Greetings from your E$C Coordinators, Max Joel & Sara Jayanthi:
As the weather cools off, Solar One extends a warm welcome to our new Energy $mart Communities Coordinator, Sara Jayanthi! Sara comes to us from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (though she grew up in the Tri-State area), and she is looking forward to helping inform and inspire New Yorkers.
This month's newsletter highlights the energy efficiency opportunities available for the owners and managers of multifamily buildings. Owners of smaller existing multifamily buildings (5-75 units) can now take advantage of the Con Edison Multi-Family Efficiency Program, while the NYSERDA Multifamily Performance Program is once again available for larger existing buildings.
But multifamily energy efficiency doesn't begin or end with a retrofit. Building operations staff play a critical role in maximizing energy performance, and this month we highlight two training programs for building operators.
Finally, we are excited to announce our Energy Stewardship 101 workshop for houses of worship, taking place on Oct. 24th in partnership with GreenFaith.
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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NYSERDA Multifamily Performance Program Launches! |
 The Multifamily Performance Program (MPP) is back! MPP offers incentives for existing residential buildings over three stories tall that are undergoing substantial energy efficiency upgrades. All projects will be required to demonstrate a 15% reduction in their current energy usage, and must work with a NYSERDA Multifamily Performance Program Partner. For more information, please locate and contact an MPP partner by visiting the Get Energy $mart website.
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Con Edison Multi-Family
Energy Efficiency Program
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Do you own or manage a multi-family building with 5 to 75 units? Are you looking for ways to significantly reduce energy costs? If your building is in the Con Edison service area (New York City and Westchester County) and you pay the System Benefits Charge (SBC) on your bill, you can apply for incentives through the Con Edison Multi-Family Energy Efficiency Program!
 Incentives offered by Con Edison's Green Team provide for a participating contractor to perform an energy survey to display where the building could save energy and money by participating in this program. Building recommendations for energy efficient improvements may be made regarding the heating system and control, roof and pipe insulation, lighting, occupancy sensors, motors, refrigerators, and air conditioners.
Significant further incentives are available for the installation of these energy efficient improvements based on a scope of work selected by the building owner. For example, installations of high-efficiency hot water gas boilers are eligible for an incentive of $1,000 to $15,000 depending on capacity, and replacing an existing incandescent exit sign with an LED exit sign carries an incentive of $50. The buildings' apartment dwellers may benefit from in-unit incentives, such as a free "smart" power strip, a free high-efficiency showerhead, and up to six free CFL bulbs.
For more information about the Con Edison Multi-Family Energy Efficiency Program, including a completed list of available incentives, please visit www.aeanyc.org/conedmultifamily or call 877-870-6118 or contact the AEA call center at 877-643-9443For information on Con Edison's other energy efficiency programs, please visit: www.coned.com/energyefficiency
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Financing Energy Efficiency Improvements of Multifamily and Commercial Buildings
| Part of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce's Green Finance Series
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
8:00AM Refreshments: 8:30 - 9:30AM Panel: 9:30 - 9:45AM Q & A: 9:45 - 10:00AM Networking and Adjourn
Con Edison Building, 4 Irving Place, 19th floor Edison Room
This event is being presented in collaboration with MCC, Con Edison, Women in Housing and Finance and NYU-Poly's ACRE program
Participants:
Michael Colgrove, Director of Energy Programs, NYC Office, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) will update us on the new Multifamily Performance Program (MPP).
David Hepinstall, Executive Director of The Association for Energy Affordability, Inc. (AEA) will discuss Con Edison's new Multifamily Energy Efficiency Program (5 - 75 units).
Kate Shackford, EVP, Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation (BOEDC) will discuss the NYSERDA funded Energy Smart Loan Program, as well as the efficacy of utilizing the environmental technologies of green roofs and solar panels.
Gardner Semet, EVP and Director of Commercial Real Estate, Amalgamated Bank, will address the commercial bank's view on energy efficiency financing of multifamily and commercial buildings.
John Slattery, Treasurer, E. 97th Street 107-unit multifamily co-op, will provide insights from the Board's perspective.
