the plan and putting it together. I start a meeting [with building staff] by asking: do you have anything you want to talk about? If you let people speak up first, they have ownership.

Q: What were some of the sustainable retrofit strategies and features that helped 401 N. Michigan Ave. reduce its energy use and emissions?

A: We had an internal Energy Challenge at Zeller, an upgrade to wireless pneumatic thermostats, ongoing commissioning and retro-commissioning, a steam trap audit, and engaged with our utility providers every time they offered to do a facility assessment. The custom rebate incentive program from ComEd is beneficial regardless of if ideas ultimately get the green light.

Wireless pneumatic thermostats gave us control over 650 building thermostats we could previously not “see” but also gave us the ability to use new technology to assist in ongoing commissioning projects previously unavailable to a building this age. So now, I can see the temperature of all the perimeter thermostats and can adjust them if a tenant moves out or has an extended period of time when they won’t be in the office.

Ongoing commissioning affords us the ability to employ the latest technology in terms of programming and control strategies. Additionally, it exposes equipment out in the field that is not functioning correctly—a damper or valve that is stuck can go unnoticed for a long time, resulting in wasted energy and money.

We also upgraded light fixtures and put LED lights in the stairwells along with motion sensors, where the lights go down to 20% but turn on when you walk by them. LED lighting retrofits are very common these days and we retrofitted all mechanical and parking areas years ago, but one of the “last frontiers,” if you will, was when the City of Chicago finally approved an LED fixture that had dimming controls combined with motion sensors that would be allowed in an exit stairwell.

Q: What were the overall results of the LEED recertification? How did the building upgrades improve operations, energy efficiency, tenant satisfaction, and the overall value of the building?

A: During our internal Energy Challenge, we saved over $500,000 in energy costs over the course of three years. The results are clearly defined in utility spending, which is monitored closely. Also, many of the upgrades are closely tied to building automation and controllability of the building’s environment—which affords us the ability to stay flexible and provide a clean, safe environment regardless of the situation at hand.

This resource is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy under the Building Technologies Office—DOE-ELEVATE-0010930-24.

Navigating Code Compliance and Grant Requirements for Nonprofit Retrofits

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 13:40:06 GMT

Industry Expert Q&A with an Architect |

Project: Plant Chicago

There’s a well-known adage in the architecture and development community—that “the most sustainable building is the one that already exists.” It reflects the recognition that, given the planet’s limited resources and the emissions released during the extraction, manufacturing, and transportation processes, retrofitting an existing building with sustainable upgrades is still greener than building high-performance new construction.

It’s a sentiment that drives the work of Maria Bergh, Founder and Architect at We Build Agency and lead architect on the nonprofit Plant Chicago ’s adaptive reuse of a 100-year-old-plus Chicago Firehouse into their new, sustainable headquarters and indoor urban farm.

Plant Chicago’s Firehouse building, located at 4459 S. Marshfield Ave., was originally constructed between 1907 and 1908 and served as the home of the Fire Department’s truck company #33 until 1978. It was later owned and operated by the Chicago Case Company, which left the building in the early 2000s, when it was purchased by a local artist as a live/work space. Previous owners had taken a DIY approach to building upgrades, leaving much of the structure non-compliant with Chicago’s current building code.

Given that nonprofits and start-up businesses—particularly in disinvested areas—work within constrained budgets, rehabbing an older building should make more financial sense than pursuing new construction for their offices and facilities. Adaptive reuse also helps preserve threatened historic structures, while reducing a project’s carbon footprint.

Yet as Plant Chicago demonstrates, the process of bringing a rehabbed vintage building up to current code requirements often is just as expensive. And that’s before sustainable upgrades, such as high-efficiency insulation, heat pumps, or rooftop solar panels are factored in.

Maria recently sat down with us to discuss her experiences retrofitting older buildings in Chicago for nonprofit and small business clients, and provide lessons for other design and construction professionals.

Question: How do you approach the financial challenges of sustainable design when working with nonprofit or small business clients?

Answer: One of the biggest challenges is simply to allow my clients to dream of what they would like to afford. Because all of my commercial clients are nonprofit organizations or startups based in disinvested communities, they are grateful just to have a space of their own. There are so many barriers to overcome that the idea that they deserve and/or can afford sustainable improvements on top of the basic structural repairs, accessibility requirements, and correcting past code violations is unthinkable to most.

And, for nearly all, sustainability is the first to be cut when there are cost or budget concerns. I have asked leaders of powerful sustainability and environmental justice organizations if they considered decarbonizing their building project and the response is typically “no” and slowly, after a pause or maybe even in a subsequent meeting, “Can we afford that? We would love that but we really didn’t think it would be possible.”

Natural lighting and insulation are typically what we focus on and start from, because those are such inherently good things, and are typically already required and desirable. Additional improvements, like solar panels, are frequently grant funded or a part of a local program, and can often be a part of the program as almost every building we work on needs a roof replacement anyway.

Q: Can you give us a brief history of your involvement with Plant Chicago’s Firehouse project?

A: I saw a public email update from Plant Chicago that they were going to need to move out of The Plant [Plant Chicago’s previous home] and cold called them. I started my practice in Back of the Yards only a couple years before and had worked with some other neighbors and hoped to help them out.

As a neighbor, I was grateful for the work Plant Chicago did and wanted to see them remain in Back of the Yards. As a designer, I knew The Plant was a really well-designed space and I thought working with an organization accustomed to such a creative adaptive reuse atmosphere could be a fun design challenge.

As a transplant to Back of the Yards, it was important to me that we try to engage long term neighbors to make sure this space didn’t feel like another gentrifying influence that was for someone else. And as someone committed to sustainability, I really was excited to see what creative and special systems we could use to demonstrate sustainability on the south and west side.

Initially I did a quick survey of the [Firehouse] building and made some renderings for an upcoming fundraiser that helped cover the costs to acquire the building and cover immediate improvements to make it workable for their operations, including the brass pole hydroponic installation in the retail space.

After a few years passed, Plant Chicago raised funds for the solar improvement and prepared to apply for the City of Chicago’s NOF [ Neighborhood Opportunity Fund ] grant to update the rest of the space. During this design process the decarbonization grant became available and so we added that scope.

Q: What are some of the major pain points of retrofitting a 100-plus-year-old building, and how have you and the project team overcome them?

A: The major architectural challenge is that the previous owners did not permit their improvements thoroughly, so not only do we need to bring the building up to sustainability standards, we also need to make amends for many decades of semi-legal use of the building and explain what can’t always be explained to the [city’s] building department.

The most sustainable building is the one that already exists, but when building code and building officials look closely at the letter of the law without considering the bigger picture, there can be a very narrow pathway to approval. Basically, every aspect of this building’s program is threading a needle between multiple conflicting code requirements that would make the project impossible to complete.

In general, my approach is to simply hold very close to the code, to focus on clearly telling the story of what we are trying to accomplish, and managing the client’s expectations. It’s also giving them clear advice about what is possible for them to do in the future to achieve goals that are not achievable at this time due to the constraints we are facing.

While I strongly uphold the importance of building code for safety and sustainability, is a real shame that some of the code compliance issues we face that generalize certain uses into broad groups actually reduce the usability of the space and make it more expensive, slower, and more challenging to complete this project.

Q: At this stage of the process, what are the lessons your team has learned that could help guide other design and construction professionals working with nonprofit organizations on their sustainable adaptive reuse projects?

A: I would say to be brave, to build relationships first, and to explain in detail how much unknown risk is a part of the building and permitting process. I would say to talk to the building department early but focus on keeping the project moving as fast as possible. If at all possible, hire a permit expediter and be extremely thorough and conservative with how code is interpreted and applied. List code references copiously on the drawings.

I would also say to try to right-size the project up front, which can be very difficult to do, but the time that it takes to VE [value engineer] a project that is on such a tight budget as these tends to lead to increasing the cost again, making the project impossible to get on budget. Better tools are phasing or limiting the size of the project, or possibly asking the client to be prepared to raise 25-50 percent more than their budget.

Too often my projects are just complying with code. That's not because I’m not creative or the client doesn’t deserve more, but because funders and donors limit their contributions to capital campaigns and the stress of raising money for a building is a distraction from a nonprofit’s core mission, a diversion of resources they need elsewhere.

I don’t think the overall ecosystem understands how much stress, pressure, and limitation this creates for the future our communities deserve. When our neighbors struggle to afford housing or office space, how can we fund excellent design for those spaces? If we can’t convince landlords to make basic improvements incrementally, how do first time home buyers and business owners afford to retrofit decades or even centuries of decay? These are the real questions that would open up worlds of business for designers and the construction industry, as well as opportunities for our city.

This resource is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy under the Building Technologies Office—DOE-ELEVATE-0010930-25.

How Architects Can Drive High-Performance Office Fit-Out Projects

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 19:17:40 GMT

Resource Overview

Architects are essential players in designing, constructing, and operating high-performance spaces for tenants, the demand for which continues to rise. Half of all commercial buildings in the US are leased, and retrofitting existing buildings is a must for meeting our evolving climate and emissions targets. How can architects take advantage of this opportunity, and get involved in these projects? TEOP for Architects takes ULI’s established Tenant Energy Optimization Program (TEOP), a 10-step process for embedding energy efficiency into leased spaces during initial fit-outs or significant renovations, and shows how architects can plug in and use it to streamline their work. Drawing on interviews with architects and real estate professionals from firms leading in sustainability, TEOP for Architects is filled with practical advice and data points for addressing common barriers, whether it’s how to approach clients that are new to sustainability, how to integrate energy modeling into your practice, or how to ensure building operations help meet initial performance goals. TEOP for Architects shows that tenant spaces are just as ripe for design excellence and innovation in performance as new construction. Whether you’re an experienced architect just getting familiar with tenant fit-outs or you’re entirely new to the world of sustainability, TEOP for Architects can help you get situated and start delivering the efficient, elegant projects that clients and the climate both need.

Partner resource compiled by the Urban Land Institute. You can view the full resource here .

Fitting Out Spaces for Net Zero

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 19:09:06 GMT

Resource Overview

Fit-outs tend to attract less attention than the construction and operation of buildings, despite the fact that it has a significant impact on the operational performance of the occupied space. In addition, in nondomestic buildings, the interiors can be replaced every three to 10 years, making fit-outs a crucial part of a building’s life cycle. This tenant primer focuses on the importance of fit-outs.

Partner resource compiled by the Urban Land Institute. You can view the full resource here .

Tenant Energy Optimization Program

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 19:58:10 GMT

Resource Overview

The Tenant Energy Optimization Program Infographic provides stakeholders with an overview of ULI's TEOP program as well as an outline of the 10-step process which outlines steps you can take to integrate energy efficiency into tenant space, design, and construction.

Following the TEOP 10 Steps Helps an Office Fit-out Meet Energy Star Tenant Space Criteria

Achieving Energy Star Tenant Space for your office fit-out is a great way to earn recognition for leadership in energy efficiency for leased spaces. Led by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the recognition designates tenant spaces as highly energy efficient. But how do you achieve such efficiency in a fit-out? The Urban Land Institute’s Tenant Energy Optimization Program (TEOP) process can help.

TEOP walks fit-out stakeholders through a 10-step process to achieve deep energy and financial savings in leased office spaces. From pre-lease, through design and construction, to post-occupancy, the TEOP 10 steps ensure that energy efficiency is cost-effectively included from beginning to end.

When combined and followed for leased space fit-outs, the Energy Star Tenant Space recognition program and TEOP 10-step process produce not only deep savings, but also a pathway for achieving a high level of energy efficiency and overcoming the landlord/tenant split incentive. The table at right outlines all 10 TEOP steps, and the table on the following page outlines which steps of the TEOP process directly support criteria to achieve Energy Star Tenant Space recognition.

Partner resource compiled by the Urban Land Institute. You can view the full resource here .

Green Leasing as Part of a Sustainable Tenant Fit-Out

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 22:38:38 GMT

Resource Overview

Building owners and tenants are often characterized by conflicting interests and split incentives, hindering joint efforts towards energy efficient buildings. However, both parties play a vital role in embedding sustainability into the built environment and ultimately have common ground that can be leveraged to achieve shared goals. The Urban Land Institute’s (ULI) Tenant Energy Optimization Program (TEOP) and the Institute for Market Transformation (IMT) and U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Green Lease Leaders program share complementary, actionable steps for landlord-tenant collaboration in advancing sustainability in leased spaces. Green Leasing as Part of a Sustainable Tenant Fit-out: Tenant Energy Optimization Program and Green Lease Leaders Program provides an overview of TEOP and Green Lease Leaders, highlighting how the two programs can work together to offer a robust roadmap for landlord-tenant energy efficiency achievements.

Partner resource compiled by the Urban Land Institute. You can view the full resource here .

Hub February 2025 Newsletter

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 22:33:50 GMT

Building Energy Hub February 2025 Newsletter

Greetings -

February is moving quickly, and our team is busy planning and preparing for several new resources at the Building Energy Resource Hub . We are excited to expand our call for volunteers, hire summer interns, and finalize new tools to launch this Spring. This work is essential to help building owners and professionals navigate their path towards energy efficiency. Please stay in touch with us and let us know how we can help.

Thank you for your continued partnership —

Katie, Kindy, Matt & Rimjhim
The Hub Team

Connect with us at the Hub Help Desk

Get Involved: Volunteer with the Hub!

The Building Energy Resource Hub is seeking dedicated volunteers to help guide building professionals in improving energy performance and meeting compliance goals. Your support will play a key role in assisting Illinois' commercial and multi-family buildings to reduce emissions, save energy, and future-proof their operations.

Our first two opportunities include:

Discussion Forum Contributor: Help foster engagement in our newly launched forum by sharing insights and answering questions.
Benchmarking Expert: Support users in understanding energy benchmarking tools and best practices.

Interested in getting involved? Fill out this quick form to learn more:

Green Lease Leaders: Applications are open, apply today!

