Decarbonization Planning Guide

Who this Guide is for

This guide will help you as a building owner/ operator/ manager make decisions about how to improve the operations and energy efficiency of your building through strategic investments. Whether you manage a small property or a large portfolio, this roadmap supports your efforts to reduce carbon emissions, enhance operational efficiency, and make strategic investments that strengthen your building’s long-term value. This guide breaks down the decarbonization process into clear, actionable steps that detail what is involved, why it is important, how to do it, and where to find help and resources. 

NAVIGATE THE PROCESS

INTRODUCTION

Understand Building Decarbonization

STEP ONE

Get to Know Your Building

STEP TWO

Develop a Decarbonization Plan

STEP THREE

Implement Your Decarbonization Plan

INTRODUCTION

Understand Building Decarbonization

Start by understanding the fundamentals of building decarbonization.

Illinois policies and GHG emissions reduction targets may affect your building. Understanding this background will help you in exploring options when considering different decarbonization options.

STEP ONE

Get to Know Your Building

The first step in decarbonization is to understand and document your building in the context of reducing operational energy and GHG emissions combined with long-term planning needs.

STEP TWO

Develop Your Decarbonization Plan

Nobody knows your building better than you.

This section discusses key components of decarbonization and how they contribute to a holistic plan that can be tailored to your building.

STEP THREE

Implement Your Decarbonization Plan

Finally, implement your plan and monitor your progress.

This section includes best practices for turning your plan into action by creating and reviewing an RFP, selecting team members, and incorporation of measurement and verification.