• Posted: March 5, 2025
• Abt Electronics, building retrofits, Chicago, clean transportation, Elbert Walters III, electrical contractors, electrical safety, Facility Management, Green Drives Conference, IBEW Local 134, NFPA 70B, powering chicago, Renewable Energy, renewable installations, sustainable solutions

As we welcome the spring season, Powering Chicago is proud to spotlight the transformative power of renewable energy in our region. In this edition, we’re bringing you essential resources and expert insights to help you navigate the exciting landscape of industrial renewable energy projects, building retrofits, and sustainable solutions that are reshaping Chicago’s electrical infrastructure.

Register Now: Illinois Alliance for Clean Transportation Green Drives Conference & Expo on May 8

Powering Chicago is thrilled to host and sponsor the Illinois Alliance for Clean Transportation’s annual Green Drives Conference & Expo on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at the IBEW-NECA Technical Institute in Alsip, Illinois.

Green Drives is one of the largest clean-transportation conferences held in the Midwest. It is an event that government officials, commercial and municipal fleet managers, corporate sustainability officers, and clean-tech and clean-energy professionals won’t want to miss. If you are interested in learning how to use cleaner, lower-emission fuels and technologies while saving money, mark your calendar for May 8.

Advanced vehicle technologies, electric vehicles, and alternative fuels will be showcased, including dozens of green vehicles and exhibitors. Attendees will not only have a chance to network with experts from throughout the nation and the region, but they will learn about first-hand experiences from fleets currently using alternative fuels and electric vehicles.

Get your tickets today.

Success Story: Abt Electronics’ Sustainable Transformation

Witness the remarkable transformation of a Chicago icon as Abt Electronics embraces renewable energy. This inspiring case study showcases how one of the region’s largest retailers revolutionized its operations through innovative, sustainable solutions. Their journey demonstrates the practical implementation of renewable technologies and the tangible benefits for businesses.

See the transformation in action and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more success stories. Watch Episode 13 of The Power of Better.

Expert Insights: The Long-Term Value of Retrofitting

Looking beyond immediate energy savings, Powering Chicago’s Executive Director Elbert Walters III explores the comprehensive benefits of building retrofits in his industry analysis featured in Facilities.net. His insights reveal how strategic retrofitting investments deliver multiple returns through enhanced property values, improved tenant satisfaction, reduced maintenance costs, and increased building longevity. Discover why forward-thinking facility managers are making retrofitting a cornerstone of their long-term business strategy.

Read the full article and explore the five key ways retrofitting can benefit your facility’s bottom line.

Essential Resource: NFPA 70B Guide

Maintaining electrical systems in renewable energy installations requires specialized knowledge and careful attention to safety protocols. Our comprehensive e-book on NFPA 70B provides crucial insights into maintaining and servicing your facility’s electrical systems, ensuring both safety and reliability in your renewable energy infrastructure.

Get your free copy of our NFPA 70B guide and enhance your facility’s electrical safety protocols.

Connect with Qualified Contractors

Ready to begin your renewable energy project? Our Find a Contractor tool connects you with qualified electrical contractors and skilled IBEW Local 134 electricians specializing in renewable energy installations. These professionals bring expertise, reliability, and a commitment to excellence to every project.

Use our convenient tool to locate the perfect contractor for your renewable energy project.

Powering Chicago is your trusted partner in advancing construction, careers, and communities across the Chicago region. Stay connected with us for the latest updates in electrical construction and renewable energy solutions.

Subscribe to our newsletter | Follow us on LinkedIn | Visit our website