Technology – Nicor Gas Smart Neighborhood

Leading the Way to a Sustainable Future

Nicor Gas is an important leader in the State of Illinois, recognized for its cutting-edge research and development focused on advancing clean energy and providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable natural gas.

The Nicor Gas Smart Neighborhood™ homes in Aurora and Carpentersville, Illinois are built with the most efﬁcient building envelope to keep energy bills manageable.

The homes will be part of a two-year research project with Nicor Gas and Southern Company to help the utility better understand how natural gas can be part of an affordable, reliable model for the clean energy future – and how it works together with electric, solar and other renewables.

High Efficiency Building Envelope

A home’s building envelope refers to engineering and building practices that help manage the energy use, including heating and cooling, insulation and the thermal barrier.

Here is how we are achieving a high efﬁciency building envelope in the Smart Neighborhood homes:

Insulating concrete forms (ICFs) (Aurora)
Spray foam insulation (Aurora)
Energy efﬁcient windows
Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) system

Smart Home & Renewable Technologies

Smart home devices allow the homeowner to automate and manage energy use from a phone or tablet, so the home is more responsive and energy efﬁcient.

Renewable technologies harness energy from renewable sources.

Here are the smart and renewable technologies featured in the Smart Neighborhood homes:

Smart thermostat
Backup power (battery storage system or natural gas generator)
Smart electrical panel
Electric vehicle charger
Smart, energy efﬁcient appliances
Rooftop solar panels

Dual Fuel Energy Sources

Dual fuel homes use a combination of natural gas and electricity to maximize resiliency in Illinois (a cold climate) and ensure affordability for the Habitat for Humanity homeowners. The homes will have one of two heating & cooling systems, each managed by a smart thermostat, to study real-word performance.

Smart Neighborhood™ Homes

Together, these elements combine to create the Nicor Gas Smart Neighborhood homes that leverage connected and renewable technologies, energy efﬁcient building envelope and dual fuel energy sources to create more cost-effective and convenient lifestyles for homeowners.