Green Local Living » green building http://greenlocalliving.com Resources to Living Green Near You Tue, 22 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1 First Green Library in New York City http://greenlocalliving.com/first-green-library-in-new-york-city/ http://greenlocalliving.com/first-green-library-in-new-york-city/#comments Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:33:56 +0000 Green Living http://greenlocalliving.com/?p=300 New York, NY – The growing community of Battery Park City now has its own library. On March 18, The New York Public Library will open its Battery Park City branch, an environmentally friendly library which provides a wide range of services for the community. The public is invited to celebrate the branch’s opening with a morning ceremony, an architectural tour of the library, and a day of free events for the entire family. The 10,000 square-foot, two-story branch is located at 175 North End Avenue.

“The striking new environmentally friendly library in Battery Park City is sure to quickly become a beacon for the community,” said Paul LeClerc, President of the New York Public Library. “At a time when people are depending on libraries more then ever for free resources and job assistance the library is a crucial resource for the neighborhood. We are deeply grateful to our elected officials, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn, and City Council Member Margaret Chin for their support of the branch’s construction. We also greatly appreciate the generous private funding provided by Goldman Sachs & Co.

Tim FurzerPhoto: Tim Furzer

With light streaming through broad windows and glimpses of the Hudson River the $6.7 million Battery Park City Library provides a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for the public. The 88th branch of the New York Public Library will anchor the bottom two floors of the city’s greenest residential high-rise to date. Designed by the architecture firm 1100 Architects, the branch includes 24,000 items, 36 public access computers, and separate reading areas for children, young adults, and adults. A multipurpose programming room on the second floor is also featured, as well as two self-checkout machines for public use. The Library was constructed with a focus on environmental sustainability and will be the first GREEN Library in Manhattan. The branch is expected to receive LEED Gold certification from the U. S. Green Building Council. Some of the features contributing to the branch’s environmental efficiency include:
 

  • an efficient technologically advanced low-energy heating/cooling system
  • low-flow sanitary fixtures which reduce water consumption
  • low-energy lighting system
  • use of recycled and renewable building materials including a wood floor constructed with off-cuts from window frame manufacture, carpets constructed from old truck tires, millwork made from recycled cardboard composite, and terrazzo with recycled glass and mirror aggregate
  • the inclusion of a dedicated area for the collection and storage of all recyclable materials accumulated during the day to day operations of the branch
  • use of a large number of the products that are low emitting in order to help the overall indoor air quality.

“Libraries play an important role in communities throughout the city, serving as a place for people to gather, attend readings, access the internet and more,” said Mayor Michael Bloomberg. “The new environmentally-sustainable Battery Park City branch will be a model for future branch designs and an asset for the local community for decades to come.”

“Expanding literacy, arts and education to any neighborhood in New York City is an issue we at the City Council feel is one of the most vital for New Yorkers,” said Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn. “Having access to these materials is essential to the growth of our neighborhoods. Battery Park for so long did not know what it was to have these resources available to them down the street from their homes. Now, residents downtown and throughout the City will be able to enjoy this new branch and the new resources it brings to this beautiful area of our City.”

“The opening of the Battery Park City library is another big step in the continuing progress of the community as one of the great neighborhoods in our city,” said New York State Senator Daniel Squadron. “Public libraries are more important than ever in the 21st century, in which broad, democratic access to information–whether printed or digital–is more important than ever.”

“I am delighted to join Battery Park City residents in welcoming the newest branch of the New York Public Library to the neighborhood,” said United States Congressman Jerrold L. Nadler. “I am proud of this terrific New York institution and believe that it profoundly enriches the lives of those who use it. As a lifelong enthusiastic reader and library patron, I hope that residents will enjoy this library as much as I have always enjoyed my local libraries and read to their hearts’ content.”

“I am thrilled to be joining the New York Public Library and the residents of Battery Park City in opening this beautiful new library,” said Councilmember Margaret Chin. “To have a public facility like this, in a community like Battery Park City, is really wonderful, especially with the construction’s focus on environmental sustainability and what we hope will be a LEED Gold certification. It’s important that we teach our children about the environment as we instill in them a love of reading and learning, while providing a great place for our seniors and others in the community to read and gather. I also want to specifically recognize my predecessor, Councilmember Alan Gerson, without whose work this library simply would not exist, and also the work of Community Board 1 Battery Park City chair Linda Belfer, a tireless champion of all things Battery Park City.”

