In the heart of Chicago's Gold Coast, Maple & Ash has redefined what a modern steakhouse can be. Known for its wood-fired steaks, impeccable wine list, and lavish dining experiences, the restaurant has become one of the city's most sought-after culinary destinations. But now, Maple & Ash is proving that luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand — by embracing clean, renewable energy to power its flagship location.
Through a transformative partnership with Clean Earth Renewables (CER), Maple & Ash is offsetting 100% of its annual electricity consumption with local community solar projects, achieving significant environmental impact and financial savings without any need for on-site solar panels.
Clean Energy Meets Culinary Excellence
For a restaurant built around fire, it's fitting that Maple & Ash is now leading the charge into a cleaner, brighter energy future. By subscribing to a local community solar project through Clean Earth Renewables — the largest operator of community solar projects in the nation — the Gold Coast location has aligned its operations with renewable energy generated right here in Illinois.
This partnership matches Maple & Ash's annual electricity use with solar energy distributed to the local utility grid. As a result, the restaurant now enjoys up to 10% savings on its monthly electricity bills — totaling $10,547.82 per year — while dramatically lowering its Scope 2 emissions.
Big Energy, Bigger Impact
The scale of this clean energy match is as impressive as the dining experience itself. Over the course of its 15-year community solar subscription, Maple & Ash will receive the equivalent of 15,591,750 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of renewable energy. That's enough to power more than 1,500 homes annually, and it will help the restaurant avoid 7,455 tons of carbon dioxide emissions — a powerful contribution to Illinois' clean energy goals.
For Maple & Ash, sustainability is no longer an add-on. It's an integral part of the restaurant's commitment to excellence, responsibility, and community.
Sustainable Dining, Local Benefits
Community solar delivers more than environmental progress — it's a catalyst for local economic growth. By sourcing power from Illinois-based solar farms, Maple & Ash helps:
- Create local clean energy jobs in construction, maintenance, and project management.
- Support Illinois landowners who lease property for solar development.
- Keep energy spending local, strengthening the regional economy and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
And because community solar requires no on-site panels or infrastructure, Maple & Ash was able to join this renewable energy movement at no cost — proving that sustainability can be as seamless as it is impactful.
A New Era for Sustainable Hospitality
Maple & Ash's solar commitment is more than a sustainability milestone — it's a signal of what's possible in the restaurant and hospitality industry. It shows that even energy-intensive businesses can dramatically reduce emissions, lower operating costs, and contribute to a cleaner grid without compromising on luxury or quality.
By choosing Clean Earth Renewables, Maple & Ash is setting a new standard for Chicago's fine dining scene: one where exceptional experiences are powered not just by fire and flavor, but by sunlight and sustainability.
Community Solar by the Numbers
Maple & Ash's Clean Energy Impact
Monthly savings of up to 10% on electricity bills—at no upfront cost
Your Business Can Do the Same
If Maple & Ash's story proves anything, it's that any business — from restaurants and retailers to offices and manufacturers — can benefit from community solar. With no upfront costs, guaranteed savings, and immediate environmental impact, the transition to clean energy has never been easier.
"For a restaurant built around fire, it's fitting that Maple & Ash is now leading the charge into a cleaner, brighter energy future."
To learn how to lower your business's Scope 2 emissions and reduce electricity costs at no risk, contact us or visit our website to speak with a member of the Clean Earth Renewables team.
