Energy Retrofit Program Goes Residential

Energy Retrofit Program Goes Residential

The Chicago Tribune (8/17, 463K) reports, "Programmable thermostats, high-efficiency light bulbs and low-flow shower heads won't lower the average age of residential buildings in Chicago below the current 83 years, but technology can get those buildings behaving more like newcomers on the block. That's why the city of Chicago, utility companies and nonprofit community groups are teaming up to launch the residential portion of the city's Retrofit Chicago program, and it will distribute free items like thermostats and shower heads." The city will also offer "discounted energy audits and rebates for projects that single-family homeowners and apartment building owners can undertake to improve the energy efficiency of their living spaces."