The Evanston Green Building Ordinance was originally developed in 2008 to support the Evanston Climate Action Plan’s (ECAP) goals of increased energy efficiency in buildings and facilities. This policy change reflected the City’s ongoing commitment to constant improvement of sustainable practices in the natural and built environment as a signatory of the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. In 2022, Evanston’s Green Building Ordinance was updated to reflect the City’s ambitious 2018 Climate Action and Resilience Plan (CARP) goals, including to reduce building energy consumption by 35% by 2035, from 2005 levels.

Evanston’s Green Building Ordinance is designed to improve energy efficiency, reduce the use of materials that aren’t sustainably produced, as well as lessen the environmental impact of new construction, additions, and interior renovation projects. Requirements are defined based on the size of the project in square feet and designate that projects obtain a certification level from a third party rating system depending upon the size of the project.  Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), Green Globes, Living Building Challenge, Passive House, International Green Construction Code or an alternative rating system deemed equivalent by the Building Official are acceptable.  A project could also comply with the Green Building Ordinance by achieving a lower level certification but optimizing energy efficiency improvement and energy usage reductions.  The Green Building Ordinance Worksheet details the certification levels required for New Construction, Additions and Interior Renovation Projects.  The acceptable rating systems are nationally and internationally recognized certification systems that promote sustainable building and development practices. Project managers can choose the rating system which is applicable to the project in effect 180 days prior to the date of application for a building permit.

 Certification Requirements

• City Owned or City Financed Buildings > 10,000 sq. ft.; Commercial and Multi-family Buildings> 10,000 sq. ft. and any Planned Development regardless of size shall achieve LEED Gold or higher, Green Globes - 3 Globes or higher, Living Building Challenge, Passive House, or IgCC-Standard 189.1

   

• Interior Renovations > 20,000 sq. ft. for all City-owned, City-financed, Commercial and Multi-family Buildings shall achieve LEED Gold or higher, Green Globes – 3 Globes or higher or IgCC-Standard 189.1

   

• Interior Renovations 10,000 - 20,000 sq. ft. for all City-owned, City-financed, Commercial and Multi-family Buildings shall achieve LEED Silver or higher, Green Globes – 2 Globes or higher or IgCC-Standard 189.1

   

• For any project, if deemed acceptable by the Building Official, an alternative rating system or alternative level with energy efficiency and usage optimization could achieve compliance.

Why Green Buildings?
Buildings contribute the largest amount of greenhouse gas emissions in the City. Buildings which are designed, built, commissioned and operated in an efficient and sustainable manner economize resources, use materials wisely, and employ new techniques for conserving energy and water, all of which help to reduce the City’s greenhouse gas emissions. Green buildings have been shown to result in occupants’ or owners’ savings in energy and building system costs. Green buildings also provide gains by providing a healthier workplace, reducing operating expenses, and saving money in utility costs.

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