The State Energy Efficiency Scorecard is a report administered by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) each year. The report ranks all 50 U.S. states on their policies and leadership in advancing clean energy. These areas include local government operations, community initiatives, building policies, energy and water utilities, as well as transportation policies.
In 2019, Illinois ranked number 11, which is an improvement from last year’s ranking at number 12. From energy efficiency incentive programs and established PACE financing initiatives to a rigorous energy conservation code, Illinois is not lacking in sustainable practices. With that said, Illinois still has a way to go. In total, we earned 29 out of 50 possible points with our major categories of improvement being the utility sector, transportation, and appliance regulation.
Where does Illinois fall short? In the transportation sector, there is no current policy in place or proposed for a tailpipe emission standard, and is no incentive for high-efficiency vehicles. Likewise, we have no appliance standards set beyond those required by the federal government, and the scope of our energy efficiency programs as well as access to energy information is limited. We hope that Illinois stakeholders will take this information into consideration when drafting new energy policies in the years to come.
The ACEEE understands that every community can make a difference in energy efficiency. Using the metrics and policies outlined in the State Energy Efficiency Scorecard, the ACEEE created the Local Clean Energy Self Scoring Tool, Version 4.0. This is a tool designed to be used on the local and municipal level to benchmark and evaluate a community’s clean energy efforts. By answering the preliminary questions and completing the designated worksheets, the self-scoring tool analyzes your responses and shows how your policies stack up. The graph below showcases a sample of the results. All scores are put into five categories: local government, community-wide, buildings, utilities, and transportation. The graph also includes median results to put your scores in perspective. Stakeholders can use the tool to benchmark projects, gain a better understanding of current policies, and learn about new programs that may be beneficial for the community.
Whether your score is above average or well below, there is always room for improvement. Our team at 360 Energy Group can help create a sustainability plan by connecting you with utility incentives, performing an energy audit or retro-commissioning study, and connecting you with C-PACE financing. Contact us today to learn more about how you can save, 312-265-3971 or info@360eg.com.
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