Illinois Green Alliance

"Union electricians have long been in high demand, but the recent increase in renewable energy projects has significantly expanded job opportunities for both current and future apprentices," says Elbert Walters III, Executive Director of Powering Chicago. Bolstered by green policy and a rapidly changing marketplace, renewable energy is expected to account for 44% of U.S. electricity by 2050, making programs like Powering Chicago’s apprenticeship essential. They're not just training electricians—they're helping power the clean energy future. https://lnkd.in/ggQMUizc #RenewableEnergy #GreenJobs #ElectrifyChi #ElectrifyIllinois

On August 29, the Illinois Green Alliance, a nonprofit that works to build sustainable communities, published the August 2024 Illinois Green Policy Update. The Policy Update discusses Illinois’ unique opportunity to take advantage of Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) federal funding. The IRA’s Clean Energy Plan provides over $361 billion in federal funding to lower carbon emissions, with $156 million distributed earlier this year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the Illinois Climate Bank to the Illinois Solar for All (ILSFA) solar incentive program. ? Now, the ILSFA program is set to get even larger as “a large portion of this funding will directly expand the budget,” says IPA Deputy Legal Counsel Sarah Duffy. “The Illinois Climate Bank will use some of the funding to offer grants for site suitability issues, such as roof repairs, electrical upgrades, and battery storage attached to solar. The Climate Bank will also provide financing tools for small businesses serving income-eligible households through low-cost financing, bridge loans, and other mechanisms to ease the upfront capital requirements of providing affordable solar to income-eligible households.” ? Thank you, Illinois Green Alliance, for shedding light on the IRA and how its investment will help expand existing solar programs, increase energy efficiency, and empower underserved and disadvantaged communities to embrace clean energy and join the clean energy economy among other things. To read the Policy Update and learn more, please visit the Illinois Green Alliance website: https://lnkd.in/gd_CHM27 ? #IllinoisGreenAlliance #PolicyUpdate #IllinoisSolarforAll #IllinoisClimateBank

Join us for coffee and breakfast with a diverse gathering of green building experts! Illinois Green Alliance is hosting a Member's Breakfast on September 19 in a beautiful space generously shared with us by USG. This Illinois Green members-only event is an opportunity to meet other like-minded professionals and learn about ways to get more involved with Illinois Green programs and initiatives. Get your tickets here: https://lnkd.in/gHSaTstF Sign up for a membership here: https://lnkd.in/g5yxAGam. #Sustainability #Networking #GreenBuilding #ProfessionalDevelopment

?? Join the Movement: Net Zero Buildings Week 2024! ?? Whether you're an individual sustainability enthusiast or representing your organization, there's a way for everyone to get involved. Get ready for an inspiring week of virtual events dedicated to advancing healthy, resilient, net zero buildings for all! From September 16-20, connect with industry leaders, engage in dynamic discussions, and discover innovative solutions through powerful partnerships and collaborations. Don't miss out on this opportunity to make a real impact! Sign up now to stay informed and learn about participation opportunities: https://lnkd.in/gwxKWHQ. Together, let's build a sustainable future! ?????? #NetZeroNow #NetZeroBuildingsWeek #Sustainability #GreenBuilding

School is back in session and so is the Illinois Green Schools Project! Illinois Green is excited to unveil this new and improved version of the Green Schools Program that will include benchmarking, basic walkthrough audits, and efforts to strengthen our connection to the national recognition program, Green Ribbon Schools. Know of a school that is ready to get started on their sustainability journey? Know of a school that is stuck on what to do next on the path to a greener building???Help us spread the word! Check out the new program today and learn more about how you can get involved as an educator, administrator, staff, or community member: https://lnkd.in/g_N78NPJ

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is advancing two major sustainability goals with the renovated Dupage Wildlife Conservation Center: rehabilitating wildlife and pushing net zero design! The near-complete facility is targeting LEED Gold and Net Zero Energy certifications and will house the Forest Preserve’s wildlife rehabilitation program, which treats over 10,000 animals a year. On September 13, you’ll have the opportunity to join us for a tour of this unique project! The tour group will learn about the building placement and envelope decisions that centered around local, timeless, sustainable, and animal-safe materials. Tour guests will also walk the site to see where the geothermal well field is located and hear stories from the design and construction team about various elements that make this building the first of its kind in the area. Leading the tour will be: Eric Gantt, Construction Superintendent, WIGHT CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, INC. JP Sherry, Construction Superintendent, Wight Construction Services Dane Svboda, Senior Project Architect, Wight & Company Megan Zack, CSO, Wight & Company Register here:https://lnkd.in/gRaWaUTK

Calling all graphic designers! We are currently looking for a graphics and publications specialist who is seeking contract work to assist with the design of our reports, guidebooks, reference material, and other printed and digital tools through Adobe InDesign. Work may also include designing graphics for email, social media, print, and events. Drop me a message if you are interested and available!

Today, we’re celebrating our Executive Director, Brian Imus’s 11th year with us at Illinois Green Alliance. Over these years, he has been a steadfast advocate and leader for our mission to make every building in Illinois Net Zero by 2050. Brian works diligently to foster the growth of the green building community across the state while overseeing the day to day operations of Illinois Green. Join us in thanking Brian for everything he does!

What's better than a net zero building? A net zero building that will save over 10,000 animals a year! The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is advancing net zero in their newly renovated DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center, a nationally recognized wildlife rehabilitation facility that provides care and medical treatment to 10,000 sick, injured, and orphaned native wildlife each year. On September 13, you’ll have the opportunity to join us for a tour of this unique project! The tour group will learn about the building placement and envelope decisions that centered around local, timeless, sustainable, and animal-safe materials. Tour guests will also walk the site to see where the geothermal well field is located and hear stories from the design and construction team about various elements that make this building the first of its kind in the area. Leading the tour will be: Eric Gantt, Construction Superintendent, Wight Construction Services JP Sherry, Construction Superintendent, Wight Construction Services Dane Svboda, Senior Project Architect, Wight & Company Megan Zack, CSO, Wight & Company Register here:https://lnkd.in/gRaWaUTK #NetZero #BuildingTour #RoadtoZero #Sustainability

Congratulations to the City of Evanston on receiving a $10.7 million Department of Energy grant to develop a Building Performance Standard! This funding will allow the city to create strong, equitable policy to significantly reduce emissions from its existing building stock. Evanston is one of 19 applicants selected so far through this Inflation Reduction Act initiative. At Illinois Green Alliance, we strongly agree with Mayor Daniel Biss when he says reducing building emissions is the “single most important step the City must take on climate change” and we look forward to supporting Evanston as they continue to push for clean buildings.