Funding & Financing for Institutional and Other Buildings

Illinois Energy Office Energy Efficiency Assessment Program 

This program awards funding to public housing authorities, local governments, or nonprofit organizations to conduct energy efficiency assessments at eligible properties. Awards will range from $5,000 to $60,000. A completed energy efficiency assessment can help identify areas for future investment and is a criteria item of the Energy Efficiency Trust Fund Grant Program.

Application period opens September 22. 

Illinois Energy Office Energy Efficiency Trust Fund Grant Program 

Illinois EPA Office of Energy will award funding to public housing authorities, units of local government, or nonprofit organizations for implementation of energy efficiency projects at properties benefiting residents receiving housing assistance from a state or federal program. This program provides funding for single family residences and multifamily properties of up to 40 dwelling units. Upgrades must have been identified in an energy efficiency assessment conducted within the last 5 years. Awards range from $50,000 to $1,000,000. Application period opens September 22. 

Illinois Climate Bank’s SSBCI Program

This program is designed to empower small businesses by improving access to capital, particularly in markets that have historically been underserved or subjected to discrimination. It places a strong emphasis on providing targeted support to Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Communities and Individuals (SEDI) and Very Small Businesses (VSB).

ComEd Energy Efficiency Program: Small Business and Facilities

ComEd customers that operate smaller businesses and facilities (peak demand under 400 kW) are eligible for incentives on energy-saving projects in their buildings. Building owners can submit an interest form and get matched with a ComEd-approved Service Provider that will complete an energy assessment, compile a list of recommendations, and coordinate project delivery. The Service Provider can also apply ComEd incentives to bring project costs down. The program applies to existing buildings looking to pursue energy efficiency upgrades.

ComEd Retro-Commissioning

An authorized Energy Efficiency Service Provider will perform a fully-funded study of your facility’s energy management systems to identify low-cost operational improvements. You can save an average of 5-15% on annual energy costs and may also qualify for incentives or additional savings through your natural gas utility’s partnership with ComEd. 

ComEd High Performance Design Incentive

This ComEd program provides comprehensive energy solutions for new construction and major renovation projects. You can consult with experienced technical experts at no cost and receive one-time financial incentives for new construction or major renovations designed to exceed energy code requirements. ComEd provide recommendations, assistance, and financial incentives for energy-saving improvements to all major building systems—envelope, HVAC equipment, lighting, commercial refrigeration and more.

ComEd Facility Assessments

ComEd can help find energy-saving opportunities, whether it's lights, HVAC system, chillers, or motors. An approved energy engineer will either conduct an in-person or virtual Facility Assessment to identify energy-efficiency opportunities. Within three to four weeks, you will receive a report detailing energy efficiency projects that you can start working on immediately. Each recommendation will include estimated energy savings, cost savings, project cost, potential incentives, and simple payback.

Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program 

Nicor offers multiple resources for customers looking to complete energy efficiency projects. Businesses can receive free assessments and products, rebates for select energy efficiency projects, and custom incentives for projects that do not fall under the standard list of rebates. Nicor’s Emerging Technology program also seeks to bring new energy efficient technology into the market.