09/26/2025

“Getting to Zero Tech Forum” and “Limelight & Emerald Award Ceremony” -- Thursday, September 25, 2025

The program was held at the mHub in Chicago.

Getting to Zero Tech Forum” and “Limelight & Emerald Award Ceremony”
Thursday, September 25, 2025
mHub in Chicago

The Illinois Green Alliance (formerly the Illinois Chapter of the US Green Building Council – USGBC) held their “Getting to Zero Tech Forum” and “Limelight & Emerald Award Ceremony” on Thursday, September 25, 2025 mHub in Chicago.  Powering Chicago has been a sustaining sponsor for a number of years.  The ECA looks forward to continue working with the Illinois Green Alliance to help inform members in regard to innovations in green building design, technology, and innovation in Illinois.

Illinois Green Alliance is a membership-driven, community centered nonprofit that works collaboratively to promote green buildings and sustainable communities for all. Their network of sustainability professionals believe green buildings are important to improving the quality of life for everyone in Illinois.

The mHub was a unique venue for the sessions.  Every year, over 300 startups call mHUB home as they work to commercialize new physical products. Innovators have access to state-of-the-art prototyping labs and a micro-factory. mHUB facilitates connections with mentors and investors as well as the opportunity to co-develop and pilot alongside industry.  With the singular purpose of giving hardware and manufacturing their due recognition as major drivers for prosperity and transforming the world, mHUB has built a community over 60,000 strong. From contractors and startups to corporates and philanthropists, mHUB has become a major force in consulting not just startups but industry and investors on their own hardware and manufacturing initiatives. 

Getting to Zero Tech Forum
This program format featured a collection of five-minute, fast-paced presentations by a diverse array of industry experts, showcasing cutting-edge advancements in building technology that drive sustainable and regenerative approaches to the design, construction, and operation of the built environment. Following these flash talks, all the presenters joined the attendees at networking tables, offering the opportunity for engaging discussions over food and drinks about the future of building science and the possibilities for cross-sector collaboration. 

Limelight & Emerald Award Ceremony
After the Tech Forum, the Limelight and Emerald Award Ceremony was held —the largest annual gathering of green building and sustainability professionals of the year.

Pictured above is Miranda Wright, Education and Engagement Manager - Illinois Green Alliance,
as she opened up the Tech Forum.

Pictured above is Lana Crouse, Regional Director
East North Central Region, USGBC.

Pictured above is Allison Winstel, mHub CEO.

Pictured above is Brian Imus, Illinois Green Alliance Director as he addressed the Limelight attendees.

Pictured above is Deana Haynes, VP, Market Development and Transformation, USGBC.

Pictured above is Daniel Biss, Mayor of Evanston, IL as he received a special acknowledgement award.