“As Chair of Cultural Affairs, Libraries and International Intergroup Relations, I am ecstatic that this library has been finished,” said Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer. “Any day that a library opens is a very good day for the community it serves. This library will enhance the educational and cultural life of the neighborhood.”

“The new Battery Park City library and the expansion of New York Public Library services means the promotion of literacy, education and technology for local residents,” said New York City Council Member Vincent Gentile. “Public libraries, particularly ones developed in an environmentally friendly way like this one, enrich the neighborhoods in which they’re placed; it’s a joy to see all the benefits that come along with a new public library being introduced to a neighborhood that didn’t have those resources at their fingertips before.”

Library Hours
The Battery Park City Library will be open: Monday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesday, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Grand Opening Celebration

Thursday, March 18, 2010
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Free and open to the public
175 North End Avenue

10 a.m.,
Opening ceremony and ribbon cutting, with elected officials and special guests.

11 a.m.,
Architect’s tour and overview of environmental features

11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.,
Crafts with Linda DeCresenzo, program for children of all ages.

2:30 p.m.
Poetry Reading

3:30 p.m.
“Birds of Prey”, a program for the whole family that examines such birds of prey as hawks, owls, falcons or other species! Patrons will get to touch raptor artifacts and a lucky volunteer may get to help with some of the demonstrations. Presented by the New Canaan Nature Center.

Source: New York Public Library

]]> http://greenlocalliving.com/first-green-library-in-new-york-city/feed/ 0 Top 6 Green Hotels in the US http://greenlocalliving.com/top-5-green-hotels-in-the-us/ http://greenlocalliving.com/top-5-green-hotels-in-the-us/#comments Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:31:57 +0000 Green Living http://greenlocalliving.com/?p=263

American Canyon
Gaia Napa Valley Hotel & Spa
http://gaianapavalleyhotel.com

LEED certified, Gaia Napa Valley Hotel & Spa bills itself as Napa Valley’s “first fully environmentally-sustainable hotel .” Named “Mother Earth” in Greek, the hotel provides waterless urinals, low-flush toilets and low-flow showerheads. The emphasis on nature can also be found on their grounds, which consist of native and climate-adaptive plants, as well as a swan and Koi pond that uses only recycled  water.

San Francisco
The Orchard Garden Hotel
http://theorchardgardenhotel.com

Located just three blocks from San Francisco‘s Union Square and all the major department stores, this LEED certified boutique hotel is the sister property of the Orchard Hotel and stands green and proud. Inviting earth-toned rooms (all of which are deluxe) come with all-natural fabrics, ergonomically correct mattresses, feather pillows and 100 percent combed cotton bedding. Rooms have been constructed with low emission paint and carpet, and the hotel utilizes chemical-free cleaning solutions and organic bath products.                                                                                             

 

Chicago 
Hotel Allegro
http://allegrochicago.com 

The Allegro is part of Kimpton’s EarthCare program, promoting a sustainable planet. This downtown Chicago hotel features towel re-use, water recycling and non-toxic cleaning agents. All materials are printed with soy-based ink on recycled paper, and energy-efficient light bulbs are used. Indulge in a complimentary cup of organic, fair trade coffee in the lobby before heading out to the Chicago theatre scene or the shopping Mecca on Magnificent Mile.

 

Nantucket
Hotel Green
http://vanessanoelhotelgreen.com

Celebrated shoe designer and hotelier Vanessa Noel’s Hotel Green is Nantucket Island’s first environmentally conscious organic luxury hotel. It boasts nine individually decorated rooms and one two-bedroom suite incorporating high-end environmentally friendly and sustainable products. Frank-Gehry-designed recycled cardboard chairs and coffee tables sit on Gaiam hemp area rugs, which are complemented by natural bamboo window shades. You’ll also find hemp bathrobes and towels in your room as well as a selection of organic beverages and snacks.

