Evanston Green Homes Program Celebrates First Retrofit in Fifth Ward

Evanston, Illinois – A $60,000 all-electric retrofit on Brown Avenue in Evanston’s Fifth Ward represents a transformative step toward carbon neutrality for the city, say advocates from Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT) and Elevate, who are coordinating the Evanston Green Homes pilot program.  

Leaders from the two groups, officials from the City of Evanston including Mayor Daniel Biss and Fifth Ward Ald. Bobby Burns, and homeowner Adam Blough gathered to celebrate the project’s first improvements  — which include a new electrical panel, new insulation, a high-efficiency heat pump, a heat pump water heater, an induction stove, all replacing outdated gas-powered systems — March 24 at the home of Adam Blough.

“Completing this first all-electric retrofit is a long-anticipated accomplishment for the Evanston Green Homes Pilot,” says Mayor Daniel Biss. “We are excited to continue to make progress towards achieving our climate goals while preserving housing affordability through this innovative partnership.”

Evanston Green Homes is helping the city meet its goal of being carbon neutral by 2050, set in 2018. Retrofits are essential to this goal, as 80% of Evanston’s greenhouse gases are emitted by buildings. The City conceived its Green Homes pilot program in 2022 to build momentum and preserve affordable housing, engaging CNT as the project coordinator and Elevate as the energy and construction manager. 

At least 30 housing units across single- and multi-family properties are set to receive nearly $1 million in home improvements by the end of 2025. Households that were selected for the pilot program earn 80% or less of the Area Median Income (AMI)—approximately $89,700 for a family of four— and are  located in the two census tracts the City of Evanston targeted for the pilot–census tracts 8092 and 8102. 

Funding sources for this program are:

• American Rescue Plan Act
• Northwestern University’s Good Neighbor Fund

Retrofits will vary with each home and focus on health and safety, weatherization improvements, and energy efficiency upgrades to increase health and comfort and reduce utility costs. The improvements each home receives will also help reduce carbon emissions within the city, making the program a win-win for the environment and residents.  

“Public investment in green retrofits empowers families to embrace sustainable living without the risk of displacement or extra financial burden.,” says Nina Idemudia, AICP, chief executive officer of Center for Neighborhood Technology. “By modernizing homes, we’re cutting Evanston’s carbon footprint and lowering energy bills—all while reinvesting in communities that have long been overlooked. This initiative proves that environmental progress and affordable housing can go hand in hand, setting a new standard for a more resilient and equitable future for all.” 

“Evanston Green Homes preserves affordable housing in Evanston and ensures that everyone has access to technologies that can make their homes more comfortable and reduce carbon emissions,” says Elevate’s CEO, Dr. Anne Evens. “It’s crucial to bring everyone along as we strive toward a more sustainable future.”   

After the retrofits are completed, staff from Elevate and Center for Neighborhood Technology plan to return to measure the program’s impact. They will look for changes that include lower utility bills and enhanced safety, health, and comfort. 

Blough, the owner of the first home to receive an Evanston Green Homes retrofit, appreciates the opportunity to make his home more climate-friendly: “It’s about leaving the place better than I found it,” says Blough. “I wanted to reduce my carbon footprint and set an example for others to follow in making their homes more ecologically focused.” 

About Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT):  

Founded in 1978, Center for Neighborhood Technology delivers innovative analysis and solutions that support community-based organizations and local governments to create neighborhoods that are equitable, sustainable, and resilient. More at www.cnt.org.  

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