Energy Efficiency, GHG Emissions - March 25, 2025
Evanston Approves Buildings Ordinance to Lower Emissions
The city council of Evanston, Illinois, approved the Healthy Buildings Ordinance (HBO) to implement a building performance standard.
The Healthy Buildings Ordinance is a step toward achieving the GHG emissions reduction goals outlined in the 2018 Climate Action and Resilience Plan, and Evanston is the second community in the Midwest and the first in Illinois to set the standard.
The Healthy Buildings Ordinance impacts buildings over 20,000 square feet and outlines three targets for buildings:
- Be energy efficient.
- Eliminate on-site and district system emissions.
- Procure renewable electricity.
Building owners may submit an Alternative Compliance Pathway Plan if they are unable to meet these targets.
Evanston is also the first community in the Midwest with zero-onsite emissions and renewable electricity procurement standards.
“This was a collaborative effort among City Council members, staff, and numerous community partners to find common ground on achieving our sustainability goals. We are taking a monumental step toward a more sustainable Evanston – and I’m incredibly grateful to all those who participated in this good faith negotiation,” said Mayor Daniel Biss in a statement.
Two new public bodies have been established to support decision-making: the Healthy Buildings Accountability Board and the Healthy Buildings Technical Committee.
The Healthy Buildings Accountability Board will play a key role in ensuring equity remains at the forefront of Evanston’s climate initiatives, identifying buildings that require additional support or an alternative compliance pathway.
The Healthy Buildings Technical Committee will provide expertise on the technical aspects of building performance, energy systems, electrification, and sustainability.
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