Evanston Healthy Buildings Ordinance: A Compliance Guide for Building Owners

Understanding Evanston’s Building Performance Standards

Evanston is taking a leadership role in climate action through its Healthy Buildings Ordinance (HBO). This new standard sets specific targets for energy efficiency, greenhouse gas emissions reductions, and renewable energy adoption in large commercial and multifamily buildings.

The ordinance is part of Evanston’s Climate Action and Resilience Plan (CARP) and aims to reduce emissions from buildings, which account for a significant portion of the city’s carbon footprint. Building owners must track energy use, reduce on-site emissions, and transition to 100% renewable electricity over time.

For businesses and property owners, compliance with the Healthy Buildings Ordinance is not just a legal requirement it is an opportunity to reduce operating costs, increase property value, and contribute to a more sustainable Evanston.

Who Must Comply With Evanston’s Healthy Buildings Ordinance?

The ordinance applies to:

• Commercial and institutional buildings over 20,000 square feet.
• Multifamily buildings over 50,000 square feet.

These buildings must comply with energy performance standards and emissions reduction targets established by the city. Smaller buildings are not subject to HBO requirements at this time.

Key Compliance Requirements For Evanston’s Healthy Buildings Ordinance

1. Energy Efficiency Performance Targets

Buildings must meet specific energy efficiency targets by reducing energy consumption per square foot. These targets are measured using Energy Use Intensity (EUI) benchmarks tailored to different building types.

2. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions

Buildings must transition away from fossil fuel-based heating and energy systems, such as natural gas boilers and furnaces. The ordinance establishes deadlines for eliminating on-site emissions from these sources.

3. Renewable Energy Requirements

Buildings must procure 100% of their electricity from renewable sources through:

• On-site renewable generation (such as solar panels).
• Power purchase agreements (PPAs) with renewable energy providers.
• Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) for any remaining electricity use.

4. Benchmarking & Reporting

Owners must track and report their energy use and emissions annually using tools such as ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager. The city will use this data to evaluate compliance and ensure buildings are making progress toward emissions goals.

5. Alternative Compliance Pathways

If buildings cannot meet the ordinance’s requirements due to financial or technical constraints, they may submit an Alternative Compliance Plan. The city’s technical review board will evaluate these cases and determine if modified compliance strategies are acceptable.

Compliance Deadlines

Evanston has set a phased approach to compliance, with interim milestones leading to a full transition by 2050.

• 2031: First performance targets must be met.
• 2036: Midpoint energy reduction targets.
• 2041: Further emissions reductions required.
• 2050: Full compliance, with net-zero emissions and 100% renewable energy use.

Building owners should start planning now to ensure compliance with the first round of energy reduction targets.

How To Achieve Compliance

1. Conduct An Energy Assessment

Start by assessing your building’s current energy use to determine where improvements can be made. Energy audits can identify areas for efficiency upgrades, such as:

• HVAC system improvements.
• Lighting retrofits with LED technology.
• Building insulation and envelope upgrades.

2. Implement Energy Efficiency Measures

Improving energy performance can be achieved through:

• Upgrading heating and cooling systems to high-efficiency models.
• Installing smart building controls for automated energy management.
• Retrofitting windows and insulation to reduce heat loss.

3. Plan For Electrification

Evanston’s ordinance requires buildings to eliminate on-site fossil fuel emissions over time. This means replacing gas-powered systems with electric alternatives such as:

• Heat pumps for heating and cooling.
• Electric water heaters instead of gas-fired systems.
• Induction stoves and electric kitchen appliances in commercial buildings.

4. Transition To Renewable Energy

To meet the 100% renewable electricity requirement, buildings can:

• Install solar panels on-site.
• Enroll in a community solar program.
• Purchase Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) to offset non-renewable electricity use.

5. Submit Annual Benchmarking Reports

Regular energy tracking is essential for compliance. Owners must:

• Use ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager to monitor energy performance.
• Submit annual reports to the City of Evanston.
• Track progress toward energy reduction and emissions targets.

Financial Incentives & Compliance Support

Evanston offers financial assistance and incentives to help building owners comply with the ordinance. These include:

• Utility rebates for energy-efficient upgrades.
• State and federal tax incentives for renewable energy adoption.
• PACE financing for energy efficiency improvements

Taking advantage of these resources can lower upfront costs and accelerate return on investment for building upgrades.

Why Compliance Matters For Building Owners

Meeting the requirements of the Healthy Buildings Ordinance provides multiple benefits beyond regulatory compliance:

• Lower Energy Costs: Reducing energy consumption leads to long-term utility bill savings.
• Higher Property Value: Energy-efficient buildings attract tenants and buyers who prioritize sustainability.
• Avoiding Penalties: Non-compliance can result in fines and enforcement actions from the city.
• Environmental Leadership: Businesses that comply with HBO contribute to Evanston’s carbon neutrality goals and demonstrate corporate responsibility.

Next Steps For Building Owners

If your building falls under Evanston’s Healthy Buildings Ordinance, take these immediate steps to ensure compliance:

1. Verify your building’s compliance requirements based on square footage and use type.
2. Conduct an energy audit to assess efficiency improvement opportunities.
3. Upgrade building systems to meet energy performance targets.
4. Develop an electrification plan for space and water heating.
5. Source renewable energy through on-site generation or procurement.
6. Submit your annual benchmarking report and track progress toward 2031 targets.

By acting now, you can ensure compliance, reduce operational costs, and enhance sustainability while avoiding regulatory penalties.