Illinois Institute of Technology Architecture Programs Earn National Sustainability Designation from U.S. Department of Energy

CHICAGO—September 13, 2024—The College of Architecture at Illinois Institute of Technology has been awarded the prestigious Zero Energy Design Designation (ZEDD) from the United States Department of Energy (DOE) for it Bachelor of Architecture and Master of Architecture programs. This recognition highlights the college’s commitment to sustainability, carbon neutrality, and zero-energy design practices in a world of escalating extreme weather and climate change. 

The designation is awarded to institutions that “demonstrate a commitment to preparing students for a zero-carbon future by offering a building science education curriculum within their programs of study that showcases best practices in zero-energy design and requiring a zero-energy design practicum.”

Illinois Institute of Technology’s programs met the ZEDD standards under the leadership of Assistant Professor of Architecture Youngjin Hwang, who spearheaded efforts to align the curriculum with DOE’s learning objectives.

“In the field of architecture, sustainability, carbon neutrality, and high performance building design are now essential,” says Hwang. “This designation involves our distinctive pedagogical approach to educate the next generation of architecture professionals.”

Throughout the past year, Hwang collaborated with faculty and department chairs, with the support of Rowe Family College Dean Endowed Chair Reed Kroloff, to establish an updated yearlong course in environment and building systems for the bachelor’s and master’s programs. This course, adopted as part of ZEDD’s Building Science Education Curriculum requirement, incorporates new lecture content and in-class workshops that provide various building performance simulation techniques.

The College of Architecture is one of just 26 institutions recognized by the DOE for their commitment to zero-energy design since ZEDD launched in 2022. Illinois Institute of Technology had previously received the ZEDD for its architectural engineering program in 2022. The designation will remain in effect through 2027.

Photo: S. R. Crown Hall

Illinois Institute of Technology

Based in the global metropolis of Chicago, Illinois Tech was born to liberate the power of collective difference to advance technology and innovation for all. It is the only tech-focused university in the city, and it stands at the crossroads of exploration and invention, advancing the future of Chicago and the world. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering, computing, architecture, business, design, science and human sciences, and law. Illinois Tech students are guaranteed access to hands-on experiences, personalized mentorship, and job readiness through the university's one-of-a-kind Elevate program. Its graduates lead the state and much of the nation in economic prosperity. Its faculty and alumni built the Chicago skyline. And every day in the city's living lab, Illinois Tech fuels breakthroughs that change lives. Visit iit.edu.

College of Architecture

The College of Architecture at Illinois Institute of Technology builds on a legacy of disciplined experimentation in materials and technologies to educate and inspire the next generation of architects and landscape architects. From its landmark campus and home at S. R. Crown Hall, IIT Architecture champions an interdisciplinary approach to education and research that is simultaneously local and global in its impact. IIT Architecture students are educated to address complex, contemporary challenges of designing and constructing across all scales. Both faculty and students enjoy a longstanding relationship with professional practice in Chicago, a city with a vibrant history of innovation in architecture, design, landscape architecture, and urbanism. Visit arch.iit.edu.

Media contacts

Kevin Dollear
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Illinois Institute of Technology
Cell: 773.860.5712
kdollear@iit.edu