Green Business Practices

Have a small appliance, electronic item, or piece of clothing in need of repairs?

Aurora now has a Repair Cafe group, which is part of a global network of similar volunteer-led organizations under the Repair Cafe umbrella.

The idea is that members of the community are paired with trained repair volunteers to assess broken items and explore repairs together. The group has appointments available the 3rd Saturday of every month at Santori Library. Aurora residency not required.

Book An Appointment

Access Repair Shop Directory

TerraCycle offers a variety of recycling programs that help keep items out of landfills. Request to join the programs that you would like to participate in and begin collecting.

Free Recycling Programs

Are you a for-profit business, non-profit organization, place of worship, a public or private school in Kane County?

You would be considered a commercial establishment. Commercial establishments that generate recyclable materials on site anywhere in Kane County are required by ordinance to separate recyclables and obtain collection service (Kane County Code of Ordinances, 11-112). For the purpose of the ordinance, recyclable materials include paper fiber and cardboard, metal cans, small plastic containers, and glass containers.

Do you work for or frequent a commercial establishment where recycling is not provided?

Contact (630) 208-3841 or email recycle@kanecountyil.gov

Your report can be anonymous. It is helpful if you can provide a phone number or email address for an operations manager. When we receive reports, we work with commercial entities to help them understand the ordinance and establish suitable, cost-effective service or to seek a waive where warranted. Penalties are assessed as a last resort.

Materials required by law to recycle:

• Paper (office paper, magazines, newspaper, unwanted mail)
• Cardboard
• Small metal containers
• Glass bottles
• Covered electronics
• Fluorescent tubes and bulbs
• Batteries used in the course of operations

FAQs for Commercial Establishment Compliance

Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE), is an innovative financial tool that enables commercial property owners to obtain up to 100% long-term, fixed-rate financing for energy efficiency, renewable energy, resiliency, water use and electric vehicle charging building improvements.

What can C-PACE be used for?

• C-PACE can be used by owners and developers to finance or refinance eligible improvements affixed to any privately-owned commercial, industrial, non-residential agricultural, or multi-family (of 5 or more units) property or any property owned by a not-for-profit in connection with renovations of existing building and new construction, in each case up to 25% of the value of the property. Single-family residential properties are not eligible.
• Property owners may obtain financing from private capital providers for eligible improvements such as HVAC, lighting and solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and other improvements in both existing buildings and new construction projects. The term of a C-PACE financing may extend through the useful life of the improvement, which may be up to 20-30 years long, and can result in cost savings that exceed the amount of the C-PACE financing.

Key Benefits

• No money out of pocket: 100 percent financing including hard and soft costs.
• Long-term, fixed interest rate financing (up to 30 years) resulting in lower annual payments.
• Typically cash flow positive within the first year.
• Property owner may pass through C-PACE Assessment to tenants (if allowed by lease).
• Potential for off-balance sheet treatment per an accountant.
• Reduces capital expenditure budget - upgrades paid through operating savings.
• Eligible measures cover broad capital and facility improvement needs.
• Extends building lifespan while improving comfort.
• C-PACE assessment transfers upon sale to the next property owner (“runs with the land”).

Financing Terms

Since 2017, the Illinois statewide financing program has been run by the Illinois Finance Authority, IFA, which has statewide authorization to issue bonds and notes to fund PACE Projects in any PACE area in accordance with the Property Assessed Clean Energy Act, 50 ILCS 50/1 et seq., and pursuant to the Illinois Finance Authority Act, 20 ILCS 3501/801-1 et seq.

• Up to 100% of project and closing costs
• Maximum: 25% of total property value
• Typical term: 10-30 years (up to 40 years)
• Fixed interest rates
• Non-recourse (secured by property, not personal guarantee)
• Assessment can transfer to new owner upon sale

Apply Now

For additional information, please visit IFApace.com or contact Brad Flether, bfletcher@il-fa.com

Illinois Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan

THE IEELR Fund provides flexible financing solutions to support energy efficiency and clean energy projects in Illinois. The program offers Bridge Loans to cover gaps until disbursement of federal or state incentives, as well as Co-Lending/Participation Loans to support longer-term project financing. The fund is administered by the Illinois Finance Authority (IFA) and capitalized through a grant from the US Department of Energy.

