Be recognized for your environmental achievements!

 

The EnergySense Resilience Center has partnered with the Illinois Green Business Association (IGBA) to operate the Illinois Green Business Program and provide businesses with high quality technical assistance and assessments that drive environmental and economic savings.

EnergySense is actively recruiting businesses of all sizes and organizations (public sector, not-for-profit organizations, etc.) to participate in the Illinois Green Business Program.

We are Illinois' one-stop shop for small business sustainability.

Graphic describing what a green business is. Green businesses take action to save money by wasting less, preventing pollution, reducing utility use, engaging employees, creating healthier places to work, and continuously improving.

Food-Focused Business Assessments

EnergySense and the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center (ISTC) are providing free energy and sustainability assessments to 10 small businesses such as restaurants, grocers, and other food-focused businesses and organizations in DuPage and Kane Counties.

 

These assessments can help identify opportunities for you to reduce operational costs, reduce wasted resources and food, and attract new customers. They also can help businesses and nonprofits plan for long-term improvements to buildings and operations.

Participants will be selected on a rolling basis until December 2026. Here's what the process will look like if you're selected:

  1. Initial Conversation: Brief introductory phone call to discuss the assessment process, expectations, and discuss utility data collection.
  2. Data Collection & Analysis: The participant will share utility billing data as available. EnergySense and ISTC will review data and identify savings.
  3. Facility Walkthrough:On-site visit to discuss and tour the facility to review current conditions of the facility including infrastructure and operational processes. Identify sustainability opportunities for cost and resource savings.
  4. Providing Recommendations & Resources: EnergySense and ISTC will use data and information from previous steps to develop strategies to reduce costs and/or reduce environmental impact. Recommendations and resources will be shared via written report and presentation with Q&A.
  5. Implementation: EnergySense and ISTC will assist businesses that are interested in implementing recommended strategies. Implementation assistance includes further guidance on equipment and/or process upgrades, as well as connecting to incentive or funding opportunities.
  6. Case Study (Optional):A case study will be developed to showcase opportunities uncovered and strategies implemented.

 

Safer, More Sustainable Foodware for Food Establishments

The EnergySense Resilience Center at the University of Illinois System has embarked on a collaborative project aimed at transforming the foodservice industry in the Chicagoland area. In partnership with the leadership and expertise of our collaborators at Takeout 25, Bright Beat, and Seven Generations Ahead, our aim is to promote the widespread adoption of health-friendly, non-toxic foodware in restaurants and we invite you to be part of this pioneering movement.

 

 

Beverage Resilience Program

EnergySense has partnered with the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center (ISTC) to help make Illinois craft beverage businesses more sustainable and save money!

 

Our team will come to your business and perform a comprehensive site assessment to identify opportunities to reduce energy and water use, waste generation, and costs, as well as highlight areas where your business is already excelling in sustainability. The opportunities identified will empower you to promote sustainability in your community and differentiate yourself from your peers. Following your assessment, you will also have the chance to assist in shaping the certification process for green beverage manufacturing in Illinois and to be recognized for your sustainability efforts through the Illinois Green Business Program.

EnergySense provided pollution prevention (P2) assessments to businesses across Illinois in partnership with the Cook County Department of Environment and Sustainability's Businesses Reducing Impact on the Environment (BRITE) program. From that work, we have developed fact sheets and webinars that highlight pollution prevention strategies for the following sectors:

  • Metal Finishing
  • Breweries and Food & Beverage Manufacturers
  • Automotive Repair and Body Shops

Becoming an Illinois Green Business

Resources

Pollution Prevention Fact Sheets

Auto Body & Repair Shops: Automotive body and repair shops can prevent pollution and save energy associated with their day-to-day […]

How to Protect Yourself from PFAS in Foodware: Health Risks and Smart Tips for Consumers

When you order takeout or use disposable food containers, you might not realize that the packaging could be introducing harmful […]

Choose PFAS-Free: A Commitment to Food & Customer Safety!

As awareness grows about the health risks associated with PFAS “PEA-fass” (also known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl “PAUL-ee-floor-oh-AL-kill.” substances) in […]

Preparing Illinois Businesses for a Sustainable Future: Pollution Prevention Strategies and Innovations Webinar Series

Join us to explore how sustainability and pollution prevention solutions benefit Illinois businesses by increasing profitability, reducing waste, and increasing […]

A Safer Future: Embracing PFAS-Free Takeout Containers

EnergySense has embarked on a collaborative project aimed at transforming the foodservice industry in the Chicagoland area. In partnership with […]

Image describing Illinois' first green dining district

Piloting Illinois’ First Green Dining District

The restaurant industry in Illinois is ripe for a cooperative effort to reduce food waste, plastics, and energy use. Most […]

Fringe Salon Case Study

Fringe of Lombard is a boutique salon offering a unique sustainability experience for their customers. Since 2017, when the salon […]