Herb Sedler, Chairman and Founder, Paper Enterprises, will discuss his company's use of the Bronx River Initiative for Energy and the Environment Program's Environmental Revolving Loan Fund offered by BOEDC.
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Free Green Supers Training Offered by 32BJ
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ATTENTION Superintendents & Handypersons in multi-family buildings!
If you are a member of SEIU Local 32BJ you can sign up for a free, innovative 'Green Supers' training program that may help your building increase efficiency, save money, improve building comfort and reduce waste and pollution.
The program is a 40-hour class that provides training in energy efficient operations and maintenance. It also includes an opportunity to earn certification as a Multifamily Building Operator through the Building Performance Institute (BPI). Read more here: 1000supers.com/program
This training is funded in part by a $2.8 million American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act grant from the U.S. Department of Labor.
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Green Intro Course for Building Operators
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Solar One has partnered with Superintendents Technical Association (STA) to reach building operators in New York City and
provide them with an "Intro to Green".
On Monday, October 18th from 6-9pm, a new
three-hour course will introduce building operators to the concept of green and
how it relates to buildings in New York City. Please see course details below.
This introductory course will help building operators manage
their buildings in a more energy efficient and cost effective way. The course will orient building operators to
green terminology and concepts; inform supers about NYC's new green laws for
existing buildings; discuss NYSERDA incentives available for New York buildings; and determine if future education and/or certifications may
be right for the attendees.
For more information or to register, please visit nycsta.org/staschool.htm
Green Technology GT101
Monday,
October 18th, 6-9pm
230 E
90th St.
Pre-register: $55.00
STA Member & non-members: $65.00
at the door
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Help Your House of Worship Go Green!
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On Sunday, October 24, NYSERDA, GreenFaith and Solar One will present a new workshop titled: Energy Stewardship 101: Strategies for Houses of Worship & Households.
For the
average religious institution, energy expenses are the second highest
fixed cost, second only to personnel costs. Our energy use causes air
pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from the burning of fossil fuels,
and toxic waste from nuclear power plants.
GreenFaith's research shows
that the average religious institution can cut energy use by close to
20% with investments that pay for themselves in less than 18 months - a
large environmental and economic benefit. At this FREE workshop, GreenFaith's
staff will review 12 priority steps for energy conservation, based on
data gathered through energy audits conducted at diverse houses of
worship. Many of these steps are no-cost, and can be implemented
immediately.
Energy Stewardship 101: Strategies for
Houses of Worship & Households
will be held on Sunday, October 24 from 1-4pm at Park Avenue United Methodist Church,
located at 106 East 86th Street.
This workshop is free, but an RSVP is required: 732-565-7740 ext 303.
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Turner School of Construction Management 8 Week Program
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Construction firms with a minimum of three years in business are invited to strengthen their businesses through the Turner School of Construction Management. This course provides contractors with viable tools needed to pursue work in the public and private sectors. Participants learn the essentials for managing all aspects of their business while fostering relationships that will help them rebound in 2011.
For more information contact:
Meaghan Monroe
Community Affairs
Turner Construction
212-229-6149
mmonroe@tcco.com
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New Teacher Workshops Announced
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This fall, NYSERDA is offering a new set of free professional development workshops for teachers under their Energy Smart Students program. These workshops cover fundamental information about energy and sustainability, empowering teachers to add energy curricula to the classroom.  Teachers who attend will receive a tool kit containing energy efficient technologies and a selection of instructional materials correlated to the New York State Learning Standards. Each teacher will also receive a set of take-home kits for the classroom that can help students learn how to make their homes more energy efficient. To sign up for a workshop, go to http://www.getenergysmart.org/EnergyEducation/Workshop.aspx |
Month 6: The 14th Street Y
Continues The Energy
Audit
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After a
short summer holiday break, Solar One has returned to the 14th Street Y for the
next phase of their NYSERDA Flextech Audit,Landais shows the current ceiling in the Y's gym  | part of the greening efforts the Y
is undertaking throughout its Manhattan home.
