Greetings from your E$C Coordinators, Max Joel & Sara Jayanthi:
At Solar One, we arrived to work this morning to find a movie shoot had covered the streets with snow. The white blanket beautifully complements all the decorations now up in Manhattan, and it acts as a reminder that winter is upon us.
Just in time for the holidays, this month's newsletter shows how you can throw a holiday party that is not only stylish, but supremely eco-friendly. And we continue our series on the 14th Street Y's efforts to go green, profiling the renovation of their black box theater.
Finally, don't forget to follow Solar One on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn by clicking the links on the right!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!
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| NYSERDA Offers Free or Reduced Fee Energy Audits for Homeowners! |
NYSERDA has announced that Green Jobs Green New York (GJGNY) is now offering free and reduced fee energy audits for eligible homeowners! GJGNY is a landmark set of programs that will provide New Yorkers with access to energy audits, installation services, low-cost financing (currently for residential customers only), and pathways to training for various green-collar careers. A GJGNY Energy Audit is an opportunity for homeowners to easily jump start making their homes more energy efficient. Households that make less than 200% of their county's Median Family Income (AMI) are eligible to receive a FREE comprehensive home assessment or energy audit for their home. Households with an income of between 201-400% of AMI are also eligible to take part in this program by paying a reduced fee between $50-$200. To find out whether you qualify for a free or reduced fee audit, please review the GJGNY Median Family Income table. All audits must be done by a participating Building Performance Institute (BPI) Accredited contractor. After the contractor provides a comprehensive home assessment or energy audit that identifies energy saving opportunities, households can take advantage of GJGNY Financing to help implement those cost and energy saving measures. Find a participating contractor here!For more information, please visit the GJGNY Energy Audit website or the general Green Jobs Green NY website.
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NYSERDA's Multifamily Performance Program
v4: Webinars for Building Owners & Developers |
NYSERDA is offering two webinars to present the revised Multifamily Performance Program. These one-hour webinars will focus separately on Existing Buildings and New Construction, and highlight changes to the newest version of the Program. The target audience for these webinars is building owners, management companies and developers interested in participating in NYSERDA's Multifamily Performance Program.
Existing Buildings
Wednesday, December 8th. 11 am - 12 pm EST
To register: https://nyserda.ilinc.com/register/tzjbbpk
New Construction
Tuesday, December 14th. 2 - 3 pm EST
To register: https://nyserda.ilinc.com/register/ccrwwjt
These webinars are open to the public.
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Don't miss out!
NYSERDA CHP funding opportunity closes in December!
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NYSERDA is stilling accepting applications for the installation of combined heat and power systems in larger residential and non-residential buildings. Combined Heat and Power (CHP) is an efficient system that can both generate electricity and provide heat to a facility. CHP is on-site generation, and can reduce the amount of energy and heat a building gets from outside sources. Additionally, CHP systems are generally 25% more efficient than standard energy generation. PON 1931 is offering financial support for facilities doing a demonstration CHP installation. Funds are available for single-site and fleet (for example, a chain of hotels or a group of similar multifamily buildings) installations, and will be disbursed after a competitive proposal review. Projects located in Con Edison's territory may be eligible for a funding increase of 10%. If you are thinking of installing a CHP system in your building, check out PON 1231's minimum requirements to make sure your project is eligible. But act fast - the PON expires 12/23/2010. For more information on PON 1931 please visit:http://www.nyserda.org/funding/1931pon.aspFor information about Combined Heat and Power, please visit:http://www.nyserda.org/programs/dgchp.asp
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Month 7: 14th Street Y's New (& Green) Theater Space
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Along with the 14th Street Y's overall energy efficient retrofit, the theater space has been undergoing additional renovations with 'green' in mind.
The new and improved theater, a 'Black Box' model, is in its third phase of renovations. "A 'black box' is a convertible theater space. The concept was determined in think-tanks with our LABA artists and staff," says Becky Skoff, LABA and Theater Manager for the 14th Street Y. "Now we are much more flexible. Any type of theater production can use a black box space. It can also be used for dance, music and multi-disciplinary arts," added Skoff.
 | The new theater space.
Photo Credit: Onno de Jong |
Special attention is being paid to reducing waste in the remodeling process and also conserving energy as a whole. During the first phase of the renovation, a new lighting grid and a new lighting plot were installed; draperies were cleaned and fireproofed; and the proscenium was removed, adding ten feet to the stage area.
The second phase was completed this summer. The old stage was removed and broken down so that the wood could be reused to create a storage unit in the back of the theater. Other set building materials from the theater have been reused as shelving in classrooms, tables, and as preschool art projects. A total of five tons of old wood was recycled!
 | | Photo credit: Onno de Jong |
Currently, the theater is receiving and installing a new lighting and sound system, including energy-efficient lighting features, an assisted listening system and a new sound mixing board. Ongoing efforts by the theater staff include using LED lighting during rehearsals, which will save energy during non-performance hours.
