Chicago City Wire

The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) and ComEd celebrated the completion of an energy-efficient lighting project at O’Hare International Airport's Terminals 1 and 3. The project aligns with the City of Chicago's commitment to cleaner and more efficient energy practices.

CDA Commissioner Jamie L. Rhee expressed gratitude to ComEd for its partnership in reducing O’Hare’s energy consumption and carbon footprint. She highlighted the CDA's ongoing efforts towards sustainability, stating, “From developing the first-in-the nation Sustainable Airport Manual to implementing green designs in all of our development projects and even utilizing livestock to help maintain airport property, the CDA has a long and impressive track record of seeking ways to expand our industry-leading sustainability initiatives at Chicago’s airports.”

As part of this initiative, ComEd collaborated with the City to replace 685 metal halide outdoor lighting fixtures with energy-efficient LEDs. These new lights are expected not only to enhance safety and visibility but also to help the airport save nearly 1.75 million kilowatt-hours annually. This reduction equates to over 1.1 million pounds less carbon emissions contributing to climate change each year, comparable to powering almost 160 ComEd customer homes for one year or planting approximately 630 acres of trees.

By participating in the ComEd Energy Efficiency Program, the CDA secured over $326,000 in incentives. When combined with reductions in energy use and maintenance costs, it is estimated that O’Hare will recoup its investment within a year.

Melissa Washington, ComEd’s Chief Customer Officer and Senior Vice President of Customer Operations and Strategy emphasized the importance of such programs in achieving sustainability goals. She said, “The ComEd Energy Efficiency Program plays an increasingly important role in making our buildings more sustainable and reducing our collective emissions across the region – goals shared by ComEd and the City of Chicago through its Climate Action Plan.”

ComEd, a unit of Chicago-based Exelon Corporation, is committed to working with the CDA and the City of Chicago to incorporate sustainable energy practices that will reduce carbon footprints and ensure sustainability for future generations.