Together with consulting engineers Goldman Copeland Associates, we
toured the facility with the 14th Street Y's Green Team to
reacquaint the energy audit team with the facilities. Based on
the preliminary report for the Flextech Energy Audit, key areas to review
included the gymnasium, pool and theater space.
During the
tour we reviewed the green improvements made thus far, including turning off
unnecessary lighting during off hours, changing light bulbs to LED or
CFLs, and recycling materials during renovations.
Special attention
was paid to areas that will
be renovated in the near future, such as the ceiling and
lighting currently in the gym.
Coordinating other planned construction or renovation work with energy
efficiency improvements is a crucial part of a successful energy audit and
retrofit project. By taking the time to review these issues now, the audit team
is helping ensure that the 14th Street Y will receive a final audit that is as
useful as possible in the future.
The pool at the Y will receive energy efficiency upgrades  | After the tour, the team sat down to review the goals and timeline for the
audit. Everyone agreed to target the end of 2010 for the completion of the 14th
Street Y's energy audit.
Join us next month to follow up with the green 14th Street Y Green Team!
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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 EVENTS, CLICK HERE.
Wednesday, October 13, Discussion on New York City Energy Efficiency: Spotlight on Today's Roofing, Tomorrow's Environment. 60 Washington Square South, NYU Kimmel Center, Rosenthal Pavilion Auditorium, 10th Floor, 6-8:30pm. What are the environmental impacts and differences between green and white roofs? What's on our roof makes a difference. A black roof's temperature on a summer day could top 150 degrees. We have more than one million buildings in New York. That kind of rooftop temperature can make a hot day hotter and concomitantly more costly. Join us as for a panel discussion on white and green roofing solutions. Free for NYU Schack Real Estate students, $25 on Clean Tech Corridor, $50 for non-members.
Thursday, October 14, Staten Island Economic Development Corporation Green Seminar.
Supreme Chocolatier, 1150 South Ave. Staten Island, 1-3pm. Free.
This presentation will provide an overview of the multiple NYSERDA incentives available to building owners and developers to help them increase efficiency, reduce operating costs, and comply with local laws.
Friday, October 15 through Sunday, October 17, Conference on Preservation & Climate Change in NYC. The conference will be kicked off on October 15 with a keynote on Cities and Sustainability, followed by a festive reception. On October 17, The Municipal Art Society will host a series of tours that highlight best practices of historic preservation and sustainability in New York City and the surrounding region. Fees apply ($10-85, please check the event website for more information).
Sunday, October 17, Green City Challenge 2010. Begins at 12pm at La Plaza Cultural Community Garden (Avenue C and East 9th St in the East Village), finish at Solar One (23rd St. and the East River). Contestants will race to green businesses and destinations throughout lower Manhattan and complete challenges that demonstrate their knowledge of how to live, work and eat green. There will be an Eco Fair, with organic and vegetarian food and refreshments available at Solar One. The Eco Fair will be open from 3 - 5 pm. The winning teams will be announced at 4PM. Click here to sign up.
Monday, October 18, Green Technology GT101. Superintendents Technical Association, 230 E 90th St., 6-9pm. Introduction to Green Technology without the complicated math. You will leave this class understanding Green Sustainable Energy, keep up with the jargon and be able to get involved with greening your building. Pre-register for $55, or $65 at the door.
Wednesday, October 20, GreenHomeNYC Monthly Forum: "Big Green: Large-Scale Green Building Projects". Held at NYC ACRE, 60 Varick Street, 12th floor, btn Vandam St. and Charlton St., 6:30pm. This month's forum by GreenHomeNYC will be about large green building projects. Check the website for more information about the time/location.
Sunday, October 24, Energy Stewardship 101: Strategies for Houses of Worship & Households. Park Avenue United Methodist Church, 106 E 86th St., 1-4pm. For the average religious institution, energy expenses are the second highest fixed cost-second only to personnel costs. Our energy use causes air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from the burning of fossil fuels, and toxic waste from nuclear power plants. GreenFaith's research shows that the average religious institution can cut energy use by close to 20% with investments that pay for themselves in less than 18 months - a large environmental and economic benefit. At this workshop, GreenFaith staff will review 12 priority steps for energy conservation, based on data gathered through energy audits conducted at diverse houses of worship. Many of these steps are no cost, and can be implemented immediately. RSVP Required: 732-565-7740 ext 303. Free.
