Green Buildings 101
Illinois Clean Building Commitment
Understand Buildings and Their Impact
While Illinois has made several major strides to advance clean energy, the building industry remains a top priority. Buildings — and the energy they use are a major contributor to climate change, rising costs of living, and health hazards. To protect against these risks, we understand the impacts of buildings and how investing in clean, efficient buildings can transform our communities across the state.
Buildings and Climate Change
In Illinois, buildings contribute to 30% of statewide direct (GHG) emissions. However, that doesn't tell the full story. Buildings also take up 73% of electricity use in Illinois. When you take that into account, buildings become the #1 contributor to emissions across the state.
There is simply no way to address climate change without clean buildings.
Buildings and Affordability
Illinois residents are increasingly being burdened by energy bills. Both the methane gas and electric systems are raising costs for consumers for a variety of reasons including infrastructure replacement programs, fuel price spikes, and increased demand.
- Methane gas rates have increased by close to $1.5 billion (around 100%) over the last decade and could double again over the next decade.
- Electric rates have recently increased by around 50% across the state.
Buildings and Public Health
Fossil fuels in buildings arre directly tied to major health risks for families across Illinois. Research shows that over 21% of childhood asthma cases and other serious illnesses like Lukemia are attributable to methane gas appliances.
People spend over 90% of their time indoors — we need to ensure that the places where we spend most of our lives aren't putting our health at risk.
Buildings and Energy Efficiency
When residents, businesses, and government invest in efficiency, they save money and build value. Research shows that every $1 invested in these solutions yeilds a 150 - 400% return.
High performance technology like heat pumps and induction appliances are 2-4 times more efficient than their fossil fuel counterparts. Other technology like smart thermostats, LED lighting, and efficient insulation and windows help lower a building's energy demand. Together, these solutions create more efficient, affordable, and healthy homes and businesses.
Green Jobs
Green jobs have been growing rapidly across the state with almost 130,000 people working in the industry. These are good paying, skilled roles in HVAC installation, grid modernaization, solar installation, and more.
- The green jobs industry grew 8 times faster than Illinois' overall economy.
- 72% of the workers in this sector are employed by small businesses.
- 14 clean jobs training hubs are opening across the state through the landmark Climate and Equitable Jobs Act
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