Stretch Code Advisory Committee
The City of Aurora is considering adopting the Illinois Stretch Energy Code for residential and commercial buildings. The Illinois Stretch Energy Code is an alternative, more energy-efficient building code that municipalities can adopt if they want buildings to perform better than the state’s base energy code. Once adopted, the stretch code becomes the new minimum standard for new construction, additions, and major renovations.
The stretch code is designed to lower long-term operating costs for buildings, improve indoor air quality and occupant health, and help Illinois meet its goals for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The Stretch Code Advisory Committee (SCAC) is a temporary, stakeholder-based group established to evaluate the potential adoption of the Illinois Stretch Energy Code. The committee’s role is to provide guidance, feedback, and recommendations to City staff and elected officials on the costs, benefits, and impacts of implementing the stretch code for both residential and commercial construction.
City staff from Zoning and Planning, Engineering, Permitting, IT, and Sustainability will also be participating in the discussions.
The committee will:
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Consider impacts on builders, developers, homeowners, tenants, and businesses.
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Ensure diverse perspectives are represented, including builders, architects, engineers, affordable housing representatives, environmental organizations, and community members.
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The SCAC will meet regularly over a set timeframe to discuss findings, hear from experts, and deliberate on recommendations. Its work will culminate in a final report or set of recommendations to City leadership to guide decision-making on stretch code adoption.
We are currently accepting applications for the SCAC. The time commitment is 3-4 months for a total of 5-6 meetings. We’re seeking members from a variety of sectors in residential, commercial, and multifamily construction —including building and construction, development, architecture, engineering, sustainability and energy, utilities, and affordable housing/community organizations.
Ideal candidates bring technical expertise, practical experience, or stakeholder perspective to help determine recommendations that balance ambition with feasibility. Members will be chosen by a selection committee of staff, leadership, and stakeholders.
The final recommendations report will be available to the public. The plan is to hold at least one public meeting outside of the SCAC to gather additional citizen and stakeholder input.
To apply, please email Alison Lindburg by 5pm on Tuesday, October 31, 2025. Include your resume and a description of why you would make a good addition to the committee.