The Nicor Gas Economic Redevelopment Program has helped the North Suburban YMCA in Northbrook, Illinois, save a projected $52,000 per year on energy costs. How much could buildings in your community be saving with energy efficiency upgrades?
Find out at this webinar on Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. CDT.
The Nicor Gas Economic Redevelopment Program focuses on serving communities that are in need of economic revitalization. In addition, projects that provide community benefits may qualify regardless of their location within the Nicor Gas service territory. Qualifying community benefits include buildings that provide affordable housing, offer community services, create jobs, provide health care, or redevelop vacant or contaminated commercial and industrial sites. CNT Energy and the Energy Center of Wisconsin administer the program on behalf of Nicor Gas.
How does the program work? First, Nicor offers expert technical assistance and guidance to help owners identify what improvements to make. For example, recreational facilities like the North Suburban YMCA require a lot of ventilation for courts, locker rooms, and pools that are often not in full use. One improvement option is demand controlled ventilation. Based on the recommendations provided by the program, the North Suburban YMCA decided to invest in new HVAC equipment, an energy recovery system, energy efficient lighting, and improvements to pool and exercise room systems. The renovation is expected to decrease energy expenses by nearly 35 percent.
The Nicor Gas Economic Redevelopment program also provides access to financial incentives to help defray the costs of energy efficiency improvements. Technical consulting, design, and engineering assistance (estimated $20,000 value) are provided at no cost, and projects can receive financial incentives of $0.70 per therm saved (up to $100,000). The North Suburban YMCA, for example, will receive one-time financial incentives of over $50,970 over two project phases.
To learn more about investing in energy efficiency improvements through the Nicor Gas Economic Redevelopment Program, join us for a webinar on Wednesday, Jan. 23 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. CDT. Click here to register.