As the demand for sustainable buildings grows, Green Lease Leaders is setting the standard for how landlords and tenants can collaborate on energy efficiency, health, and environmental responsibility. A green lease goes beyond traditional leasing agreements by incorporating sustainability clauses that align the financial and environmental interests of both parties. The Green Lease Leaders program provides guidance and technical assistance for navigating sustainability efforts but also recognizes tenant and landlords that are leading this work. Green leases aren’t just for commercial properties and office buildings—check out the roadmap for multi-family buildings .

A green lease includes provisions that promote investments in energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, and other sustainable practices. These leases create a collaborative framework for landlords and tenants to work together including:

Identify shared sustainability priorities such as health, wellness, and energy efficiency
Define operational expectations for building performance and tenant spaces
Establish clear communication channels for data sharing, maintenance, and environmental reporting

 Created by Institute for Market Transformation (IMT) and U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Alliance , the Green Lease Leaders program celebrates organizations that integrate energy efficiency and sustainability into lease agreements. The Green Lease Leaders application portal is open and accepting applications for 2025 recognition ! Apply by April 11.

New Funding Resource

Illinois Climate Bank Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) and Illinois Finance Authority (IFA) are now accepting pre-applications for the Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund (EE RLF ) program. This initiative offers low-interest Bridge Loans to nonprofits, public entities, and commercial building owners. The program aims to finance clean energy projects, such as building electrification, energy storage, and distributed generation, while addressing funding gaps caused by delays in receiving federal direct pay tax credits and Illinois Solar for All incentives.

Apply for the EE RLF Bridge Loan here: Pre-application Link . On February 19, 2025, IFA hosted its first Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund webinar—check out the slides and recording here . IFA will be hosting working group meetings in March and April to discuss the further development of the Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund program. If you are interested in participating in these working groups, please fill out the  EE RLF Working Group Interest Form .

Upcoming Hub Events

Innovative Gas Technologies and the Role of Utilities in a Clean Energy Future
April 2 @ 12:00 PM

Upcoming Partner Events

Power Quality Considerations for EE Retrofits & Renewable Energy Systems

Hosted by Focus on Energy
March 5 @ 8:30 AM

Whether through energy efficiency improvements or by using renewable energy sources, many companies are seeking ways to reduce their cost of electrical energy. This training seminar addresses the power quality aspects of both energy efficiency retrofits and the use of renewable energy sources. It provides an overview of the effects on electrical power quality associated with some energy efficiency improvements and the use of renewable energy power sources.

ASHRAE Guideline 36 High-Performance Sequences of Operation for HVAC Systems
Hosted by ASHRAE
March 11 @ 11:00 AM

This course provides an overview of the newly adopted core codes, using a common HVAC system example to demonstrate the practical application of  ASHRAE Guideline 36 . Using real life examples, learn how ASHRAE Guideline 36 supports health through improved air quality and comfort, safety with reliable ventilation controls, and welfare by enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability.

Schools Can Save energy and Still Have a Comfortable Environment for Learning
Hosted by Focus on the Future
March 11 @ 9:00 AM

America’s schools spend more on energy than they do on textbooks and computers combined. In this webinar, we will discuss how schools can get smarter about energy efficiency. We will explore the energy-saving benefits of high-performance equipment and systems, such as windows, lighting, HVAC, plug loads and building automation. We will also cover the non-energy benefits of energy-efficiency upgrades, such as improved student performance.

Code Compliant Insulation Approaches Under the 2021 IECC

Hosted by SEDAC
March 18 @ 12:00 PM

The increased insulation requirements of the 2021 IECC have made compliance more complex for some projects using traditional residential construction methods. This training will explain the increased requirements and explore various options to achieve Code compliance. Different compliance paths will be discussed including multiple prescriptive options as well as the performance path. The training will also discuss the use of different materials, details and methods to build less traditional, but still cost-effective assemblies.

Energy Code Conversations: Sharing Best Practices to Expedite Construction
Hosted by SEDAC
March 27 @ 11:30 AM

During this event, SEDAC invites you to share and discuss the practices and processes that you have developed to reduce frustrations and ensure energy code compliance. This conversation will allow those in the construction industry to share and learn from each other while providing insight into the various perspectives across the industry. The goal of this roundtable is to identify the best practices in communications and project management that allow code compliant projects to be completed on schedule and on budget with minimal headaches.

Phius Certification, Energy Codes & Resilience
Hosted by SEDAC
April 15 @ 12:00 PM

This training will take a deeper look at Phius certification as one of the newest compliance paths available in Illinois. They will discuss the five key concepts of the passive house building standard and how these concepts result in high-performance buildings. The training will cover how the increased performance of this building standard uses the science behind the requirements of the base code to substantially increase energy efficiency and overall resilience of a structure.

Hub January 2025 Newsletter

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 17:51:27 GMT

Building Energy Hub January 2025 Newsletter

Greetings -

Happy new year to our Hub friends! We are excited to help you on your building decarbonization and energy efficiency journey for 2025. Hub staff, partners and volunteers are ready to serve Illinois building professionals and contractors with the best building decarbonization tools and energy efficiency techniques, so get ready. The Hub Help Desk has been launched and will take your calls and emails today. The Hub also made significant website updates including a new Getting Started page—check it out today! Not seeing a tool or resource you need? Drop us a line .

Keep warm!

Katie, Kindy, Matt & Rimjhim
The Hub Team

Connect with us at the Hub Help Desk

2025: Year of Building Decarb

(or begin your planning!)

The Building Energy Resource Hub offers a wealth of resources to help building professionals reduce emissions, save energy, and align with emerging energy performance standards. Whether you’re taking your first steps in decarbonization or looking to optimize existing operations, the Hub’s comprehensive Getting Started guide breaks down the process into clear, actionable steps. From assessing your building’s energy usage to identifying funding opportunities and accessing technical assistance, this resource is designed to make energy efficiency accessible to all.

New 179D Tax Deduction Portal

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has launched the 179D Portal , which hosts two free tools to estimate potential federal tax deductions for installing eligible energy -efficient technologies in commercial building s. Energy -efficient technologies can increase building performance and save on utility bills. Now, the new 179D Portal can estimate how building upgrades can qualify building owners and designers for a tax deduction, to further impact the bottom line, with tax deductions ranging from $0.58 to $5.81 per square foot. Learn more at energy.gov .

Industry Trainings

Building Operator Certification

The Building Operator Certification® (BOC) program achieves measurable energy savings by training individuals directly responsible for day-to-day building operations. BOC graduates use the tools learned in training to help their facilities save energy, reduce costs and improve the efficiency of their building systems. MEEA offers multiple BOC Curricula including, BOC Level I: Building Systems Maintenance, BOC Level II: Improving Building Operational Performance and BOC Multifamily.

To learn more about the BOC program or find a training near you, visit www.boccentral.org . Please contact MEEA’s BOC team at boc@mwalliance.org or 855-420-1785.

New Funding Resources

Illinois Climate Bank Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) and Illinois Finance Authority (IFA) are now accepting pre-applications for the Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund (EE RLF) program. This initiative offers low-interest Bridge Loans to nonprofits, public entities, and commercial building owners in order to finance clean energy projects, such as building electrification, energy storage, and distributed generation, while addressing funding gaps caused by delays in receiving federal direct pay tax credits and Illinois Solar for All incentives. Apply for the EE RLF Bridge Loan here: Pre-application Link

On February 19, 2025, the Illinois Finance Authority will be hosting its first Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund webinar. Click here to register.

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Small Business Capital and Infrastructure Grant Program

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity grant for $10,000 - $245,000 to small businesses across the state to help eligible businesses achieve sustainable growth, improve efficiency, and create and retain jobs. Eligible project costs for the grant include:

Planning
Land and Building Acquisition
Buildings, Additions, or Structures
Site Improvements

Applications close on April 7, 2025. There is an information session on February 4 at 11AM . Learn more here.

Contractor Corner

The Value of Contractors Connecting to Utility Programs

As the demand for energy-efficient and decarbonized buildings grows, contractors have an opportunity to expand their businesses by partnering with utility programs. These programs offer access to training, funding, and technical resources that can help contractors grow their expertise, win more projects, and contribute to a greener future.

By joining these programs, contractors can gain visibility as trusted service providers, access incentives for their clients, and stay ahead of industry trends. A few reasons why connecting to utility programs is a win-win for contractors:

Training and Certification: Utility programs often provide specialized training that helps contractors meet compliance requirements and offer cutting-edge services.
Client Incentives: Many programs include rebates and discounts that contractors can pass on to their clients, making projects more affordable.
Business Growth: Being part of a utility program can improve your business credibility and open doors to new projects and networks.

Illinois Utility Programs for Contractors

ComEd Energy Efficiency Service Provider (EESP) Incubator Program
This program is tailored for minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses. It provides resources for certification, financing, and business development. Contractors gain skills to work within the ComEd energy efficiency portfolio, setting them up for success in this growing field. Learn more here .

Ameren Illinois Diverse Program Ally Incubator
Designed for contractors in the Ameren Illinois service territory, this program focuses on professional training and business growth. Participants receive customized resources to help them succeed as Program Allies in the Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program. Discover the program here .

Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas
For weatherization rebates, including air sealing, insulation, and duct sealing, Peoples Gas requires that these services be performed by contractors who are approved by the program. These contractors hold specific certifications and have received training on program requirements and specifications, check out to be a Trade Ally here .

Upcoming Hub Events

$ave Money, $ave Energy: ComEd High-Performance Design Incentives
February 12 @ 10:00 AM

Join the Building Energy Resource Hub to learn about a new ComEd program that provides comprehensive energy solutions for new construction and major renovation projects. The High-Performance Design Incentive program offers a holistic approach to your project by offering incentives for both gas and electric savings. Learn how to push your design further with these technical assistance and financial incentive tools for energy conservation measures.

Upcoming Partner Events

Energy Code Basics and Performance Path Reports, including Passive House
Hosted by SEDAC | In-Person | East Moline, IL
February 4 @ 9:00 AM

For those who may be newer to the code, this in-person training will cover the basic layout and navigation of the 2021 IECC (including Illinois amendments), which became effective January 1, 2024. After establishing the primary sections and function of the Code, the workshop will cover the various compliance paths available. They will review multiple performance reports to learn more about how they are created and how to evaluate them, and then discuss some details of the Passive House compliance method, as it serves as an additional compliance path in Illinois. 3.0 LU|HSW AIA CES, 0.30 ICC CEU .

Energy Code Conversations: Discovering the Pathways to Become an Energy Code Official
Hosted by SEDAC
February 22 @ 12:00 PM

The energy codes field faces a staffing shortage and unclear career entry paths. SEDAC invites energy code professionals to an Energy Code Conversation to discuss career development and workforce needs. Share your experiences, learn about diverse career paths, and help identify training needs for new recruits. Together, we can spark ideas to build the next generation of energy code professionals.

Trade Ally Webinar: Micro Combined Heat & Power (mCHP)
Hosted by Peoples Gas
February 26 @ 10:00 AM

Join this webinar to learn more about Micro Combined Heat & Power (mCHP) that can provide a clean energy solution that is reliable, simple, and effective while offering substantial financial savings. Combined Heat & Power is regarded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Energy (DOE) and the Energy Information Agency (EIA) as one of the most affordable, cleanest, efficient, and reliable energy sources available. Tune in to learn more about how to evaluate, select and apply mCHP systems for your clients

Webinar Series: Basics of U.S. Building Benchmarking for State and Local Policy Compliance

Hosted by EPA

Join EPA for a three-part webinar series starting in February on how to use Portfolio Manager® to meet state and local policy requirements. This series will teach the ins and outs of the Portfolio Manager tool and introduce the benefits of energy efficiency and energy management. It will be offered twice this year, so please join the sessions that best fit your schedule.

Green Lease Leaders

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 21:26:10 GMT

Resource Overview

Launched in 2014 by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Alliance and the Institute for Market Transformation, Green Lease leaders sets the standard for what constitutes a green lease.

The program provides guidance in leasing practices to advance mutually beneficial landlord-tenant relationships that lead to higher-performing buildings and healthier, more sustainable communities. Participants benefit from established guidelines and free support while developing their leases, as well as peer leadership recognition and substantial energy savings when leases have been implemented. Honorees are announced annually at the Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Conference .

Partner resource compiled by the Institute for Market Transformation. You can view the full resource here .

Hub December 2024 Newsletter

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 22:33:24 GMT

Building Energy Resource Hub December 2024 Newsletter

Greetings -

As the Hub team wraps up 2024, there is much for us to be proud of. We have grown our team, recruited volunteers, built numerous partnerships, created new resources, hosted webinars, and so much more. Our momentum is a credit to the ecosystem of volunteers, partners, and allies working together to help buildings improve their energy efficiency.

This year, we introduced practical tools and guides to help building professionals identify cost-saving energy upgrades. Through collaboration with industry experts and by fostering peer connections, we developed resources and shared strategies to achieve measurable reductions in energy use and utility expenses. As we look to 2025, our focus will remain on delivering impactful programs and resources that help buildings save energy, cut costs, and improve overall performance.

Happiest Holidays to you!

Katie, Kindy, Matt & Rimjhim
The Hub Team

2024 Year in Review

One : New full-time Hub team member hired—Rimjhim Agrawal
Two : New Hub Advisory Board members welcomed
Three : Utility incentive webinars hosted
Four : Finance Friday education programs introduced
Five : Building Performance Partnership collaborators: BE-Ex NYC , BE-Ex St. Louis , BE-Ex Kansas City , Building Innovation Hub , IMT
Seven : Benchmarking data jams offered
Eight : Cool industry partner resources shared
Nine : New community partnerships formed
Ten : Adapted building guides added to our resource library
Eleven : Monthly Hub newsletters sent
Twelve : New volunteer subject matter experts recruited

Coming in 2025

The future is bright for the Building Energy Resource Hub! In the first quarter of 2025, we are excited to roll out new interactive resources including an online discussion forum, our help desk, and one-on-one technical assistance. Whether you need assistance with energy benchmarking, compliance with advanced building codes, accessing financial resources for retrofits, or technical guidance on energy efficiency measures, we’re here to help.