Bridge Loans for Clean Energy Projects

Bridge loans offer interim financing for entities awaiting Direct Pay tax credits, Investment Tax Credits (ITC), or incentives through Illinois Solar for All. These short-term loans allow projects to move forward without financial delay.

Co-Lending & Participation Loans

These loans help finance projects requiring additional funding beyond Bridge Loans. IFA partners with lenders to co-finance up to the lesser of $1,000,000 or 50% of a project’s loans, providing longer-term financing options.

Who Can Apply?

Qualified borrowers include:

• Municipalities, counties, and local government agencies
• Public school districts
• Nonprofit organizations
• Rural electric cooperatives and municipal utilities
• Tribal governments and entities
• For-profit entities

What Projects Qualify?

Eligible projects must be commercial buildings, including multifamily buildings with five or more units located in Illinois, that have undergone a qualified energy audit as outlined in Section 3 of the EERLF Initial Bridge Loan Strategy. The audit must recommend eligible technologies as defined in the strategy.

Loan Terms & Availability

• Bridge Loans: Up to $1,000,000 / term of 18-24 months
• Co-Lending/Participation Loans: Up to $1,000,000 / term of up to 7 years
• Interest rates generally range between 3-6%
• Submit pre-applications on the IFA website
• Initial program rollout expected in Summer 2025.

More information for program details, loan terms, and eligibility requirements, refer to the EE RLF Initial Bridge Loan Strategy. 

Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund | Illinois Climate Bank

Small business ComEd customers that operate smaller businesses and facilities (peak demand under 400 kW) are eligible for incentives on energy-saving projects in their buildings. Building owners can submit an interest form and get matched with a ComED approved Service Provider that will complete an energy assessment, compile a list of recommendations, and coordinate project delivery. 

The Service Provider can also apply ComEd incentives to bring project costs down. The program applies to existing building looking to pursue energy efficiency upgrades.

Eligible Projects:

• Building Envelope
• HVAC
• Lighting
• Refrigeration systems
• Compressed air systems

Free Facility Assessments

ComEd can help find energy-saving opportunities, whether it’s lights, HVAC system, chillers, or motors. When scheduled, an approved energy engineer will either conduct an in-person or virtual facility assessment. There, they will spend approximately two hours assessing your facility to identify energy-efficiency opportunities. Within three to four weeks, you will receive a report detailing energy efficiency projects that you can start working on immediately. Each recommendation will include estimated energy savings, cost savings, project cost, potential incentives, and simple payback.

Email BusinessEE@ComEd.com or call 855-433-2700

Elevate - Line of Credit for Clean Energy Contractors

Small business contractors working in clean energy or health and safety projects can apply for the Elevate Line of Credit (ELOC), a one-year program offering up to $50,000 at a fixed 3% interest rate. ELOC is designed to help cover upfront costs like materials, payroll, and licensing so contractors can take on more work without worrying about cash flow. The program also includes business coaching and wrap-around support.

Businesses must be located in Illinois to be eligible.

ELOC Info Sheet

ELOC Eligibility Requirements

Clean Energy Jobs and Justice Fund for Illinois Contractors

The Clean Energy Jobs and Justice Fund (CEJJF) is connecting Illinois contractors with financing solutions, including FairPath - offering access to a vetted lender network, lines of credit, and homeowner financing options, especially in underserved communities. CEJJF is also surveying contractors on financing gaps tied to federal tax credit changes to help shape future policy and tools.

CEJJF Contractor Onboarding Portal (FairPath)

Clean Energy Project Form

Illinois DCEO - Energy Equity Futures Grant

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Office of Energy and Business Utility anticipates releasing the next Energy Equity Futures (EEF) Grant Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) during the third quarter of 2026.