The final phase of the renovation is scheduled to be completed next summer with the installation of the new moveable and retractable riser system. This system will allow the theater space to transition
 | Theater before the renovation.
Photo Credit: Stella Benezra |
to a variety of layouts in about an hour, provide seating for 120 people, thereby making the theater more versatile.
After a sold-out workshop last spring,"A Wonderfully Flat Thing" returns to the 14th Street Y for selected weekends in Decemberand January 2011! Please visit the Y's website (here) for more information and to purchase tickets.
 | "A Wonderfully Flat Thing".
Photo Credit: Onno de Jong |
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Power Up This Winter & Save Energy
with Advanced Power Strips!
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One of our many holiday tips suggests that you use an energy efficient power strip to help you save energy and money this holiday season, and throughout the year. NYSERDA has put together a list of manufacturers and model numbers for the most energy efficient advanced power strips.
Click here to review the PDF.
Shopping online may offer you the best price, but major retailers should also carry these power strips.
Stores such as Best Buy, Target, Home Depot, Sears and more, may carry the product. Please check with your local retailer.
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Music & Solar at the Green Salon
|  Last month, Solar One participated in a the Global Change Foundation's Green Salon, which pairs outstanding performing artists with specialized environmental speakers for a stimulating, enjoyable, unpredictable salon. For the November Salon, Energy $mart Communities Coordinator Max Joel was paired with soprano Claire Coolen, who is completing her Masters degree at the Manhattan School of Music. Ms. Coolen sang arias from Puccini, Verdi, and others, followed by Max presenting (in a tuneless baritone) "Here Comes the Sun: Solar Initiatives in New York City".
To learn more about the Green Salon, please visit the website of the Global Change Foundation.
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New for TVs in 2011: EnergyGuide Labels
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The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has just announced that televisions manufactured after May 10, 2011 will now require an EnergyGuide label. This will provide more information about different TV models and their energy usage to shoppers, which are already required on many other large appliances, such as refrigerators and washing machines.
EnergyGuide labels provide information such as estimated yearly energy cost and the cost range compared to other models with similar screen sizes. These labels will be displayed on the front of the TVs.
In addition, starting on July 11, 2011, all websites selling TVs much display an image of the full EnergyGuide label.
You can read the full press release here.
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Holiday Party Tips!
How to Throw An Awesome Energy Efficient Party
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This holiday season try to broaden your green behavior and plan a green and energy efficient holiday party! With the suggestions below, you will not only throw a great party, but you will be saving energy and money at the same time!
Preparation
- Go paperless: Send an Evite or Facebook invitation rather than snail mail.
- Plan an environmentally conscious menu by stocking up on local and seasonal food. Local food is more efficient because the food has a shorter distance to travel.
- Set up a recycling center in a convenient location near the food; this will encourage guests to recycle and also save you time with clean-up!
- Decorate your home and/or tree with LED Holiday Lights.
 DO YOU KNOW how much energy and money you can save by decorating your Christmas tree with LED Holiday Lights? A typical 8ft Christmas tree decorated with 300 traditional incandescent lights costs approximate $33.80 to light for the season and uses 216 kWh of electricity. An identical tree using LED lights would cost only about $0.89 to light and use approximately 6 kWh. A tree decorated with rope lights (miniature incandescent lights enclosed in flexible plastic tubing) would cost $4.81 and use 31 kWh.
- Be sure to plug your holiday lights, regular lights, sound system, and other appliances into an energy saving power strip.
- Be sure to turn down the thermostat before the party, once guests start arriving their body heat will keep everyone warm.
- Offer to arrange carpools for guests. Fewer cars on the road is not only safer and smarter during the holidays, it is also better for our planet!
Party
- As guests arrive, hand them a mug or glass and add their name to it with etching cream. This will encourage them to reuse the cup for the entire night, therefore reducing waste. This could also be a nice party favor!
 - Lay out cloth napkins and washable plates/silverware for the event (Hide the paper towels! Even spills can be cleaned up with cloth) or consider biodegradable and compostable table settings.
- Plan a re-gift swap by asking your guests to bring a used book to share and swap at the party.
- Set the mood during the party, by decorating with sustainable beeswax, soy or palm oil candles and by dimming the lights. You will save energy at the same time!
Party Favors
- Give your guests a personalized glass or mug (as mentioned above) which can be used long after your awesome party ends!
- Ask your guests to bring reusable food storage containers so that they can share in the leftovers after the party
- Create an online photo gallery for your guests to enjoy after the event.