The Help Desk will provide free, comprehensive support for building professionals, including commercial and multi-family building owners, contractors, and municipal representatives.
One-on-One technical assistance will offer a variety of help through Hub staff and volunteers to provide customized guidance to community-based organizations and in-need buildings on energy benchmarking, financing tools and capital planning to reduce energy use and save money.

The online discussion forum will connect technical expert volunteers with building professionals to collaborate on topics like energy benchmarking, financing initiatives, efficient building technologies, and more.

Hub Resources Roundup

Over the last year we have created a variety of guidance documents and technical primers to assist all sectors of the building industry. Check out the list below and review any resources you haven’t discovered yet!

LED Lighting Technology Primer

This resource details how LED lighting retrofits can enhance building performance and occupant well-being.

Plug Loads and Tenant Energy Use Reduction Technology Primer

This adapted resource details how tenants use energy and lays out multiple strategies to reducing plug loads and tenant energy use in multifamily and commercial buildings.

Building Electrification Guide - NEW

The guide reviews provides an overview of the benefits of building electrification as well as the systems and components available for electrification.

Energy Efficiency Checklist - NEW

This resource provides beginner guidance for building professionals interested in starting the pursuit of energy efficiency for their building.

Architect's Playbook - NEW

This playbook provides guidance for architects to create energy-efficient, high-performing buildings by leveraging benchmarking data, staying updated on regulations, and incorporating early energy modeling.

Operations and Maintenance Guide - NEW

This document seeks to provide property owners and facilities managers, as well as operations, engineering, and maintenance personnel, with a guide for O&M procedures designed to increase energy efficiency.

Contractor Corner

Energy Skilled for Contractors

The DOE’s Energy Skilled™ program and ENERGY STAR are collaborating to bring together the leading efficiency technologies and the workforce to deliver them to consumers. Learn more about this new designation to discover the importance of the right workforce skills for optimized building performance. Jobs in building trades serve an important role in keeping occupants safe, healthy, and comfortable. They also have a significant impact on energy costs in a home. With the right training and certification, contractors can grow their skills and knowledge needed to perform high quality energy assessments and work with new energy-efficient technologies.

Upcoming Partner Events

The Heating System Balancing Act: Heat Pumps and Beyond
Hosted by U.S. Department of Energy
January 7 @ 10:00 AM

Heat pump technologies are transforming the ways buildings are heated, with rapid advancements and widespread adoption across the market. This webinar explores effective strategies for implementing heat pumps across portfolios, examining the business case for installation and how to balance building load with equipment choices to optimize both costs and benefits. Learn about the successes, challenges, and cost-effective pathways for meeting energy efficiency goals with heat pumps.

Supporting Contractors in Workforce and Business Development
Hosted by Interstate Renewable Energy Council
January 22 @ 1:00 PM

Join this dynamic discussion with leaders from the IREC, Building Performance Institute (BPI), and Building Performance Association (BPA) as they explore critical opportunities for contractors in energy efficiency and home energy performance. This session will highlight pathways available for contractors to grow their businesses in this evolving sector, focusing on the tools and resources designed to help them succeed. Participants will hear from each organization on their unique contributions to developing and supporting contractors, with practical guidance on certifications, workforce training, and access to additional programs and resources that drive contractor success.

Hub November 2024 Newsletter

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 23:04:34 GMT

Building Energy Resource Hub November 2024 Newsletter

Greetings -

With winter holidays approaching and the first snowflakes on the ground, it’s the perfect time to transition your focus from cooling to heating and prepare your building for a more energy efficient 2025. The Hub team is busy planning for the new year and we are regularly adding new resources to our website each month. The month, we are excited to share Benchmarking 101 and Greenhouse Gas Emissions 101 , which we explore in greater detail below. And keep an eye out for upcoming announcements on federal and state incentives that offer valuable opportunities to support your sustainability goals. We are also regularly adding new financing tools to our Hub Financial Pathways portal.

Thanks!

Katie, Kindy, Matt & Rimjhim

The Hub Team

New Hub Resources

Measure to Manage: Building Benchmarking and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Explained

Check out the Hub’s new online resource primers: Benchmarking 101 and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions 101 , which are designed to help organizations save energy and prepare for evolving energy codes.

Benchmarking 101 provides a structured approach to measuring energy performance, identifying inefficiencies, and implementing targeted improvements that enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs. Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions 101 explains the essentials for understanding carbon footprints, offering valuable insights to help organizations align with emerging standards and achieve decarbonization goals. These resources are essential for organizations aiming to enhance energy management and stay ahead of future compliance requirements.

Contractor Corner

Contractor Connection Recap!

Thanks to everyone who joined our first Contractor Connection earlier this month. It was a great crowd of both new and experienced contractors along with the convening team of Illinois Green Alliance, Elevate, HACIA, and Builder’s Avenue, who facilitated table conversations to identify contractor resources. The group shared their desire to continue connecting and asked for educational opportunities including building tours, guest speakers, and short seminars.

Want to join us in 2025? Complete this quick survey to let us know topics and locations you prefer!

Illinois Winners of ACEEE

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) recently released its fifth national review of exemplary energy efficiency programs, highlighting outstanding efforts across the U.S., including notable winners from Illinois. These programs, serving electric and gas utility customers, have evolved since the 1970s to include goals like reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting energy equity, and supporting electrification. Programs were evaluated for customer-friendly services, effective design, cost-effectiveness, and results, with top performers recognized as "Leaders of the Pack." Illinois winners exemplify innovation and impact in advancing energy efficiency and sustainability. Check out the winners here and Illinois projects below.

Low-Income Households

Leader of the Pack : Illinois Home Energy Solutions (HES), jointly administered by Peoples Gas, North Shore Gas, Nicor Gas, ComEd, and Resource Innovations in Illinois.

Industrial

Leader of the Pack : Strategic Energy Management, administered by ComEd with CLEAResult in Illinois.

Upcoming Partner Events

Learn How Energy Skilled™ and ENERGY STAR Work Together
Hosted by U.S. Department of Energy
December 4 at 10:00 AM

The DOE’s Energy Skilled™ program and ENERGY STAR are collaborating to bring together the leading efficiency technologies and the workforce to deliver them to consumers. Join this webinar to discover the importance of the right workforce skills for optimized performance in heat pump systems.

Making Data Actionable: When and How Data can Trigger Decisions
Hosted by U.S. EPA
December 5 at 1:00 PM

Continuous improvement of energy performance requires establishing effective energy management practices and processes. With current technology and a drive for energy efficiency, organizations of any kind can effectively use the endless data available to them to create an actionable energy management strategy. Join this webinar to hear from representatives across two different sectors—schools and real estate—about how they are doing just that.

New DOE Tools to Help Qualify for Thousands of Tax Credits from the Inflation Reduction Act
Hosted by U.S. Department of Energy
December 12 at 12:00 PM

Hear about DOE’s new resources to help American households and home energy-efficiency contractors understand how to qualify for thousands of dollars in federal tax credits, made available by the Inflation Reduction Act, for home upgrades. The resources include a Tax Credit Product Lookup Tool to help determine if new equipment is eligible for tax credits; information that walks contractors through key elements of home insulation products that can lower utility bills and qualify for tax credits; and a training module on how contractors can leverage a range of home energy-efficiency incentives.

Known Unknowns: Key Energy Efficiency Trends in the New Year
Hosted by U.S. Department of Energy
January 9 at 12:00 PM

Hear from some of our industry's top strategic thinkers as they look ahead to 2025 and what may impact the residential energy-efficiency landscape. From trends to technologies, innovations, and everything in between, you're sure to take something away from this look ahead.

On-Demand Resources and Webinars

Go Boldly: Decarbonization Strategies for
Commercial and Industrial Operations

Decarbonization strategies lay critical foundations for businesses to address the challenges of climate change, comply with regional legislation, and become more efficient with energy consumption and cost. Emerson is an ENERGY STAR Industrial partner and 2024 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year that has developed and begun acting on a long-term decarbonization strategy in support of its target to achieve Net Zero across Scope 1, 2, and 3 GHG emissions by 2045 from a 2021 baseline.

Portfolio Screening and Prioritization for Onsite Energy

What: This primer provides guidance to screen and prioritize a portfolio for onsite energy based on favorable project development criteria.
Why: Sustainability managers need a way to prioritize investment in onsite energy across their portfolios. This guide provides a framework to identify projects that are favorably positioned for successful financial performance.
How: This document presents three approaches for prioritizing onsite energy projects: (1) qualitative screening, which focuses on assessing geographic, state and utility, organizational, and other factors for project success; (2) data modeling, which uses techno-economic analysis tools to evaluate facilities; and (3) outcomes by technology, which focuses on criteria for project feasibility based on specific onsite technologies.

 Site-Level Technology Screening for Onsite Energy

What : Site-level screening provides key insights to organizations for identifying and prioritizing technology opportunities quickly.
Why : Site-level screening helps organizations identify the potential value of onsite clean energy technologies and make detailed analyses for future investment in renewable energy projects.
How : This guide outlines the screening processes for organizations to apply when conducting site screenings and offers recommendations for organizations to identify a path forward in their decarbonization journeys.

Hub October 2024 Newsletter

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 23:02:42 GMT

Building Energy Resource Hub October 2024 Newsletter

Greetings -

Earlier this month was ENERGY STAR Day and we are celebrating throughout October! ENERGY STAR isn’t just for appliances and single-family homes—there are extensive commercial and multi-family building resources for energy efficiency and building retrofits as well. Make the most out of ENERGY STAR today: subscribe to their newsletters , check out their resources and catch up on building benchmarking and Portfolio Manager , including pages in Spanish, below!

The Hub is excited to announce our next Finance Friday webinar on November 8th at 11:00 AM when Illinois Energy Office will share two new opportunities for Housing Assistance Energy Grants. We also have a few spaces available at next month’s Contractor Connection ; email us if you want an invitation sent to you.

Thanks!

Katie, Kindy, Matt & Rimjhim

The Hub Team

Celebrating ENERGY STAR Day this October!

ENERGY STAR Day was October 9, 2024 and EPA announced several new resources, including Portfolio Manager being made available in Spanish.

 ¡Portfolio Manager® ya está disponible en español!

Los propietarios, gestores e inquilinos de edificios hispanohablantes ya pueden medir y evaluar el consumo de energía, el consumo de agua, la generación de residuos, y las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero de sus edificios en español. Además, pueden aprovechar otros recursos útiles en español, como:

Solicitud de Certificación de Energy Star: Presente su solicitud en español y todas las comunicaciones durante el proceso de revisión serán en español.
Asistencia al usuario: Envíe su pregunta en español.
Biblioteca de preguntas frecuentes (Próximamente al final de 2024/principio de 2025).
Documentos de formación (Próximamente 2025).

Cómo acceder la versión española de Portfolio Manager.

Inicie sesión en Portfolio Manager.
En “Configuración de la cuenta” (esquina superior derecha de cada página), seleccione, “Sus preferencias.”
Para el idioma, elija español.
Guarde los cambios haciendo clic en “Realice cambios” en la parte inferior.

Contractor Corner

Three resources to add to your contractor decarb library

Check out Better Buildings HVAC Electrification resources . HVAC and water heating systems frequently run on fossil fuels, significantly contributing to buildings' on-site greenhouse gas emissions. Electrifying building systems heat pumps is a huge step towards a more efficient, decarbonized portfolio. Better Building works with partners to share cost-effective heat pump system installation and maintenance strategies for both space conditioning and water heating. This page will connect you to case studies, technical guidance and webinars.
Explore the benefits of Enhanced Ventilation (ERV) Technology in this Hub primer , which delves into how mechanical ventilation can be optimized for improved comfort, health, and energy savings. An Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) is an advanced mechanical ventilation system that provides controlled, conditioned fresh air while minimizing energy loss. By recovering energy from exhaust air and transferring it to incoming fresh air, ERVs improve indoor air quality and occupant well-being. In addition to enhancing comfort, this technology reduces greenhouse gas emissions and lowers energy consumption, making it a key strategy for sustainable building operations.
The Hub's LED Lighting Technology Primer highlights the simplicity and numerous benefits of retrofitting to LED lighting. LED lighting offers long-lasting, highly efficient upgrades that significantly enhance both building performance and occupant well-being. These retrofits provide a low-cost, high-impact solution to improve a building's lighting system by reducing energy consumption, lowering maintenance costs, and extending fixture lifespan. In addition to energy savings, LED lighting enhances occupant comfort through improved light quality and control options, making it a valuable investment for both sustainability and operational efficiency.

Upcoming Hub Events

Finance Fridays: Explore the Equitable Energy Futures Grant
November 8 at 11:00 AM

Join us on November 8 for an overview of the Illinois EPA Energy Office of Energy Housing Assistance Energy Grants. Illinois EPA recently announced the expansion of two energy efficiency grants: the Energy Efficiency Assessment Program and the Energy Efficiency Trust Fund Program provide funding for energy efficiency assessments and upgrade projects at eligible properties serving residents receiving housing assistance. These grant programs will now accept applications statewide for single-family residential and multifamily properties with up to 20 dwelling units serving residents receiving housing assistance. Learn how you can leverage these financial programs for your next project.

And in case you missed the first two episodes of our Finance Fridays series, you can check out the recordings below!

Finance Fridays: Illinois Climate Bank's SSBCI Program - Recorded on August 23
Finance Fridays: Small Business Products for Energy Projects - Recorded on September 13
Finance Fridays: Equitable Energy Futures Grant - Recorded on September 27

Partner Events

Making Decarbonization Financing Work for
Homeowners and Contractors
Hosted by Rocky Mountain Institute
October 29 at 2:00 PM CT

This webinar presents new findings from RMI’s Making Decarbonization Financing Work for Homeowners and Contractors report, featuring real-world perspectives from experts in home energy upgrade financing, contracting, and program design. The panel discusses how to create simpler, more accessible financing options that make electrification a more appealing choice for both homeowners and contractors.

Illinois Stretch Code Training: Residential
Hosted by Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
October 29 at 10:00 AM CT

Learn about requirements for the state-developed stretch code aimed at improving building energy efficiency. Energy codes are among the most cost-effective tools impacting the energy use and emissions of newly constructed buildings, and stretch codes are a great option for jurisdictions with climate or energy goals. Learn from an expert in stretch codes and the changes that may impact your building energy code requirements. Continuing education credits will be available for AIA(HSW), ICC and RESNET.

