Illinois Better Buildings Challenge
The Illinois Better Buildings Challenge is a recognition and award program celebrating energy use reduction that is open to all commercial, industrial & multi-family buildings in Illinois. The Challenge invites building owners and operators across the state to put energy-efficient practices into action — and to have a little fun doing it, with a spirit of friendly competition among peers. Participating is free, and every qualifying building is encouraged to join.
What are you measuring?
The Illinois Better Buildings Challenge is a recognition and award program celebrating energy use reduction that is open to all commercial, industrial & multi-family buildings in Illinois. The Challenge invites building owners and operators across the state to put energy-efficient practices into action — and to have a little fun doing it, with a spirit of friendly competition among peers. Participating is free, and every qualifying building is encouraged to join.
Who is eligible?
Building of every kind are invited to participate! That includes commercial, industrial, institutional, municipal, non-profits, multi-family, education, retail, and more (single family residential is not eligible at this time). Newly constructed buildings aren’t eligible either, since participating buildings need at least 24 months of energy data available by the cutoff date. Any organization can enter one or more buildings or several, of any type, as long as the building is located in Illinois. Want to be notified when enrollment opens? Start here.
Why should I participate?
STRENGTHEN YOUR BOTTOM LINE
Energy efficiency pays off — lowering operating costs while boosting your property's asset value. Consider this: cutting energy use by just 10% can translate to a 1.5% gain in net operating income.
LEARN & CONNECT
Throughout the year, Illinois Green Alliance hosts education and networking events designed to connect building owners and operators with the fast-evolving world of energy conservation resources. And through the Building Energy Hub, owners, managers, and operators can access free resources, education, and technical assistance to support their energy efficiency goals.
SHOW ILLINOIS PRIDE & LEADERSHIP
By participating, you'll help position Illinois as a community taking real, active steps to address climate change — and show what statewide leadership looks like.
HAVE FUN
Let's enjoy this! Sign up so you don't miss any event announcements — because saving energy is absolutely worth celebrating.
What are the requirements to compete?
To participate, you’ll upload complete source energy use data—electric, steam, natural gas, renewable energy, etc.—for the past two calendar years into ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager (ESPM). Want a fuller picture of your building’s energy use? We encourage you to enter energy data going back as far back as you'd like, though anything beyond two years is optional for the competition. Once your data uploaded into ESPM, simply share your account with “Illinois Better Building Challenge.”
Does the Challenge share my data?
Your privacy matters to us. If your building takes home an award, we’ll celebrate by sharing your energy savings percentage, and we’ll also report the combined energy savings achieved across all participants. Beyond that, the Illinois Better Buildings Challenge never discloses your individual energy data.
What categories are in the challenge?
Assembly & Gathering
Education
Healthcare & Science
Industrial & Warehousing
Lodging & Multifamily
Mixed Use & Other
Office
Retail & Service
