On September 15, 2021, Governor Pritzker signed Senate Bill 2408, forming the Illinois Energy Transition Act. This landmark legislation puts the state on a path toward 100% clean energy. One important part of the Energy Transition Act is the Public Schools Carbon-Free Assessment Program which allows eligible public schools in Illinois to obtain free assessments to help them make plans to achieve carbon neutrality. The Act sets a target date of December 31, 2029 for completing assessments for all eligible public schools (eligible schools are located within the electric service territory of Ameren Illinois or ComEd). Carbon-Free Assessments will be offered on a complimentary basis by each utility, with no fee charged to the schools.
The Public Schools Carbon-Free Assessment
Each Carbon-Free Assessment will include a comprehensive analysis of the following:
- Energy efficiency savings opportunities.
- Onsite solar energy potential.
- The infrastructure required to support electrification of the facility's space heating, water heating, and transportation needs.
- The investments required to achieve a WELL Certification or similar certification.
For new construction, each Carbon-Free Assessment report includes:
- An energy audit of both the building envelope and the building's insulation system.
- An inspection of both the building envelope and the mechanical insulation system.
- A demonstration of how the building is designed to achieve clean energy goals.
About SEDAC
SEDAC is an applied research program at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Our mission is to decrease the energy footprint of the State of Illinois. We have extensive experience conducting a variety of assessments including energy, solar, net-zero/carbon neutral assessments for businesses and governmental institutions throughout Illinois.
If you are interested in learning how SEDAC can help your school or business save energy and money, please contact us at sedac-info@illinois.edu or call (800)214-7954 to speak to a member of our staff.