 

Manhattan 
70 Park Avenue Hotel
www.70parkave.com
Another Kimpton property committed to sustainable practices, this boutique hotel even provides in-room spa services and has a yoga TV channel and complimentary yoga accessories. The hotel uses non-intrusive, high quality, eco-friendly products and services, including in-room recycling bins and non-toxic cleaners. This is a hotel for discerning guests who seek a haven of quiet with the ambience of their very own Park Avenue pied-à-terre.

 

Washington D.C. 
The Fairmont Washington, D.C.
www.fairmont.com/washington
Did you know that if you park your hybrid car at this hotel in Washington’s fashionable West End, you’ll receive a free dessert? In addition to sweets, this hotel has a green procurement program, including the reduction of pre-packaging, ensuring that supplies, equipment, fixtures and furniture are environmentally sensitive. The hotel also donates soaps, amenities and food from buffet lines to shelters and soup kitchens. Being green never felt so good!

 Source:  www.gayot.com

 

 

 

 

 

]]> http://greenlocalliving.com/top-5-green-hotels-in-the-us/feed/ 0 CEC of Santa Barbara “Fossil Free by ’33″ http://greenlocalliving.com/cec-of-santa-barbara-fossil-free-by-33/ http://greenlocalliving.com/cec-of-santa-barbara-fossil-free-by-33/#comments Mon, 18 Jan 2010 23:19:45 +0000 Green Living http://greenlocalliving.com/?p=114
 

1.1ourmission

Our Mission: Fossil Free

  • Why we need to replace fossil fuels
  • How we can do it
  • How the Santa Barbara region can lead the way

 

Fossil Free by ’33

In 2004, after more than three decades of environmental leadership, CEC drastically restructured to focus on a single mission: to move Santa Barbara County and our surrounding region away from fossil fuels in one generation. Given the urgent concerns of climate change, peak oil, and dependence on foreign oil, we strongly believe that this transition should be the top environmental and economic priorities for the region and nation.

Fossil fuels have played a pivotal role in the evolution of modern society; without them, we would likely still be living in an agricultural economy, with none of the benefits that we enjoy today in terms of transportation, medical advancements, sanitation, and entertainment. But a century of burning fossil fuels has taken its toll, and the time has come to find alternatives. CEC’s mission is to make today’s generation the last to rely on gasoline for fueling its cars, and coal- and natural-gas-created electricity for heating and lighting its buildings.

Why we need to replace fossil fuels

There are a number of serious, complex problems that arise from relying on non-renewable energy sources. Here are three:

  • About 70 percent of our nation’s oil demand is imported — much of this from politically unstable regions in the Middle East, making the American economy vulnerable to unfriendly foreign governments, terrorism, blackmail, or other disruptions in supply. In addition, protecting these resources requires military commitments that are expensive, in terms of both dollars and human life.
  • Fossil fuels emit large amounts of carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere — the two major “greenhouse gases.” As these gases accumulate, they act as a blanket, keeping heat in our atmosphere and oceans, leading to potentially catastrophic consequences for our planet and everyone living on it. In the last century, global temperatures have risen an average of about 1.3° F, and twice that in polar zones. This may not seem like a large increase, but on a global basis, this is an incredibly fast, dramatic temperature rise.
  • Fossil fuels – which took millions of years to develop – are a limited resource. The phrase “peak oil” refers to that point in global oil production when the oil that remains in the ground becomes more difficult and less cost-effective to extract. While experts don’t agree on when we will reach the “peak” (or if we already have), all agree that we will – and soon. Over the last few years, we have started to experience some of the volatility in price and supply that many believe is related to peak oil.

  How we can do it

The two biggest energy-using sectors in our region are buildings, which account for about 37 percent of our energy needs, and transportation, which accounts for about 48 percent. In our energy plan for Santa Barbara County – A New Energy Direction – CEC focuses on solutions in which there are available, cost-effective technologies, and where we have the potential for local influence.

For example, in the building sector, our communities can set stringent local building codes and educate and inspire designers and builders. However, in the transportation sector, fuel efficiency standards are set in Washington, D.C. and cars are designed and built in Detroit, Berlin or
Tokyo. This is not to say that we can’t influence energy use on our roads; to the contrary. We just need to take a creative approach that keeps in mind those things that we have control over.