Pick-up
- Run your full ENERGY STAR dishwasher and clothing washer overnight; it is the best time to use large appliances because it saves money and energy
- Use your compost bin for non-meat or dairy food waste. A tip for city dwellers; store the compostible items in your freezer until you have time to visit your local Greenmarket's compost station.
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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, December 1, Advancements in the Building Industry. AIA New York Chapter, Center for Architecture 536 LaGuardia Place, 6-8pm. Organized in Partnership with the New York Building Congress. Evolution of the Building Industry is organized as part of the exhibition Innovate:Integrate, on view from October 6th, 2010 - January 16th, 2011. Free for members of AIA and NYBC; $10 for non-members.
Tuesday, December 7, Educational Green Roofs: Construction & Curriculum Considerations for NYC Public Schools. The Greenwich Village School, P.S. 41, 116 West 11th Street (at 6th Ave), 6-8pm. Join Scott Stringer for a panel discussion on the benefits and challenges involved in retrofitting public school green roof learning facilities. This symposium is designed to familiarize attendees with the feasibility, costs, and tradeoffs that administrators, teachers and parents need to know when considering educational green roofs. RSVP: events@manhattanbp.org or 212-669-4462.
Wednesday, December 8, NYSERDA's Multifamily Performance Program v4: Webinars for Building Owners and Developers regarding Exsiting Buildings. Online, 11amEST. NYSERDA is offering the one-hour webinar focused on Existing Buildings and highlight changes to the newest version of the Multifamily Performance Program. The target audience for these webinars is building owners, management companies and developers interested in participating in NYSERDA's Multifamily Performance Program. Free.
Saturday, December 11, Superintendents Technical Association Holiday Party. Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 230 East 90th Street, Lower Church, 6-10pm. $10 per person, $20 for couples, $25 for families.
Monday, December 13, Constructing the New York City Drinking Water System: A Pictorial History. St Jean Community Center, 184 east 76th street, 7-9pm. Construction on NYC's first viable drinking water system began in 1838 in Westchester. Engineers carefully documented and photographed many of the projects as they were being constructed. Over the years these archives got disorganized. Gina Pollara and a team from the Cooper Union School of Architecture put the archive back together. Come hear Gina, author of "WATER-WORKS: The Architecture and Engineering of the New York City Water Supply," tell the story. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. NYU students and teachers are free.
Tuesday, December 14, NYSERDA's Multifamily Performance Program v4: Webinars for Building Owners and Developers regarding New Construction. Online, 11amEST. NYSERDA is offering the one-hour webinar focused on Existing Buildings and highlights changes to the newest version of the Multifamily Performance Program. The target audience for these webinars is building owners, management companies and developers interested in participating in NYSERDA's Multifamily Performance Program. Free.
Tuesday, December 14, Green Drinks NYC 2010 Holiday Party. M1-5, 52 Walker St., 8pm-12am. Featuring: David de Rothschild. $25 in advance and $40 at the door.
Tuesday, December 14, Manhattan Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Green Business Networking Event. American Cancer Society Hope Lodge, 132 West 32nd St., 8:30-10am. Free for MCC members, $15 for non-members.
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Contact your Downstate South (Manhattan and Staten Island)
E$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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Energy Efficient Holiday Gift Ideas
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Here are some shopping ideas for your loved ones this holiday, thanks to TopTen USA's list of energy efficient electronics.
*Refrigerators (medium sized) 1. General Electric, Hotpoint 2. Frigidaire, Crosley, Kenmore (ranked using an analysis of volume + energy use)
*Large TVs 1. Samsung UN46C5000QF 2. LG 55LE7300 (ranked by square inches of screen illuminated for every watt of electricity used)*Laptops 1. Sony VPCP118KX/B 2. Apple MC516 (determined by annual electricity consumed in typical usage)*Clothing WasherSmall: Asko Large: Maytag WHW6000X, WHW7000X (ranked by Modified Energy number)*Dishwasher1. Bosch, Gaggenau 2. Asko (ranked by Energy Factor) ---
Small Stocking Stuffers:
- CFL's - Smart Power Strips - LED night light - Rechargeable batteries - Solar cell phone charger - Tire gauge - Water bladder (for toilets)
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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 December 1(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. Basic Air Sealing and InsulationAEA's next course begins December 3(4 day course) This course will introduce students to the skills and principles necessary for working in the field of home weatherization. They will learn how to install air sealing and insulation treatments that increase a home's energy efficiency. This course teaches the basic skills for weatherizing a building. The course will provide the background necessary to become a highly qualified entry level installer. Energy Efficiency Building Operators SpecialistAEA's next course begins December 7(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.
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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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