Organizations and individuals interested in future funding opportunities, program updates, and other CEJA-related announcements are encouraged to sign up for email updates.

CEJA Interest Form

National Energy Improvement Fund - Financing for Energy Efficiency & Renewable Projects

The National Energy Improvement Fund (NEIF) specializes in financing virtually any type of energy efficiency, renewable energy, and resilience projects for commercial, non-profit, and municipal properties.

Does your commercial establishment generate a lot of food waste? 

In the United States, we collectively dispose of 60 million tons of food every year - almost 40% of the total food supply.

• Consider operational changes to prevent food waste: Wasted Food Scale | US EPA

• Check out the Illinois Food Scrap and Composting Coalition for resources on how to get started with composting.

• Sign up for the We Compost Recognition Program.

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Recognition Programs

• Green Dining Hub
• Green Restaurant Association
• Illinois Green Business Association badges

Polystyrene Foam

Polystyrene foam is the worst single-use plastic flooding our world. Fossil fuels are used in the production; every foam cup or takeout container is part of the oil and gas supply chain. Studies have shown that the chemicals from polystyrene can leach into food and beverages, especially when these are hot, fatty, or acidic (e.g., hot coffee with cream). Petroleum-derived ethylbenzene is converted into styrene through and energy-intensive chemical process and styrene is the building block of polystyrene.

American Academy of Pediatrics

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that families avoid plastic-based (including styrene) food and drink containers to store food. Exposure to styrene has been linked to increased risks of cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma, as well as neurological effects for workers and communities near production facilities. From manufacturing plants to waste disposal sites, the lifecycle of styrene disproportionately exposes frontline communities - often low-income and communities of color - to harmful pollution.

Innovation DuPage

Join the Spark Cohort! Spark is a 13-week no-cost business accelerator for Clean Energy Contractor Incubator (CECI) Program members, designed to help clean energy contractors sharpen their business skills and grow their companies. We're looking for 7 more participants to round out the next cohort.

If you're an existing Clean Energy Contractor Incubator Program member ready to invest in the future of your business, this is your chance to get hands-on support, connect with peers, and build toward long-term growth.

Reach out to Ricardo Magallon, idmagallonr@innovationdupage.org to get started.

Choose DuPage

The Green Business Assessment was created in partnership with EnergySense Resilience Center to help businesses become more sustainable while reducing costs. First, they visit your business and take a closer look at your operations. Then, they give you a free Green Action Plan, a custom report that outlines ways to reduce costs, increase efficiencies and take advantage of sustainability incentives and other programs.

Email info@ChooseDuPage.com to get started.

Choose DuPage hosts a a series of sustainability-focused events featuring fresh topics at the intersection of business, economic development, life and sustainability. By bringing together local thought-leaders and influential members of the community, we hope to spark new connections and fresh thinking as we all work toward a brighter future.

Upcoming Events

Past Webinars

MEEA - Fundamentals of Energy Efficient Building Operations (FEEBO)

The Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA) offers FEEBO, an 18-hour course covering the principles of energy efficiency and preventative maintenance in commercial buildings. Topics include HVAC fundamentals, lighting, energy conservation, and indoor environmental quality — delivered over three full days or six half days.

The course is designed for those entering building operations, existing facilities personnel, and professionals whose work intersects with the built environment.

Reach out to the CEI Team for more information, cei@innovationdupage.org.

Building Operator Certification

Energy Star Portfolio Manager: The first step to saving energy at your building is to benchmark - that is, to measure and compare your building’s energy to similar buildings, past consumption, or a reference performance level. Benchmarking turns the information on your utility bill into knowledge you can act on. 

LEED: LEED is the most widely recognized green building rating system in the world. LEED certification offers a framework for healthy, efficient, and cost-effective green buildings, providing environmental and social benefits. It serves as a globally recognized symbol of sustainability leadership, supported by a committed community of organizations and individuals driving market transformation.