Energy Efficiency Solutions for Chicago’s Fast Food Restaurants

Commercial kitchen area during Verde energy efficiency solutions upgrade

The fast food industry in Chicago relies on energy efficiency solutions to cut costs and appeal to customers. With long hours, heat-generating equipment, and changing foot traffic, these locations use around 263 MBtu per square foot.

What does this mean, exactly? Commonly used to measure energy consumption, MBtu stands for “million BTUs.” The United States Energy Information Administration notes that the average household uses an average 76.8 MBtu. This drastic difference highlights the energy intensive nature of fast food restaurants.

Since 2010, Verde has been a leading force among energy efficiency experts throughout the Chicago region. They help local businesses in the food service industry operate more affordably. For fast food restaurant owners, Verde delivers customized energy efficiency solutions that don’t interrupt daily operations.

Smart Energy Upgrades for Fast Food Operations

Fast food restaurants, whether a single franchise or a multi-location chain, need energy efficiency strategies that match their speed. Verde designs solutions tailored to the nonstop demands of this industry.

LED Lighting That Does More with Less

Outdated lighting systems do more than waste electricity. They produce unnecessary heat, contributing to HVAC strain, and require constant maintenance. Often, these old lights are glass and pose a shatter risk in the food prep area. Verde helps restaurants upgrade to energy-efficient LED fixtures that reduce lighting costs, improve visibility, and last significantly longer. LED fixtures are durable and easy to clean. Because they’re made of plastic, they pose no risk to the safety and sanitation of the food prep area.

HVAC Systems Designed for Restaurants

Maintaining a comfortable environment in a fast food setting requires precision. Kitchens generate heat, front-of-house areas require consistent climate control, and drive-thru windows disrupt airflow. As experienced energy efficiency experts, Verde installs high-efficiency HVAC systems that are built specifically for this complex mix.

Upgraded systems reduce energy consumption and improve indoor air quality to maintain comfort during peak service times.

Smarter Controls with Smart Thermostats

Traditional thermostats don’t offer the control that fast food restaurants need. Verde installs advanced smart thermostats that allow for detailed temperature zoning and automated scheduling. This means less energy waste during off-hours and more consistent temperatures during peak periods without manual adjustments.

This small upgrade has a big impact. It’s one of the many energy efficiency solutions we deploy to quickly drive down energy use.

Industry-Specific Energy Challenges

Fast food restaurants are among the most energy-intensive commercial properties. In fact, they consume five to seven times more energy per square foot than other types of buildings. The round-the-clock operation of fryers, refrigeration units, grills, lighting, and HVAC systems drives up energy consumption.

Verde understands these challenges firsthand. Our solutions go beyond surface-level fixes to address core energy drains, such as:

  • Walk-in refrigerators and freezers
  • Ventilation systems
  • Outdated lighting systems

By combining efficient equipment upgrades with smart energy management strategies, Verde helps restaurants reduce consumption. All without compromising food safety, speed of service, or kitchen performance.

Business Benefits That Go Beyond Lower Utility Bills

Restaurants that partner with Verde often see results beyond the monthly savings. LED upgrades reduce maintenance calls, HVAC improvements improve employee productivity, and smart controls empower more consistent operations.

As consumers care more about sustainability, businesses that partner with energy efficiency experts can build customer trust.

Verde’s Unique, Hands-On Approach to Energy Efficiency Solutions

What truly sets Verde apart is how we do the work, not just what we offer. Unlike many energy efficiency service providers who outsource their installations, Verde handles the process in-house. That means clients get a streamlined experience, greater accountability, and better quality control across the board.

From the initial site assessment to the final installation and utility application submission, Verde’s team manages each step. Their process is designed to minimize disruption, with installs scheduled around your hours of operation. This means you can keep serving customers while we handle all the logistics.

Maximize Incentives with ComEd Energy Efficiency Programs

One of the biggest opportunities for fast food restaurants is the ComEd Energy Efficiency Program. This is a set of incentives designed to help Illinois businesses reduce the cost of upgrades.

As seasoned energy efficiency experts, Verde identifies which incentive program offers the most advantage for your facility. They handle the incentive program from start to finish. Additionally, they manage everything from eligibility checks to paperwork, making sure restaurants receive every available dollar.

Want to explore your incentive options? Check out our full guide to maximizing Illinois utility incentives.

Energy Efficiency Solutions Tailored to the Restaurant Industry

Fast food restaurants face some of the most energy-intensive conditions in commercial business. Freezers, fryers, high-speed ovens, and HVAC systems all run constantly. Many restaurant locations don’t have downtime for long installations.

That’s why we take a hands-on, industry-specific approach. Installations are planned around business hours and retrofits are carefully staged. We apply thoughtful understanding about your operations used to customize each solution. Because Verde keeps nearly everything in-house, restaurant owners get fast, reliable results without unnecessary handoffs.

