Greetings from your E$C Coordinators, Max Joel & Sara Jayanthi:
These are exciting times for green energy in NY, so this month we provide an overview of the New Green Building Codes in New York City. These codes are landmark pieces of legislation that will help propel the city to reduce 30% of its carbon emissions by 2030. We also congratulate NYC CoolRoofs, who achieved a major milestone recently on their quest to reduce the Urban Heat Island Effect.
Finally, we remind you that money from The Great Appliance Swap-Out is still available! If you have been thinking about updating your lime-green Westinghouse from the 1950s, now is the time.
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New Incentives for Small Wind
|  NYSERDA announces cash incentives for the installation of eligible Small Scale Wind Systems. PON 2097 offers incentives to residential, commercial, institutional, and public customers for new wind systems that are 600 kW or less. Grid-connected wind systems can supply a portion of the power to a property that regularly has strong and consistent winds.
Incentives will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis, and are based on Annual Expected Output of the turbine determined by the New York State Small windExplorer. Additionally, customers will only be considered for eligibility if their wind project meets the program's siting requirements, uses an allowed turbine technology from the NYSERDA small wind list, and is installed by eligible wind installer.
Wind incentive applications will be accepted through June 30, 2011, or until funds are fully committed.
The New York State Small windExplorer can you help you determine if your property has winds that are strong enough for a small wind system. An eligible installer will be able to provide you with a specific cost estimate based on your needs and requirements. Be sure to get estimates from at least three installers.
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Congratulations to our friends at
NYC °CoolRoofs! |
With the help of 1,500 volunteers, NYC °CoolRoofs has completed their year long mission to paint one million square feet of NYC rooftop white!
Visit the NYC °CoolRoofs website for more information about how to become involved in their continuing mission to reduce our city's urban heat island effect by painting standard black tar roofs with a reflective white paint.
 | | Courtesy of Florescu for NY Daily News |
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Houses of Worship Inspired to be Green
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 | | The Rev. Fletcher Harper of GreenFaith speaking at last Sunday's event |
On October 24th, Solar One and GreenFaith presented Energy Stewardship 101: Strategies for Houses of Worship and Households at the Park Avenue United Methodist Church in Manhattan. Participants from more than a dozen houses of worship throughout New York City learned how to green their buildings- and how to help their congregants green their own homes.
At this workshop, the Reverend Fletcher Harper, Executive Director of GreenFaith, made the case for why energy efficiency should be a top concern for houses of worship. He presented the key steps for energy conservation, based on data gathered through energy audits conducted at diverse houses of worship. Taking these steps can help houses of worship cut operating costs while "walking the walk" of sustainability.
After Rev. Harper's inspiring and informative presentation, Solar One's NYSERDA Energy $mart Communities Coordinator Max Joel reviewed financial incentives and technical support available from New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA) to help houses of worship become more energy efficiency, and discussed opportunities for congregations to connect their own greening efforts with the day-to-day lives of their members. Finally, Solar One Education Coordinator Sarah Pidgeon presented easy and exciting environmental activities for youth of all ages.
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New Green Building Codes for New York
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Last month, the New York City Council responded to the NYC Green Codes Task Force's recommendations by enacting five new laws with an important environmental focus.
The new laws lay the foundation for greening the construction codes and defining the role of the Department of Buildings. These changes include adding "the environment" to the building code's purpose ("public safety, health and welfare"). 
The goal of this group of codes is to improve energy efficiency via lighting. One law (Int. 262) aims to reduce unnecessary artificial lighting in lobbies, hallways, and exit areas by allowing daylight to count towards lighting levels and permitting the use of occupant sensors and photosensors in exit areas. The minimum required lighting in exit areas has also been reduced (with some exceptions) from two foot-candles to one foot-candle.
The third bill (Int. 266) replaces the current requirements in the Energy Code for occupancy sensors in commercial buildings, with "vacancy sensors". Vacancy sensors detect when a space is unoccupied and shut the light off after a time delay. It must be turned on manually, which allows for maximum energy savings by ensuring that the lights are not turned on unless needed. In addition, the bill requires that small offices (less than 200 square feet) have either vacancy sensors or photosensors.
The remaining two bills replace long outdated standards for lighting in common areas of apartment buildings (Int. 277A) and temporary construction walkways and sidewalk sheds. (Int. 273). The bills change the standards for minimum lighting standards from power consumption (watts) to illumination (foot-candle). Photosensors are now permitted to reduce lighting levels in response to daylight in common areas, public halls, and stairs (subject to certain safety requirements and not in exit areas).
