A Letter from our Executive Director – Celebrating 2023

Brian Imus • December 22, 2023

Dear valued partner,


The progress this past year makes me more excited than ever about our big bold vision to decarbonize every building in Illinois. There has been unprecedented momentum in making Illinois a recognized national leader in net zero building design, technology, and operations.


My optimism is rooted in the amazing community of members, partner organizations, allies, and volunteers that make Illinois Green’s work possible every year. Thank you!


A few of my favorite highlights from this past year

  • The Getting to Zero Illinois Summit included over 200 attendees. The program allowed for dialogue with owners, operators, and designers of net zero buildings and concluded with a standing room only Emerald Awards Ceremony recognizing trailblazers advancing net zero in Illinois.
  • The Building Energy Resource Hub was launched. With the support of partners like Elevate, BOMA Chicago, the Illinois Finance Authority, ComEd, and the City of Chicago, this new project will better serve building professionals and owners with the resources and tools they need to meet our region’s climate goals.
  • Over 250 building professionals voiced support for decarbonization policy. The call to action has encouraged Mayor Johnson to consider new policies like a building performance standard for existing buildings and an all-electric policy for new construction. Meanwhile, Oak Park passed the first-of-its-kind building decarbonization policy in Illinois with implementation support from Illinois Green’s Building Energy Resource Hub.
  • 30 schools enrolled in the latest cohort of the Illinois Green Schools Project.Schools from Carbondale to Libertyville are participating and will implement a sustainability project with support from Illinois Green mentors.
  • The Auxiliary Board hosted the third annual Race to Net Zero 5K. The event, organized by our young professional leaders within our membership, was successful in raising nearly $10,000 to support this coming year’s green schools sustainability projects.
  • Over 3,600 people attended an Illinois Green event this year. With the help of our volunteer-led Programs Committee and support of our partners, we provided education on the latest trends and technologies and networking with other professionals.


Reflecting on this work, I’m reminded that Illinois Green is a community. You make this work possible, and I’m grateful for your dedication, support, and partnership.


I’m looking forward to the year ahead and the opportunity to build on the success and momentum from this past year.


With Appreciation,


Brian Imus
Executive Director
Illinois Green Alliance



P.S. — This year we were thankful to add three new staff members to our team. Miranda Wright (Education & Engagement Manager) in April, Ryan Wilmington (Policy & Communications Associate) in July, and Kindy Kruller (Senior Program Manager) just last week! It has been truly an inspiring year of growth for our staff and our community.

Illinois Green Policy Update: April 2025

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 !

Net Zero Case Study: Heartland Community College Agriculture Complex

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

Energy Moves in Springfield, Illinois’ Record Year in Solar, and Changing Building Emission Trends | Illinois Green Policy Update: March 2025

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