The Future of Multifamily: Positioning Condos and Co-Ops for Success in DC and NYC
Hosted by Building Energy Exchange and Building Innovation Hub
November 7 at 10:00 AM CT

Join the Building Energy Exchange and the Building Innovation Hub for the first event in the Future of Multifamily series—Positioning Condos and Co-ops for Success in DC and NYC. This virtual webinar will overview the current BPS landscape in both cities and how condos and co-ops are preparing for compliance. After brief presentations from real case studies in DC and NYC, participants will hear from service providers and condo board members in a moderated discussion.

ICYMI: Building Energy Benchmarking 101

This one-hour workshop, originally recorded in October 2023, provides an overview of the free building benchmarking tool, ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, and helps you understand how to set up an account, how to create accurate building profiles, how to best gather and enter monthly energy, water, and/or waste data, and how to interpret your performance over time in the tool. We also had special guests to help explain ComEd's Energy Usage Data System tool to help attendees understand how to collect aggregated whole building electricity data to support your benchmarking journey!

What We're Watching

Recorded Webinar: Integrated Strategies for Building Decarbonization
Hosted by US Department of Energy's Better Buildings Initiative

Integrated decarbonization strategies can help organizations uncover pathways to reducing emissions and meeting sustainability goals. This real-world example from a Better Buildings partner shows a pathway that other organizations can leverage to accelerate the ir decarbonization planning. This webinar presents a case study that used a blend of strategies including right-sizing, heat pumps, the rmal storage, and heat recovery to develop a successful decarbonization plan.

Hub September 2024 Newsletter

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 18:32:50 GMT

Building Energy Resource Hub September 2024 Newsletter

Greetings-

Fall has finally arrived, and we have a few great updates to share. First and foremost, please join us in welcoming Rimjhim Agrawal to the Hub team as our new Program Manager! Rimjhim joined the Illinois Green Alliance team as the second full-time staff member focused on the Building Energy Resource Hub. Her previous roles include Cook County Bureau of Economic Development, Corioli Institute, Prime Minister’s Office of Kurdistan, the World Bank, and others.

If you haven’t checked out the Hub website lately, the education section has been updated with all Hub recently recorded webinars including the $ave Money, $ave Energy series with ComEd and several Finance Fridays episodes. These resources are critical for any business and building to begin their path towards energy efficiency. Have questions for us or topics you want to learn more about? Don’t hesitate to email us and we’re happy to help.

Thanks!

Katie, Kindy, Matt & Rimjhim

The Hub Team

Hub Partner Resources

Aside from producing original resources specifically tailored to building professionals in Chicago and Illinois, the Hub disseminates relevant educational content from trusted partners across the U.S. Browse these resources below to improve building performance, foster better consumer practices, and future-proof your investments.

Energy Treasure Hunt

Energy Treasure Hunts are organized by ENERGY STAR. During an Energy Treasure Hunt, teams walk around a facility looking for quick ways to save energy. Those quick fixes can add up to big savings. Hundreds of organizations have used Energy Treasure Hunts to reduce their facilities’ energy use by up to 15 percent. Are you and your crew ready to find the treasure buried within your facilities?

Build for the Future Funding Navigator

The Build for the Future Funding Navigator, from our partners at HUD Exchange, provides a listing of funding opportunities across federal agencies to support efforts to enhance climate resiliency, energy efficiency, renewable energy integration, healthy housing, workforce development and environmental justice for HUD communities. Find open and upcoming funding opportunities, including grants, loans, tax credits, and rebates, as well as technical assistance opportunities.

Advanced Energy Design Guides

The Advanced Energy Design Guides, compiled by ASHRAE, are a series of publications designed to provide recommendations for achieving zero energy buildings or building energy savings over the minimum code requirements of ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1. The guides offer designers and contractors the tools they need to build low-energy and net zero buildings.

Contractor Corner

U.S. Department of Energy Low Carbon Technology Strategies Toolkit

Expand your low carbon knowledge today! Check out the DOE Low Carbon Technology Strategies guidance documents to support you in your journey to reduce carbon emissions in your buildings. The primary purpose is to aid owners and operators of existing buildings in planning retrofit and operational strategies to achieve deep carbon reductions. The guides cover ten building types and include strategies for lighting, space conditioning, water heating, controls & analytics, building envelope, plug & process loads, renewables and battery storage, refrigeration and kitchen equipment.

Hub Contractor Connection

Join the Hub’s first Contractor Connection! This invitation-only event is coming up in November and we want contractors working and interested in the building retrofit space to join us. Interested? Drop a quick email with the name of your company and we’ll add you to the list.

There's a rebate for that! And incentives too!

Check out these quick and easy-to-use links to identify financial assistance.

ENERGY STAR Rebates
Find rebates and special offers near you on ENERGY STAR certified products. Products that earn the ENERGY STAR label meet strict energy-efficiency specifications set by the U.S. EPA, helping you save energy and money while protecting the environment.
Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE)
DSIRE is a comprehensive source of information on federal, state, and local incentives and policies that support renewable energy and energy efficiency and the list is updated regularly.
Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 empowers Americans to make homes and buildings more energy-efficient by providing federal tax credits and deductions that will help reduce energy costs and demand, as we transition to cleaner energy sources.

Upcoming Hub Events

Finance Fridays: Explore the Equitable Energy Future Grant Program
September 27 at 11:00 AM CT

Join us on September 27 for an overview of the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity Equitable Energy Future Grant Program. In this virtual session, we’ll explore how grants of up to $1 million will be available to contractor businesses to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. Speakers will explain how grant funds may be used to support a wide array of activities, including planning and project development, purchasing and leasing of land, permitting and zoning, interconnection application costs, equipment and supplies, community outreach and marketing, and staff and operations expenses.

And in case you missed the first two episodes of our Finance Fridays series, you can check out the recordings below!

Finance Fridays: Illinois Climate Bank's SSBCI Program - Recorded on August 23
Finance Fridays: Small Business Products for Energy Projects - Recorded on September 13

Partner Events

Steam Traps Can Save Energy
Hosted by Nicor
September 26 at 11AM CT

Discover how steam traps can improve your facility’s efficiency while saving money and energy. Nicor experts will share valuable insights and answer your questions in real-time. This webinar will review the basic types of steam traps, how steam traps operate effectively, common applications across the industry, common ways steam traps fail, best practices for installation, essential and proper maintenance tips and much more!

Success Stories from Early Adopters of Advanced Lighting Systems
Hosted by U.S. Department of Energy
October 1 at 10:00 AM CT

As DOE’s Integrated Lighting Campaign wraps up its fourth year, we are revisiting some early projects to assess how these systems have performed in terms of energy savings, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. In this webinar, representatives will share how their advanced lighting systems contributed to building performance and supported energy and decarbonization goals. Speakers will also offer advice on how to avoid common pitfalls.

Audits to Implementation: How Building Owners Leverage Energy Audits to Improve Portfolio Performance
Hosted by U.S. EPA
October 7 at 12:00 PM CT

Energy audits are a critical component in helping to identify opportunities to reduce energy use in buildings and create operational efficiencies. However, identifying the right properties to audit, finding partners to conduct audits, and making decisions around implementation of energy measures can be daunting. Join this webinar to learn how building owners approach energy audits across portfolios and implement recommended measures to optimize cost savings.

Successful Strategies for Better Insulating
Hosted by U.S. Department of Energy
October 10 at 12:00 PM CT

Insulation commonly is known to not only save money and improve comfort, but also improve indoor air quality and health when combined with air sealing and proper ventilation, and even reduce carbon dioxide emissions—yet at current retrofit rates increasing the insulation of all U.S. homes would take at least 90 years, according to DOE’s National Blueprint for the Buildings Sector. Hear about strategies for more successfully tackling this perennial issue, as well as a new app-based tool for your program’s toolbox.

Designing to Meet Building Performance and Decarbonization Goals using ENERGY STAR Tools
Hosted by U.S. EPA
October 17 at 12:00 PM CT

Join this webinar and learn how to use the EPA’s ENERGY STAR tools and resources for designing energy-efficient buildings. You’ll learn how to set whole building energy targets to supplement energy codes and determine if your design strategies are aligned to meet intended building performance and decarbonization goals. Also, learn how to evaluate and benchmark energy use for building projects starting with design through operation—helping to make informed decisions about the most efficient and cost-effective strategies for reducing energy use and GHG emissions.

Partnering with Real Estate for Market Transformation
Hosted by Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
October 17 at 1:00 PM CT

Panelists from MEEA, Pearl Certification, Appraisal Institute of Chicago, City of Iowa City and National Association of Realtors will provide an in-depth discussion on the critical role that real estate professionals play in advancing market transformation toward energy efficiency. The discussion will explore strategies for incorporating energy efficiency into property valuation and marketing, the role of public subsidies, and fostering collaboration among industry stakeholders to support accurate valuation and market transparency.

What We're Reading

Building Decarbonization: Expectations vs. Reality
Plumbing & Mechanical Engineer Magazin e

Check out this article from Plumbing & Mechanical Engineer about building decarbonization expectations versus reality that examines what the PHVAC industry should know about decarbonization trends.

What We're Listening To

Baker Tilly: BuzzHouse Podcast

Baker Tilly recently launched the BuzzHouse Podcast that explores a variety of topics around multi-family family housing from specialists Don Bernards and Garrick Gibson. From tax prep to modular construction to housing market studies, the podcast provides the latest updates pertinent to developers and owners.

Energy Treasure Hunt

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 16:05:05 GMT

Resource Overview

An Energy Treasure Hunt is a collaborative quest where your employees uncover opportunities to save energy. ENERGY STAR offers a wealth of resources to a successful voyage:

This resource was created and published by ENERGY STAR. You can view the full resource here .

Build for the Future Funding Navigator

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 16:05:39 GMT

Partner resources compiled by our partners at HUD Exchange .

Find Funding Opportunities

The Build for the Future Funding Navigator provides a listing of funding opportunities across federal agencies to support efforts to enhance climate resiliency, energy efficiency, renewable energy integration, healthy housing, workforce development and environmental justice for HUD communities. Find open and upcoming funding opportunities, including grants, loans, tax credits, and rebates, as well as technical assistance opportunities. Results display information on eligible activities, list applicable due dates, and provide information on how to apply. Build for the Future with the Funding Navigator!

To search for opportunities by keyword, project type, state, funding type, or other categories, visit the HUD Exchange site here .

Resources

Build for the Future

There are more resources available on the Build for the Future page. View details for upcoming trainings and learn more about available guides and tools. Learn more here .

Natural Hazard Map

Explore this map, which is integrated with the Funding Navigator and uses data from Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) National Risk Index to identify risks related to natural hazards that may impact your community. View the map here .

Resources by Topic

Energy Efficiency

View resources on reducing energy waste and increasing efficiency in buildings. Learn more here .

Renewables

View resources on sustainable energy sources derived from natural resources such as sunlight, wind, water, and geothermal heat. Learn more here .

Resiliency

View resources on increasing the capacity of systems and communities to withstand and adapt to climate-related challenges and disturbances. Learn more here .

Environmental Justice

View resources on inclusive environmental decision-making and policy implementation that amplifies the voices of marginalized communities. Learn more here .

To explore the entire Build for the Future Funding Navigator, visit the HUD Exchange here .

ASHRAE: Advanced Energy Design Guides

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 22:43:51 GMT

Resource Overview:

The Advanced Energy Design Guides (AEDGs), compiled by ASHRAE, are a series of publications designed to provide recommendations for achieving zero energy buildings or building energy savings over the minimum code requirements of ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1. A zero energy building is defined as a building that, on an annual basis, draws from outside resources equal or less energy than it provides using on-site, renewable energy sources. The Guides have been developed in collaboration with these partnering organizations: The American Institute of Architects (AIA), the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The New Building Institute (NBI) participated in the development of the initial Guide. ASHRAE, in collaboration with AIA, IES, USGBC and the DOE (Department of Energy) continues to develop the Advanced Energy Design Guide Series.

ASHRAE and its partners have made the Advanced Energy Design Guides available for free download. The zero energy Guides offer designers and contractors the tools needed for achieving zero energy buildings. The 50% Guides offer designers and contractors the tools needed for achieving a 50% energy savings compared to buildings that meet the minimum requirements of Standard 90.1-2004, and the 30% Guides offer a 30% energy savings compared to buildings that meet the minimum energy requirements of Standard 90.1-1999.

LEED Compliance Path

The Advanced Energy Design Guides provide a prescriptive compliance path for LEED New Construction EA points. The specific points available for use of the AEDGs is described in the LEED documentation and may vary by Guide type. More details are available at the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED website. Learn more about the LEED Rating System .

Additional Tools and Resources

AEDG Toolkit

Useful links and libraries

Related Courses

Advanced Designs for Net Zero Buildings

This resource was created and published by ASHRAE.

Hub August 2024 Newsletter

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 20:28:21 GMT

Building Energy Resource Hub August 2024 Newsletter

Greetings-

Ready to head back to school? The Hub is gathering all of the best information about commercial and large multifamily building retrofits this fall. From technical guidance to finance tools, the Hub is here to connect you with the resources you need to take on your next energy efficiency projects.

We are in middle of our $ave Money, $ave Energy webinar series that explores ComEd’s free programs for building energy assessments, building retro commissioning, and other energy saving opportunities. Join us on September 11 at noon for the third installment in our series to hear about their free energy efficiency services.

The Hub is also launching our Finance Fridays webinar series to showcase new financing and funding tools for your building retrofits. Even if you can't join the event for the live viewing, all of our webinars are recorded and available on our education page for on-demand viewing. Looking for resources and can't find what you need? Drop us a line , we're here to help!

Thanks!

