NAPERVILLE, Ill., Jun. 10- Nicor Gas has been honored by the Southern Gas Association (SGA) and received their 2010 Environmental Excellence Stewardship Award for the design of its newest facility in Des Plaines, IL, which also earned Gold Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification.

The SGA's Environmental Excellence Award was established in 2005 to recognize member companies who have made a significant impact in protecting the environment through utilization of innovative environmental practices. SGA award recipients are honored for programs and initiatives that help reduce waste, save money, and contribute to the industry's environmental protection efforts, as well as benefit the health and welfare of the nation.

"We are extremely honored to be receiving the 2010 Environmental Excellence Stewardship Award as well as to be recognized by the SGA for the fifth year in a row for our environmental initiatives," said Rocco D'Alessandro, Executive Vice President for Nicor Gas. "This award not only demonstrates our commitment to the environment through our building process but also our sustained commitment to contribute to the well-being of our communities - today and for future generations."

Nicor Gas' Des Plaines facility received Gold Certification from the US Green Building Council (USGBC) for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. There are four levels of LEED certification: Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. The certification level indicates the level of sustainable rigor that has been incorporated and achieved by the design and building project.

"Once again, Nicor Gas has proven to be a leader in our business community," said Martin J. Moylan, Mayor of Des Plaines. "The company's commitment to Des Plaines spans more than 70 years, starting with a founding membership to the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce & Industry to the present receiving Gold Certification from the US Green Building Council for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for their newest facility in our city. Their commitment to build utilizing some of the latest environmental technologies exemplifies their desire to be a true community partner and we are proud to have Nicor Gas in the City of Des Plaines."

Some of the environmentally friendly items incorporated into the award winning facility include:

• Heat island effect reduction by using a white roof with a high Solar Reflective Index (SRI)


• Energy optimization and light pollution reduction through strategic placement and specification of site lighting


• Demonstrating an achievable 30% energy use reduction and 32% energy cost reduction


• A nearly 50% water use reduction through the specification of low flow plumbing fixtures


• Extensive on-site recycling program including aerosol cans, E-waste, PE pipe, scrap metal, tires, used oil, and fleet materials


• Utilization of an Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Management Plan to reduce air quality problems that normally occur during construction as well as prevent future IAQ problems


• All low-emitting materials (low-VOC) were used: paints, adhesives, sealants, carpet, and composite wood material

The Des Plaines facility is intended to be a "sustainable prototype" for new construction of similar nature for Nicor Gas. The company is also evaluating the creation of a "Green Education Plan" to educate workers, customers, and stakeholders about the sustainable features incorporated into the design, construction, and ongoing operations of the building.

Nicor Gas is committed to being a good steward of the environment, as such below are some of the company's other positive environmental results achieved in 2009:

• Paper recycled - 270,160 lbs.


• Used Oil & Antifreeze recycled - 6,953 Gallons


• Parts Washer Solvent recycled - 570 Gallons


• Oil Filters recycled - 1,400 lbs.


• Computer Equipment/Electronics recycled - 24,210 lbs.


• Universal Waste (including Batteries & Light Bulbs) recycled - 4,959 lbs.


• Steel recycled - 3,002,817 lbs. (1,501 tons)


• Aluminum recycled - 504,959 lbs. (252 tons)


• Copper/Brass recycled - 3,357 lbs.


• Plastic recycled - 137,887 lbs. (69 tons)

For more information about Nicor Gas, visit the company website at www.nicorgas.com or call 1-888-Nicor4U (642-6748).

Nicor Gas is one of the nation's largest gas distribution companies. Owned by Nicor Inc. (NYSE: GAS) a holding company, Nicor Gas has provided safe and reliable natural gas services for over 50 years. The Company serves more than two million customers in a service territory that encompasses most of the northern third of Illinois, excluding the city of Chicago. For more information on Nicor Gas, visit www.nicorgas.com.