For details on how our region can move away from fossil fuels, see Our plan for getting there .

How the Santa Barbara region can lead the way

California is in a unique position of influence, having recently passed the most comprehensive global warming solutions bill in the nation (AB 32). As with recycling 20 years ago, many states are now waiting to see what type of mandates and voluntary programs California will propose before they take action of their own. As the 6th largest economy in the world and one of the most influential states in the nation, what happens here matters.

Santa Barbara, too, is in a unique position. Our region has access to an array of renewable energy resources – particularly the sun, wind and ocean – and our communities are defined by a level of deep environmental concern. While we may not be the largest or most influential region in the state, we are perfectly positioned to serve as a testing ground. When it comes to making political and societal changes, Santa Barbara is small enough to be able to change course with relative speed, and yet large enough to matter when those changes are made.

In tackling the ambitious goal of weaning our county from fossil fuels, we first need to recognize the magnitude of the task. The main sources of energy we use are gasoline and diesel to run our vehicles, natural gas for heating and cooking, and electricity — which in California is generated largely by fossil fuels like natural gas and other non-renewable sources like nuclear.

In 2005 in Santa Barbara County, we consumed about 184 million gallons of gasoline, 28 million gallons of diesel, 8.4 million gallons of jet fuel, 525,000 gallons of aviation gasoline, 155 million therms of natural gas, and 2,700 gigawatt hours (GWh) of electricity. When we combine all of these energy sources and convert them to GWh as a common unit of energy, we find that our region used about 15,500 GWh in 2005. If our region continues with business as usual, CEC projects that regional energy demand will rise to about 21,500 GWh by 2030.With that target in mind – 21,500 GWh needed by 2030 — CEC evaluated the most sustainable and cost-effective alternatives to fossil fuels for our county. They are:

Reduce energy use in buildings

A significant portion of energy in our region is used to heat, light and cool residential and commercial buildings. Fortunately, our region has a few things going for it. First, Santa Barbara is fairly temperate, and buildings do not require a lot of heating and cooling to be comfortable. Second, when it comes to electricity and natural gas, California is already relatively energy efficient, due in large part to successful state policies. Since the early 1970s, California’s per capita electricity and natural gas use have leveled off or dropped – while U.S. per capita energy use in these areas has grown significantly.

Third – and perhaps most importantly – buildings in our region are designed and constructed almost entirely by local architects and builders, with design and energy standards set by local agencies and elected officials. With support and guidance from a CEC-led coalition, for example, the City of Santa Barbara now requires all buildings within city limits to exceed California’s Title 24 – which is already the most aggressive state energy standard in the country. As a result, Santa Barbara is now one of the most forward-thinking cities in the nation when it comes to requiring that buildings be energy efficient – although we still have some work to do to improve the efficiency of our older buildings.

Read more about this section of our regional energy blueprint.

Improve transportation

Another significant portion of energy in our region is used to fuel our cars. This sector is a little more challenging, as vehicles are not built locally, and fuel-efficiency standards are set by national and state policy. But once again, our region has a few things going for it. Being a relatively small community with a temperate climate, it is possible to design neighborhoods and transportation systems that promote walking, biking, busing and taking the train.

Second, there are progressive, creative people in our region who are exploring new ideas and business models – such as “on demand” ride sharing using internet and cell phones, and car sharing programs in which drivers rent a car by the hour from convenient locations around town.  

And third, car owners in this region are willing to invest in new types of vehicles – in fact, Santa Barbara boasts the fourth highest per capita ownership of hybrid cars in the country. This enthusiasm will be important as new types of cars come on the market in the next few years, such as all-electric and plug-in electric vehicles. Plug-in hybrids – which are like today’s gas/electric hybrids but with larger batteries — can be recharged at night through a standard electrical outlet, extending the fuel efficiency up to 100 mpg.

Read more about this section of our regional energy blueprint.

Meet our needs with renewable energy

As we begin transitioning away from liquid fuels and toward electricity to power our vehicles, our region will need access to a great deal more electricity. Currently, only about 14 percent of the electricity used by Californians is generated by renewable energy such as wind or solar power. The remainder is generated by natural gas (46 percent), nuclear (15 percent), large hydro (10 percent), and some coal-fired plants in other states (15 percent).