Katie, Kindy & Matt

The Hub Team

Bookmark Required! Two Building Decarb Resources for You

Retrofit Playbook for Large Buildings

The Retrofit Playbook for Large Buildings offers a living library of case studies, technical resources, and best practices to support high quality, low carbon retrofits for your building. By utilizing the solutions and strategic planning tools presented here, building owners and their teams can develop decarbonization roadmaps that create asset value, reduce emissions, and enhance the resilience of your properties. Start planning now and explore the educational resources to inform your decarbonization journey.

Affordable Housing Decarb Hub

Enterprise's Affordable Housing Decarb Hub focuses on affordable housing but provides a variety of resources for multifamily buildings to create equitable climate solutions and ultimately improve the health, sustainability, and resilience of our communities. Resources include: articles, briefs, case studies, charts, databases, how-to guides, reports, tools, webinars, and websites for retrofitting multi-family buildings.

Contractor Corner

New Tool Helps with Selection and Installation of Heat Pump Water Heaters

The Department of Energy (DOE) has released a new web-based tool that offers installers, sales associates, homeowners, and others comprehensive information about electric heat pump water heaters (HPWHs). The HPWH Installation Tool is a “one-stop shop” for potential HPWH purchasers and installers to get guidance quickly and easily for selecting and installing units in existing buildings. In addition to customized recommendations, the tool delivers general information about HPWHs, how they operate, their benefits for both homeowners and installers, and available tax incentives through the Inflation Reduction Act. Check out the tool here .

Looking to brush up your Building Automation System skills?

Check out these free training videos from Lawrence Berkeley National Lab FLEXLAB for a customized training program on using the building control system (Building Automation System - BAS) to achieve the key operational goals of energy efficiency and occupant safety and comfort. Learn more here .

Join the Hub Contractor Connection the Fall

Interested in meeting up with the Hub and our technical partners this fall? We are hosting a contractor-only reception and series of building tours. Join us! Drop us an email and we'll add you to the invite list.

P artner Resources

ENERGY STAR Action Workbook for Small Business

The ENERGY STAR Action Workbook for Small Business, created by ENERGY STAR, is intended to serve as a resource and planning guide for owners, operators, and employees of small businesses. This 101-page guidebook provides step-by-step guidance on ways to increase energy efficiency in facilities by implementing realistic and cost-effective energy improvement projects. Check out this resource here .

ENERGY STAR Product Finder

This resource, compiled by ENERGY STAR, helps you find all the information you need to start shopping for ENERGY STAR certified products, including product details, rebates, and retailers near you. Products that earn the ENERGY STAR label meet strict energy-efficiency specifications set by the U.S. EPA helping you save energy and money while protecting the environment. Check out this resource here .

GHG Emissions Reduction Audit Scope of Work Template

Upcoming Hub Events

$ave Money, $ave Energy Series #2: ComEd's Free Business Programs
September 11 at 12:00 PM CT

Learn about other ComEd initiatives to save money in your commercial buildings, including incentives and other opportunities. Join us for this 30-minute webinar to learn about ComEd incentives for lighting, HVAC, refrigeration, and more. The ComEd team will review other strategies to reduce building operating costs, including benchmarking. The ComEd team will also share how their Energy Efficiency Program can help overcome the unique barriers to energy efficiency projects faced by multi-tenant building managers, providing resources and guidance to ensure that both building owners as well as tenants benefit from investments in energy efficiency.

Finance Fridays: SomerCor Presents Small Biz Products for Energy Projects
September 13 at 11:00 AM CT

Join the Hub and SomerCor to learn how small businesses can leverage Energy Project Financing Opportunities. During this 30-minute webinar you will learn how to use their SBA 504 Loans, SBA 504 Refinancing, SBA Community Advantage Loans, and City of Chicago Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) and Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF) grant programs to implement your building retrofits.

Finance Fridays: Explore the Equitable Energy Future Grant Program
September 27 at 11:00 AM CT

Join the Hub and Illinois's Department on Commerce and Equal Opportunity for an overview of the Equitable Energy Future Grant Program . As part of the Jobs and Environmental Justice Grant Program, the Equitable Energy Future Grant Program will provide upfront capital supporting the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects benefiting businesses, community organizations, and the workforce in historically disadvantaged communities.

Partner Events

Building Operator Certification Training
Hosted by Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
September - December 2024

The Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance Building Operator Certification (BOC) is starting in September for both online and in-person training in Chicago. BOC training is focused on teaching facilities personnel to understand how these systems work together and how to operate a facility efficiently. BOC provides the training to keep building operators up to date on the newest energy technology available and to hear best practices firsthand from experts in the field. Level I training will be offered online and in-person in Chicago and Level II will be offered online.

Energy Efficiency Innovation Hub: Disrupting the Status Quo to Overcome Barriers
Hosted by ENERGY STAR
September 10 at 1:00 PM CT

Join this ENERGY STAR webinar to hear from two partners who are innovating in their respective fields. Link Logistics will discuss their strategy for overcoming the split incentive barrier that every landlord faces. Ventas, Inc., will then discuss how they made an analogy between ENERGY STAR scores and Kingsley Scores (a score used to measure tenant and employee satisfaction by benchmarking performance levels) to develop a goal-setting initiative for ENERGY STAR scores. This analogy clarifies that, like Kingsley Scores, ENERGY STAR scores result from various factors, culminating in a percentile ranking.

HVAC Applications for Commercial, Small Industrial, Schools & Government
Hosted by Focus on Energy
Part 1: September 11 at 9:00 AM CT
Part 2: September 12 at 9:00 AM CT

The goal of this course is to identify applications for HVAC system, the components of the systems, how they operate, how they are controlled, and how they can be optimized for energy efficiency. This course will provide information focused on the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning, HVAC systems that are typically found in commercial and small industrial applications. Specific systems will include; Air handling systems, constant volume and variable air volume systems, energy recovery units, roof top units, RTUs, heat pumps, and terminal units; VAV & FPB terminal units.

Looking to the Future: Advancing Commercial Building Plug and Process Load Efficiency and Control Webinar
Hosted by US Department of Energy: Better Buildings
September 25 at 1:00 PM CT

Join Better Buildings to hear three presentations that explore key topics shaping the future of plug and process load (PPL) energy efficiency and control in commercial buildings. Learn about recent research on pathways to increase PPL efficiency and control uptake, gain insight about a recent survey conducted regarding automatic receptacle control markings, and stay updated on the latest developments in PPL code regulations. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and stay ahead in the industry.

What We're Reading

Building Science Education Solution Center
US Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy

This Department of Energy tool has links and resources for almost all energy efficiency questions you have. If they don't have the answer you are looking for, let us know! The Hub will help you find it.

ENERGY STAR Action Workbook for Small Business

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 21:00:45 GMT

Resource Overview

Topic: Energy management guidance

Resource Type: Communication tools

Market Sectors: Small business

Partner resource compiled by the ENERGY STAR. You can view the full resource here .

ENERGY STAR Product Finder

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 16:24:39 GMT

Resource Overview:

Select a product category below to begin.

Partner resource compiled by the ENERGY STAR. You can view the full resource here .

GHG Emissions Reduction Audit Scope of Work Template

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 15:38:39 GMT

Resource Overview:

The GHG Emissions Reduction Audit Tool, published by the U.S. Department of Energy, helps building owners and operators identify achievable emissions reductions through energy efficiency, electrification, low-GWP refrigerants, and onsite renewable energy. It goes beyond typical energy audits by focusing on decarbonization measures, excluding renewable energy credits (RECs) or green power purchasing options. With a customizable scope, the tool aligns with ASHRAE Standard 211 Level 2 audits. The U.S. DOE’s web-based audit template provides a standardized framework for data collection and reporting, supporting more informed, cost-effective decarbonization strategies.

DOE has developed this package of materials for building owners and operators to develop a scope of work for a building-level Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Reduction Audit for operational Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions. The aim of the scope of work template is to achieve building-level solutions that will reduce operational emissions. The package includes:

A Word document detailing instructions on how to use these materials, the audit scope of work template, and details on the audit process. The scope of work is presented in tables organized by energy efficiency, electrification, onsite renewables, refrigerants, and optional scope. Appendices provide additional support for developing the scope of work.
A PowerPoint file that can be used to edit Figure 1 within the Word document, showing the scope of work in a visual format.

Use this tool to create a tailored audit scope that meets your organization’s needs and decarbonization goals.

Partner resource compiled by the U.S. Department of Energy. You can view the full resource here .

Hub July 2024 Newsletter

Fri, 26 Jul 2024 20:00:31 GMT

Building Energy Resource Hub July 2024 Newsletter

Greetings-

We are halfway through summer and the Hub is busy preparing a fresh batch of new programs for you! Join us next week on July 31 at noon for our Hub 101 webinar to hear firsthand about our exciting new tools and resources. Don’t worry if you can't join—the program will be recorded and available to view after the event.

We have other Hub webinars to announce, too! We are launching two webinars series next month, starting with Save Money, Save Energy , which will feature in-depth programs about free ComEd resources to help your facilities become more efficient. Then we are kicking off our Finance Fridays series, which will highlight new programs to help fund your facility energy projects. All webinars will be recorded and posted on our website for future viewing.

Enjoying this newsletter? Help us reach more readers and forward this email to colleagues and coworkers. Have inquiries or questions for us? Connect with us here and let us know how we can help.

Thanks!

Katie, Kindy & Matt

The Hub Team

$ave Money, $ave Energy Series

ComEd has numerous tools to help commercial building owners, property managers, and building professionals identify energy savings opportunities for lights, HVAC system, chillers, or motors. Learn how to receive a free report detailing energy efficiency projects that you can start working on immediately. Retro-commissioning services will investigate your facility’s energy performance, improve your bottom line, and create a more comfortable environment for your occupants. This three-part series will provide 30 minutes overviews to get you orientated on ComEd services.

Contractor Corner

Learn About Variable Frequency Drives

Want to learn more about variable frequency drives? Check out this free two-part series by our partners at Focus on Energy to understand and optimize fan and pumping systems to give your customer significant opportunities in reducing energy costs. Join on Wednesday, August 14 from 8:30 to 11:30 am CT and Thursday, August 15 from 8:30 to 11:30 am CT. Register here .

DOE Commercial Building Heat Pump Accelerator

Are you following the Department of Energy's Commercial Building Heat Pump Accelerator? From 2024 through 2027, the Accelerator will work with stakeholders, from commercial building owners and operators to manufacturers, to accelerate the development and adoption of heat pump packaged RTUs to achieve integrated energy efficiency and electrification of buildings. The Accelerator website features case studies, webinars, and programs that are updated regularly. Learn more here .

Partner Resources

Low Carbon Action Plan Templates

In this U.S. Department of Energy tool, Low Carbon Pilot participants worked with the US Department of Energy and the national laboratories to document their work toward low carbon status in Action Plan Templates. Building and Plant owners can use example templates provided by DOE to outline and prioritize decarbonization projects at a specific site or facility. You can access these templates for different building and facility types in the links below. Check out the resource here .

Framework for Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Panning: Building Portfolios

The Framework for Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Reduction Planning (ERP), developed by U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), provides guidance to organizations seeking to reduce GHG emissions for their building portfolios and vehicle fleets. The process described in this framework helps organizations develop an actionable plan that prioritizes emissions reduction measures, identifies solutions, and lays out a phased pathway to achieve deep emissions reductions. Check out the resource here.

Low Carbon Technology Strategies Toolkit

The U.S. Department of Energy developed the Low Carbon Technology Strategies guidance documents to support you in your journey to reduce carbon emissions in your buildings. The primary purpose is to aid owners and operators of existing buildings in planning retrofit and operational strategies to achieve deep carbon reductions. These strategy documents supplement existing energy design guides where new construction is the focus. Low Carbon Technology Strategies are currently available for 10 building types, with a supplement for commercial kitchen equipment. Check out the resource here .

Upcoming Hub Events

Hub 101: Get to Know the Building Energy Resource Hub
July 31 at 12:00 PM CT

Join this jam-packed 30-minute webinar to learn about current Hub resources and get a sneak peek at a few of the tools we are developing. All Hub tools and resources are free to use and geared towards commercial and multi-family buildings throughout Illinois. The Hub, along with our partners Elevate, Illinois Finance Authority, and International Code Council, are developing numerous new tools to help buildings professionals plan, fund, and implement energy efficiency and building decarb projects. Join us!

Finance Fridays: Illinois Climate Bank's SSBCI Program
August 23 at 11:00 AM CT

Join this 30-minute webinar with the Illinois Climate Bank and a participating lender to learn about the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). The Illinois Climate Bank assists Illinois businesses that create or retain jobs by offering the SSBCI through a participating lender. SSBCI staff will present this funding opportunity and identify how your project could qualify for the attractive interest rates at 1% or 2% flat per annum. Wintrust Bank will present how their customers utilized this loan product to finance building energy projects. Learn more about the SSBCI program here .

Partner Events

Energy Savings Unlocked: A Panel Discussion on Energy Management Best Practices & ROI
Hosted by Energy Management Association
August 6 at 2:00 PM CT

Join our partners at Energy Management Association for a webinar where a panel of energy management professionals will discuss strategies and real-life applications that have led to significant financial savings. The panelist will share their firsthand experiences from diverse sectors, demonstrating how effective utility bill data management, building benchmarking, and real-time metering, when combined with cutting-edge technology, can uncover substantial energy cost reductions.

Understanding the Energy Rating Index Performance Path

Hosted by Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance

August 7 at 12:00 PM CT

Speakers Christopher McTaggart from Building Efficiency Resources and Jerica Stacey from International Code Council will share about the Energy Rating Index (ERI) method for complying with the Residential Energy Code.

2021 IECC: Commercial Blower Door Testing

Hosted by SEDAC

August 20 at 12:00 PM CT

In this webinar, SEDAC will cover how the changes to commercial building envelope air sealing requirements in the 2021 IECC impact energy code compliance in Illinois, when to do testing, how the test is set up and performed, and how to interpret the test results for energy code compliance. This webinar is designed for code officials, architects, building engineers, and anyone who is interested in this new 2021 IECC requirement.

Air Source Heat Pumps and Electrification

Hosted by Better Buildings: Better Business powered by Slipstream

August 21 at 8:00 AM CT

Slipstream experts will review how air source heat pumps (ASHPs) fit into the residential electrification landscape. They will also explore how the new generation of ASHPs are equipped to provide space heating needs in cold climates. Speakers will highlight ASHP applications with the strongest value proposition in new and existing homes in the upper Midwest.

