Chicago reopens Green Homes registration

The Chicago Department of Housing (DoH) and Department of Environment (DoE) has reopened the registration window for Green Homes Chicago, an energy-efficiency programme for income-eligible homeowners.

The equity-focused approach of the programme provides both electrification and health and safety upgrades to low-income homeowners. The City claims this makes it one of the boldest housing and environmental justice programmes in the US.

Higher energy consumption

Throughout the city, many ageing homes suffer from heat and air leakage and operate on outdated, inefficient appliances. These inefficiencies can lead to higher energy consumption, placing additional financial pressure on families already grappling with competing financial priorities.

Green Homes Chicago aims to address this problem by making critical upgrades accessible to homeowners who need them most. Through whole-home retrofits of one and two-unit homes, the City claims the programme delivers meaningful cost savings, health benefits, and resilience to families across the city.

“Through this programme we are deepening our commitment to making healthy, energy-efficient homes a reality for Chicago’s working families”

“Now is the time for climate action that centres the lived experiences of Chicagoans,” said Brandon Johnson, mayor of Chicago. “Even as the federal government rolls back climate progress, this City is forging ahead with green buildings, green jobs, climate justice, and overall climate resiliency.

“With Green Homes Chicago, one of the largest city-led residential decarbonisation initiatives in the country, we are investing in the health and wellbeing of our residents for generations to come.”

The Department of Housing and Department of Environment report they are collaborating closely on the programme’s implementation to ensure lasting impact while sustaining the existing housing stock and making clean energy more accessible to communities across the city.