Project Catalog

Sustainability

Airport Sustainability

The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) has been the national leader in promoting environmental impact reduction in its industry for over a decade. CDA retained a team led by APTIM and including Quercus Consulting to provide sustainability services. The projects include data analysis, facility energy audits, researching new and innovative technologies and consumer outreach, as well as facilitating the annual Airports Going Green conference.

Northbrook Sustainability Plan

Quercus assisted with developing a new sustainability plan undertaken jointly by the Village of Northbrook and the Northbrook Park District, as part of a team led by the Delta Institute. Quercus reviewed all sustainability-related actions and accomplishments of both organizations. The final report incorporates community engagement and establishes priorities guiding the Village and Park District in their combined efforts.

Highland Park Sustainability Plan

Quercus assisted with calculations of citywide GHG and necessary reporting through the Carbon Disclosure Project as required under the Mayor’s Compact for Climate and Energy. Quercus also assisted the City with completing the Sustainability Plan update for 2023-2027. The Sustainability Plan update included performance measures as set by the City, a near and long term citywide GHG reduction target, and action items to advance the City’s sustainability efforts and move the City towards its GHG target.

Green Buildings

Corporate Impact Statement

Every company, agency, and organization has a great story to tell about the people they serve, the products they make, and their efforts to leave a positive impact on the world, even a small business like Quercus Consulting! We recently calculated the impact of our corporation in financial and environmental terms, and developed the infographic shown here. This is a valuable tool for our company; it tells us what we’re doing well and how we can strive for an even better legacy.

State Farm Center, LEED Gold

Quercus Consulting served as the project’s LEED AP to manage the certification process. In this capacity the firm led the development of the project’s sustainability goals during schematic design and the integration of those goals throughout the design development process. Quercus worked with multiple contractors to ensure that the goals were implemented correctly.

Chicago Police and Fire Joint Training Facility LEED

The Joint Public Safety Training Facility, designed to strengthen public safety and foster community resilience, proudly achieved LEED Silver certification for its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Quercus served as the LEED consultant on the project. This state-of-the-art facility integrates energy-efficient systems, minimizes water consumption, and utilizes locally sourced, eco-friendly building materials. Thoughtful landscaping preserves the surrounding ecosystem, promoting environmental health. With features like optimized energy performance and improved indoor environmental quality, the facility not only reduces operational costs but also sets a precedent for sustainable public infrastructure.

Environmental Jusitce

Aviation Analysis

In the white paper "Environmental Justice in the Aviation Industry: Addressing Concerns and Fostering Equitable Solutions" Quercus explores the critical intersection of environmental justice and the aviation industry. It delves into the multifaceted issues surrounding the communities in which many airports are located. It addresses how marginalized communities often bear disproportionate environmental burdens. By examining the data available and utilizing the lens of environmental justice, this document aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of key concerns and potential solutions for a more equitable aviation sector.

Food Desert Presentation

Quercus Consulting shared with the Church Women United Illinois - State Assembly on the topic of Food and Water Insecurity. Food Insecurity is defined as a household economic and social condition of limited or uncertain access to adequate food. High levels of lead in water can cause long term health issues, especially in young children. Quercus focused on the topic of 1 in 10 people suffering from Food Insecurity in the United States.

Water Reclamation

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago's Environmental Justice Section coordinates existing and future environmental justice and climate justice activities within the MWRD and in the communities that the MWRD serves by establishing partnerships with both local government and community groups within the identified communities. The MWRD’s objective is to integrate environmental justice considerations into all MWRD programs, policies, and activities wherever possible. In conjunction with our sister company, Shelton Solutions, Quercus provided a comprehensive white paper addressing the impact of MWRD projects and Environmental Justice and the surrounding communities.

Energy

Electric Vehicle Economic Impact Study

Florida Power & Light (FPL) wanted to explore the potential economic impact of widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in the state. FPL contracted with AECOM, and Quercus served as a sub-consultant, to conduct an economic impact study specifically examining this spending shift. FPL requested an analysis of the state as a whole and a parallel examination of the Tri-County region of Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties.

Electric Vehicle Market Study

Quercus Consulting served as the project manager for an electric vehicle planning study for Clean Fuels Ohio. The study examined the market for personal electric vehicles and vehicle fleets, the local code and permit issues that may enable or impede wide-spread installation of the new technology, and established a methodology for strategically siting re-fueling stations. As the project manager, Quercus coordinated a team of economic, urban planning and transportation experts. Quercus was a sub-contractor to AECOM on this project.

The Power of Utility Rebates

Quercus Consulting was retained by IFF, a mission-driven lender, developer and consultant, to inform faith communities in the Northern Illinois region about its Energy Performance Program (E2P) and Energy Efficiency Loans. This loan program was specifically designated for funding energy efficiency upgrades in existing buildings such as HVAC and boiler replacements, new lighting, windows and insulation. Houses of worship were eligible for these funds but were generally unaware of IFF and its programs. Well-versed in the benefits of energy efficiency, Quercus Consulting conducted outreach to institutions of all faiths to raise awareness with the goal of helping them to save energy and money for years to come.

Citywide Energy Survey

The Chicago Housing Authority provides residents with an allowance to cover part of their monthly utility bills. The formula with which the allowance is calculated must be reviewed occasionally, and CHA retained Quercus Consulting to conduct a survey of its residents to determine the average energy consumption of these households. Quercus conducted in-home surveys for a portion of the units which receive a utility allowance.