What We're Reading

Illinois Green Economy Network
Community College Net Zero Collaborative

SEDAC

SEDAC is partnering with the Illinois Green Economy Network (IGEN) to provide planning, education and support to community colleges in the IGEN network to develop Net Zero Plans. Colleges can participate by attending collaborative meetings and receiving free technical assistance for developing and implementing Net Zero Plans.

Low Carbon Action Plan Templates

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 15:33:51 GMT

Resource Overview:

In this U.S. Department of Energy tool, Low Carbon Pilot participants worked with DOE and the national laboratories to document their work toward low carbon status in Action Plan Templates. Building and Plant owners can use example templates provided by DOE to outline and prioritize decarbonization projects at a specific site or facility. You can access these templates for different building and facility types in the links below.

Commercial and Public Building Action Plan Template
This draft action plan template serves as an example to help guide organizations to create a building-level action plan to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.

Industrial Facility Action Plan Template
This industrial facility action plan template is designed to help facilities think through low carbon strategies to develop low carbon pathways.

Below are examples of Action Plans developed by Columbia Association and Los Angeles United School District. These examples demonstrate how these organizations have customized the templates to their project needs.

Columbia Association Action Plan Template
Columbia Association provided a complete action plan template as part of it's participation within the Low Carbon Pilot. This plan outlines the strategies Columbia Association implemented within energy efficiency, on-site renewables, and PPA’s/utility offerings for a community center and a fitness club.

Los Angeles United School District Action Plan Template
LAUSD completed an action plan template as part of it's participation in the Low Carbon Pilot. This plan outlines strategies LAUSD implemented to decarbonize two classrooms and instructional buildings. These strategies focused on energy efficiency, on-site renewables, off-site renewables, grid integration, and PPA’s/utility offerings.

DOE has also provided some blank templates to assist buildings with outlining their decarbonization projects. Explore more of the Low Carbon Pilot Toolkit:

Commercial and Public Building Action Plan Template
This blank action plan template can be used to create a building-level action plan to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.

Industrial Facility Action Plan Template
This blank action plan template can be used to create a facility-level action plan to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.

Partner resource compiled by the U.S. Department of Energy. You can view the full resource here .

Emissions Reduction Planning Framework for Building Portfolios

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 21:09:43 GMT

Resource Overview:

What is an Emission Reduction Plan?

An Emission Reduction Plan extends past Climate Action Plans or Sustainability Plans by concretely laying out how an
organization will meet its emissions reductions targets. Importantly, discrete strategies are scaled across the organization’s portfolio of buildings.

How does the Emissions Reduction Planning Framework help?

The framework guides organizations to shift from ad hoc GHG emissions reduction projects to a systematic, portfolio-wide approach. It starts with creating a GHG inventory and setting reduction targets, followed by categorizing buildings based on key characteristics like HVAC systems. Representative buildings are then audited, and the findings are scaled across similar buildings. Portfolio-level assessments, such as fleet electrification and solar analysis, further refine the scenarios. Ultimately, this leads to a defined emissions reduction pathway that transforms and improves the entire building portfolio in a holistic manner.

5 Milestones

The DOE framework details five milestones illustrated in the below image, however, these do not need to be completed in a sequential order. The goal of the framework is to move an organization from targets to a plan that sets owners and operators up for a successful implementation process that achieves deep GHG reduction goals.

Milestone 1: Establ ish Inventory and Scope of Work

The first milestone focuses on developing a GHG inventory, setting emissions reduction targets, and defining the scope of work for the ERP. This includes engaging stakeholders from various levels to ensure alignment on goals and resources needed. By creating an inventory and setting clear targets, operators can track progress and ensure a solid foundation for the ERP. It's crucial for planning long-term actions, as it defines the baseline and scope for future emissions reductions.

Milestone 2: Categorize Portfolio

In this phase, building operators categorize their portfolio based on characteristics like GHG intensity, energy use, and building type. Representative buildings are selected for further audits, which helps operators understand emissions reduction opportunities without auditing every building. By categorizing and benchmarking buildings, operators can prioritize where to focus efforts and tailor reduction strategies for specific building types. This step is vital for scaling emissions reductions across a diverse portfolio.

Milestone 3: Assess Measures

This milestone involves conducting emissions reduction audits for selected buildings and assessing portfolio-wide measures such as green power procurement. Operators identify packages of emissions reduction measures (ERMs) for individual buildings and portfolio-wide policies. The results guide both immediate actions and long-term strategies, allowing operators to select appropriate measures for their portfolio. By defining ERMs early, operators can start implementing energy-saving projects while continuing broader planning efforts.

Milestone 4: Develop Scenarios

Operators develop and compare various emissions reduction scenarios based on the measures identified in the audits. These scenarios examine different pathways for achieving reduction targets, considering factors such as energy efficiency and electrification. This phase helps operators understand the costs and benefits of different approaches and select the most suitable decarbonization pathway for their portfolio. It's critical for aligning the technical measures with capital planning and long-term sustainability goals.

Milestone 5: Define GHG Emissions Reduction Plan

The final milestone consolidates all the findings into a formal GHG Emissions Reduction Plan, which outlines the chosen emissions reduction pathway, phasing, and financing. Operators finalize project schedules, assign responsibilities, and secure leadership approval. This milestone ensures that the entire organization is committed to achieving emissions reduction targets and has a clear plan to follow. A well-defined ERP is essential for tracking progress and adapting to future regulatory, technological, or organizational changes.

Partner resource compiled by the U.S. Department of Energy. You can read the full framework here .

Low Carbon Technology Strategies Toolkit

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 16:34:30 GMT

Partner resource compiled by the U.S. Department of Energy. You can read the full toolkit here .

Overview

DOE developed the Low Carbon Technology Strategies guidance documents to support you in your journey to reduce carbon emissions in your buildings. The primary purpose is to aid owners and operators of existing buildings in planning retrofit and operational strategies to achieve deep carbon reductions. These strategy documents supplement existing energy design guides where new construction is the focus. Low Carbon Technology Strategies are currently available for 10 building types, with a supplement for commercial kitchen equipment. Recommendations are grouped by technology, with recommended actions categorized as either simple, intermediate, or advanced.

Tools

Getting Started: Low Carbon Technology Strategies

As with any journey, your path to low carbon depends on your starting point and your desired destination. In energy and carbon management terms, you will need to identify your baseline conditions and your energy and carbon reduction goals.

Low Carbon Technology Strategies for Kitchens

This document was created as a supplement to the Low Carbon Technology Strategies Toolkit for building types that typically include commercial kitchens. It includes steps that building owners and operators can implement to achieve smart, healthy, and low-carbon commercial kitchens.

Low Carbon Technology Strategies for Large Office Buildings

This document includes steps that building owners and operators can implement to achieve smart, healthy, and low-carbon large office buildings within their existing building portfolios. Large offices are typically over 50,000 square feet and often include complex heating and cooling systems.

Low Carbon Technology Strategies for Small Office Buildings

This document includes steps that building owners and operators can implement to achieve smart, healthy, and low-carbon small office buildings within their existing building portfolios. Small offices are typically less than 50,000 square feet and often use packaged rooftop units for heating, cooling, and ventilation.

Low Carbon Technology Strategies for Supermarkets

This document includes steps that building owners and operators can implement to achieve smart, healthy, and low-carbon supermarkets within their existing building portfolios. Supermarkets include built-up refrigeration systems and refrigerated display cases and often use packaged rooftop units for heating, cooling, and ventilation.

Low Carbon Technology Strategies for Midrise Apartments

This document includes steps that building owners and operators can implement to achieve smart, healthy, and low-carbon midrise apartment buildings within their existing building portfolios. Midrise apartments may use packaged rooftop units for heating, cooling, and ventilation or central plant systems for larger buildings.

Low Carbon Technology Strategies for Secondary Schools

This document includes steps that building owners and operators can implement to achieve smart, healthy, and low-carbon secondary schools within their existing building portfolios. Secondary schools often include complex heating and cooling systems or packaged rooftop units and can include specialty equipment for gymnasiums, pools, and buses.

Low Carbon Technology Strategies for Primary Schools

This document includes steps that building owners and operators can implement to achieve smart, healthy, and low-carbon primary schools within their existing building portfolios. Primary schools often use packaged rooftop units for heating, cooling, and ventilation.

Low Carbon Technology Strategies for Outpatient Healthcare

This document includes steps that building owners and operators can implement to achieve smart, healthy, and low-carbon outpatient healthcare buildings within their existing building portfolios. Outpatient healthcare includes diagnostic and treatment facilities for outpatient care, and these buildings often use packaged rooftop units for heating, cooling, and ventilation.

Low Carbon Technology Strategies for Small Hotels

This document includes steps that building owners and operators can implement to achieve smart, healthy, and low-carbon small hotels within their existing building portfolios. Small hotels are typically four floors or less and less than 50,000 square feet and often use packaged rooftop units for heating, cooling, and ventilation.

Low Carbon Technology Strategies for Stand-Alone Retail and Strip Malls

This document includes steps that building owners and operators can implement to achieve smart, healthy, and low-carbon retail buildings within their existing building portfolios. Stand-alone retail and strip malls often use packaged rooftop units for heating, cooling, and ventilation.

Hub June 2024 Newsletter

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 18:52:11 GMT

Building Energy Resource Hub June 2024 Newsletter

Greetings!

Happy Summer! June is a special month with many events to recognize: Juneteenth, Pride, and the Summer Solstice, in addition to graduations, end of school, and vacations! The Hub wishes you happy celebrations—and we have much to celebrate ourselves. Our Department of Energy grant was finalized last month and we eager to grow our resources over the coming months and years. We are launching our monthly finance webinar series Save Energy, Save Money next month, where the Hub will bring you the latest in new funding, financial, and technical assistance opportunities. We are also hiring! See the job description below and please share if you know a good candidate.

Have suggestions for resources to highlight or news you want to learn more about? Email the Hub team and share your ideas. Lastly, save the date for July 31 at noon for our Hub 101 webinar—we'll give a brief orientation of the Hub and share a sneak peek of upcoming resources and programs we are planning for 2024.

Thanks!

Katie, Kindy & Matt

The Hub Team

Join the Hub Team!

We're Hiring a Program Manager

Illinois Green Alliance seeks a mid-level professional to champion the ongoing growth of the Building Energy Resource Hub project. The Program Manager will develop and implement an expanded education strategy and oversee implementation, including resource development, in-person and virtual events, educational programming, blogs, and newsletter content. We are accepting applications on a rolling basis and will close the opening once the right candidate is identified.

Partner Resources

U.S. Department of Energy

The U.S. Department of Energy released its Blueprint for Decarbonizing U.S. Buildings by 2050 to identify steps for reducing building greenhouse gas emissions while delivering equity, affordability, and resilience benefits to communities. DOE's vision includes action the federal government can take to meet specific targets for increasing building energy efficiency, accelerating onsite emissions reductions, transforming the grid edge, and minimizing embodied life cycle emissions. The national strategy reflects the central role that buildings play in achieving economy-wide climate goals while delivering cost savings, healthier environments, and high-quality jobs for the American people.

Retrofit Playbook for Large Buildings

RMI and partner released the Retrofit Playbook for Large Buildings , a living library of case studies, technical resources, and best practices to support high quality, low carbon retrofits. By utilizing the solutions and strategic planning tools presented here, building owners and their teams can develop decarbonization roadmaps that create asset value, reduce emissions, and enhance the resilience of their assets. Start planning now and explore our educational resources to inform your decarbonization journey.

GHG Emissions Reduction Audit: A Checklist for Owners

This resource by the U.S. Department of Energy includes guidance and an accompanying checklist that details recommended services and deliverables for a building-level greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction audit for operational Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions1. The GHG emissions reduction audit scope is compatible with an ASHRAE Standard 211 Level 2 energy audit or ISO 50002 Tier 2 energy audit but with a few key differences.

Guidelines for Energy Management

The ENERGY STAR Guidelines for Energy Management provide a proven strategy for creating a comprehensive energy management program. Based on the successful practices of ENERGY STAR partners, these guidelines can help your organization plan and implement an energy management program that delivers deep, sustained energy savings over the long-term.

Contractor Corner

Free Energy Demand Flexible Load Training by Flex

As an energy professional, you will grow your understanding and capabilities with new grid-interactive energy technologies, also commonly referred to as demand flexible loads. This three-course program includes a better understanding of designing customer offerings related to these resources, as well as installing and engaging with these resources as a viable grid asset.

While the concept of demand flexibility and its use to support a stable electric grid isn’t new, it is evolving rapidly out of challenges with interruptible loads, or demand response—a change in the power consumption of an electric utility customer—and demand response programs. This evolution is being driven by new technologies in our homes and industries, the adoption of renewable energy generation, new forms of energy storage, and future electrification.

Upcoming Events from Friends of the Hub

Fail to Plan, Plan to Fail: How Emissions Reduction Planning Helps Partners Meet Climate Goals
Hosted by U.S. Department of Energy
July 2 at 10:00 AM CT

Explore the benefits of creating an Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP) from Better Climate Challenge partners that have already developed and leveraged ERPs to make significant strides toward realizing organizational climate goals.

New National Blueprint for the Building Sector: What it Means for the Residential Sector, a Nonprofit Panel

Hosted by U.S. Department of Energy

July 11 at 12:00 PM CT

What will it take to reduce residential emissions of the approximately 100 million existing homes and 40 million new homes expected to be constructed between now and 2050 to near-zero? Residential buildings are a significant source of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S., and at current retrofit rates increasing the insulation of all homes would take at least 90 years, for example. Hear the plan to accelerate decarbonization of the U.S. residential building stock in line with achieving economy-wide net-zero emissions and centering equity and benefits to communities by 2050.

