Case Study: Illinois Green Alliance Net Zero real estate market research

Telesto’s team partnered with the Illinois Green Alliance to research, develop, and craft the "Getting to Zero" report—a strategic blueprint for advancing net-zero buildings across the state.

Challenge

Illinois is at the forefront of the national movement toward a carbon-free built environment. As cities and states accelerate climate action, the need for clear roadmaps to achieve net-zero energy buildings has never been greater. The Illinois Green Alliance sought to develop a comprehensive report that would:

Assess the feasibility of net-zero buildings across Illinois
Identify barriers and opportunities for implementation
Provide policy, technology, and financial recommendations to accelerate adoption

To support this mission, our firm partnered with the Illinois Green Alliance to research, develop, and craft the “Getting to Zero” report—a strategic blueprint for advancing net-zero buildings across the state.

Our approach

We combined rigorous market research, stakeholder engagement, and forward-looking analysis to ensure the report served as a practical, data-driven guide for policymakers, developers, and industry leaders.

1. Market & Policy Analysis

Conducted a comprehensive review of Illinois’ building stock, energy codes, current technologies, and decarbonization policies
Assessed national and global best practices for achieving net-zero energy buildings

2. Stakeholder Engagement & Industry Insights

Conducted surveys of architects, engineers, and developers
Identified key challenges, such as upfront costs, grid integration, technology deployment gaps, and workforce capacity

3. Decarbonization modeling

Modeled decarbonization pathway for Illinois’s built environment based on current state and target of net zero by 2050
Generative quantitative assessments of building decarbonization in Illinois vs. other states

4. Actionable Roadmap & Strategic Recommendations

Outlined clear steps for state and local governments to adopt net-zero policies and incentives
Provided recommendations on financing mechanisms, technology adoption, and workforce development

Results & Impact

✔ Guiding Policy Action – The report served as a foundation for Illinois Green Alliance’s advocacy efforts, influencing local and state policies related to energy efficiency and net-zero construction

✔ Scaling technology solutions – The research identified technology barriers, such as grid capacity and transformation, as well as opportunities such as demonstration projects and modular solutions

✔ Accelerating Market Adoption – By highlighting the business case for net-zero buildings, the report encouraged developers and property owners to invest in sustainable building solutions

✔ Driving Investment in Clean Energy & Efficiency – The research underscored the need for new financing models, leading to increased focus on green building incentives and funding programs

✔ Supporting Workforce Development – The report identified skill gaps and training opportunities to equip Illinois’ workforce with the expertise needed for net-zero building construction and retrofits

Conclusion

Our work on the “Getting to Zero” report helped the Illinois Green Alliance drive tangible action toward a carbon-free built environment. By delivering a research-backed roadmap, we empowered policymakers, businesses, and communities to accelerate Illinois’ transition to a net-zero future.

Looking to leverage market research and forecasting for climate and sustainability impact? Contact us today.