Resources
Financial Resources
Through ComEd and Peoples Gas, you can get a free energy assessment of your building to identify energy-saving opportunities. An energy engineer will conduct an assessment of the building and provide a report detailing potential energy efficiency projects.
There are several incentives opening up for commercial, nonprofit, and multifamily buildings through the Inflation Reduction Act. Your building may qualify for grant programs or other incentives for new equipment. Learn more from this ACEEE policy brief.
The City of Chicago has several grant opportunities for community development through the Department of Planning and Development. If you are a nonprofit, developer, or small business, look to see if these grant opportunities are right for you.
Technical Resources
Retrofit Chicago was originally part of the Better Buildings Challenge by the U.S. Department of Energy. The Better Buildings Solution Center has resources for buildings of all types looking to improve efficiency and save money.
Measuring your energy usage is the first step in identifying ways to save. You can’t manage what you don’t measure. ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager is a free tool that is used across the nation to benchmark energy usage.
View case studies of past Retrofit Chicago participants to see how you can retrofit your building.
City of Chicago Resources
The Department of Buildings can help you understand the permitting process for your new project.