Upcoming electric homes events in February and March

Steven Vance
Chicago Cityscape’s Blog
5 min readFeb 7, 2024

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The five events include two opportunities to tour new construction all-electric houses in Woodlawn, webinars to hear from builders about the electric homes development, electrifying one’s own home, and a bonus free cooking class with opportunities to win a home cooking prize set.

1. ComEd electric homes incentive

Tuesday, February 13, 2024, 3-4 PM

RSVP for the webinar

Join Rewiring America for a discussion with Slipstream’s Energy Operations Researcher, Sophia Seol, Greenline Home’s CEO, Benjamin Van Horne, and Wayne Beals, Chair of the Chicago Association of Realtors Sustainability Workgroup and an all-electric homeowner on the ins and outs of ComEd’s Electric Homes New Construction program and their insights on the process of securing financing, constructing, and enjoying life in newly built all-electric homes in Chicago.

ComEd’s Electric Homes New Construction program provides incentives to builders in Chicago to build all-electric single-family homes, duplexes, small multi-family, 2–4 flats, and accessory dwelling units (carriage houses, garage conversions, or in-law units). These incentives range from $3,000 to $5,000 per unit depending on square footage, and are available now until December 31, 2024.

2. Clean and Affordable Heat and Cooking

Thursday, February 15, 2024, 6 PM

RSVP for the in-person event to learn more about a clean heat campaign. Speakers will discuss how making the switch to electric appliances can reduce your carbon footprint, lower energy costs, and protect your health.

Flyer for the “Our Future Home” event on 2/15/2024.

The “Our Future Home” event is co-sponsored by: Citizens Utility Board (CUB), Sierra Club Illinois, State Senator Robert Martwick, State Representative Lindsey LaPointe, Cook County Commissioner Bridget Degnen, and Alderman Samantha Nugent.

Jefferson Memorial Fieldhouse
4822 N Long Ave
Chicago, IL 60630

3. All-electric rowhouse tour

Monday, February 19, 2024, 6-7:30 PM

RSVP for the on-site tour (address in Woodlawn to be revealed before the tour). Tours will be given in two or three groups, so a late arrival is possible.

Tour an all-electric home to learn about newer construction techniques and indoor air quality. Join Climate Action Museum co-founder Steven Vance for an exciting opportunity to explore an all-electric home and discover the latest building techniques and indoor air quality solutions.

Photos from a previous tour of a rowhouse built by the same company as this tour (Greenline Homes).

This in-person event will provide valuable insights into creating environmentally friendly and energy-efficient homes.

Wayne Beals, co-founder of Climate Action Museum and a Realtor, will be our knowledgeable guide and walk everyone through the various features of the Greenline Homes-built house, highlighting the benefits of using all-electric systems. Learn how these systems can reduce your carbon footprint and improve indoor air quality, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable living environment.

4. Cooking class

Monday, February 26, 2024, 6-7 PM

RSVP for the on-site demonstration at The Chopping Block

With induction cooking on the rise, now is the perfect time to get familiar and comfortable with this powerful and efficient method of cooking. In conjunction with the 40th Ward, spend an hour with our chef as they demo two recipes that utilize different heat and cooking times, so you can see first hand how precisely and evenly an induction burner operates. We’ll discuss all of the energy and safety benefits and cover compatible cookware. You’ll learn just how easy it is to prepare your favorite recipes using an induction burner.

Flyer for the free cooking class on 2/26/24 at 6 PM at The Chopping Block in Lincoln Square.

Menu:

  • Mediterranean Vegetable Paella
  • Vegetable Stir Fry

Skills covered in class:

  • Selecting the correct cookware
  • How induction cooking works
  • The benefits of induction cooking
  • How to adjust the heat settings

5. Builders conversation & house tour

Thursday, March 7, 2024, 12-1 PM and 4-6 PM

RSVP for the the webinar, 12-1 PM

Join Illinois Green Alliance to delve into the design strategies and technologies behind two all-electric multi-unit structures: an urban infill 3-flat in Woodlawn and a 15-unit apartment building near United Center (pictured).

Photos from a tour of the 15-unit apartment building near United Center.

Our builders, Andre Blacknard from Eco Home Builders, and Darshan Desai from Mapletree Properties, will lead us through their builds and cover topics like:

  • Building Envelope Optimization — Discover how these structures achieve superior energy efficiency through innovative insulation, air sealing, and window design.
  • Heat pump HVAC, Ventilation, Heat Pump Water Heater Strategies
  • Induction Cooking, Clothes Drying Solutions
  • Solar Considerations
  • The ComEd Electric Homes Program providing financial incentives for electric homes like these!

In-Person Building Open House, 4-6 PM (use the same RSVP link as the webinar)

Later, join our speakers in person, anytime between 4–6 PM to tour the Eco Home Builders 3-Unit building at 6206 S St Lawrence Ave.

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Map maker, into transportation, land use, and housing. Tweets: @stevevance, @chibuildings, part of @streetsblogCHI