Countdown to Nicor Gas Smart Neighborhood™ begins with raising of first walls in Aurora 

AURORA, Ill., July 2, 2025 – Nicor Gas and Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley are celebrating the official start of a busy construction season on Habitat Green Freedom, the first Nicor Gas Smart Neighborhood. The event, to be held July 8 at the construction site in Aurora, Illinois, will bring together leadership from Nicor Gas, Habitat for Humanity and key community partners.
 
Nicor Gas and Habitat for Humanity Northern Fox Valley are working with industry partners BuildBlock Building Systems and Greenlink Energy Solutions, as well as local builders CL DesignBuild, Lakewest Custom Homes and L. Martinez Construction, on the state-of-the-art smart homes. Official attendees will lay the first walls of the development’s first smart home during the July 8 event. The walls, made of energy efficient insulating concrete forms (ICF) manufactured by BuildBlock, create a tightly sealed, highly insulated building envelope that can reduce energy consumption by 40-50%, helping homeowners enjoy lower utility bills. 

“We’re excited to kick off a busy and important time for us as we realize the vision of the Smart Neighborhoods in Aurora. We are grateful to Habitat for Humanity and our generous partners for their ongoing support and contribution to this pioneering project for our company and the City of Aurora,” said Wendell Dallas, president and CEO of Nicor Gas. 

The new Smart Neighborhood demonstrates how a hybrid approach that integrates natural gas, electricity and renewable energy solutions offers the best path to an affordable, reliable clean energy economy for Illinois customers. 

In addition to BuildBlock and Greenlink, project partners include Broan-NuTone, ecobee, GE Appliances, Generac and SPAN. Nicor Gas and Habitat for Humanity will host a series of milestone build events this year leading up to the unveiling of the first Nicor Gas Smart Neighborhood Show Home. 

Learn more about the Nicor Gas Smart Neighborhood at www.ngsmartneighborhoods.com. 

About Nicor Gas 
Nicor Gas is one of four natural gas distribution companies of Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), and serves 2.3 million customers in more than 650 communities across northern Illinois. Ranked as a Crain's 2024 Best Place to Work in Chicago and Most Trusted Utility Brand by Escalent, Nicor Gas is fueling customer choice, innovation, economic growth and a sustainable energy future. Nicor Gas is committed to a goal of net zero emissions from its operations by 2050, and we are working to keep bills as low as possible as we continue providing access to safe and reliable natural gas. For more information, visit www.nicorgas.com. 

About Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley 
Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley is a nonprofit housing organization dedicated to building homes, communities, and hope. Since 1990, the organization has partnered with homebuyers, volunteers, and donors to create safe, affordable housing solutions across the Fox Valley region of Illinois. Now, with the launch of the Green Freedom subdivision in Aurora, Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley is taking a bold step forward—building energy-efficient, climate-resilient homes designed to reduce utility costs and increase long-term sustainability for working families. This innovative neighborhood reflects Habitat’s commitment to creating not just homes, but a more equitable and environmentally responsible future. Learn more at www.habitatnfv.org. 

Media Contact 
Maggie Farrand, SmartMark Communications 
maggie@smartmarkusa.com