Chicago System

Largest Carbon-Zero District Cooling System in the U.S.

CenTrio’s impressive Chicago district energy system includes six chilled water production plants, five interconnected by 16 miles of piping, with four plants utilizing thermal ice battery storage, reducing peak demand by 30 MW.

CenTrio Chicago district energy location in downtown Chicago delivering sustainable cooling solutions to commercial buildings.

Chicago System Profile

  • 55M+

    SQFT SERVED
  • 110+

    BUILDINGS
  • 310K

    TON-HRS OF ICE THERMAL STORAGE
  • 99.999%

    RELIABILITY RECORD
  • 24/7/365

    STAFFED OPERATION
  • 140M+

    GALLONS OF FRESHWATER SAVED ANNUALLY

Chicago’s District Cooling System

AT A GLANCE

CenTrio’s Chicago district operations support over 55 million square feet of building space. We provide cooling solutions to maintain a comfortable & reliable environment for businesses & residents. Utilizing the largest ice battery system in North America, the growing Chicago district serves commercial offices, residential properties, hotels, retail spaces, government buildings, entertainment facilities, schools, & critical facilities.

CenTrio offers reliable & cost-effective energy solutions that improve reliability while reducing electricity demand & water consumption. CenTrio’s decades of operations and maintenance expertise results in a 99.999% reliability record, allowing our customers to focus on their core business.

Chicago District Cooling Map

CenTrio Chicago district cooling network map showing distribution plants and underground piping across downtown Chicago.

Notable Chicago Customers

150 North Riverside

150 North Riverside is a 1.2 million rentable square foot Class A trophy office tower located on a 2-acre site on the west side of the Chicago River between Randolph & Lake Streets. The building boasts a stunning design with a dramatic 100-foot-high glass flow through lobby & includes a 1.5 acre landscaped Public Park & River Walk.

Photo showing people walking outside the 150 North Riverside, a building we service in Chicago, IL.

The Old Post Office

This historic Art Deco building in Chicago is now a mixed-use office space and event venue. Originally built in 1921 and expanded in 1932, it was once the largest postal facility in the world. After being vacant for nearly two decades, it was extensively renovated and now houses corporate offices, a food hall, and event spaces.

Photo showing the old Chicago Main Post Office building that is now office space.

135 S LaSalle

135 S LaSalle is leading the evolution of the Loop. Through a partnership between AmTrust, Riverside and DL3, this landmark is being reimagined as a premier mixed-use destination. Integrating modern residential living with traditional Class A office and retail, the redevelopment is a catalyst for the city’s LaSalle Street revitalization, blending Art Deco grandeur with modern vitality.

Photo showing the Infinite Chicago Building with the Chicago train speeding along on the high rail tracks.
WHY CENTRIO

The CenTrio Way: Unsurpassed Excellence

Our culture of excellence is woven into the integrity of our partnerships, quality of work, advanced technologies, community loyalty, sustainability focus, & continuous innovation.

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Sustainability: Bold Action, Gentle Impact

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Sustainability: Bold Action, Gentle Impact

Our Sustainability & Impact Annual Report tracks progress while our Sustainable Infrastructure Plan maps out a comprehensive decarbonization roadmap to guide our activities.

Learn More Photo of a Seattle Waterfront Grand Opening Event that was across the street from our CenTrio Plant in Seattle, WA.
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Community Engagement

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Community Engagement

We recognize the power of community connection. We build positive relationships through economic organization alliances, local event sponsorship and service, and educational workshops.

Learn More Photo of our ice storage room in one of our CenTrio Chicago plants zoomed in on the coils.
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Thermal Energy Storage: Ice Battery Advantage

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Thermal Energy Storage: Ice Battery Advantage

We operate the largest ice battery system in North America, maintaining comfortable building temperatures year-round and reducing electricity costs for thousands of end-users.

Learn More Photo of a sewer pipe within our CenTrio Plant at the National Western Center in Denver, CO.
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Operator of One of America’s Largest Sewer Heat Recovery Systems

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Operator of One of America’s Largest Sewer Heat Recovery Systems

We displace fossil fuels by harvesting heat energy from wastewater. Our ambient loop captures thermal sewer flows, transforming the NWC into a bold, low-impact sustainable landmark.