Future-Proofing Fast Food Restaurants

Energy prices are on the rise, and sustainability is no longer a trend. It’s a necessity. Verde helps restaurants meet new industry standards. It does this by reducing carbon footprints and improving efficiency. Verde also uses incentives to make the transition more affordable. Verde helps you make your location more resilient against rising energy costs. This way, you can stay ahead in a competitive industry.

Ready To Make Your Restaurant More Efficient?

Since 2010, Verde has supported fast food restaurants throughout Chicagoland to reduce energy waste and lower operating costs. Start with a complimentary facility assessment and find out how much you could be saving. Schedule an energy efficiency consultation today!

Cut Warehouse Costs With Proven Commercial Energy Efficiency Upgrades

Warehouse energy efficiency upgrade

Warehouse operators are relentlessly pursuing smarter ways to reduce costs, increase workplace safety, and improve commercial energy efficiency. But what’s the best way to achieve this? 

As experts in commercial energy efficiency, Verde has the answers. This article shares energy efficiency upgrades that pack a dual punch: major cost savings and measurable impact.

By embracing the latest equipment, forward-thinking facilities are rewriting the playbook on sustainable operations. Keep reading to discover three key areas from real-world warehouse overhauls:

  • Networked LED lighting controls that go beyond just motion-activated sensors
  • HVAC system controls ensure existing equipment is working exactly as it should. 
  • Centralized dashboards turning data into actionable insights and putting control at your fingertips.

We’ll reveal how these innovations drive both sustainability and profitability. Let’s blueprint your warehouse energy transformation.

Advanced Lighting Solutions

Lighting is a critical component of warehouse operations, but it can also be a major source of energy consumption. Fortunately, advancements in lighting technology offer promising solutions for bottom-line-conscious warehouse operators.

LED Lighting Upgrades

One of the most impactful changes warehouses can make is upgrading to LED lighting. LED lights are highly energy-efficient, often using up to 75% less electricity than traditional lighting systems. 

This significant reduction in energy consumption translates directly to lower utility bills, allowing warehouse operators to allocate their budget to other areas.

Beyond energy savings, LED lights offer several other advantages:

  • LED high bays can last more than 100,000 hours, significantly outlasting conventional bulbs that typically need replacement every 1-2 years.
  • LED lights provide superior, uniform illumination that enhances visibility and reduces shadows, making it easier for employees to navigate the warehouse safely and efficiently.

Smart Lighting Systems

To further improve commercial energy efficiency, warehouses can implement smart lighting controls that take occupancy sensors to the next level with communication between the lights, dimming to background levels when not in use and fine tuning light levels to meet your specific task needs.. These sensors also detect when natural light is present and reduce the light output to further conserve energy.

These controls ensure energy is being spent only when it needs to be all while keeping your employees feeling safe and comfortable with lights customized to meet their needs.

Exterior of a warehouse

HVAC Upgrades for Optimal Commercial Energy Efficiency

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are another significant source of energy consumption in warehouses. Optimizing these systems can lead to substantial energy savings and improved comfort for workers.

Intelligent HVAC Systems

Modern warehouses are adding controls to their existing HVAC systems and seeing cost effective strategies pay dividends . Verde is installing a demand-controlled ventilation (DCV) system that controls the supply-fans using information delivered by advanced thermostats throughout a facility. The temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide sensors are built right into the thermostat. The advancement of having the sensors at ground level, in the occupied space, allows for more accurate reading and controlling of the environment.   

The best thing about this solution is it’s easy and cost effective. Advanced rooftop controls can be added to any existing HVAC system with a functioning integrated economizer already installed. These controls ensure that what you already have is working intelligently – reacting in real time to the needs of the occupants and ensuring your equipment only works as hard as it needs to, extending its life.

Data-Driven Climate Management

Advanced HVAC controls are now incorporating sensors and machine learning algorithms for data-driven climate management. These systems can anticipate heating and cooling needs based on weather forecasts, occupancy patterns, and historical data. The advanced thermostats will automatically adjust the mechanical equipment to maintain the temperature ahead of the occupied hours to ensure the space is ready for work as soon as your team is.

By proactively adjusting temperature settings, these systems can optimize energy use while maintaining comfortable conditions. They can also make your life a little easier with notifications if anything is abnormal as the thermostat runs heating, cooling and/or ventilation. 

Upgrading your HVAC can lead to impressive cost savings. Additionally, these upgrades may be eligible for  utility incentives. When you partner with Verde, we’ll support you through every step of the utility incentive process and beyond. 

Verde employees working on the rooftop for a commercial energy efficiency project

Equipment Management at Your Fingertips

To truly optimize energy efficiency, warehouses are turning to advanced control systems’ software apps  in order to benefit from their user-friendly interfaces that allow a level of control and customization that has previously been unthinkable. 