While electrical grids are complex – electricity generated in one region may be used by another – the south and central coasts of California can play important role in the future. If properly harnessed, our abundance of wind, sun, and ocean power could generate enough electricity to offset our region’s electrical needs.

Fortunately, energy developers are starting to see the potential for building wind and solar farms in our region. CEC is working with many of them to ensure that their proposals are environmentally sound and located in appropriate areas.

Read more about this section of our regional energy blueprint .

]]> http://greenlocalliving.com/cec-of-santa-barbara-fossil-free-by-33/feed/ 1 Green Your Kitchen & Bathroom http://greenlocalliving.com/green-your-kitchen-bathroom/ http://greenlocalliving.com/green-your-kitchen-bathroom/#comments Wed, 30 Dec 2009 20:13:02 +0000 Green Living http://greenlocalliving.com/?p=43

When it comes to trying to live a greener lifestyle it is easiest to start at home. Many people believe that taking steps to live a more environmentally friendly lifestyle will take up too much time, energy and money which is untrue. There are many changes that can be made with little to no effort and minimal expense. Here are some tips from the DIY Network that can give you a headstart on your new greener way of life.

BATHS
1. Fix a drip.
Drip, drop, drip, drop. That leak in the bathroom sink is not just annoying. It’s costing you loads of cash in water and energy bills and wasted gallons. Get it fixed ASAP, and if you can’t get the plumber scheduled right away, use this old trick: Tie a string on the faucet and allow the drops to dribble silently down into a cup or small bowl. Use the collected H2O to water your houseplants.

2. Get clean.
Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners in favor of natural cleansers (soap, water, vinegar, baking soda). You’ll do a favor for the environment and yourself.

3. Be water wise.
Low-flow toilets have come a long way. New models max out at 1.6 gallons of water per flush, but the very latest models can use even less.

4. Be water wise some more.
Tankless water heaters are a great energy saver. There’s no reason to keep a giant tank of heated water at your beck and call all day and night. Bonus tip: Go the extra mile when you turn on the shower by placing a bucket or other container under the showerhead. In the few moments it takes for the water to heat up, you can gather enough for the dog’s bowl and the houseplants. Don’t waste a drop!

5. Smell Sweet.
Cut down on harmful chemicals and gasses released into your home by using low- or no-VOC paints when giving the bath, or any other room, a fresh color.

KITCHENS
6. Be water smart.
A simple hardware store doo-dad called an aerator on your kitchen (or bath) faucet cuts down on water consumption, sacrificing very little if any water pressure. For less than $15, you can install one of these yourself and save up to 500 gallons per year.

7. Vent a little.
Proper ventilation in the cooktop hood of your kitchen keeps bills down and air quality up.

8. Think small.
The kitchen is the energy gobbler of the home. If you’re planning a remodel, building new, or just replacing an old appliance, remember that bigger isn’t always better. In addition to looking for energy-efficiency ratings on your new purchase, consider going for a smaller model that uses less energy to begin with. Bonus tip: New drawer-style dishwashers help cut back on water use for smaller loads.

9. Lighten Up.
Opening up a kitchen with skylights and windows that allow natural sunlight to stream in not only helps your mood stay perky, it is a natural, free way to light your space. No budget to add windows? At least let the light in by removing heavy, lightblocking window treatments.

10. Divide and Conquer.
Dedicate a little space for recycling bins or bags to make living green convenient for the whole family. You can purchase color-coded units with separate compartments and lids, or create your own recycling center with inexpensive bins from the home center or discount store.

11. Go, greens!
Try your hand at going green by growing herbs or salad greens in the kitchen. Bringing in a natural element adds some coziness to your home’s busiest room, and naturally cleans the air you breathe. (And of course, nothing beats adding your own fresh basil to that pasta at the dinner table.)

]]> http://greenlocalliving.com/green-your-kitchen-bathroom/feed/ 0 Green Living on Common Ground http://greenlocalliving.com/green-living-on-common-ground/ http://greenlocalliving.com/green-living-on-common-ground/#comments Tue, 29 Dec 2009 16:44:49 +0000 Green Living http://greenlocalliving.com/?p=37 Each year, approximately 1,200 young people ages 18 and older leave the New York City foster care system. According to the NYC Administration for Children’s Services, only 20% are discharged to the care of a parent, relative, or other adult. The remaining 80% are left to manage housing, education, employment, and health issues on their own. Not surprisingly, more than 25% of the homeless in New York City shelters are graduates of foster care.