Wednesday, October 27, Financing Energy Efficiency Improvements of Multifamily and Commercial Buildings. Con Edison, 4 Irving Place, 19th Floor Edison Room, 8:30-10am. This is the eighth live panel discussion in the yearlong Green Finance Series - "a Constellation of Events" - being presented by the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with NYU-Poly's ACRE program and Women in Housing and Finance. How can market-rate multifamily and small commercial buildings finance energy efficiency improvements? Hear what building owners and a panel of experts have to say. This panel presents financing solutions from the perspective and offerings of the New York City and New York State, traditional banks and leaders in energy efficiency of multifamily and commercial buildings. Members $15, non-members $25.
Saturday, November 6, Urban Green Council Emerging Professionals Career Fair. The New School, Theresa Lang Community and Student Center, 55 West 13th Street, 2nd floor, 10am-5pm. The UGC's Emerging Professionals are proud to announce the 4th annual Urban Green Career Fair. Hosted by The New School, this event will connect young professionals and students with esteemed architecture, engineering, construction, real estate, and product firms in the green building industry. Come join us for an intimate recruiting environment and educational panel discussion geared toward sustainably focused professional development. Whether you are looking for a job, internship, career transition, networking opportunity or general information on companies, products and careers in thegreen building industry, there is something for you here. $5 fee for job seekers; free for New School students and alumni.
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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
Coordinators:
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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Rainbow Roofs!
| Green Roof: Green roofs, also known as vegetated or living
roofs, provide habitat for plants, insects, and birds where an empty
roof would usually be. They also supply added insulation and roof
protection and reduce the rooftop air temperature during summer.
An advanced membrane system protects the building
underneath from leaks or damage, and a special light-weight growing
medium is often used instead of soil to make the roof structurally
feasible.
Visit greenroofs.com for more ideas and info!
Cool Roofs:A roofing system that can reflect the UV wavelengths from the sun or absorb non-reflected solar energy, therefore reducing the heat transfer to the building. Also known as a "white roof". Most cool roofs are white or a light color. Check out what MSNBC has to say about what white roofs could do for NYC.Blue Roofs:Designed to store water, typically rain water. Benefits include temporary storage of rainfall to mitigate runoff impact, storage for irrigation or cooling water, or recreational activities. |
| 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 AnalystAEA's next course begins October 6(6 day course) This 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
AEA's next course begins October 18(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.
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Some of NYSERDA's Programs
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Con Edison
Corner
| | Homeowners
(1-4 family homes):
- Rebates from $200-$600 for installing eligible energy-efficient heating
and A/C equipment
- Free programmable thermostats for central
A/C systems
- Rebates for Energy Star window A/C*
- Rebates up to $3,000 for converting from oil to natural gas heating systems
Apartments,
Condos, or Co-ops
(5-75 units):
- Rebates for new Energy Star refrigerators & A/C
- Free surveys to evaluate common areas and individual units for lighting, heating, & cooling efficiency improvements
- Rebates for Energy Star window A/C*
- Free recycling of old, inefficient refrigerators
& A/C units
- Rebates of up to $40,000 for converting from oil to natural gas heating systems
For Small Businesses*
- Free surveys show you how to spend less and save energy
- Free upgrades such as CFLs and water-heater thermostats
- Big incentives of up to 70% for major lighting, heating, & cooling upgrades
- Free programmable thermostats for central A/C systems ($300 value)
* Ave. peak monthly demand less than 100kW
For Large Businesses**
- Rebates for lighting, heating, and cooling upgrades
- Additional incentives based on energy savings by implementing energy efficiency technology not included in other ConEd rebate programs
- Payments for reducing electricity use on the hottest days
- Rebates of up to $52,500 for converting from oil to natural gas heating systems
**Ave. peak monthly demand of more than 100kW
For more information, visit ConEd's website
or call 877-870-6118.
*Based on eligiblity.
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