Greetings from your E$C Coordinator, Max Joel:
We've reached the dog days of what has already been a record-challenging summer, both in terms of temperature and energy use in NYC. If you missed last month's summer energy saving tips, check out NYSERDA's guide to beating the heat.
This month's E$C newsletter profiles one New York City's most energy efficient new homes, built through the NYSERDA High Performance Residential Challenge, offering a sneak peak of our tour on August 17th. And our series on the 14th Street Y's efforts to go green continues with a look at how the Y confronts a common dilemma for green minded groups: what is the "best" paper to buy for office use and printing?
Finally, you can now follow Solar One on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn by clicking the links below!
  
The
Energy $mart Communities eNewsletter disseminates information on NYSERDA
programs and incentives, energy efficiency projects, contractor and
building owner trainings, and partner news and events. |
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Green "Views" Available at New Home in Staten Island- join us for a tour!
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The first and only house built in New York City as part of the
NYSERDA High Performance Residential Challenge is now finished and available in Staten Island's Silver Lake neighborhood!
The NYSERDA Challenge initiative worked with building teams in design,
energy modeling, construction oversight and energy monitoring of new
construction homes. The first home to be built in New York City is part of "The
Views at Haven Esplanade", which will ultimately include four eco-friendly houses. 29 Haven Esplanade is an attractive three-level, two-family home that is an astonishing 65% more efficient than New York
City Energy Code and 50% more efficient than Energy Star requirements. The next three homes will be for single families, and all include views of New York Bay.
Features such as high insulation walls at R 44 value
(normally R 17) and ceilings with R 50 factor (normally R 21), are just two of
many ways that these homes are more energy efficient than standard new
construction homes. Other features include extra framing for additional
insulation, furnace and air conditioning units that are 96% efficient, and a HEV
(heat exchange ventilator) to keep the air fresh inside the home.
Thanks to the efforts of the home's builders, award-winning Concord Home Builders, the home owners are expected to save $1,100 per year on
their utility bills, all while helping the environment.
The Solar One NYSERDA Energy $mart Communities program and Claire Properties will be hosting tours of the home and its energy saving features on Tuesday, August 17th from 6-8pm at 29 Haven Esplanade. RSVP to jaclyn@solar1.org or 212-505-6050.
For more information about the home or to view this property, please
contact Claire Bisignano Chesnoff, NYS Licensed Real Estate Broker, Claire Properties,
GREEN REALTOR at 917-974-2238 or clairechesnoff@gmail.com.
Realtor Claire Chesnoff and builder Ely Reiss in front of 29 Haven Esplanade  | The compact, super high-efficiency boiler, helps the home realize huge energy savings.  |
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RFQ 15 out for Technicians for the New York Green Residential Building Program
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NYSERDA has issued a Request for Qualification (RFQ)
15 for Technicians needed for the New York Green Residential Building Program
(GRBP). Building owners must utilize these Technicians if they intend to apply
for incentives through the GRBP.
The GRBP promotes green design and building practices
through New York State by offering incentives to Owners of newly constructed or
substantially renovated green residential buildings between one and eleven units that also have achieved Silver level LEED certification.
More information and a FAQ's section are available on the
GRBP website at: http://www.getenergysmart.org/GreenBuilding.aspx
Please review the full solicitation carefully to ensure you
are aware of all requirements. The full solicitation package is available at NYSERDA's
website: http://www.nyserda.org/funding/15rfq.asp
Information for Potential Applicants
Evaluation:
NYSERDA's evaluation of qualifications will be at the level
of the individual Technician, rather than a company or firm. For firms that have several individuals
on staff who provide verification for buildings seeking green building
certification, each prospective Technician will need to complete an
application; this includes a written Statement of Qualifications, completed and
signed Signature Page and Proposal, Checklist forms, copies of relevant
trainings completed or certifications/accreditations held, and at least three
professional references.
Each applicant may provide a copy of a current document
showing that he or she is officially recognized by a certifying organization to
provide verification services for buildings pursuing National Green Building
Standard or LEED for Homes certification. Projects seeking LEED for New Construction certification must utilize
the services of a qualified Technician for at least two on-site inspections to
verify program requirements are met, as detailed in the GRBP regulations,
although this is not a typical requirement of the LEED-NC certification
process.
Notification:
NYSERDA expects to be able to notify Technicians who qualify
within two weeks from the date their application package is received. Qualified Technicians will be listed on
NYSERDA's Resource Locator Map (http://www.getenergysmart.org/Resources/FindPartner.aspx),
using the contact information provided on their Signature Page.
Program support:
NYSERDA will direct inquiries from builders, building owners
and homeowners to the list of Technicians that have responded successfully to
RFQ 15 to verify that a building meets GRBP performance requirements. Marketing
and outreach to building industry professionals and consumers will raise
awareness of, and interest in, the GRBP throughout the state.
