The CDA monitors the electricity and natural gas usage for the airport and strives to be more energy efficient.
Lighting upgrades to light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are now nearly complete at all roadways at O’Hare. Additionally, many interior lighting upgrades are completed in the Terminals and in the Terminal Parking Garage. In 2018 the CDA completed a major Heating & Refrigeration Building project that involved replacing many chillers, motors, and pumps and the installation of variable frequency drives (VFDs). Another major project at the Heating & Refrigeration Building has now begun to replace and upgrade the heating system, which will allow for increased controls and energy efficiency at O’Hare.
Significant lighting upgrades to LEDs account for the majority of the electricity usage reduction. Projects include replacement of lights at several parking lots and roadways and in 2019 the CDA upgraded the lighting within the Terminal Parking Garage and the majority of exterior lighting around the gates. In 2021 upgrades to the Central Heating & Refrigeration Plant and additional mechanical and control upgrades throughout the Terminal and Concourses further improved the energy efficiency activities at Midway.