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The Swap is Back!
NYS's Great Appliance Swap Out Continues
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Earlier this year we told you about a program offered to New York State residents to receive cash rebates for replacing older appliance(s) with new ENERGY STARŽ-qualified appliance - and ten months later, the offer is back!
Due to a large number of rebate reservations that were never claimed, funds are still available for this program. To qualify, purchases must be made between February 12, 2010 and the date when available funds run out. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Please be sure to complete all required paperwork for the rebate to be processed.
Customers purchasing appliances may qualify for a rebate of:
- $75 ($105 with documented recycling) for ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators
- $75 ($100 with documented recycling) for ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washers
- $50 ($75 with documented recycling) for ENERGY STAR qualified freezers
- Rebates are available for dishwashers when they are purchased as part of a three-appliance High Efficiency ENERGY STAR package (refrigerator, dishwasher, clothes washer), which may qualify for a $500 rebate ($555 with documented recycling). These appliances must also meet the Consortium for Energy Efficiency's (CEE) guidelines.
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The Green Restaurant Initiative
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The New York State Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NYSRAEF) has been awarded an EPA grant to help green restaurants in New York City.
The focus of the grant is to:
- Promote energy conservation
- Promote water conservation
- Reduce the use of hazardous waste material
- To do all of the above while helping restaurants become more profitable as they green their restaurants
In an industry that has a great opportunity to positively impact our environment, Con Edison, NYSERDA and The Department of Environmental Protection have offered free audits and support to qualifying restaurants to help determine the potential impact of taking green steps. The New York State Restaurant Association Educational Foundation is also offering free Green Training Workshops along with follow up implementation support for interested restaurants.
 The restaurant public has become much more educated and sensitive to the green movement over the past few years. More and more, customers are expecting restaurants they frequent to take positive and effective steps to green their establishments. Through this grant, the NYSRAEF wants to support our restaurant community in taking those steps.
If you have any questions, or would like to participate in this Initiative or know of any restaurants who would, please have them contact:
Alan Someck, Environmental SpecialistNew York State Restaurant Association Educational Foundatione:asomeck@gmail.com p:516.448.1504 or 212.398.9160
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Solar One & STA's First 'Intro to Green' Course for Building Supers... a Success!
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 Last week, Solar One and the Superintendents Technical Association hosted the first "Intro to Green for Building Operators" course. This introductory course was developed to help building operators manage their buildings in a more energy efficient and cost-effective way.
While only three hours long, the course covered a lot of ground. It introduced building operators to green terminology and concepts; reviewed NYC's new green laws for existing buildings; discussed NYSERDA and other incentives available for New York buildings; and outlined future educational options for the attendees. In addition, it offered practical advice on how to plan improvements and how to work with the building's community to achieve green goals.
The comments received after the class were overwhelmingly positive. In addition, many of those who could not make it to this session got in touch to see if another will be offered. Due to this great response, we plan to host another course.
Please keep an eye out for an announcement of the next session of "Intro to Green for Building Operators," which will be scheduled for February or March 2011!
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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.
Tuesday, November 9, GreenDrinksNYC. Gallery Bar, 120 Orchard St, 6pm. Join us for a delectable November event as we partner with Slow Food NYC to bring you a look at "Good, Clean and Fair" food in NYC! Taste some of New York's finest as you meet other eco-professionals, make business connections, make new friends, network & lounge in The Gallery Bar, a LES showplace for art and a lounging good time! $10 in advance.
Wednesday, November 10, Not Business As Usual: Updates from the NYSERDA New Construction Program.
The Center for Architecture, 536 LaGuardia Place, 12:00-2:00pm.
The New York State Energy and Research Development Authority (NYSERDA) offers technical support to building design teams and financial incentives to building owners to effect a permanent transformation in the way buildings are designed and constructed through their New Construction Program (NCP). This presentation will provide attendees with a working knowledge of the NYSERDA NCP, including an overview of the incentives and recent program changes, case studies, and steps to keep in mind to successfully navigate through the program. Free.
Wednesday, November 10, The Global Change Foundation - Green Salon. Bechstein Piano Center, 207 West 58th Street (west of 58th and 7th), 6-7:30pm. Please join The Global Change Foundation for their 16th Green Salon event. Soprano Claire Coolen will open the evening, followed by NYSERDA's Energy $mart Communities Coordinator, Max Joel of Solar One, and his presentation "Here Comes The Sun: Solar Initiatives in New York City". The event begins at 6pm. $20 donation to The Green Salon is requested.
