Chicago — North Shore Gas and Peoples Gas have recognized seven local business and public sector customers for their achievements in energy efficiency. The companies reduced energy usage, lowered emissions, improved business operations, and drove innovation for environmental sustainability.
The public and private sector companies and organizations were honored at the 2026 North Shore Gas and Peoples Gas Energy Forum, which was held at Café Brauer in Lincoln Park Zoo and attended by more than 70 Chicagoland customers. The forum included presentations providing updates on natural gas supply and emerging technologies that are leading the way toward a decarbonized energy future.
Each organization has partnered with the North Shore Gas and Peoples Gas Energy Efficiency team to take advantage of free energy assessments, rebates on customized equipment, operations and maintenance support, and advanced engineering studies.
The organizations’ award-winning efforts are having key positive impacts.
“Chicago-area businesses are working with our Energy Efficiency team to take big steps in reducing energy use, costs and carbon emissions while also maintaining safe and reliable energy delivery,” says Maria Bocanegra, president — Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas. “Together, we’re deploying innovative energy solutions that help boost the local economy and economic growth by supporting businesses’ operations, budgets, and the Chicago region’s environment.”
Since the start of the Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas Energy Efficiency Programs, approximately 7,200 business and public sector customers have received $66 million in rebates. Energy consumption has been reduced by 171 million therms — in turn reducing heating bills — and 908,000 tons of carbon emissions have been prevented. The work also has supported the Chicagoland workforce, adding more than 500 jobs that support the energy and cost saving upgrades.
The north suburban organizations earning Featured Awards at the 2026 Energy Forum are:
United States Navy, Naval Station Great Lakes – Hall of Flame Award
Naval Station Great Lakes has been an active participant in the North Shore Gas Energy Efficiency Program since 2021, completing at least one major efficiency project each year and taking advantage of an engineering study funded by North Shore Gas’ program. Energy efficiency improvements include multiple boiler tune-ups and replacements, steam trap projects, a high-efficiency ware washer and other efforts designed to reduce energy use across the installation. From 2021 through 2025, projects have saved more than 466,000 therms of energy and earned Naval Station Great Lakes $110,000 in incentives. The Navy has continued that momentum with additional projects in 2026, demonstrating a consistent commitment to exploring new technologies and improving the long-term efficiency of its facilities.
Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital – Best Return on Investment Award
Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital expanded its involvement with the North Shore Gas Energy Efficiency Program in 2025 by taking a broader approach to improving energy performance across its facility. Projects include boiler tune-ups, an insulation study, and a process insulation project that grew directly from the study’s findings. Together, the improvements saved 49,000 therms of energy and earned more than $43,000 in incentives for the hospital. The team has continued that momentum into 2026 and is currently working with North Shore Gas on a custom burner controls project. Lake Forest Hospital’s growing participation reflects an ongoing commitment to identifying new opportunities for efficiency and creating a more sustainable operating environment.
North Chicago Community School District 187 – Newly Engaged Customer Award
North Chicago Community School District 187 began working with the North Shore Gas Energy Efficiency Program in 2025 and quickly began identifying opportunities to improve efficiency across its buildings. The district completed steam trap testing and replacement projects at two schools, resulting in more than 19,000 therms of energy savings and earning the district $13,400 in incentives. Building on that success, the district now is exploring potential boiler replacements at an administrative building and another school building. Its strong start and ongoing assessment of new projects reflects a commitment to energy-saving solutions that can benefit district facilities and the local environment for years to come.
The Chicago organizations earning Featured Awards at the 2026 Energy Forum are:
Chicago Public Schools – Hall of Flame Award
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has been a longtime partner in the Peoples Gas Energy Efficiency Program, using energy efficiency projects to improve operations and comfort across its schools. In 2025, CPS completed a wide range of projects, including steam trap testing and repair, boiler tune-ups, and pipe and boiler insulation. Together, these efforts saved more than 1.3 million therms, nearly doubling the district’s therm savings from the prior year. CPS also earned more than $900,000 in incentives. CPS continues to build on years of energy efficiency success by pursuing both proven solutions and new opportunities that can provide lasting energy savings. Its continued commitment helps create more efficient and comfortable learning environments for students and staff across Chicago.
135 S. LaSalle Property, LLC, “The Field Building” – Best Return on Investment Award
In 2025, the Field Building — a historic 45-story Art Deco building in downtown Chicago — partnered with Peoples Gas on its first energy efficiency project. As the building was undergoing a major renovation to preserve historical features while converting to apartments, the project repaired a leaking expansion joint and replaced several valves. The work minimized wasted steam and helped prevent water damage. The improvements are expected to save more than 6,200 therms annually, and $5,600 in incentives from the Peoples Gas Energy Efficiency Program covered half of the project cost. With savings unlocked through the project, the work is expected to pay for itself in less than one year. This demonstrates how a focused efficiency improvement can provide both immediate financial benefits and ongoing, long-term savings.
Lincoln Park Zoo – Innovative Partner of the Year Award
Lincoln Park Zoo partnered with Peoples Gas to complete the first commercial gas heat pump installation in the Chicago area. Located at the Regenstein African Journey Exhibit, the project replaced an aging water heater with an array of high-efficiency gas heat pumps designed to meet the building’s hot water needs while using less natural gas. The new system is expected to save more than 9,300 therms per year. As an early adopter of gas heat pump technology, Lincoln Park Zoo is showing how innovative solutions can deliver measurable energy savings, providing a model for other institutions considering advanced heating technologies. The gas heat pumps were installed at the zoo with no disruption to animals in their habitats.
Transwestern – Newly Engaged Customer Award
Transwestern made a strong first impression as a new participant in the Peoples Gas Small and Midsize Business Energy Efficiency Program in 2025. Its initial project focused on steam trap testing and replacement, and resulted in more than 90,000 therms of annual energy savings. The company earned $37,600 of incentives toward the work. The success of the project has already created opportunities for additional collaboration, including an assessment at an additional building and broader engagement with Transwestern engineers and property managers. This early momentum provides a strong foundation for expanding energy efficiency efforts across more of Transwestern’s Chicago portfolio.
Each of these organizations has taken a leading role alongside North Shore Gas and Peoples Gas to move the Chicago region toward a decarbonized energy future while achieving cost savings and operational efficiencies.