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Month 5: The 14th Street Y Explores Paper Options
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We begin this month's article with the exciting announcement that NYSERDA has approved the Task Work Order for the 14th Street Y's Flextech energy audit. The Task Work Order outlines the scope of work that will be performed in the coming months by the Y's Flextech energy services provider, Goldman Copeland Associates (GCA).
With this approval in hand, the 14th Street Y continues to explore more ways to make their operations as green as possible. Like many organizations and business that create a lot of printed materials, the Y realized that their choice of paper has a significant environmental impact. But what paper to choose?
Before printing the Y's next catalog, Wendy Seligson, Associate Executive Director for Operations for the Y, solicited advice from several green "experts" (including our own E$C Coordinator, Max Joel), saying "We'd like to make an informed choice and be able to stand by it and explain it in the catalog." Specifically, the Y was considering two different papers, one containing 100% recycled content, and one containing 30% recycled content that is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
Here is a sample of the advice Wendy received (from three different people): If the paper is "Recycled" it is important that it is FSC certified as some printers have been accused of taking virgin paper and simply recycling it prior to it being used by the consumer. Other areas of sustainability during printing to consider are the paper dyeing process (it is best to be chlorine free) and inks (vegetable and soy).
The 100% recycled paper is better -- NO trees are felled, as opposed to the 30% recycled where 70% of the content comes from felled trees (albeit sustainably harvested ones). Still best to go for full recycled content.
My personal choice would be the FSC certified 30% recycled option. This is a philosophical preference more than an opinion based on hard data about which uses more energy, etc.- I think that sustainable forestry is an appropriate land use that can support rural economies... but it does mean cutting down trees.
As you can see, Wendy's helpful (and opinionated) advisors didn't agree on everything, but each of them felt that using paper that has both a significant recycled content and certification through a well-regarded certification system were important choices for an office trying to be more eco-friendly.
In the end, the 14th Street Y was able to find the paper that met all of their goals. Says Wendy: "As it worked out, we were able to meet our goal of not increasing our cost AND switch to 100% recycled, FSC paper, with soy inks and a terrific printer." Camille Diamond, another member of the Y's green team adds that "Being able to get 100% recycled AND FSC certified, along with the soy based ink made me feel very good about our choice."
Along with advice, the 14th Street Y also collected a list of web resources that helped them make their decision. We hope that they will be helpful to our readers as well!
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REMINDER: Changes to Reimbursement Policy for BPI Certification & Related Courses
| Effective August 1, NYSERDA will provide
reimbursement for 50% of the cost of tuition for qualifying BPI
Certification courses. The complete policy is summarized
below.
Tuition Reimbursement
- CEEBS -50% - one-time reimbursement per designation
- Additional 25% ONLY for staff of participating Home Performance Contractors, one-time reimbursement per designation CEEBS centers will process tuition reimbursement and provide to NYSERDA for processing.
BPI Certification
- 50% for new and renewal Certifications
- Additional 25% for new Certifications ONLY for staff of participating Home Performance Contractors Candidates will need to submit BPI Certification Reimbursement Form to BPI for verification. BPI will forward form to NYSERDA for processing.
BPI Certification & Allowable Prep-Class*
- 50% upon achievement of certification related to prep-class. Candidates will need to submit BPI Certification Reimbursement Form to BPI for verification. BPI will verify certification and return to Candidate.
- Candidate will then need to submit the verified BPI Certification Reimbursement Form and prep-class invoice to NYSERDA for processing.
Company BPI Accreditation
- 50% for New and Renewal Accreditation BPI will provide list of contractor Accreditations directly to NYSERDA for processing.
Equipment for Contractors
- 20%, up to $4,000 Contractors will work with their CSG Account Manager.
*Prep-classes
are considered as a fresher class (1 to 1 ˝ days). Example: Candidate
previously attended the 36 hour Building Analyst Training and needed to
attend a one-day refresher on Combustion Appliance Zones.
Any
candidate that has registered and paid for training as of June 15, 2010
will be reimbursed at the current rate of 75% or 100%.
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Upcoming Low Cost/No Cost Green Events
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CLICK ON LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION.
ALSO TO SEE SOLAR ONE'S LIST OF SUMMER EVENTS, INCLUDING CONCERTS, FAMILY DAYS, AND DANCE SERIES, CLICK HERE.
Green Volunteer Opportunity with NYC Service/ Green City Force! NYC °CoolRoofs is an exciting collaboration between NYC Service, the NYC Department of Buildings and the Community Environmental Center to promote and facilitate the cooling of New York City's rooftops. Applying a reflective surface to a roof helps reduce cooling costs, cut energy usage and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Join us as we coat 1 million square feet of rooftop to make a greener, greater New York! Please email for specific dates.
