Mission

The built environment has a profound impact on our natural environment, economy, health and productivity. Breakthroughs in building science, technology and operations are available to designers, builders and owners who want to build green and maximize both economic and environmental performance.

 

Energy Efficient Building Codes

Doing energy efficiency "right" at the new construction and major rehab stage is by far the most cost-effective time to make these pro-environmental and energy cost reduction investments. This is the single most important policy step that a state can take to increase energy efficiency in buildings and reduce pollution through avoided electric power and natural gas use. Nationwide, Illinois was the largest energy-consuming state in the nation without an energy efficient building code, and one of only twelve states with no energy code for commercial construction.

The Environmental Law and Policy Center (ELPC) waged a two-year public advocacy campaign for an energy efficiency building code in Illinois that came to fruition in 2004. The Illinois General Assembly passed the Illinois Energy Efficient Commercial Building Act, HB 4099, in May, which was then signed by Governor Blagojevich in August. The new law requires all new construction or substantial rehab of existing buildings to meet energy efficiency standards established by the International Energy Conservation Code. It covers all commercial, industrial and multi-unit residential properties, but does not cover single-family home construction.

ELPC's Eco-Office

ELPC is working to encourage the use of environmentally-preferable materials and design in commercial office buildings. Our eco-office is a case study of how environmental protection and economic development go hand-in-hand. It is our goal that our office will help others see the value of taking a "greener" approach in their office surroundings, and will recognize the benefits of these practical measures to their employees, to the environment, and to their bottom line. Learn more about the benefits of thinking green.