Hub June 2025 Newsletter
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
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
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
