A prevailing message from the summit was that while setting ambitious net-zero targets is important, taking the necessary steps to achieve them is far more challenging and important. To help those on this journey, the Getting to Net Zero Illinois 2024 Report offers actionable insights for a wide range of stakeholders, from building owners and developers to policymakers, industry professionals, and community organizations. It provides clear, priority action steps designed to overcome financial and operational barriers, helping stakeholders accelerate their contributions to Illinois’ net-zero goals. The report emphasizes the importance of moving beyond goal setting to real, measurable action, particularly in areas like building retrofits, workforce development, and innovative financing. 

By actively contributing to the Getting to Net Zero Illinois 2024 Report and participating in the summit, Telesto continues to provide leading solutions for stakeholders in navigating the financial, operational, and technical questions of built environment decarbonization. As a Chicago- and Illinois-based consulting firm, Telesto looks to celebrate Illinois’s leadership in the decarbonization and energy transition policy, as well as accelerate Illinois’s achievement of its decarbonization goals.  

Key takeaways from the report: 

• Illinois is a leader in robust building regulations and policies: The state ranks consistently high for LEED-certified buildings and has implemented significant policies like the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) and the Energy Efficient Building Act. The 2022 Chicago Energy Transformation Code is poised to reduce building energy use by up to 40% 

• Decarbonization is needed at scale: Illinois must decarbonize 440 million square feet annually by 2035—a rate five times faster than the current pace. The retrofit imperative is critical, with 80% of decarbonization efforts focused on existing buildings 

• Innovative financing solutions will proliferate: Since 2022, Illinois has mobilized approximately $1 billion in green building financing. Despite this, 83% of stakeholders still cite financial constraints as the primary barrier, emphasizing the need for more accessible solutions, such as the proposed Catalyst Fund, which offers up to $12,000 per household for multi-family building decarbonization 

• Workforce development grows more urgent: As Illinois scales its decarbonization efforts, there is an urgent need to upskill the workforce state-wide. Programs like CEJA’s Clean Jobs Workforce Network are projected to create 900,000 jobs in energy-efficient buildings, but skills shortages remain a challenge for the industry 

• Energy codes drive savings but face implementation challenges: Illinois’ adoption of the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) could result in energy cost reductions of 9.4% for commercial and 8.7% for residential buildings. However, fragmented local regulations and permitting delays hinder widespread implementation, with 38% of stakeholders identifying these as significant obstacles 

About the Getting to Net Zero Illinois 2024 Report 

The Getting to Net Zero Illinois 2024 Report offers a comprehensive look at the policies, technologies, and strategies shaping Illinois’ journey toward decarbonization. Drawing insights from nearly 100 leaders in green building and analyzing over 400,000 square feet of zero energy projects, the report provides a roadmap for scaling sustainable practices across the state. It highlights the opportunities for Illinois to lead the nation in achieving net-zero emissions, focusing on the critical areas of policy development, financial innovation, and workforce readiness. 

About Illinois Green Alliance 

Illinois Green Alliance is a membership directed nonprofit organization working to transform the region’s built environment to become ecologically sustainable, profitable, and healthy. To do so, we engage community leaders and utilize member expertise in education and community outreach through targeted programs and initiatives focused around green homes, communities, schools and existing buildings. With hundreds of passionate members and volunteers who lend their time and expertise, Illinois Green provides nearly 75 educational programs, community engagement events, tours and advocacy initiatives each year.  

About Telesto Strategy 

Telesto Strategy is the premier management consulting firm in the Midwest focused exclusively on Sustainability, ESG, and Climate Risk. Telesto was founded with a bold vision to support businesses and governments in the regeneration of the planet’s health, resources, and wellbeing. Telesto aims to achieve this ambition through its dual missions: (i) reframing how businesses, organizations, and countries can achieve enduring and inclusive growth, and (ii) redirecting corporate strategy to solve the biggest challenges of our time while delivering a positive ROI.