On September 15, 2021, Governor Pritzker signed Senate Bill 2408, enacting the Illinois Energy Transition Act (formerly known as the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, CEJA). One important part of the Act is a provision to create a state stretch energy code. The new state stretch code provides a mechanism for jurisdictions to raise the bar for building energy efficiency, drive down building operational costs, and increase resiliency.

The Illinois Stretch Code must meet specific performance targets for improved energy efficiency, beyond the Illinois Base Energy Code. Every 3 years, the performance targets will decrease building energy use intensity in a predictable manner, moving toward carbon neutrality goals.