NYSERDA E$C       Solar One logo2     
Manhattan and Staten Island
Energy $mart Communities Newsletter
July 2009
Greetings from your E$C Coordinator, Diana Pangestu:

Solar One is doing a lot this summer to promote the NYSERDA incentives.  We're seeking and hiring a new Energy $mart Communities Coordinator, holding another Green from the Ground Up for multifamily buildings presentation, and offering a wide variety of free summer programming including our dance and film series where visitors can get information on NYSERDA programs.  Read below to find out more!

The Energy $mart Communities Newsletter disseminates information on NYSERDA programs and incentives, energy efficiency projects, contractor and building owner trainings, and partner news and events.
In This Issue
A look at NYSERDA's Incentives: Empower NY
Energy Efficiency News: Job Opening - Energy $mart Communities Coordinator
Spotlight on One of Our Partners: Asian Americans for Equality (AAFE) hosts Green from the Ground Up at their Annual Summer Street Festival - August 2, 2009
Upcoming Low Cost No Cost Green Events
A Look at NYSERDA's Incentives for Low-Income Households: Empower NY Program
EmpowerNY provides no-cost energy efficiency measures to homeowners and tenants in buildings with 100 units or less, who have a household income below 60% of state median income.

Empower People 


What this Program Offers:

EmPower New YorkSM focuses on cost-effective electric reduction measures, particularly lighting and refrigerator replacements, as well as other cost-effective home performance strategies such as insulation and health and safety measures. Customers are also educated with additional strategies for managing their energy costs.   

Who is Eligible:
Electric distribution customers of a participating utility (ConEd for NYC territory) that live in a building with 100 units or less, and either participate in a utility payment assistance program or have a household income below 60% of State median income are eligible (i.e., HEAP eligible).

What is the Cost:
There is no cost to the customer. In rental situations, certain measures that directly benefit the eligible tenant are eligible without a landlord contribution.

Who Provides the Services:
NYSERDA contracted with Honeywell International to implement the EmPower New YorkSM Program. The energy-efficiency services are delivered by private Contractors and participating Weatherization Agencies, all of whom are Building Performance Institute Accredited.

How to Apply:
Referrals will be accepted from participating utilities, local Offices for the Aging and Weatherization Agencies.  For additional information contact Honeywell International at 1-800-263-0960

Energy Efficiency News: Now Hiring - Energy $mart Communities Coordinator.
Solar One is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the position of Energy $mart Communities Coordinator - Residential Programs, for Manhattan and Staten Island. 

The Energy $mart Communities program seeks to market NYSERDA's residential programs across New York State in order to promote energy efficiency, reduce energy costs for homeowners and renters, and reduce the environmental impacts of energy use.  The project requires the formation of partnerships with community organizations, outreach to homeowners, retailers, contractors and builders, working with other coordinators around the state, and regular reporting of progress to the NYSERDA project manager. 

Successful applicants will have a working knowledge of energy issues and the merits of energy efficiency.  They will have experience with tracking project progress, building partnerships, interacting with the public, creating marketing materials, planning events and writing reports.  This position prioritizes candidates with established relationships in and familiarity with Staten Island.  This position will require travel around the New York City area and beyond, so a valid driver's license and clean driving record are required. 
 
The position is full-time for 1 year with the potential for renewal and includes full benefits including health and dental insurance, 403(b) retirement plan, transit discounts, paid vacation, etc.  Salary commensurate with experience. 

Please submit cover letters and resumes in MSWord or PDF format to jobs@solar1.org with "Energy $mart Communities Coordinator" in the subject line. 
This job posting will close on July 31, 2009 and we will contact selected candidates by August 7, 2009 for interviews.  Please do not call or email to inquire. 

Spotlight on One of Our Partners:  Asian Americans for Equality
On August 2, 2009, Asian Americans for Equality (AAFE) will hold its annual Chinatown Summer Street Festival, which attracts approximately 20,000 visitors.  AAFE's Annual Chinatown Summer Street Festival's theme will be "Building Green and Healthy Communities".

