Local Programs
Smart Business $mart Energy
- Free technical assistance services (energy audits, utility bill analysis, cost reduction recommendations, implementation assistance)
- Education and training
- Information on IL building energy codes, tax incentives, etc.
- A network of Energy Service Providers
- Services are available at the Smart Energy Design Center (SEDAC), which is staffed by engineers and energy professionals from the UIUC School of Architecture and the Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium
Provided by:
Smart Energy Design Assistance Center and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
DCEO Contact:
Andrea Reiff- (217) 785-0164
SEDAC Contact:
(800) 214-7954
Website:
Eco-Office Assessment
- The Assessment is a personalized audit of the environmental footprint of your office. The audit includes a review of waste and recycling systems, energy and water efficiency, meetings and events, office supplies, and products and furniture
- Available for offices of fewer than 50 people
- Discounts available for Chicago Sustainable Business Alliance members
Provided by:
Foresight Design Initiative
DCEO Contact:
Peter Nicholson, (773) 271-1990
Website:
Documents
Quick Tips for Energy Efficiency (38.5KB DOC)
Energy Star Guide for Small Business
- Handbook to assist with management, funding, and prioritization of energy efficiency retrofit
- Toll-free hotline exists for a range of technical materials and services (1-888-STAR YES)
Provided by:
US Environmental Protection Agency
Resource File:
Putting Energy Into Profits (1.8 MB, PDF)
Website:
Renewable Energy Resources Program (RERP)
- Solar Energy Rebate Program
- Rebate for small solar PV or solar thermal systems
- A flat 30% award level up to a maximum rebate of $10,000
- Projects with a maximum total project cost of $33,000 to $50,000 will be eligible for the maximum rebate amount of $10,000.
- Solar Thermal Grant Program –
- Provides a grant award up to 30% of eligible project costs, with a maximum grant amount of $400,000.
- Applications accepted on an ongoing basis through April 30, 2007, subject to funding availability
Provided by:
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
Contact:
Bryan Clow, (217) 785-3420 (bryan.clow@illinois.gov)
Website:
RTA/CTA Benefit Program
Employers that want to offer a transit benefit can now allow employees to pay for transit using pre-tax income. In other words, employers no longer have to pay for the benefit, but still have the option of subsidizing their employees’ transit costs at a level of their choice or not at all. Employees and employers save money in reduced taxes, regardless of the level of subsidization by the employer.
The Transit Benefit is flexible, offering a number of options and possibilities that can be used in combination as needed in order to best serve your company’s unique transit needs.
A complete Implementation Kit and Transit Benefit Order Form are available online.
Provided by:
RTA/CTA
Contact:
Transit Benefit HOTLINE at (312) 681-3093.
Website:
Illinois Alternate Fuels Rebate Program
This program offers rebates for using E-85 or biodiesel fuels, and for acquiring vehicles that run on alternate fuels.
Applications for 2006 are due by December 31, 2006
Provided by:
Illinois Green Fleets
Contact:
(217) 557-1441
Website:
Green Building Permit Program
The Chicago Department of Construction and Permits (DCAP) has developed an expedited permit process for projects that incorporate innovative green
building strategies.
The DCAP Green Permit Program provides developers and owners with an incentive to build green by streamlining the permit process timeline for their projects. Projects accepted into the Green Permit Program can receive permits in less than 30 business days or in as little as 15 business days. The number of green building elements included in the project plans and project complexity determines the length of the timeline. The more green building elements, the shorter the timeline to obtain a permit.
Applicants that demonstrate an extraordinary level of green strategy implementation may have consultant code review fees waived.
Download the program brochure here (3.0MB PDF). More information is available at www.cityofchicago.org/Environment.
Green Roofs Program
The City of Chicago Department of Environment is giving an increased number of grants to assist with residential or small commercial green roof projects. Small commercial is a building with a footprint of less than 10,000 square feet. Grants will be up to $5000 for each selected project. Download the program flyer (2.3MB PDF) and application (32.4KB PDF) , or visit www.cityofchicago.org/Environment for more information.
GreenWorks Awards
The City is now offering GreenWorks Awards for Green Buildings, Practices, and Products. Applications are due September 29 to have your business considered for an award. Information and the application can be downloaded here (3.1MB DOC) or at www.cityofchicago.org/Environment (scroll down to the GreenWorks Awards logo).
Prince of Wales Business and Environment Programme (BEP)
The BEP is an international network for the exchange of ideas and best practices for sustainability and resources. They have developed 2 functional briefs to provide insight into how a sustainability perspective affects particular business functions.
- Marketing: designed for people in marketing departments, new product development and sales.
- HR: covering issues including recruitment, incentives organisation change and staff development.