In 2004, Common Ground created the Foyer program to address the unique challenges faced by homeless and at-risk youth aging out of foster care. Based on a successful European model, the Foyer program provides educational, employment, and mentoring support in a residential setting to enable young people to create stable, independent lives.

Common Ground’s Christopher residence was the first supportive housing development in New York City to draw attention to the connection between foster care and homelessness. The success of the Christopher has drawn national interest and inspired the creation of new housing and support efforts for homeless and at-risk young people in New York City and in other communities.

Good Shepherd Services, a leading youth development agency, provides comprehensive on-site case management for our Foyer residents, including educational and vocational counseling and support; benefits education; job placement and on-site internship opportunities; and assistance securing permanent housing.

The Christopher Foyer has informed the design, operations, and programming of new young adult housing in New York City. This includes the 54-unit Foyer program in development at Common Ground’s Lee residence, now in construction on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. The Foyer units at the Lee will help the City meet its goal of creating an additional 200 supportive housing units for young adults by 2015.

]]> http://greenlocalliving.com/green-living-on-common-ground/feed/ 1 NYC’s Green Building Initiative http://greenlocalliving.com/nyc%e2%80%99s-green-building-initiative/ http://greenlocalliving.com/nyc%e2%80%99s-green-building-initiative/#comments Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:13:27 +0000 Green Living http://greenlocalliving.com/?p=22

An exciting news release was announced regarding the green building program designed to train New York City building superintendents and their staff in energy efficiency procedures.  It is an enormous projected spending plan projected by The Community Preservation Corporation (CPC).

“Our realistic goal is to increase fuel and electrical efficiency of existing apartment buildings by 20 percent or more, reducing a prime source of greenhouse gas emissions in our cities,” said Michael Lappin, CPC president and CEO. “We anticipate financing retrofits for up to 15,000 apartments over the next few years. But to change the urban landscape we will also need to adjust the financing landscape.” Source: CPC

CPC’s comprehensive new Green Financing Initiative for multi-family property owners combines quick and easy financing solutions with straightforward options for retrofitting existing multifamily buildings to achieve optimum energy efficiency and cost savings.

The $1 billion program is expected to retrofit approximately 15,000 housing units over the next 3 years in low, moderate and middle-income properties using CPC’s “one-stop shop” operation supported by CPC’s extensive technical network to help building owners obtain necessary financing along with public incentives.

CPC’s “one stop shop” operation will include:

Construction Financing with a permanent takeout CPC will provide short term construction financing which will be used for the extensive renovation of occupied, income producing buildings. The retrofit scope will be performed as part of the larger moderate property renovation.

Permanent Financing Permanent mortgages will be offered for properties that do not require extensive renovation by Freddie Mac. Freddie Mac will support the CPC Green Initiative with an enhanced multi-family loan product featuring up to 80% financing with reduced rates to support the energy retrofits.

Energy Audit CPC will require an energy audit as part of the program and will outline appropriate steps to improve the building’s energy efficiency. CPC auditors will advise on appropriate technologies to install, information on qualified contractors, and estimated price ranges for the various efficiency measures.

Coordinate Access to Public Subsidies CPC will help owners access a variety of subsidy programs provided by government and the utility companies to incentivize them to include energy efficient measures in the work scope. These programs include real estate tax abatements and exemptions, low cost loans and grants, and various income tax incentives.

Under the program, typical energy upgrades to properties could include:

  • Increased airsealing/firestopping in all apartment and common areas
  • Properly sized and more efficient heating and hot water boilers
  • More efficient heating and hot water controls
  • Better showerheads, aerators and toilets
  • Upgrading ventilation systems
  • Complete apartment, common area and exterior lighting retrofit
  • Energy Star appliances and more efficient motors and pumps
  • Better specification for windows and insulation

 A cornerstone of the program is the energy audit which will become a standard part of the application process along with other third party reporting.

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