Naperville Receives Governor's Sustainability Award

Home Energy Savings Program Promotes Energy Efficiency, Sustainability

The City of Naperville recently received the Governor's Sustainability Award for its efforts in protecting the environment, helping sustain the future and improving the economy through its Home Energy Savings Program (HESP).

Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), HESP was created by the City in 2010 as a way to provide Naperville residents with recommendations that would improve energy efficiency in their homes. As part of the program, City inspectors became trained energy technicians and are providing more than 550 free energy evaluations to residents. The evaluations are used to identify air leaks and other areas of infiltration where insulation could be used to make the home more energy efficient.

Participants of the program are eligible for a 50 percent reimbursement up to $1,500 toward any energy improvements that are suggested by technicians. Examples of home improvements include, but were not limited to, sealing air leaks; insulating attics; and replacing air conditioner units, water heaters, and furnaces.

To date, about 72 percent of participants have made improvements to their homes, which helps lower their energy consumption and utility costs on an annual basis. In addition, much of the work helps stimulate the local economy as contractors and others are employed to make the improvements.

With nearly 75 percent of the program complete, it is estimated that HESP has helped reduce nearly 1 million pounds of annual greenhouse gas emissions into the environment and reinvested an estimated $1 million into the local economy for energy efficiency retrofits. As funding from the DOE for HESP was limited, applications to participate are no longer being accepted.

“With private energy evaluations estimated at more than $500, this free program identifies opportunities for residents to save money on their utility bills so they can do something positive for the environment and their community,” Naperville energy technician and inspector Jim Tente said. “We were able to work directly with our residents and provide them with real data and analysis to make appropriate changes in their homes that would result in savings.”

Naperville was one of 25 Illinois organizations and companies recognized by the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center (ISTC) during a luncheon held October 27 in Champaign. ISTC is a unit of the Prairie Research Institute at the University of Illinois.

Since 1987, ISTC has presented Governor's awards to organizations in Illinois that have demonstrated a commitment to environmental excellence through outstanding and innovative sustainability practices. Any Illinois public or private organization is eligible to apply for an award. Organizations receiving an award for the first time are presented with the Sustainability Award. Those organizations that have won in past years and are continuing their environmental efforts are awarded a Continuous Improvement Award.

Information on the Governor's Sustainability Awards program and lists of previous winners are available by contacting the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center by mail at One Hazelwood Drive, Champaign, IL 61820, by phone at (217) 333-8940 or by visiting www.istc.illinois.edu.

To learn more about Naperville's Home Energy Savings Program, visit www.naperville.il.us/hesp.aspx. For more information on the City of Naperville, visit www.naperville.il.us. Sign up to receive the latest news on the City of Naperville's projects and initiatives via e-mail at www.naperville.il.us/enews.aspx.