Net Zero Neighborhoods

By Mark Loehrke
Appears in the May 2025 issue.

Nicor Gas has teamed up with Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley to build two “smart home” communities: a 17-home development now underway in Aurora and a 28-home community slated for Carpentersville. Both feature net zero dwellings that integrate solar panels and back-up power, along with energy-efficient natural gas equipment and building materials. The houses offer smart home automation as well as rely on a combination of natural gas, electricity, and renewables to increase energy-efficiency and help lower residents’ monthly bills.

Rendering: Gary Fowler