ComEd Energy Assessments and Incentives are supporting Districtwide energy efficiency improvements.

Through the ComEd Energy Assessment program, the Park District plans to assess each facility and park building over the next 10 years.

Incentives offered through this program have supported the District’s transition to LED lighting and will continue to guide the District in improving energy efficiency.

75% of the lighting at District facilities has been replaced with LEDs. 1/3 of the athletic field lighting has been replaced with LEDs.

Compared to traditional lighting, LEDs provide many benefits including – increased energy efficiency, a longer lifespan, and are created with less hazardous materials – all of which lead to significant cost savings and reduced energy demands.

The Park District has been working to convert our facility and sports field lighting to LEDs to improve efficiency. 75% of the lighting at District facilities has been replaced with LEDs and about 1/3 of the field lighting has been converted.

Have you seen these stickers in District facilities?

In facilities that have not fully transitioned to automatic lighting, you will find these stickers on the light switches, which are a small way the District can remind occupants to only turn on the lights when needed.

This initiative was implemented as part of the District’s 2018 Sustainability Plan.

New construction projects have implemented energy efficient design practices such as daylighting and automation.

The Park District’s standard practice for new construction is to build for energy efficiency.

One way this is done is through daylighting, which allows a building to rely on natural light to light building interiors, reducing energy demand.

Another is through automation of systems, which optimize building system operation and reduce energy consumption.

The District’s Operations Building (pictured) is an example of daylighting design practices and automated lighting. Through skylights and carefully placed windows, natural light helps illuminate the facility.

As building systems are replaced, more efficient options are selected.

When building systems like heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) units are up for replacement, more efficient options are chosen and when possible, automated.

In 2025, a new dehumidification unit was installed at Centennial Ice Arena. The new dehumidification unit (pictured) replaced a 45 year old unit, and will significantly improve energy efficiency – by design and also through automation. In 2025, one of Centennial’s roof top heating units is scheduled for replacement, and in 2026, two of the HVAC units are to be replaced. These replacements will also lead to significant improvements in the building’s energy efficiency.

Energy efficient design features for the New Recreation Facility at West Ridge.

• Building envelop designed to exceed energy code minimums, optimized for thermal comfort and efficiency of mechanical systems
• High albedo roof (reflects the sun’s energy, rather than absorbing) to lessen mechanical system loads
• LED lighting throughout & energy efficient building mechanical units
• Design utilizes daylighting practices, reducing energy demand

Learn more about the project by visiting the project page.