The value is immediately realized for organizations that maintain multiple locations that are now able to view (and control) all of their locations in a single, easy to use interface.

Real-Time Adjustments From Anywhere in the World

These systems provide facility managers a user interface that doesn’t just track and report usage but allows the user to make immediate, real time adjustments remotely. These dashboards allow warehouse managers to get granular within their facility and identify areas of concern and react with action. Many systems offer alerts and updates summarizing how the equipment is functioning regularly. 

Users can also adjust the scheduling of the equipment quickly and easily to mirror the occupied hours of their facility. This level of granular insight enables continuous optimization of energy use, leading to ongoing efficiency improvements.

Driving Down the Operating Costs

The importance of data-driven decision making and user control in energy efficiency cannot be overstated. The user control interface for advanced control systems for lighting and HVAC provide warehouse operators with the data they need to make informed decisions about energy use. 

The historical data at the facility can be analyzed to get a better idea of when energy efficiency strategies might be the most impactful. This might include identifying equipment that needs maintenance or replacement, optimizing operational schedules, or justifying investments in energy-efficient technologies.

Verde employee working on advanced lighting systems for commercial energy efficiency

Implementing Your Warehouse’s Commercial Energy Efficiency Strategy

The lessons learned from large-scale warehousing energy efficiency projects highlight the cost saving potential. With advanced lighting solutions, updated HVAC systems, and advanced controls software apps, operators can dramatically reduce their energy consumption.

These energy efficiency measures lower operational costs and contribute to a more sustainable future. As energy prices continue to rise, investing in energy efficiency is a necessity for future-proofing warehouse operations.

Discover Commercial Energy Efficiency Excellence With Verde

Ready to future-proof your warehouse’s commercial energy efficiency? Connect with Verde today for your free, personalized energy efficiency assessment.

Act Now to Maximize Your Business’s Utility Incentives for Energy Efficiency in Illinois

Chicago, Illinois skyline showing green grass, yellow flowers, blue sky, and buildings

For many Illinois businesses, utility incentives are an incredible opportunity to maximize investments into reduced operating costs and greater sustainability efforts. These programs help organizations lower their energy bills and contribute to a greener future for the state.

From small local shops to large industrial facilities, organizations of all sizes can benefit from these programs. However, navigating the complex landscape of utility incentive programs can be challenging without guidance.

That’s where Verde comes in. As a leading energy efficiency service provider in Chicago, Verde specializes in helping businesses benefit the most from utility incentives.

Our team of experts is dedicated to simplifying the process, from initial assessment to final installation and beyond. With our warranty, you’re guaranteed to experience success with less hassle.

Employee in high visibility PPE standing in a facility and giving a thumbs up

Understanding Utility Incentives in Illinois and Chicago

Utility incentives are financial offerings provided by the electric and gas utility companies to encourage businesses to adopt more energy-efficient practices and technologies. These incentives are offered in various forms, including rebates, incentive programs, grants, and point of sale discounts. In Illinois, the two major utility companies offering robust energy efficiency programs are ComEd and Ameren Illinois.

Why Utility Incentives Matter

Utility Bill Savings: Energy efficiency upgrades can significantly reduce your monthly utility bills, leading to substantial long-term savings.

Competitive Advantage: Energy-efficient operations can be a selling point for environmentally conscious customers and partners.

Improved Performance and Sustainability: Modern energy efficient equipment performs more efficiently with a lower carbon footprint.

Decreased Maintenance Costs: Better equipment is less likely to break down. Fewer maintenance calls saves money while also ensuring maximum uptime.

Safer, More Comfortable Workplaces: Last, but certainly not least, are the safety benefits. Qualifying for these incentives shows you prioritize employee well-being and comfort in your facility.

Key Illinois Incentive Programs

Verde goes the extra mile by identifying all the programs you are eligible for. From initial assessment to application to follow-up and implementation, you can count on our technical and budgetary expertise.

ComEd Energy Efficiency Program

ComEd, serving northern Illinois, offers a comprehensive suite of incentive programs for businesses looking to improve their energy efficiency. The initial facility assessments are offered no cost. Some key features of their program include:

• Small Business Offerings: This program is designed for commercial facilities both public and private with a peak demand under 400 kW. The incentives cover a wide range of categories such as indoor and outdoor lighting, HVAC, refrigeration and building envelope.

• Standard Incentives: This program is tailored to public and private commercial facilities with an annual peak demand over 400 kW. It features incentives for lighting, refrigeration and HVAC but also has prescriptive incentives for larger commercial equipment and industrial systems. 

• Instant Discounts: Verde is a certified distributor through the Instant Discounts Lighting program. Commercial customers can receive an instant incentive at the time of purchase of qualified lighting products.

