Nicor Gas Further Expands Partnership with Habitat for Humanity to Bring Second Net Zero Neighborhood to Chicagoland

 NAPERVILLE, Ill. – June 18, 2024 – Nicor Gas announced today that it is entering the second phase of its Smart Neighborhoods in the Chicagoland area. The new Smart Neighborhood will be built in Carpentersville, IL in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley. The first community is already under development in Aurora, Ill with Fox Valley’s Habitat affiliate.

The new community will be comprised of 13 single-family homes, all part of Carter Crossing, a 28-home, net zero subdivision in Carpentersville. The homes will be net zero, meaning they produce more energy through renewable resources than the total amount of energy that the home uses. Nicor Gas refers to these homes as CARE communities (Carbon-neutral, Affordable, Resilient and Efficient) because they demonstrate resilient and sustainable solutions for all income levels. The neighborhoods are designed with a high efficiency building envelope and integrate solar panels and energy storage as well as utilize energy efficient appliances to ensure that homeowners’ energy bills are manageable. Eligible residents are all first-time homeowners and benefit from a zero-interest mortgage.

Nicor Gas has been leading the industry in providing equitable pathways for sustainability to its customers and communities. The company has been working closely with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the U.S. Department of Zero Energy Ready Home program.

“We are proud to continue our partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley as we work together to make home ownership with critical energy efficient, smart technology a reality,” said Meena Beyers, vice president of Business and Community Development at Nicor Gas. “This project represents the importance of providing affordable, innovative and sustainable solutions for all of our customers. Everyone deserves the opportunity to lower their carbon footprint and be a part of a smarter and cleaner energy future in Chicagoland.”

Smart Neighborhood™ is a trademarked brand of Southern Company, the ultimate parent company of Nicor Gas. Smart Neighborhoods advance energy technologies that work together as a part of an affordable, reliable clean energy economy. They lead to job creation, diverse business partnerships, economic development and green transportation.

“We are excited to continue our work alongside Nicor Gas to create a pathway to strength, stability and independence through homeownership for our residents in Carpentersville,” said Barbara Beckman, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley. “This collaboration represents a unique opportunity to advance the adoption of net zero energy solutions, while making them available to individuals who ordinarily could not afford these environmental upgrades.”

As the largest natural gas provider in Illinois, Nicor Gas leads cutting-edge research and development focused on a resilient clean energy future every day. Nicor Gas is part of Southern Company Gas, a family of four natural gas distribution companies whose commitment to sustainability includes working towards net zero emissions from operations, while delivering quality customer solutions, enriching communities and investing in innovation. 

Habitat for Humanity is a global nonprofit that brings people together to build homes, communities and hope, envisioning a world where everyone has a decent place to live. The housing organization works in communities across all 50 states.

For this community, Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley will serve as the developer of the Smart Neighborhood. In addition, Habitat for Humanity will partner with local government officials on a broader Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative to conduct home repairs and build quality, affordable homes for those in need. Nicor Gas will support that initiative through its energy efficiency program.

To learn more about the Smart Neighborhood Initiative, please visit www.NGSmartNeighborhoods.com.