Hub January 2026 Newsletter
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:
- Building Owners & Operators
- Architects & Engineers
- Local Jurisdictions & Municipal Stakeholders
- Contractors & Service Providers
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
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.
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.