• Multi-Family Energy Savings: This program offers multi-family property owners and public housing authorities generous incentives for energy efficiency improvements.

• Retro-Commissioning: As a Service Provider for this program, Verde can perform a fully-funded study of a facility’s energy management systems to identify low-cost operational improvements. Eligible facilities can save an average of 5-15% on annual energy costs.

• Beneficial Electrification Program: This includes the Business and Public Sector Make-Ready EV Charger Rebate Program for businesses and other non-residential customers.

Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program

Serving central and southern Illinois, Ameren Illinois provides a range of incentives to help businesses reduce their energy consumption. Verde is an active Business Program Ally and can connect facilities with incentives for energy efficiency improvements. The Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program for Business offers incentives for:

1. Specialty equipment such as water saving equipment, VFDs and refrigeration equipment

2. Indoor and outdoor lighting

3. HVAC replacements and ground-source heat pumps

4. Instant Incentives 

5. Retro-commissioning

Verde Energy Efficiency Experts ComEd 2021 Small Business Offering Service Provider of the Year Award

Verde's Approach to Maximizing Utility Incentives

At Verde, we understand that every business is unique, with its own set of challenges and opportunities. Our approach to maximizing utility incentives is tailored to each client’s specific needs, ensuring the best possible outcomes and the most cost effective solutions.

1. Comprehensive Facility Assessment

The process begins with a thorough walkthrough of  your commercial facility. Verde’s team assesses your current energy usage, the current state of your building systems, and identifies opportunities  for improvement. This crucial step allows us to learn about your current pain points and develop a customized energy efficiency project that aligns with your business goals and budget.

2. Personalized Solution Design

Based on the results of our assessment, we design a comprehensive energy efficiency solution that maximizes available incentives. This may include:

• Lighting upgrades and networked lighting controlsHVAC system optimization or replacement

• Building envelope improvements

• Water saving measures

• Commercial refrigeration upgrades

3. Incentive Application Management

Navigating the paperwork and requirements for utility incentives is often time-consuming and complex. Verde takes this burden off your shoulders by managing the entire application process.

• Identify all applicable incentives from ComEd, Ameren Illinois, and any other sources

• Prepare and submit all necessary documentation, photos and paperwork

• Follow up with utility companies to ensure timely processing

• Handle any requests for additional information or clarification

4. Project Implementation

Once incentives are approved, we implement your energy efficiency upgrades. Our skilled electricians and technicians ensure that all installations are completed to the highest standards. We will do our best to work around your schedule, minimizing disruption to your operations.

5. Post-Project Verification

After the upgrades are complete, we conduct a thorough verification process to ensure that all installed measures are performing as expected. This step is crucial for maximizing energy savings and meeting the requirements of incentive programs.

6. A Long-Term Partnership

Our commitment doesn’t end with the project. Verde provides ongoing support to ensure your energy efficiency measures perform well. We offer a warranty on all of our work long after we leave your facility. After a successful installation, we can help you track energy savings, identify areas to improve, and keep you informed about new incentive programs.

The Future of Energy Efficiency in Illinois

As Illinois pushes towards a more sustainable energy future, new utility incentives will become available. Here are some trends to consider.

  • Increased Focus on Electrification

As the grid becomes cleaner, expect more incentives for electrifying heating and transportation.

  • Smart Building Technologies

Incentives for advanced building controls and IoT-enabled devices are likely to grow.

  • Demand Response Programs

Utilities may offer more rewards for businesses that can reduce energy use during peak demand periods.

  • Renewable Energy Integration

Look for increased support for on-site renewable energy generation and storage solutions.

Why Choose Verde for Your Energy Efficiency Journey

Navigating the complex world of energy efficiency and utility incentives requires expertise, experience, and a commitment to customer success. Verde brings all these qualities to every project we undertake.

  • Deep Local Knowledge

Our dedicated team has an intimate understanding of Illinois utility programs and regulations.

  • Proven Track Record

We’ve helped hundreds of businesses across Chicago and Illinois achieve significant energy savings.

  • Turnkey Solutions

From initial assessment to post-installation services, we handle every aspect of your energy efficiency project.

  • Future-Ready Technology

We stay at the forefront of energy-efficient technologies to ensure our clients receive the best solutions available.

  • Passionate About Sustainability

Our commitment to a greener future aligns with the goals of forward-thinking businesses.

Box with the Verde logo

Empowering Your Business Through Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is a necessity. By leveraging utility incentives and partnering with an experienced energy service provider like Verde, Illinois businesses gain:

• Deep knowledge of Illinois utility incentives and regulations

• A proven track record of significant cost savings for many businesses 

• Turnkey solutions and project management from start to finish

• A commitment to efficient technology and environmental responsibility

The path to energy efficiency improvements may seem complex. With Verde as your guide, it becomes a straightforward journey towards a more profitable and sustainable future.