Hub July 2025 Newsletter
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
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
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.
