Nicor Gas expands Reuse Marketplace to Chicagoland Businesses

Rhea-AI Summary

Nicor Gas, in partnership with Rheaply, has expanded its regional Reuse Marketplace to businesses across its Northern Illinois service territory. This expansion follows a successful 2022 pilot and now covers an additional 650 communities. The marketplace facilitates the reuse of surplus inventory and materials from businesses, including furniture, fixtures, and equipment.

During the four-month pilot, the platform saw 137 listings, 198 offers, and 159 completed offers. This resulted in $1.52 million of value created for nonprofit organizations and diverted 80,200 pounds of material from landfills, avoiding approximately 527 kilograms of estimated embodied carbon emissions. Businesses and nonprofits in Nicor Gas' service area can now sign up for the free federated reuse marketplace.

Positive

• Expansion of Reuse Marketplace to 650 additional communities
• $1.52 million of value created for nonprofit organizations during pilot
• 80,200 pounds of material diverted from landfills
• 527 kilograms of estimated embodied carbon emissions avoided
• Free access to the reuse marketplace for businesses and nonprofits in Nicor Gas' service area

Negative

• None.

Expanded reuse and recycling market opportunities follow successful Rheaply pilot

NAPERVILLE, Ill., Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Nicor Gas is partnering with Rheaply to expand its regional Reuse Marketplace to businesses throughout the company's Northern Illinois service territory. The reuse marketplace is now available to an additional 650 communities, helping to drive the reuse of surplus inventory and materials coming out of businesses such as furniture, fixtures, equipment and other building products.

The Chicagoland Reuse Marketplace is now available to an additional 650 communities in Nicor Gas' service area.

"As the largest natural gas provider in the state, we believe that a clean energy future is possible when we work together," said Meena Beyers, vice president of Business and Community Development at Nicor Gas. "Our collaboration with Rheaply is another way we can not only deliver the energy our business and nonprofit customers need, but also help with energy-saving resources and sustainability initiatives."

The expansion of the reuse marketplace to all Nicor Gas business customers follows a successful 2022 pilot; Rheaply's platform enabled Nicor Gas to offer surplus assets like Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) through a hyperlocal digital marketplace and sharing network for United Way member organizations. This private sharing approach made it possible for Nicor Gas to quickly connect its surplus assets to vetted and deserving nonprofit organizations that were eager to put those materials to good use.  

During the four-month pilot, 137 listings were posted on the Rheaply platform, 198 offers were made and 159 offers were completed. This unlocked a total of $1.52 million of value created for nonprofit organizations and diverted 80,200 pounds of material from landfills, resulting in approximately 527 kilograms of estimated embodied carbon emissions avoided.

"Being able to extend Rheaply's reach into Nicor Gas' service areas in Western and Northern Illinois is going to be a major boon for the health, growth and impact of the Chicagoland Reuse Marketplace," said Garry Cooper, CEO of Rheaply. "I'm so excited to see the sustainability and community impact that comes as a result of this exciting partnership. Nicor's leadership to increase access to sustainability solutions in our community continues to be unmatched."

Businesses and nonprofits in Nicor Gas' Northern Illinois service area can sign up for the free federated reuse marketplace. Learn more by visiting, https://go.rheaply.com/nicor/signup.

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). Nicor Gas serves more than 2.3 million customers in a service territory that encompasses most of the northern third of Illinois, excluding the city of Chicago. For more information, visit nicorgas.com.

 About Southern Company Gas

Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO), America's premier energy company. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.4 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states and more than 600,000 retail customers through its companies that market natural gas. Other nonutility businesses include investments in interstate pipelines, asset management for natural gas wholesale customers and ownership and operation of natural gas storage facilities.

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SOURCE Nicor Gas

FAQ

What is Nicor Gas' Reuse Marketplace expansion?

Nicor Gas has expanded its Reuse Marketplace, in partnership with Rheaply, to cover an additional 650 communities in its Northern Illinois service territory, allowing businesses to reuse surplus inventory and materials.

How successful was Nicor Gas' Reuse Marketplace pilot in 2022?

The 2022 pilot was successful, with 137 listings, 198 offers, and 159 completed offers. It created $1.52 million in value for nonprofits and diverted 80,200 pounds of material from landfills.

What environmental impact did Nicor Gas' Reuse Marketplace pilot have?

The pilot diverted 80,200 pounds of material from landfills and avoided approximately 527 kilograms of estimated embodied carbon emissions.

Who can access Nicor Gas' expanded Reuse Marketplace?

Businesses and nonprofits in Nicor Gas' Northern Illinois service area can sign up for free access to the federated reuse marketplace.