There's a Heat Pump for That: Multifamily Decarbonization Solutions

Hosted by U.S. Department of Energy

July 16 at 10:00 AM CT

Join this webinar to gain valuable insights from experts on evaluating heat pumps and other decarbonized heating solutions for multifamily buildings and hear firsthand from a multifamily building owner about how to make these solutions a reality.

Save the Date: Hub 101 Webinar

Hosted by Building Energy Resource Hub

July 31 at 12:00 PM CT

We'll be giving a brief virtual orientation of the Hub and share sneak peeks of upcoming resources and programs planned for 2024. We'll also answer any Hub-related questions you have, so please join us to learn more!

What We're Reading

This NYC High-Rise is Using Heat Pumps and Waste Heat to Cut Fossil Fuels

Canary Media | June 19, 2024

This cutting-edge project in New York City could be a model for other big buildings interested in reducing energy use. Read the full story below!

The Retrofit Playbook for Large Buildings

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 19:52:35 GMT

Retrofit Playbook for Large Buildings

Partner resource compiled by RMI, Building Energy Exchange, Urban Land Institute, and New York State Empire Building Challenge.

Developed by NYSERDA, RMI, Building Energy Exchange, and Urban Land Institute, the Retrofit Playbook for Large Buildings offers a living library of case studies, technical resources, and best practices to support high quality, low carbon retrofits. By utilizing the solutions and strategic planning tools presented here, building owners and their teams can develop decarbonization roadmaps that create asset value, reduce emissions, and enhance the resilience of their assets. Start planning now and explore our educational resources to inform your decarbonization journey.

Learn from real world case studies

Follow the 3-step strategic planning approach to generate an action plan for your building.

Step 1: Examine Current Conditions

Modernizing building energy systems is unavoidable over time. Systems require maintenance and well-planned investments as asset renewal strategies change and energy economics evolve. Starting with a comprehensive examination of the asset conditions empowers building owners and engineers to incorporate investment events into plans for building systems upgrades and emissions reductions.

Step 2: Design Resource Efficient Solutions

Resource efficient engineering looks at emissions reduction holistically. It prioritizes the creation of a long-term action plan that illustrates how to phase in solutions over extended timelines to yield achievable, cost-effective, and environmentally responsive retrofits. This approach is being implemented in real-life projects, and occurs in five phases:

Step 3: Build the Business Case

The objective of this step is to determine the optimal retrofit solution and phasing for building decarbonization. The evaluation should focus on the cost effectiveness of distinct, alternate scenarios for reducing emissions, based on the identified technical approaches, implementation timelines, and alignment with capital plan and asset management criteria. This net present value analysis should account for the costs and risks of a business-as-usual approach alongside the costs and value of building decarbonization. The result delivers a decarbonization action plan that meets the financial needs of the building, with investments tied to long-term objectives related to the business triggers identified above in Step 1.

The read the full Retrofit Playbook for Large Buildings, visit the RMI website here .

GHG Emissions Reduction Audit: A Checklist for Owners

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 20:05:50 GMT

Partner resource compiled by the U.S. Department of Energy for its Better Buildings program.

This resource includes guidance and an accompanying checklist that details recommended services and deliverables for a building-level greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction audit for operational Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions1. The GHG emissions reduction audit scope is compatible with an ASHRAE Standard 211 Level 2 energy audit or ISO 50002 Tier 2 energy audit but with a few key differences. The emissions reduction audit specified in this guidance document:

Includes a calculation of GHG emissions reductions in addition to energy and utility cost savings.
Focuses on major equipment and all fossil-fuel combustion equipment. An exhaustive inventory of all heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment may not be required.
Includes evaluation of the following GHG emissions reduction strategies:
Reduce or eliminate on-site fossil-fuel combustion through electrification and system efficiency improvements.
Reduce or eliminate fugitive emissions from refrigerants.
Install on-site renewable energy sources.
Results in a long-term plan, with consideration of phased implementation of measures to align with capital planning.

The audit will determine achievable levels of emissions reductions at a building through energy efficiency, electrification, fugitive emissions reduction, and the addition of onsite renewable energy. Additional emissions reduction audit services such as off-site renewables, energy storage, and electric vehicle (EV) charging are listed as optional in this guidance but may be included in the audit scope. This audit guidance focuses on identifying on-site actions and does not include analysis of renewable energy credits (RECs) or green power purchases. However, emissions reductions at the building level will reduce the need for RECs and green power purchases.

How to Use this Resource

This document consists of two main sections: (1) the GHG Emissions Reduction Audit Guidance, and (2) the GHG Emissions Reduction Audit Checklist. The guidance portion includes a detailed description of each task that should be carried out by an Auditor, with examples. The owner can use the checklist to validate the scope of the audit. Both sections are meant to be used in parallel with one another. Additional resources are provided in Appendix A.

Owners or organizations with portfolio-level GHG emissions reduction targets can use this resource in parallel with the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Framework for Portfolio-level GHG Emissions Reduction Planning (Kramer et., 2023). The framework outlines how to scale the results of a building-level audit across a portfolio of buildings.

You can download the DOE GHG Emissions Reduction Audit here .

ENERGY STAR: Guidelines for Energy Management

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 19:27:41 GMT

Guidelines for Energy Management

Partner resource compiled by ENERGY STAR

Overview

Continuous improvement of energy performance requires establishing effective energy management practices and processes to guide the energy program. Any organization, regardless of size, function, or mission can develop an effective energy program if they are willing to make the commitment.

The US EPA’s ENERGY STAR Guidelines for Energy Management provides a proven strategy for creating an energy management program focused on continuous improvement of energy performance. The process builds on the commitment organization’s make when they become an ENERGY STAR partner.

Based on the successful practices of ENERGY STAR partners, these guidelines for energy management can assist your organization in improving its energy and financial performance while distinguishing your organization as an environmental leader. Thousands of organizations have used the Guidelines to tailor their approach towards managing energy that delivers results and demonstrates leadership.

This document is intended to provide additional information and guidance to the ENERGY STAR Guidelines for Energy Management outlined on the ENERGY STAR web site. References to additional energy management resources and tools discussed in the text and in the Appendix can all be found on the ENERGY STAR web site.

A Seven-Step Road Map

The ENERGY STAR Guidelines contain a step-by-step road map for continuous improvement, based on best practices from the nation's leaders in energy management. The document is broken out into seven steps:

Make Commitment
Assess Performance
Set Goals
Create Action Plan
Implement Action Plan
Evaluate Progress
Recognize Achievements

Maximize your savings by downloading the ENERGY STAR Guidelines for Energy Management . Each step is facilitated by tools to help you take action.

Hub May 2024 Newsletter

Thu, 30 May 2024 18:34:04 GMT

Building Energy Resource Hub May 2024 Newsletter

Greetings!

The team at the Building Energy Resource Hub is excited to share an updated format for our newsletter. We are adding a personal note from our team to preview events and resources we are excited about. We are also adding a "Contractor Corner" to help some of our busiest audience members discover opportunities and news relevant to them. The Hub team recently connected with ENERGY STAR experts at EPA to get the inside scoop on useful resources to highlight over the next few months, including how to become an ENERGY STAR partner and get listed in their contractor database.

Have suggestions for resources to highlight or news you want to learn more about? Email the Hub team and share your ideas.

Thanks!

Katie, Kindy & Matt

The Hub Team

Retrofit Options for Boiler Buildings

Are you looking for ways to electrify your large commercial or multifamily building heating plant? When it comes to electrifying large buildings, there are limited design resources for existing building boiler retrofits, so the Building Technologies Office Commercial Building Integration Program developed a " Guidance Document on Space Heating Electrification for Large Commercial Buildings with Boilers ."

The guide summarizes key considerations for people seeking to retrofit existing large commercial and multifamily buildings, particularly those that currently heat spaces using fossil fuel-fired boilers. It is meant to provide an overview for building owners, contractors, and other stakeholders involved with heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) about possible design and purchasing decisions. Inside, you’ll find discussion of motivations for electrification, electric space heating technologies, boiler retrofit evaluations and processes, and other project considerations. You’ll also find case studies that demonstrate best practice and lessons learned.

Building Retrofits are Changing Construction Related Jobs

IREC has updated its interactive career maps that help job seekers find careers and advancement opportunities in the clean energy fields. First, the Green Buildings Career Map has been updated to include weatherization careers. The Weatherization Assistance Program supports 8,500 jobs, including the job roles highlighted here such as Residential Energy Auditor, Multifamily Retrofit Project Manager, Building Operator, and more.

Second, the Solar Career Map has been updated to be more representative of the growth within the solar industry over the last 10 years. The updated map showcases 44 jobs and more than 60 advancement routes between them. The Building Energy Resource Hub will continue to share workforce resources and training programs.

Have a program or resource to share? Send it to us for future newsletters.

Partner Resources

Affordable Housing Decarbonization Hub

Minimizing greenhouse gases in multifamily buildings requires new ways of working. The Affordable Housing Decarbonization Hub , published by Enterprise Community Partners, is designed to help with a range of tools and resources, all in one place. Decarbonization will transform the future of affordable housing. Navigating the terrain to reduce or eliminate greenhouse gases means working differently with emerging tools and resources.

Building Decarbonization Technical Resources Library

Our partners at ASHRAE have put together a library of technical resources on building decarbonization that includes guides, outlines of building standards, white papers, interactive games, and a glossary of important terminology. Browse their various resources below.

Low Carbon Multifamily Retrofit Playbooks

Produced by our partners at the Building Energy Exchange , this series of playbooks summarizes retrofit strategies that maximize occupant comfort and energy savings through a transition to electricity-based heating, cooling, and hot water systems. The playbooks are organized by building system and include a list of deep retrofit strategies for several urban building types—including pre-war, post-war, and garden style, all among different height categories.

Contractor Corner

Is Your Company an ENERGY STAR Partner?

Does your business help building owners improve energy performance? If your business is benchmarking buildings, consider becoming an ENERGY STAR partner once you complete ten assessments to gain access to new customers, enhance your company’s credibility and visibility, and access a network of peers and energy management resources. There’s no cost to join ENERGY STAR as a partner. View the complete partnership requirements PDF and become an ENERGY STAR partner by applying online. New to ENERGY STAR benchmarking? Get started here .

SEDAC is Looking for Blower Door Service Providers

With the adoption of the 2021 IECC, blower door testing will be required for all new buildings per C402.5.2, C402.5.3, or R402.4.1.2 along with additions to commercial buildings per C502.1. To assist projects with compliance, SEDAC is building a resource list of blower door testing service providers. If your organization conducts blower door testing, or if you know an organization that does, please let us know by completing this form .

Financial Tools You Should Know

Track all energy efficiency financing resources through these different organizations:

Better Buildings Financing Navigator for building owners and occupants.
RMI Incentive Stacking Resources for Clean Buildings is a clearinghouse of federal resources for financial stacking including tax credits, rebates and incentives.
ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder is a quick resource for determining what equipment is Energy Star approved and eligible for incentives.
SEDAC provides links to Illinois's utility financial programs and the DSIRE database.
ComEd offers a variety of programs for businesses to save energy.

Upcoming Events

MEEA Webinar: Engaging Operations and Maintenance Staff in ESG and Building Performance Standard Compliance

May 30 at 12:00 PM CT

As more companies and investment funds adopt policies or programs that prioritize environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives, there is a growing need for a workforce of well-trained building operators to help ensure compliance. This panel will explore challenges and solutions for facility departments tasked with addressing ESG initiatives among financial pressures and dynamic market conditions. The discussion will assess applicable standards and their direct impact on the role of building operators.

Better Buildings Webinar: From the Field - Efficient Large Boiler Systems

May 30 at 1:00 PM CT

Join the Space Conditioning Technology Research team to learn about efficient large boiler system examples in the field. From system components and performance to challenges and barriers to application, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and join the discussion.

Hub April 2024 Newsletter

Thu, 23 May 2024 16:55:57 GMT

Building Energy Resource Hub April 2024 Newsletter

Welcome to the newsletter of the Building Energy Resource Hub ! Inside you'll find upcoming events, featured resources & case studies, partner programs, and more information on how to get involved.

Upcoming Hub Events

Smart Technology: Driving Efficiency in Chicago's Existing Buildings

May 14 at 9:00 AM CT

Join the Building Energy Resource Hub and Illinois Green Alliance for a hybrid event hosted at Arup's Chicago office to explore how smart building technologies are being implemented at the local level to reduce carbon emissions, improve efficiency, and save building owners and operators money. Register for the event here .

Hub Updates

Smart Technology: Driving Efficiency in Chicago's Existing Buildings

Building Energy Resource Hub staff Katie Kaluzny and Kindy Kruller had the opportunity to go to Washington, D.C. for the Department of Energy's Better Buildings Summit from April 2-4. This was the 10th annual convening of public, private, and industrial sector building professionals to learn about the latest programs, policies, and initiatives in energy and share innovative strategies in energy efficiency, decarbonization, and water and waste reduction.

Hub staff attended two days of sessions and learned about the latest initiatives from the Department of Energy, including the launch of the Better Buildings Commercial Building Heat Pump Accelerator , through which manufacturers will produce higher efficiency and life cycle cost-effective heat pump rooftop units and commercial organizations will evaluate and adopt next-generation heat pump technology. The Better Climate Challenge update was also announced to help reduce portfolio-wide GHG emissions (scope 1 & 2) by at least 50% within 10 years. Lastly, the Better Building 2023 Progress Repor t was shared and offers an excellent snapshot of the accomplishments of the various Department of Energy programs.

Today's Topic: Retro-Commissioning

Persistence in Energy Savings from Retro-Commissioning Measures

Published by ASHRAE; Authors: Saranya Gunasingh; Scott Hackel; Xiahui Zhou, Ph.D., P.E.

Commissioning and retro-commissioning (RCx) are critical steps to ensure that a building performs at its best. But commissioning and RCx are truly effective only if their impacts last over time, which cannot be taken for granted. We took a deep dive into dozens of RCx projects in Illinois to determine long-term persistence of savings from RCx and what drives that persistence.