Thursday, August 5, 5:30-8:30pm. Black and Sustainable in NYC. Native Bistro & Lounge, 161 Lenox Avenue in Harlem. Panel discussion and networking event which focuses on connecting young professionals with sustainability leaders in NYC. Experts will explore how the sustainability movement and triple-bottom-line-focus can transform the environment, social, and economic viability of traditionally African-American urban communities. $35 professional registration fee.
Thursday, August 5, 6:30pm. Museum of the City of New York, 1220 5th Ave. Join Vishaan Chakrabarti and Noah Budnick for a discussion of the future of the car in New York. Presented in conjunction with the exhibition Cars, Culture, and the City. $12 non-members, $8 seniors/students, $6 museum members.
Saturday, August 7, 12:45 - 3pm. Eltingville Transit Center, 90-98 Wainwright Ave in Staten Island. Take a Tour of Freshkills Park in Staten Island (formerly the world's largest landfill). Nearly 45% of the site was once used for landfill operations, now the remainder is currently composed of wetlands, open waterways, and unfilled lowland areas. When the park is completed, it will be almost three times the size of Central Park. Free.
Thursday, August 12, 6-8pm. Bicycles as Transport - From Alternative to Mainstream, Center for Architecture, 536 LaGuardia Place. Bicycles represent among the most sustainable forms of personal transportation. This panel, with expertise in the fields of urban planning, transportation planning, and bicycle advocacy will attempt to answer this question through presentation and discussion. Free for members, $10 for non-members.
Monday, August 16, 6-9pm. Party for Green City Challenge, 519 Ave of the Americas. Meet the team that is creating the first ever Green City Challenge competition in New York City! Mingle with green business owners, non-profit leaders, and individuals who are helping to make New York City a green city! $20, $15 for students/low income.
Tuesday, August 17, 6-8pm. Home Tour at The Views in Staten Island, 29 Haven Esplanade St., Staten Island. Come for a free tour of the first home built to NYSERDA's Challenge standards. The home is 65% more efficient than NYC energy code and 50% more efficient than Energy Star. Free.
Tuesday, August 17, 6:15pm. Blow Out in the Gulf - Legal, Political and Economical Ramifications. Bloomer, 731 Lexington Ave. The Young Professionals in Energy - New York and The New York Association for Energy Economics hold the next YPE Thought Leader Series event focused on the effects of the oil spill in the Gulf. Register by August 17.
Wednesday, August 18, 9:30am-12:30pm. Build a Model Solar Car Educator Workshop. 2420 FDR Drive at East 23th Street. Solar One in collaboration with NESEA is offering a Junior Solar Sprint educator training workshop. This workshop is designed to prepare teachers and non-formal educators in leading middle school kids through Junior Solar Sprint, a highly engaging and successful program where kids design, build and compete with model solar electric cars.
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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:
Max Joel: 646-576-5673 or email max@solar1.org.
www.solar1.org/nyserda
All New York Energy $martSM Programs are funded by a System Benefits
Charge (SBC) paid by electric distribution customers of Central Hudson
Gas & Electric, Con Edison, NYSEG, National Grid, Orange &
Rockland, and Rochester Gas & Electric. NYSERDA, a public benefit
corporation established by law in 1975, administers SBC funds and
programs under an agreement with the Public Service Commission.
www.getenergysmart.org
www.nyserda.org
www.powernaturally.org
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Summer Energy Tips!
| Planning a weekend getaway this Labor Day? Check into an ENERGY STAR labeled hotel! Click here to search.An ENERGY STAR hotel meets strict energy performance standards set by EPA, uses less energy, is less expensive to operate, and causes fewer greenhouse gas emissions than its peers. Also, the hotel much score in the top 25% based on the EPA's National Energy Performance Rating System. |
| Upcoming Trainings |  |
Get certified by BPI to do energy efficiency work! NYSERDA offers reimbursements for most trainings.To see upcoming trainings including Solar PV, Geothermal, and Energy Modeling Training, click here.
Building AnalystNext program begins August 4 at the Association for Energy Affordability (6 day course) September course begins September 8This low-cost training program can bring you new business for years to
come. While you're using building science technology to help customers
solve heating, cooling and air leakage problems that are driving high
energy costs, you'll also provide them with a more comfortable, safe
and durable home. You'll be a part of an exclusive group of contractors
with access to benefits to help your business grow. Heating Professional
August 23, 10am-5pm at Association for Energy Affordability(5 day course)
This training, which includes both classroom sessions and field experience, will help you prepare for the Building Performance Institution's Heating Professional written and field exams.
A/C and Heat Pump Professional
August 30, 8am-5pm at Association For Energy Affordability
(3 day course)
This three-day course is designed for experienced heating contractors. The training, which consists of both classroom and field experience, will help prepare you for the Building Performance Institute's Cooling Professional on-line and field exams. The BPI Cooling Professional designation was developed in collaboration with North American Technician Excellence (NATE).
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Some of NYSERDA's Programs
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