Getting to Zero - Illinois

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Are you ready to get on the path to zero?

We're working to make net zero buildings feasible, affordable, and commonplace in Illinois.

Illinois Green is tracking and mapping the status of verified zero energy, carbon, water and waste projects throughout Illinois. We are excited to work with project teams to develop educational content, host tours, publish case studies, and provide recognition at our annual awards program each October.



View projects across the U.S. actively pursuing zero energy verification on NBI’s Getting to Zero Buildings Database.

The 2024 Getting to Zero Illinois Report offers a comprehensive overview of Illinois' building transformation landscape, focusing on the journey towards a sustainable and resilient built environment. It examines the current state of sustainable building practices, explores multifaceted benefits of green buildings, and addresses complex challenges and opportunities in this evolving field.. Download the report below!

State of Net Zero 2024 Report

Verified Net Zero Energy Buildings in Illinois

Illinois Green is tracking and mapping the status of projects throughout Illinois recieving zero energy, carbon, water and waste certification. Projects are featured on the Net Zero Honor Roll when they achieve one of the following: ILFI’s Net Zero Energy certification, USGBC’s LEED Zero Energy certification, or Phius ZERO* certification. Buildings on the Honor Roll are recognized annually in October at Illinois Green's Limelight & Emerald Awards Ceremony.


*Phius ZERO certification does not require performance period energy verification.

A large building with a lot of windows is lit up at night.

Adlai E. Stevenson High School East Building Addition

Lincolnshire, IL

ILFI Zero Energy

Net Zero Performance Verified

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A large building with a sign that says cornell on it

Carroll
Community Center

Oak Park, IL

Phius ZERO

Net Zero Performance Verified

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A person is walking in front of a building that says technifield activity center

Techny Prairie
Activity Center

Northbrook, IL

Phius ZERO

Net Zero Performance Verified

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A large house with a lot of windows and balconies is sitting on the side of the road.

Granite City
Passive House Duplex

Granite City, IL

Phius ZERO

Net Zero Performance Verified

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An aerial view of a building with solar panels on the roof

Plainfield Activity and Recreation Center

Plainfield, IL

Phius ZERO

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An aerial view of a large building surrounded by grass and trees.

Prairie Trails
School

Mount Prospect, IL

Phius ZERO

Net Zero Performance Verified

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A large brick building with a lot of windows and stairs in front of it.

St. Joseph's
School Addition


Downers Grove, IL

Phius ZERO

Net Zero Performance Verified

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A large building with a lot of windows and a fountain in front of it

University of Illinois
Electrical and Computer Engineering Building

Urbana, IL

ILFI Zero Energy

Net Zero Performance Verified

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Countryside Municipal Complex


Countryside, IL

ILFI Zero Energy

Net Zero Performance Verified

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A group of people are standing in a warehouse.

Earth Friendly
Products (ECOS)

Downers Grove, IL

LEED Zero Carbon, Zero Energy,
Zero Water, Zero Waste

Net Zero Performance Verified

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A group of people are walking on a path in front of a large brick building

University of Illinois Campus Instructional Facility


Urbana, IL

LEED Zero Energy

Net Zero Performance Verified

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A house with solar panels on the roof is surrounded by trees

Edward L. Ryerson
Education Center



Riverwoods, IL

Phius ZERO

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Net Zero Buildings Watch List

Projects are featured on the Net Zero Watch List if they are pursuing a net zero energy certification and have been approved by their municipality/board to move forward. Eligible certifications are Phius ZERO, ILFI Zero Energy, or LEED Zero. When projects receive net zero energy verification after a 12-month performance period, they move to the Net Zero Honor Roll (see above).

Project Type Project Name Project Owner Location Certification being Pursued
Higher Education Heartland Community College Agricultural Complex Heartland Community College Normal, IL ILFI Zero Energy
K-12 School Academy for Global Citizenship Academy for Global Citizenship Charter School Chicago, IL ILFI Zero Energy, Living Building Challenge
K-12 School Adlai E. Stevenson High School Fieldhouse Addition (EBA II) High School District 125 Lincolnshire, IL LEED Zero Energy
Multifamily 7 Van Buren Oak Park Residence Corporation Oak Park, IL Phius ZERO
Park District Willowbrook Wildlife Center Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Glen Ellyn, IL Phius ZERO, LEED Gold
Commercial Interior 225 W. Randolph Neal Gerber Eisenberg Chicago, IL ILFI Zero Carbon
Park District Oak Park Community Recreation Center Park District of Oak Park Oak Park, IL ILFI Zero Energy
Higher Education Steven S. Wymer Halll University of Illinois Urbana, IL LEED Zero Energy
Hotel 1016-1020 W Lake Cogswell Realty Chicago, IL ILFI Zero Carbon

Net Zero Building Resources

Listing of a resource on this page does not imply endorsement by Illinois Green Alliance. This page was curated by our staff and Board members.


If there's a resource we should add, let us know.

Energy


Carbon


Water


Waste

  • Building Decarbonization Code: A building decarbonization overlay to the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) (Published by the New Buildings Institute).

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