Illinois Green Policy Update: April 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!
Energy Bills Move Forward in Springfield
Last month, we talked about a few of the green building and energy related bills moving through Springfield, and we're happy to report that several have taken the next step to becoming laws.
The State Navigator Program Act, Geothermal Homes & Business Act, and Utility Data Access Act all passed the State House and are moving to the Senate.
While these bills mark progress for the session, other bills, like the Clean and Reliable Grid Act, Thermal Energy Network Act, and Automated Solar Permitting Act haven't moved forward yet. Even so, discussion by legislators and advocates continue in hopes that key details can be hashed out before the end of the session.
You can help all of these efforts advance by messaging your legislators to tell them you support action on clean buildings! You can find your representatives and their information
here and please feel free to reach out to us for any guidance or questions.
Join the Illinois Green Auxiliary Board’s Green Building Policy 101 event dedicated to advancing sustainable building practices and policies. This two-part event brings together industry leaders, policymakers, architects, engineers, and sustainability advocates to discuss the current state of green building policy in Illinois and how you can leverage your positions to shape the future of green building in Chicago and beyond.
Speakers:
- Jack Jordan — Executive Director, Climate Action Evanston
- Jonathan Nieuwsma — Council Member, City of Evanston
- Paula Scholl — Evanston Environment Board Member
- Iyana Simba — City Programs Director, Illinois Environmental Council
Event Structure:
- Lunch Time Virtual Webinar, 12 PM to 1 PM: A free virtual lecture on current green policy initiatives in Chicago, where you will learn why green building voices are important, what building professionals can accomplish in green building policy, and how you can get involved.
- In-Person Happy Hour, 5:30 to 7:30 PM: Join us for a happy hour to facilitate a discussion-based collaborative workshop. This session will provide a relaxed environment for attendees to network, share ideas, and collaborate on innovative solutions. Happy hour admission is $10.
Chicago's Spring Sustainability Aspirations
Throughout Earth Month, a range of green initiatives sprouted up in Chicago.
- City Council held serious discussions over the proposed Green Social Housing Ordinance which would create a permanent revolving fund for mixed-income, multi-family housing construction. This fund would be managed by a city-run nonprofit, which would also determine sustainability targets for funded projects. After a series of debates, the ordinance was held to rewrite some labor and ethics provisions.
- Clean energy job training and building energy efficiency upgrades will be coming to Chicago Public Schools following the district’s new labor agreement.
- Prior to earth day, the Hazel M Johnson Cumulative Impacts Ordinance was introduced to City Council by Mayor Johnson. The ordinance hopes to reduce industrial air pollution in overburdened communities by requiring them to undergo a permitting process to consider their environmental impacts.
- The Johnson Administration also launched the City’s first Electric Vehicle (EV) Framework Plan, which examines how the city can spur EV growth and the infrastructure needed to support it. The plan is now open for comment.
- The administration also announced the Build Better Together Initiative, which combines housing and economic development initiatives (like the Green Social Housing ordinance) with good governance initiatives.
We’ll keep an eye on these initiatives as Chicago continues to consider environmental action throughout the rest of the year.
Join Illinois Green Alliance, RMI, and AIA Chicago to learn how strong codes make homes and buildings more resilient, comfortable, affordable to operate, and climate-aligned. In Illinois, over 46% of carbon emissions come from buildings. Industry professionals currently have the opportunity to take practical action to “raise the floor” for building efficiency across the state.
In this webinar, you will learn about building energy codes and their role in decarbonization and efficiency, how other states have approached building codes, and discuss how you can take action to push for strong, resilient codes.
Speakers:
Lauren Reeg, Manager – Carbon Free Buildings, RMI
Erin Sherman, Senior Associate – Carbon Free Buildings, RMI
Five Years of Illinois Solar for All
The Solar for All program, a major initiative from the 2017 Future Energy Jobs Act to grow access to clean energy, hit it’s five- year anniversary. Here are some of it’s major accomplishments:
- Last year alone, the program provided $29.5 million for 261 projects across the state adding a total of 17.5 megawatts to the grid.
- Those who have added solar to their homes or businesses have saved an average of $47-$95 per month on their electric bills while Community Solar participants save an average of $72 per month.
- Notably, the program’s cost per kW has become cheaper over the last 3 years, meaning Solar for All is becoming more cost-effective for participants and also cheaper to administrate.
Read more here -
Pv Magazine
Can you join us at the Illinois State Capitol on Wednesday, May 21 to take urgent action to protect Illinois’ climate progress?🌎🚍
Alongside our partners and activists across the state, we’re heading to Springfield on May 21 to urge lawmakers to pass the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act to protect consumers.
If you’ve never joined a lobby day or talked to your elected officials before, have no fear! The entire event is designed for first-timers and seasoned advocates alike. All you need to do is register, and we’ll ensure you receive training and get matched with an experienced Lobby Captain who’ll help guide you around the Capitol. Live far from Springfield? There will be buses leaving from communities across the state.
In Other Sustainability News
Earth Week: How community solar is bringing clean energy to more Chicagoans
Read more – NBC Chicago
Bipartisan bill to boost green building materials glides through House.
Read more – Canary Media
A Massachusetts Home Electrification Pilot Could Offer a National Model
Read more – Next City
Federal judge orders immediate thaw of climate, infrastructure funds
Read more - Politico
Can cities ban natural gas in new buildings? A federal judge just said yes.
Read more – Grist
Renewables surged globally in 2024, new data shows
Read more -
Axios
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