AAFE

Asian Americans for Equality, Inc. (AAFE) is a community-based, not-for-profit organization established in 1974 that is committed to community service and the empowerment of immigrants, low-income families, and minorities throughout New York City. 
 
Under the theme of "Building Green and Healthy Communities," our 18th annual 2009 Chinatown Summer Street Festival will highlight the many initiatives and programs currently available to keep our environment clean, safe, healthy and sustainable.  AAFE will also introduce free green and health programs by state and city government, utility companies, nonprofits, and businesses to reduce our ecological impact and create a healthier community. 

At this festival, AAFE hosts Solar One's "Green from the Ground Up" workshop, a three-part presentation for multifamily buildings that focuses on implementing energy efficiency, recycling, and green rooftop applications. Other activities include a composting workshop, a recycling information table, an electronics recycling collection, and marketing of CFL's and other energy saving products.  AAFE youth will also be present to showcase their TruLight green businesses and sell eco-friendly products.

Where:  Sunday, August 2nd, from 11:00 AM-5:00 PM
When:  Bayard Street (between Elizabeth and Baxter Streets) and Columbus Park (location of cultural program).

Upcoming Low Cost No Cost Green Events
CLICK ON LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION.
 
Thu, July 16, 4 pm - Tour: Skanska offices, LEED CI.  Empire State Building, 32nd floor, $10 for Urban Green members, $15 for non-members. Designed by Cook + Fox Architects and built by Skanska, the project achieves high sustainability standards and is expected to use 35% less energy use than ASHRAE standards. The completely renovated floor maximizes daylighting throughout and offers exceptional views for all of its employees.

Sun, July 19, 2 pm and 5:45 pm - Film: The Greening of Southie. Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway at 95th St, $11 for non-members, $7 for members.  A funny, poignant, and timely documentary film about Boston's first LEED-certified residential building and the challenges of its construction. Q&A with the filmmakers after the screenings

Thurs, July 23 - July 25 and July 30 - Aug 1, 6 pm - Solar-Powered Dance Series.  Solar One, 2420 FDR Dr, Service Road East.  The Fifth Annual Solar-Powered Dance Series features 14 emerging choreographers in a diverse variety of styles, from African/hiphop to circus to vaudeville/burlesque and beyond. NYSERDA Program Information available.

NYSERDA's Energy $mart Communities program provides information and support to individuals and businesses interested in energy efficiency and alternative energy.  Energy $mart Communities encourages decision-makers and community members to adopt energy efficiency as a means of economic and community growth. 

Contact your Downstate South (Manhattan and Staten Island) E$C Coordinator, Diana Pangestu, by phone at 212-785-0734 or email at diana@solar1.org if you are interested in:
  • Co-programming an event
  • Receiving informational sessions on NYSERDA programs
  • Creating an energy-efficiency project for your building
  • Becoming a contractor partner with NYSERDA
  • Any other questions or comments
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Energy Tip!
ROOM AIR CONDITIONERS

Set your air-conditioning thermostat at 78°F or higher during the summer season. Each degree above 75° saves you 3% of the energy used to cool your home.
Upcoming Trainings
Get certified by BPI to do energy efficiency work! NYSERDA offers reimbursements for most trainings.To see a calendar of upcoming trainings, click here.


Building Analyst Trainings

August 4 at the Association for Energy Affordability

August 18 in Brooklyn through the Bronx Community College

This six-day training program prepares students wishing to pursue Building Analyst certification through the Building Performance Institute. Building Analyst certification is required of participating Home Performance with ENERGY STARŪ contractors.


Envelope Professional

July 23 at the Association for Energy Affordability

This training, which includes both  classroom sessions and field experience, will help you prepare for the Building Performance Institute's
Envelope Professional written and field exams.


*Inquire about Solar Thermal, PV, and other trainings.
Some of NYSERDA's Programs
NYSERDA