Evanston Ecology Center Gets LEED Gold Certification Following Major Upgrade

EVANSTON, IL — The Evanston Ecology Center has achieved LEED Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council following a major renovation completed in 2025.

The project modernized the city facility and added a series of building and site upgrades tied to energy efficiency, water savings and long-term durability. The city said the renovation was designed to turn the Ecology Center into a high-performance, eco-friendly facility while reinforcing its role as an educational resource and an example of sustainable infrastructure.

According to the city, the work supports Evanston's Climate Action and Resilience Plan, known as CARP, as well as its Healthy Building Ordinance.

Among the biggest changes was the installation of a fully electric heating and cooling system intended to eliminate operational emissions. According to the city, the new HVAC system delivers a 29 percent improvement in energy performance above baseline code requirements.

The project also included modernization of classrooms, offices and restrooms. The city reported that the renovated restrooms include water-efficient fixtures that reduce indoor water use by 35 percent. Interior educational spaces and administrative offices were also updated to improve functionality and the experience for visitors and staff.

Other work focused on protecting the building itself and improving surrounding environmental conditions. The renovation included structural roof repairs for long-term durability and safety, along with crawlspace waterproofing to help prevent moisture-related issues, improve air quality and support thermal efficiency.

Outside the building, the city said the habitat around the Ecology Center was preserved and reinforced with additional native and adaptive species. That work aligns with the center's mission and the broader sustainability goals tied to the renovation.

Residents looking for more information can visit the Ecology Center webpage or call 847-448-4111. Community members calling from within Evanston can also dial 3-1-1.