New construction home builders in northern Illinois can benefit from taking advantage of the Nicor Gas Smart Builder program. Based on Nicor Gas’ philosophy that smart buildings can help people save money and lower their carbon footprint, the new program offers incentives to builders that leverage energy-efficient building practices and smart energy products.
Builders can choose from four levels of participation, with the goal of ultimately reaching our highest tier Nicor Gas Certified Smart Builder. Each level has its own financial incentives, and builders can aim for higher and more efficient requirements to reach the Nicor Gas Certified Smart Builder level. Nicor Gas values its relationships with builders of all levels and supports them on their path to sustainable building.
The levels are as follows (listed in descending order):
Nicor Gas Certified Smart Builder
The Certified Smart Builder identifies outstanding commitment to sustainable building practices that spotlight energy efficiency and net zero building. These builders leverage the latest in cutting edge smart energy technologies to allow their residents to live more carbon conscious lifestyles.
Requirements
- Homes must reach net zero emissions and include the integration of back up battery systems and solar panels
- Air sealing: 3.0 ACH50 for single-family homes, 3.5 ACH50 for townhomes
- Duct sealing: 2 CFM per 100 sq. ft. for single-family homes, 3 CFM per 100 sq. ft. for townhomes
- Hybrid space heating system (8.1 or greater HSPF2 electric heat pump combined with 95% or greater AFUE furnace)
- Natural gas water heater (0.86 UEF or greater storage water heater or 0.95 UEF or greater tankless water heater)
- Smart thermostat
Incentives
- $825 per home
- Use of the Nicor Gas Smart Builder logo on all promotional materials
- Eligible for additional bonus incentives*
- Eligible for Federal and State rebates
Nicor Gas Gold Builder
Builders achieving Gold Builder status demonstrate a strong commitment to energy efficient building practices and can receive more than $825 in benefits from utility incentives.
Requirements
- Air sealing: 3.0 ACH50 for single-family homes, 3.5 ACH50 for townhomes
- Duct sealing: 2 CFM per 100 sq. ft. for single-family homes, 3 CFM per 100 sq. ft. for townhomes
- Hybrid space heating system (8.1 or greater HSPF2 electric heat pump combined with 95% or greater AFUE furnace)
- Natural gas water heater (0.86 UEF or greater storage water heater or 0.95 UEF or greater tankless water heater)
- Smart thermostat
Incentives
- $825 per home
- Eligible for additional bonus incentives*
Nicor Gas Silver Builder
Silver Builders demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and are eligible for more than $500 in rebates from Nicor Gas.
Requirements
- Air sealing: 3.0 ACH50 for single-family homes, 3.5 ACH50 for townhomes
- Duct sealing: 2 CFM per 100 sq. ft. for single-family homes, 3 CFM per 100 sq. ft. for townhomes
- High-efficiency, sealed combustion furnace or boiler (97 or greater AFUE)
- Natural gas water heater (0.86 UEF or greater storage water heater or 0.95 UEF or greater tankless water heater)
- Smart thermostat
Incentives
- $500 per home
- Eligible for additional bonus incentives*
Nicor Gas Bronze Builder
Home builders who are aligned with Nicor Gas’ energy efficiency goals can achieve Bronze Builder status by meeting the requirements listed below.
Requirements
- Air sealing: 3.5 ACH50 for single-family homes and townhomes
- Duct sealing: 3 CFM per 100 sq. ft. for single-family homes and town homes
- High-efficiency, sealed combustion furnace or boiler (95 or greater AFUE)
- Water heater**
- Advanced thermostat
Incentives
- $275 per home**
- Eligible for additional bonus incentives*
**Builders will receive $175 if they choose not to install a natural gas water heater.
*Additional incentives include:
- Third party verification via Builder or HERS rater: $75 per qualified completed home
- High-performance windows (thermal transmittance rating [U-value] <= 0.22 and Solar heat gain co-efficient rating [SHGC] >= 0.17): $15 per window ($300 maximum per home)
- WatersenseTM showerheads and faucets: $25 per home
- Insulated Concrete Form walls: Custom rebate. Contact us to learn more.
