Audrey Henderson

Audrey Henderson

Audrey Henderson is a contributing reporter at Canary Media focused on environmental justice and equity. She lives in the greater Chicago area. She has advanced degrees in sociology and law from Northwestern University. She specializes in sustainability in the built environment, culture and arts, policy, and related topics. Her work has been featured in Wallpaper, the Chicago Reader, Chicago Architect, Next City, Transitions Abroad, Belt Magazine, and other consumer and trade publications.

The Latest from Audrey Henderson

Energy efficiency

Chicago program to light up dark streets is gateway to energy efficiency

MECRO outfits porches with LED lights that automatically turn on at dusk, helping residents feel safer — and showing them how to start lowering their energy bills.

By Audrey Henderson . 5 June 2025
Clean energy jobs

Illinois’ clean energy transition needs workers. ComEd is training them.

The utility’s Academy programs are helping women and people of color start careers in clean energy. A new crop of workers just graduated.

By Audrey Henderson . 1 May 2025
Electric vehicles

Chicago community group advances EVs, despite federal setbacks

The Bronzeville Community Development Partnership is working to foster clean transportation innovation in a historic hub for electric vehicles.

By Audrey Henderson . 14 March 2025
Electric vehicles

Illinois’ largest utility unveils $100M to spur EV adoption

ComEd rolled out the new incentives, which support fleet purchases and charging infrastructure upgrades, in the run-up to the Chicago Auto Show.

By Audrey Henderson . 11 February 2025
ENN

Department of Energy funding to boost community-led geothermal projects

Chicago and Boston nonprofits focused on an equitable transition from fossil fuels are among the five recipients.

By Audrey Henderson . 20 December 2024
ENN

Illinois program’s ‘wraparound’ approach helps formerly incarcerated people land solar industry jobs

The Renewing Sovereignty Project, which provides social and financial support for participants leaving the justice system, had a 100% placement rate in its first year.

By Audrey Henderson . 1 October 2024
ENN

Vacant urban land poses complex questions for clean energy siting

Projects in Chicago and Detroit show challenges of ensuring energy projects mesh with residents’ vision for their community.

By Audrey Henderson . 23 September 2024
ENN

No longer a niche, Passive House standards becoming a solution for highly efficient affordable housing

Developers say material costs are coming down, but building highly efficient housing still requires a shift in mindset to long-term benefits.

By Audrey Henderson . 4 September 2024
ENN

How a ‘farmer-first’ approach could lead to more successful agrivoltaics projects

Advocates say involving farmers in early stages of planning helps them maximize revenue – a particular concern for BIPOC-led operations

By Audrey Henderson . 19 August 2024
ENN

A Chicago advocate builds climate resilience, one green space at a time

Annamaria Leon is devoted to building community in her adopted neighborhood, despite being a relative newcomer.

By Audrey Henderson . 14 June 2024