Get Involved with LEED v4 Beta Test
July 31, 2012
The LEED v4 beta test is an opportunity for project teams to help test the LEED v4 program before it is available for registration in the market. The goal – in direct response to market demand – is to have project teams across market sectors engage with a pre-ballot version of LEED v4 to help USGBC improve aspects of the LEED v4 program, identify challenges with proposed documentation and areas in need of additional education development. The LEED v4 beta testers will help improve the LEED v4 program support tools significantly before opening for public registration.
Find out more:
What is the LEED v4 beta test?
Can projects pursuing the LEED v4 beta test earn formal LEED certification?
How can my project participate in the beta testing of LEED v4?
What information will be provided to project teams who participate in the LEED v4 beta test?
Green & Healthy Schools in Illinois
July 23, 2012
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What is a green school? What is the impact schools have on our community and on the environment? What is LEED for Schools? What are the benefits of LEED, particularly for schools?
LEED 2009 for Schools Resources LEED 2009 for Schools: New Construction and Major Renovation – Rating System; download checklist here. LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance Illinois LEED Certified Projects – K-12 and Higher Education 2011_0728
Advocacy: HJR45 Moving Towards a Sustainable Future for Illinois Schools |
Green School References USGBC K-12 & Higher Education Resources Playbook for Green Buildings & Neighborhoods National Green Schools Coalition USGBC Green Schools Fellowship Program
Office of Governor Pat Quinn: Illinois Sustainable Schools Compact |
Regional Green Building Case Study Project
July 23, 2012
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Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation | The Regional Green Building Case Study Project is funded through the generous support of the Grand Victoria Foundation and the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation and is a collaborative, multi-year research study between the U.S. Green Building Council-Illinois Chapter, the City of Chicago, EPA Region 5, Delta Institute, and the Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT). |
Investing in Energy Efficiency Pays
Study Finds range in Energy Efficiency Performance and "Green Premium" Costs
Based on the success of the first year of the Regional Green Building Case Study Project and with generous support from the Grand Victoria Foundation and the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation, this unique research project grew to include 51 projects in 2010. The first year report of the study was released during the fall of 2009. The Regional Green Building Case Study: Year Two Report was just released.
An analysis of 51 LEED-certified green projects in Illinois found that most—specifically those that prioritized energy efficiency during the design and construction phase—use less energy than a typical commercial building. The study also showed that additional costs associated with green construction varied across projects, with a median value of $3.81 per square foot. In addition, building occupants are generally satisfied with their work environment and the commute to these LEED® projects.
“Not all green buildings are alike when it comes to energy efficiency,” said Anne Evens, director of the nonprofit CNT Energy, which conducted the study in partnership with the U.S. Green Building Council – Illinois Chapter (USGBC – Illinois). “Maximizing efficiency requires starting with the right priorities, monitoring usage, and tweaking operations and maintenance over the life of a building. Buildings account for a large portion of our global warming emissions here in Chicago, and building owners need to be diligent about efficiency to reduce emissions and save on utility bills.”
The study, “Regional Green Building Case Study: Year Two Report,” is a follow-up to a 2009 study that examined the energy usage and other environmental factors in 25 LEED-certified buildings in Illinois. Of the 51 buildings in this report, 19 also participated in 2009. To receive LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, the U.S. Green Building Council rates green building projects on a point system for features that improve energy efficiency, indoor air quality, water use, and other areas. CNT Energy analyzed how projects performed over multiple years in areas including energy and water use, greenhouse gas emissions, operating costs, commute transportation and occupant comfort.
The participating green building projects include offices, museums, police stations and other building use types. The study’s sample represents nearly 25 percent of the state’s LEED-certified projects and includes projects from throughout the Chicago metropolitan area and central Illinois. The projects vary in size from 971 square feet to 4.2 million square feet. All provided at least 12 months of post-occupancy energy utility data. Most were able to provide energy use information for entire buildings, while 16 were able to provide only partial information about energy usage.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Agency, the average energy use intensity (EUI) for commercial buildings in the Midwest is 99 kilo-Btu per square feet per year (kBtu/ft2/year). Sixty-four percent of the LEED projects that provided energy use data for the entire building used less energy than this average for commercial buildings. Likewise, 77 percent of projects that provided partial energy use data performed better than a similar benchmark.
Twenty three participants provided information on a “green premium,” which is the difference between a project’s actual construction costs and the expected costs had the project been completed without green features. Two projects reported no green premium, while the others reported premiums ranging from less than $1 per square foot to $107 per square foot. Most projects noted that grants or other financial incentives helped to offset the green premium.
Of the 19 study participants that provided information on operating costs, 11 indicated that their costs were lower than before moving into a green building, five noted no change in costs, two reported that they were not tracking such information, and one reported that costs had increased.
“Sustainability efforts should not stop after the design and construction phase,” said Doug Widener, executive director of USGBC – Illinois. “Achieving ideal performance for green buildings requires understanding how the building performs in the first place and continuously monitoring how it performs over time.”
The USGBC – Illinois Chapter will be presenting these findings, along with other other contributors, at Greenbuild in Toronto on October 6, 2011.
