Model Energy Efficient Systems

To learn more about our grant opportunities for model energy efficiency systems and how to apply online, please use the links below to access guidelines and criteria for each funding opportunity.

The Foundation provides grants to support installation of innovative energy-saving systems and technologies new to the Illinois market that substantially improve building performance above minimum requirements of the Illinois Energy Code. Systems and technologies to reduce energy use in lighting, building envelope and space conditioning will be considered for funding by the Foundation.

Geothermal HVAC installations comprise the largest single area of grant support for model energy efficiency systems with over 150 installations totaling almost $10 million in 57 counties across Illinois. Geothermal is being implemented in new construction and building renovations in K-12 schools, colleges and universities, health centers and local government buildings.

Innovative HVAC installations are also of interest to the Foundation. Such systems may be new to the Illinois market and not commonly used as replacement equipment or in new construction. In general, such systems will have superior SEER ratings and are considered "state-of-the-art" in their respective category. Two non-geothermal HVAC systems that meet the Foundation's Innovation criteria are Variable Flow Refrigerant systems (recently installed at the Northern Illinois Food Bank) and Chilled Beam Energy system (recently installed at Rock Valley Community College in Rockford. These systems have helped these grantees achieve LEED certification at the Gold level.

Other Innovative Energy non-space conditioning systems that provide energy savings in other areas such as lighting and building envelope will also be considered for funding.