Attention Solar Thermal (ST) Installers: NYSERDA has put out a request for applications from qualified ST installers for eligibility in a financial incentive program for approved ST systems installed for eligible New York State customers.

ST system installers

Solar Thermal in the Bronx

and dealers are required to submit applications to become eligible installers. Installers can apply for eligibility at any time while the program is open. Eligible installers can then apply for financial incentives for approved Solar Thermal end-use systems meeting the requirements of this Program. PON 2149 ends December 31, 2015.

For more information on the program please visit: http://www.nyserda.org/funding/2149pon.asp

As we close the books on 2010, we thought it would be important to take a moment and review the wonderful progress one of our friends and partners, the 14th Street Y, has experienced over the last year.

Entrance to the 14th St Y

The Y has been committed to taking steps to make their community center a more vibrant and healthier asset to the area. Our relationship began last spring, when we discovered the Y's plan to go green with the help of the Jewish Greening Fellowship.

Later in the spring, the Y began the NYSERDA Flextech Program. The Program cost-shared 50% of the consultant's fees and provided the Y with objective and customized information to help them make energy decisions.

Through the Program, the Y was connected with Goldman Copeland Associates (GCA), one of NYSERDA's Flextech Partners who had already worked with the Y during their previous lobby renovation.

Over the summer the Y incorporated some of their new knowledge about energy efficiency into their pre-school curriculum. The Y purchased solar lamps for their rooftop garden, in order to teach the children about solar energy.

By the end of the summer, the Y had received approval from NYSERDA for their Task Work Order, allowing the work recommendations from GCA to begin.

At the same time, the Y took a minute to review their printing options for their next catalog; should they go with 100% recycled paper or 30% recycled content paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)? The final decision was made and the catalog was printed on 100% recycled paper that was also FSC certified and the printed with soy-based ink.

In the fall, a lighting audit was performed by UHS Lighting Services in two stages.  A no cost upgrade audit was performed as part of the Con Edison Comverge partnership available in the Y's Manhattan area.  Lamp and fixture replacements were performed at no cost to the Y.  A more comprehensive audit was also performed that will be incorporated into the energy audit being performed by Goldman Copeland.
 

Also during the fall, the green team reconvened at the Y for a tour of the focus areas for energy efficient renovations. Already the Y had changed their lighting behaviors by turning off lights during off-hours and replacing standard incandescent bulbs with CFLs.

In November, we took some time to review the changes to the Y's theater space. The entire theater was renovated and remodeled to be a 'black box' theater. New lighting practices were created, new sound equipment and seating were brought in, and creative crews helped repurpose the old stage into a new storage space for the theater.

Now through January, the theater space will host the LABA's performance of "A Wonderfully Flat Thing".

The Green Residential Building Program offers incentives to owners of certain new or substantially renovated residential or residential mixed-use buildings which incorporate practices and technologies that lower energy costs, reduce waste and water use, and improve indoor air quality.

Owners who demonstrate that their buildings use at least 30% less energy than conventionally built homes, and utilized the green principles listed below, will be qualified to receive the cash incentives.

A green residential building in Brooklyn

Green Principles:

Con Edison (serving NYC and Westchester) is helping residential customers who live in one-to-four family homes save money by using energy more efficiently. 
 

Don't know where to start? Request a home energy survey for $50. A Green Team energy specialist will come to your home and provide a customized list of recommendations for how you can save money and help the environment. Plus, while there, the energy specialist will install free energy-saving products such as CFLs, a smart strip power strip and more! Call 1-800-430-9505 to schedule a home energy survey today. 

Con Edison offers rebates of up to $1,000 to residential customers who install high efficiency heating and central air conditioning systems. 
 

Systems may be installed by any contractor who meets all New York State and local municipality requirements. Contractors may also be eligible for an incentive of $200 if they are BPI-certified as a Central Air Conditioner and Heat Pump Specialist and provide documentation that an ACCA Manual J calculation has been completed to determine the proper size of installed equipment. For more information, call 1-800-430-9505, email RSConEdRequestInfo@Honeywell.com or visit coned.com/HVACrebates.

Do you have a second refrigerator? Recycle it!
 

Con Edison will come pick it up at a time convenient to you and recycle it for free. Con Edison will pay you $30 for making the smart choice to use less energy and help the environment. At the time of your refrigerator pick-up, Con Edison will also collect and recycle old, inefficient window or wall air conditioners. You will receive $35 for window units and $100 for wall air conditioners. Call 1-800-430-9505 to schedule a pick-up or visit http://www.conedhvacrebates.com/recycle.aspx to schedule an appointment online.