Click here to view the Final Report for the Regional Green Building Case Study: Year Two Report.
Click here to view the Executive Summary for the Regional Green Building Case Study Project (Year 1).
Click here to view the Final Report for Regional Green Building Case Study Project (Year 1).
Several organizations and individuals contributed to the success of this project. Please accept our gratitude for helping to make this project possible:
Project Supporters:
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Illinois Clean Energy |
Project Partners:
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U.S. Green Building Council-Illinois Chapter |  |
Center for Neighborhood Technology |
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U.S. EPA, Region 5 |  |
Delta Insitute |
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City of Chicago, Department of Environment & Department of Zoning Land Use Planning | ||
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Steering Committee Michael Berkshire, City of Chicago Chris Choi, U.S. EPA, Region 5 Abby Corso, Delta Institute Kathryn Eggers, CNT Energy Helen Kessler, HJKessler Associates, Inc. Bob Newport, U.S. EPA, Region 5 HJennifer Wang, Kindy Kruller, Elise Zelechowski, and Kevin Dick, Doug Widener, U.S. Green Building Council – Illinois Chapter
Authors Kathryn Eggers, CNT Energy Doug Widener, U.S. Green Building Council-Illinois Chapter
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Contributors Sophia Becker Dan Cohen Kathy Devine Megan Hubel Seth Johnson Helen Kessler Mike Orr Alan Saposnik Mike Vendiola Lois Vitt Sale Linda Young
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Green & Healthy Homes and Communities
July 24, 2012
LEED For Homes
Designed for new homes and major renovations, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) for Homes is a voluntary rating system that promotes the design and construction of high-performance green homes. It is applicable to many home types including affordable housing, mass-production homes, custom designs, stand-alone single-family homes, duplexes and townhouses, suburban low-rise apartments, urban high-rise apartments and condominiums and lofts in historic buildings. more>>
New! Download a one-page snapshot summary of the LEED for Homes rating system.
Certified LEED Homes in Illinois
| Click images to view Project Profiles for LEED Certified homes, courtesy of AES. | |||
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LEED Silver single-family |
LEED Gold multi-family |
LEED Platinum single-family |
LEED Platinum single-family gut-rehab |
Why live in a LEED home? The video below explains the benefits.
Other Rating Systems
More than 70 local or regional green home building programs exist in the United States. Each of these programs is unique, with its own specifications and requirements. Please note that these guidelines may not require documentation and independent, third-party verification. These programs are neither endorsed by nor affiliated with the USGBC and are provided for informational purposes only.
Resources
Illinois Energy Code
On January 29, 2010, the state of Illinois has adopted the 2009 version of the International Energy Conservation Code, IECC 2009, which is applicable to most municipalities except those with over 1 million residents (i.e. Chicago). This code is the first statewide energy code, or remodeling code, ever adopted. It requires builders, remodelers, and architects to be well-versed in building science. The code goes above IECC 2003, the current baseline for an ENERGY STAR or LEED-certified home. This will result in many new homes meeting the requirements for ENERGY STAR certification, the first step towards LEED certification. Learn more about IECC 2009 at iccsafe.org or view a comparison of LEED vs IECC 2009.
The Green Home Guide
The USGBC's Green Home Guide website includes resources for finding green architects and builders, what makes a home green, green home programs, living green, REGREEN remodeling guidelines, and news and events. more>>
REGREEN
ASID and USGBC partnered to develop best practice guidelines and targeted educational resources for sustainable residential improvement projects. This resource also includes a green product checklist and case studies. more>>
Healthy House Institute
The Healthy House Institute (HHI) provides consumers information to make their homes healthier. HHI strives to be the most comprehensive educational resource available for creating healthier homes. more>>
Frequently Asked Questions for Home Builders
Frequently Asked Questions for Home Buyers
USGBC-Illinois Chapter Residential Green Building Committee
LEED for Homes news and developments in Illinois
Update Your Member Profile
July 18, 2012
It is important that each USGBC-Illinois Chapter member maintain an updated profile in order to receive relevant announcements and event invitations. The information you provide regarding industry sectors, branch affiliation, etc. allows the chapter to tailor communication to suit your interests and location. Please take a moment to review and update the information in your member profile:
- Visit http://admin.usgbc-illinois.org
- Login by entering your e-mail address and password in the upper right corner of the page. If your password doesn’t work, click the Forgot password link next to the Login button and follow those prompts. If prompted to login as an administrator or member, select member.
- Once signed in, click the View profile link under your name in the upper right corner
- Click the Edit profile button
- Update the necessary information and click the Save button at the bottom of the page. To update your Branch communication preferences, scroll down to Branch Affiliation and check each Branch from which you would like to receive event announcements.
- On this page, you also have the ability to change your password, alter your privacy settings, and edit your event-specific e-mail subscription.
Note: The USGBC-Illinois Chapter manages our own membership, therefore changes to member profiles on the National USGBC site will not be reflected on your Illinois Chapter profile.
If you need any assistance with updating the items above, please contact Joan Martin at 312-245-8300 x205.
