The Illinois Chapter ASHRAE has arranged for a group tour on December 5 of a new Walgreens store currently under construction in Evanston, IL, which may be the nation's first Net Zero energy retail store. The building may use a combination of solar panels, wind turbines, geothermal technology and energy efficient refrigeration, lighting and building materials to produce at least as much energy as it uses. The new store will replace the one that stood at the corner of Chicago Ave. and Keeney St. As construction is underway, the tours will not begin until early evening and assemble beforehand at at the Firehouse Grill, a few doors away from the new Walgreens (located at 635 Chicago Ave.). Here is the schedule for the evening:

5:30 p.m. — Social time: cash bar, appetizers provided by Trane

6:00 p.m. — Presentation by design/construction team members (at Firehouse Grill)

6:30 p.m. — Group tours of building

Take advantage of this interesting program where you may also pick up one more PDH in continuing education points. Please make your reservation online soon as space is limited to the first 45 individuals who sign up. Free parking is available in the lot south of the Firehouse Grill. If you prefer to use public transportation, the Firehouse Grill is easily accessible by bus and is about 50 yards south of the Metra and CTA train stops at Main Street.