Retro-commissioning is the process of making low-cost adjustments to an existing building’s operation to improve its energy performance. Most often, these adjustments are changes in sequences of operation in HVAC controls, such as temperature or airflow resets, or scheduling changes. Retro-commissioning is most often implemented over a period of time by a team made up of the RCx consultant, controls technician, and a building operator. Traditionally, once the period of RCx has passed, the consultant departs the team and the controls tech and building operator try to maintain building operation as adjusted by the RCx process. However, building operators and controls techs have objectives other than just energy performance: keeping occupants satisfied, maintaining equipment, and conducting retrofits and replacements. As a result, anything from comfort complaints to simple equipment maintenance can lead to altering or even disabling some RCx adjustments.

You can read the full article published in ASHRAE Journal, vol. 6, no. 12, December 2019 here .

New to retro-commissioning? Learn more on how to optimize your facility's performance here .
Want to dive deeper into retro-commissioning and building decarb? Check out these two-part scoping webinars for multifamily buildings here .
Check out this ComEd case study on monitoring-based commissioning here .

Upcoming Events from Friends of the Hub

Energy Efficiency and More: Benefits of Small Building Controls for Retail Buildings

April 25 at 12:00 PM CT

Join this U.S. Department of Energy webinar to hear about the benefits of HVAC controls for retail buildings, from a quick-service restaurant company and a retail skin care brand. Improved controls are proven to reduce energy waste by 10%-20% and improve occupant comfort. Presenters will share their approach to upgrading controls, the benefits they've experienced, and the lessons learned along the way.

HACIA: Phius Contractor Training

May 13 - May 23 from 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM CT

HACIA collaborates with Phius Certified Consultants (CPHC®) to offer specialized training for architects, engineers, and design professionals. This online program focuses on applying passive building principles in a cost-effective and climate-specific manner, empowering participants to enhance their expertise in high-performance building design. Phius CPHCs are at the forefront of driving towards net-zero buildings. There are a total of eight sessions split across two weeks.

Engaging Operations and Maintenance Staff in ESG and Building Performance Standard Compliance
May 30 at 12:00 PM CT

Building operators make decisions and take actions to lower energy use, improve air quality, and increase tenant comfort and satisfaction. With input from training providers and an individual who helped implement ESG initiatives at a local government, this panel will explore challenges and solutions for facility departments tasked with addressing ESG initiatives amongst financial pressures and dynamic market conditions. The discussion will assess applicable standards and their direct impact on the role of building operators.

The 2024 Building Operator Certification (BOC) training calendar includes three unique curriculum and a mix of in-person and online training options.

Additional Resources from Hub Partners

Elevate Quick Takes: What are Heat Pumps?

What are heat pumps, and how do they work? A heat pump is a type of heating system that uses less energy and emits fewer carbon emissions than a traditional heating system, making it a climate-friendly solution to heating and cooling homes. Check out this video from Elevate's Quick Takes series.

Calling Diverse Contractors: Participate in the ComEd Incubator Program

ComEd’s Incubator Program is designed to increase revenue for diverse contractors, create local jobs, and positively impact local economic development. Participants receive free training on each offering in ComEd’s Energy Efficiency Program portfolio and are eligible to join the ComEd Energy Efficiency Service Provider network.

Grow your business with free training that includes assistance with the certification process, support in business development plans, access to project financing resources, networking opportunities and more. Applicants are due by June 30, 2024.

View Program Flyer | Apply Today

Building Energy Exchange: Low Carbon Multifamily Retrofit Playbooks

Wed, 22 May 2024 17:49:05 GMT

Low Carbon Multifamily Retrofit Playbooks

Partner resource compiled by the Building Energy Exchange.

The playbooks are organized by building system and include a list of deep retrofit strategies for several urban building types—including pre-war, post-war, and garden style, all among different height categories.

These retrofit recommendations will prepare buildings for increasingly stringent efficiency and carbon emissions targets through careful phasing of work across all major building components, including upgrades to exterior walls, windows, and ventilation systems.

Explore the Playbooks

These resources cover five common urban building typologies. You can explore each of the individual playbooks below:

Garden Style (1-3 stories)
Pre-War (4-7 stories)
Post-War (4-7 stories)
Post-War (8+ stories)
Post-1980 (8+ stories)

Check out the full Low Carbon Multifamily Retrofit Playbook series and learn how to reduce your building’s energy consumption and carbon emissions here .

Hub March 2024 Newsletter

Wed, 22 May 2024 16:44:56 GMT

Building Energy Resource Hub March 2024 Newsletter

Welcome to the newsletter of the Building Energy Resource Hub ! Inside you'll find upcoming events, featured resources & case studies, partner programs, and more information on how to get involved.

Tools & Resources

Looking for an energy efficiency contractor? We've got you covered!

The Building Energy Resource Hub wants to connect you with contractors that can assist with your building decarbonization and energy efficiency efforts.

Illinois Green maintains an online directory of companies that offer fee-for-service support for energy benchmarking, data verification, and other efficiency efforts. Contractors can submit their names to the list here .

Partner Tools & Resources

Slipstream provides on-bill financing services for building owners interested in building retrofits and maintains a contractor list that can help implement energy efficiency improvements. Learn more about their on-bill financing here .

ComEd also maintains a list of Energy Efficiency Service Providers that includes contractors, distributors, engineering and design firms, and more who have been trained on the processes and procedures of the ComEd Energy Efficiency Program. Find a service provider here .

Technology Primers

Learn more about Air to Water Heat Pumps today!

The Hub Technology Primers are intended to introduce an array of audiences to high-performance technology in buildings. These solutions can help cut energy costs and improve comfort in your building.

Air to water heat pumps (AWHPs) are a deep energy retrofit option to electrify a building’s domestic hot water system. By either replacing or supplementing a traditional gas, oil, or steam system, AWHPs can significantly reduce carbon emissions and save energy. Download the AWHP technology primer here to learn how you can incorporate these systems into your retrofit.

You can access other great AWHP resources here:

Save on Energy: Air Source Heat Pumps Installation Best Practices for Commercial Buildings Webinar
Energy Star: Information on air to water heat pumps
FacilitiesDive : Heat Pumps are Hot, but Commercial Retrofits Face Cold Realities

Focus on Finance

Financing is an essential step in the journey to emissions reduction, turning great decarbonization ideas into actionable plans. Watch this webinar to learn from our Better Buildings Initiative partners how to best leverage financing for decarbonization projects and about the recently developed Emissions Reduction Planning Framework that can help make financing decisions easier and more accessible.

Upcoming Events from Friends of the Hub

B4 Webinar Series: Heat Pump Water Heaters

March 27 at 8:00 AM CT

Join this exciting webinar that offers an introduction to the design of heat pump water heaters (HPWH) and their real-life applications. This one-hour virtual event will review the basics of heat pump technology and explore how the various types of HPWHs are designed. Attendees will have an opportunity to learn more about HPWHs, how they work, and hear about how industry professionals are incorporating them in their businesses.

School Finance Power Hour: How to Leverage IRA for Your District
March 29 at 11:00 AM CT

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 is a landmark federal law that invests in domestic clean energy energy production, in part by providing a range of tax incentives and programs that can help schools reduce their energy costs, improve their energy efficiency and adopt renewable energy sources. Join us for this complimentary CPE webinar by Baker Tilly to discover how the IRA can help you achieve your school district’s energy performance and sustainability goals.

School Finance Power Hour: How to Leverage IRA for Your District
March 29 at 11:00 AM CT

Additional Resources from Hub Partners

Building decarbonization, also known as building electrification, is the process of reducing or eliminating the emissions that contribute to climate change from a building’s energy sources. Check out this video from Elevate's Quick Takes series.

ASHRAE: Building Decarbonization Technical Resources Library

Wed, 15 May 2024 19:03:19 GMT

Building Decarbonization Technical Resources Library

Partner resources compiled by ASHRAE.

Technical Guides

Understanding Grid-Interactive Buildings for Decarbonization

Stay up to date with the future of sustainable building practices with the latest groundbreaking release from ASHRAE’s Center of Excellence for Building Decarbonization (CEBD), Grid-Interactive Buildings for Decarbonization: Design and Operation Resource Guide.

Building Performance Standards: A Technical Resource Guide

The first in a series of seven guides, Building Performance Standards: A Technical Resource Guide is intended to provide technical basis and resources to policymakers, building owners, facility managers, design professionals and ASHRAE members when developing and implementing a Building Performance Standard (BPS).

Building Decarbonization Game

The Building Decarbonization Strategy Game was developed by the ASHRAE Center of Excellence for Building Decarbonization as a fun, interactive group educational activity to learn about building industry drivers and best practices related to building decarbonization. Materials include:

ASHRAE Decarbonization Conference Proceedings

International Building Decarbonization 2022 Conference | Athens, Greece : The conference provided a venue for information and idea exchange, between stakeholders in the built environment industry, concerning the timely and important topic of reducing carbon emissions from buildings. A primary goal of the conference was to bridge North America and Europe collaboration in decarbonization efforts. All conference papers are available here .

Standards

Many ASHRAE standards address decarbonization and others are quickly evolving to address the issue. The table below lists ASHRAE standards that address energy efficiency, GHG emissions, refrigerant emissions, and/or renewables or may include such references in future updates.

More information about ASHRAE Standards can be found on the Standards and Guidelines page.

Enterprise Community Partners: Affordable Housing Decarbonization Hub

Wed, 08 May 2024 20:22:44 GMT

Affordable Housing Decarbonization Hub

Partner resource compiled by Enterprise Community Partners Housing Partnership Network, and RMI

Minimizing greenhouse gases in multifamily buildings requires new ways of working. The Affordable Housing Decarbonization Hub is designed to help with a range of tools and resources, all in one place.

Featured Resources

Video : What is Building Decarbonization?
Article : Elevating Affordable Housing on the Path to Decarbonization
Report : Transforming Existing Buildings from Climate Liabilities to Climate Assets
Blog : Millions in HUD Funding Still Available Through GRRP
Case Study : Salem Heights Apartments - Deep Energy Retrofit
Carbon Roadmap : SAHF Multifamily Portfolio Carbon Emissions Roadmap Tool

Ask the Expert

Decarbonization will transform the future of affordable housing. Navigating the terrain to reduce or eliminate greenhouse gases means working differently with emerging tools and resources.

To help, Enterprise has gathered some of our sector’s leading thinkers and practitioners. Grappling with a decarb-related challenge or opportunity? Use the link below to submit your query and get the knowledge and perspective you seek.

Upcoming Events

2024 Equity Summit: Sustainable Renaissance | July 31, 2024
2024 ASHRAE Decarbonization Conference: Decarbonizing Existing Tall Buildings | October 21, 2024
Greenbuild 2024 | November 12, 2024

Check out the full Affordable Housing Decarbonization Hub and all of its resources here .

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Hub March 2026 Newsletter

Don't Miss Out on Energy Savings With These Limited-Time ComEd Incentives

New! Explore Green Building Case Studies

New on The Building Energy Pod

Upcoming Hub Events

#ICYMI: Virtual Education Recordings

Upcoming Partner Events ﻿

Hub February 2026 Newsletter

Take Your Facility Management Skills to the Next Level!

Illinois Stretch Code Grants

New on The Building Energy Pod

Building Performance Partnership Network

Upcoming Hub Events

#ICYMI: Virtual Education Recordings

Upcoming Partner Events ﻿

Hub January 2026 Newsletter

Kickstart Your 2026 Energy Savings with ComEd Incentives

Illinois Climate Bank Community Geothermal Planning + Pilots Phase One Grants

New on the Pod: Navigating the Future of Solar and Energy Storage with Bob Hattier

Upcoming Hub Events

Upcoming Partner Events ﻿

Hub December 2025 Newsletter

Building Energy Hub December 2025 Newsletter

Hub 2025 Wrapped

ComEd Energy Efficiency Program

Looking Ahead to 2026

Illinois Climate Bank Community Geothermal Planning + Pilots Phase One Grants

New Episodes: The Building Energy Pod

Hub End of Year Poll

Upcoming Partner Events ﻿

Hub November 2025 Newsletter

Building Energy Hub November 2025 Newsletter

ComEd Energy Efficiency Program

New Episodes: The Building Energy Pod

Innovate DuPage Clean Energy Incubator Program

Illinois EPA Housing Assistance Funding Release

Upcoming Hub Events

Upcoming Partner Events ﻿

Hub October 2025 Newsletter

Building Energy Hub October 2025 Newsletter

Savings and Service with ComEd Retro-Commissioning (RCx)

New Episode: The Building Energy Pod

#ICYMI: SomerCor City of Chicago Small Business Financing Products

Upcoming Hub Events

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Hub September 2025 Newsletter

Building Energy Hub September 2025 Newsletter

New Episode: The Building Energy Pod

Contractor Corner

Energy Efficiency Day #EEDay

Upcoming Hub Events

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Hub August 2025 Newsletter

Building Energy Hub August 2025 Newsletter

New Episode: The Building Energy Pod

Contractor Corner

Getting to Zero Tech Forum + Limelight Celebration

New Study on Heat Pumps

Upcoming Hub Events

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Hub July 2025 Newsletter

Building Energy Hub July 2025 Newsletter

The Building Energy Pod Launch

Building Energy Hub Case Study: Round Barn Manor

Video Highlight: Getting Started with the Hub

Organization Spotlight: HACIA

Contractor Corner

Upcoming Hub Events

Upcoming Partner Events ﻿

Hub June 2025 Newsletter

Building Energy Hub June 2025 Newsletter

Welcome Grace, our new Data Analyst Intern!

#ICYMI: Energy Efficiency Bridge Loan

Stay up to Date on State & Federal Financing & Funding Opportunities

﻿ Better Buildings Financing Navigator

Spotlight: ASHRAE Center of Excellence for Building Decarbonization

Want Personalized Assistance?

Upcoming Hub Events

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Getting to Zero Tech Forum
+ Limelight Celebration

Upcoming Partner Events

Building Energy Hub Case Study:
Round Barn Manor

Video Highlight:
Getting Started with the Hub

Upcoming Partner Events

Better Buildings Financing Navigator

Upcoming Partner Events

Following the TEOP 10 Steps Helps an Office Fit-out Meet Energy Star Tenant Space Criteria

(or begin your planning!)