See Who is Exhibiting at GREENER BY DESIGN
July 11, 2012
| Accurate Perforating | Energy Center of Wisconsin | PPG Industries |
| Advanced Building Products | Engineered Tax Services | RoofScreen Manufacturing |
| AirFloor | Forbo Flooring Systems | Roppe |
| American Hydrotech | Georgia Pacific Gypsum | Rose Paving Company |
| Andersen Windows, Inc. | H.B. Fuller | Roxul Inc. |
| Arch Wood Protection | Hamill Mullan Group / Firestone Building Products | Sherwin Williams |
| Armstrong Commercial Flooring | InPro Corporation | Sto Corp |
| ASSA ABLOY DSS | International Masonry Institute | Tate, Inc. |
| BASF | MAPEI | Terrazzo & Marble Supply |
| Blue Sky Contractor Supply/Specialty Products | Marvin Windows & Doors | TOTO |
| Carbon Solutions Group | Mats Inc. | TowerTech, Inc. |
| Crossville, Inc. | Metl-Span | USG |
| Dorma Americas | National Gypsum Company | Zing Green Products |
| DOW | Oldcastle Architectural | |
| DuPont Tyvek Parksite | Pittco Architectural Metals | |
| Duro-Last Roofing, Inc. | Polyglass USA, Inc. |
Central Illinois Branch
July 11, 2012
Education and Research Committee
July 18, 2012
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The Education & Research Committee plans and implements a variety of green building educational programs including LEED Extra Credit, Green Building Nuts & Bolts for Contractors, and regional green building case studies. |
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Committee Chairs Helen Kessler, HJKessler Associates (Board Liaison) Jason Westrope, DMA Associates Past Committee Chairs Ava Kuo, 2002 (Founding Chair)
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Committee Members Larry Alport Annie Balonick, LPK International Jenny Carney, YRG Sustainability Samantha Duba, Eckenhoff Saunders Architects Kathryn Eggers, CNT Larry Eiben, K&L Gates LLP David Eldridge, Grumman Butkus Tom Holzheimer, Gilbane Building Co Neil Leslie, Gas Technology Institute (Chair, Research) Ephi Maglaris, Real Energy Sustainability Meghann Maves, Recyling Services (Chair, Chicago Branch) Jeff Pekarek Ron Phillips, Willis Stephenie Presseller, Moraine Valley Community College (Chair, South Suburban Education Committee) Rick Prohov, Prohov & Associates Christine Smyrski, LEED Council Green Leeders Christian Swiencki, The Office Connection (Co-chair, Chicago Branch Education Committee) George Tuhowski, Leopardo Companies George Vavaroutsos, Malachite LLC (Chair, CRE) Sharon Waller, Sustainable Systems |
| Committee Meeting Schedule | |
Residential Green Building
July 18, 2012
LEED For Homes
Designed for new homes and major renovations, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) for Homes is a voluntary rating system that promotes the design and construction of high-performance green homes. It is applicable to many home types including affordable housing, mass-production homes, custom designs, stand-alone single-family homes, duplexes and townhouses, suburban low-rise apartments, urban high-rise apartments and condominiums and lofts in historic buildings. more>>
New! Download a one-page snapshot summary of the LEED for Homes rating system.
Certified LEED Homes in Illinois
| Click images to view Project Profiles for LEED Certified homes, courtesy of AES. | |||
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LEED Silver single-family |
LEED Gold multi-family |
LEED Platinum single-family |
LEED Platinum single-family gut-rehab |
Why live in a LEED home? The video below explains the benefits.
Other Rating Systems
More than 70 local or regional green home building programs exist in the United States. Each of these programs is unique, with its own specifications and requirements. Please note that these guidelines may not require documentation and independent, third-party verification. These programs are neither endorsed by nor affiliated with the USGBC and are provided for informational purposes only.
Resources
Illinois Energy Code
On January 29, 2010, the state of Illinois has adopted the 2009 version of the International Energy Conservation Code, IECC 2009, which is applicable to most municipalities except those with over 1 million residents (i.e. Chicago). This code is the first statewide energy code, or remodeling code, ever adopted. It requires builders, remodelers, and architects to be well-versed in building science. The code goes above IECC 2003, the current baseline for an ENERGY STAR or LEED-certified home. This will result in many new homes meeting the requirements for ENERGY STAR certification, the first step towards LEED certification. Learn more about IECC 2009 at iccsafe.org or view a comparison of LEED vs IECC 2009.
The Green Home Guide
The USGBC’s Green Home Guide website includes resources for finding green architects and builders, what makes a home green, green home programs, living green, REGREEN remodeling guidelines, and news and events. more>>
REGREEN
ASID and USGBC partnered to develop best practice guidelines and targeted educational resources for sustainable residential improvement projects. This resource also includes a green product checklist and case studies. more>>
Healthy House Institute
The Healthy House Institute (HHI) provides consumers information to make their homes healthier. HHI strives to be the most comprehensive educational resource available for creating healthier homes. more>>
Frequently Asked Questions for Home Builders
Frequently Asked Questions for Home Buyers
USGBC-Illinois Chapter Residential Green Building Committee
LEED for Homes news and developments in Illinois
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July 4, 2012
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