A Letter from our 2025 Board Chair

Deana Haynes • February 11, 2025

In 2021, Illinois Green embarked on a bold five-year strategic plan with an aspirational, future-forward mission: to make net zero buildings feasible, affordable, and so commonplace that every building in Illinois is net zero by 2050. 

Since then, we’ve seen remarkable progress in the conversation around green buildings, and Illinois Green has been at the forefront of driving this transformation. Through our collaborative initiatives, innovative programming, and advocacy efforts, we’ve amplified the voice of the green building community and positioned Illinois as a leader in sustainable building practices. 

 

As the 2025 Chair of the Board of Directors, I am honored to guide Illinois Green as we embark on the final year of our 2021-2025 strategic plan. The Board of Directors and staff are focused on ensuring the organization remains a catalyst for innovation, action, and progress.

 

Over the past four years, Illinois Green has expanded its reach and impact significantly. This growth has empowered us to introduce innovative new formats for our education programming, strengthen our role and voice in the policy and advocacy space, and deliver transformative projects like the Building Energy Resource Hub, which has demonstrated that high-performance buildings are achievable in every corner of Illinois.

 

At its core, Illinois Green’s work is about people—our community of architects, engineers, building owners, operators, builders, product manufacturers, policymakers, and sustainability advocates.  By convening these diverse voices and perspectives, we’ve created a collaborate space that has sparked new ideas and driven meaningful change. 

 

Looking ahead, we will continue building on these successes in a few key areas: providing programming that equips the green building community with knowledge and resources, deepening engagement with policymakers and industry leaders to promote clean and healthy buildings, and reinforcing Illinois Green’s leadership in advancing building decarbonization throughout the state. 

 

Of course, this work would not be possible without the dedication, support, and engagement of our community of volunteers, advocates, donors, and industry professionals. Thank you for being an integral part of our mission. Together, we will build on these strong foundations to ensure a future with healthier and greener communities across Illinois.




Deana A. Haynes

2025 Board Chair | Illinois Green Alliance


By Ryan Wilmington April 30, 2025
Is there a more fitting time to think about green building policy than Earth Month? In April's Policy Update, we take a look at the progress made towards advancing energy efficiency legislation in Springfield , get you caught up on some sustainability policy developments in Chicago , share some events where you can learn how to use your voice, and more !
By Matt Watson April 29, 2025
Project Overview Location: Normal, Ill. Owner: Heartland Community College Completion Date: 2024 Construction Type: New Construction Building Type: Higher Education Certification (being pursued): ILFI Zero Energy Project Cost: $22 million
By Ryan Wilmington March 26, 2025
We have good news to share out of Evanston, from around the state, and even across the globe! In the March Policy Update, we'll be celebrating Evanston's big green building policy win, spotlighting building efficiency proposals in Springfield , looking at Illinois' record year for solar , and more!
More Posts