Friday, November 12, Advocacy Today: Making Strides in Today's Economy. Con Edison Headquarters, Auditorium, 4 Irving Place (between 14th and 15th St. ), 8am-12pm. Join us for this proactive social services conference where we will be addressing customers experiencing economic adversity by providing an interactive forum for non-profits, social services and government agencies in the social services arena. This conference will consist of exhibition booths that are active in providing solutions and services accessible to the community. This also is a great opportunity for organizations to build partnerships in the community and with government for greater benefit to all in New York impacted by the current economic climate. Free.
Saturday, November 13, Urban Sustainability Series: Green Roofing. NYC Dept of Parks and Recreation, Van Cortlandt Nature Center, Bronx, 1pm. It's all about the soil! Green roofs have great benefits in the urban jungle; we'll discuss what they are, how they work, and how to decide whether it's right for your building. Free.
Tuesday, November 16, Dashboards for Energy Management. Association of Energy Engineers, NY-AEE Chapter Meetings, 1540 Broadway, 14th floor, Please visit AEE's website for more details: www.aeeny.org/calendar
Friday, November 19, Arts, Culture & Fun: Deep Down (film). Victor Hanson Recreation Center, 133-39 Guy R. Brewer Blvd, Queens, 7-8:30pm. Film screening from Emmy Award winning PBS Community Cinema of DEEP DOWN. In this film, Beverly May and Terry Ratliff grew up on opposite sides of a mountain ridge in eastern Kentucky, where coal is king. When a mountaintop removal coal mine encroaches on their community, the two find themselves on opposite sides of a debate that divides their community and the world - who controls, consumes, and benefits from the planet's dwindling supply of natural resources? In a small town in dire economic straits and high unemployment, the coal company's offer to buy land and provide jobs can be hard to resist. What can a community do when it must choose between its present and its future? Free.
Saturday, November 20, GreenThumb Workshop: Healthy Soils, Healthy Communities. Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 900 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn, 10am-12pm. Join the Brooklyn Botanic Garden for updates on the soil testing to date and news about upcoming project activities. They will provide supplies, and take soil/compost/cleanfill/mulch Requests (for spring 2011 delivery). Please note that garden members must attend workshops to receive supplies. All workshops are free and open to the public, with no pre-registration (unless otherwise noted). Workshops are rain or shine, canceled only in the event of lightning or other dangerous conditions. All supplies are for registered gardens only and are available first come, first served, while supplies last. Free.
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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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Green Winter Tips
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Finally, Fall has arrived!
Here are some tips from NYSERDA to prepare for the cold weather heading our way:
1. Seal Up the Cracks (keep the warm air in and the cold air out!)
2. Buy a Good Thermostat (use a programmable thermostat to lower the heat at night and when no one is home)
3. Let the Sun Shine In (take advantage of natural solar heating!
4. Use Your Fan (reverse the direction and help move hot air in your home)
5. Unblock Vents
6. Close the Damper (if you have a fireplace, close the damper when not in use to keep the cold air out)
7. Buy a Smart Power Strip (reduce standby power - this is great for entertainment centers and computer stations)
8. Replace the Bulbs
(CFLs! CFLs! CFLs!)
9. Lower the Water Temp (120 degree is a safe, comfortable and legal level for your water temp)
10. Reduce Your Cable's Impact (two cable boxes use the same amount of power as a refrigerator! Request an Energy Efficient Cable Box from your provider)
11. With the end of Daylight Savings time, The NYC Fire Dept. reminds you to change the batteries in your smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO2) detectors
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| 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 November 3(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. Energy Efficiency Building Operators SpecialistAEA's next course begins November 2(4 day course) This training course will help you eliminate energy and water waste, by learning about the whole building systems approach, energy efficient lighting & appliances, fuel bill analysis, lighting controls, energy management systems and much more. Energy Efficiency Technician IAEA's course begins November 15(8 day course) This course provides a foundation in the approaches and techniques of residential energy efficiency retrofits and weatherization. Attendees will learn how typical buildings use energy, common areas of energy inefficiency, typical retrofit measures, and the primary tools and materials used. Weatherization and other green job positions will be introduced during this course.
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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 of up to 70% for lighting, heating, and cooling upgrades
- 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 $40,000 for converting from oil to natural gas heating systems
**Ave. peak monthly demand of more than 100kW
For more information, visit ConEd's site
or call 877-870-6118.
You can also visit getenergysmart.org
or call 877-NYSMART
for information about other rebates and tax credits.
*You must receive a Con Edison bill to be eligible.
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