April 28th, 2009
Lancaster County Center of Excellence in Renewable Energy www.lancastercountyrenewableenergy.com It is the mission of the Lancaster County Center of Excellence in Renewable Energy to see that Lancaster County employers remain competitive in an era of rapid change in the energy marketplace. The Center does this by supporting education regarding energy conservation and energy options; encouraging collaboration among area companies to conserve, buy, and sell energy; and sponsoring technology transfer to encourage renewable energy generation projects. Check this site often in the coming months to learn more about the many emerging opportnities for businesses and residents in renewable energy.
March 31st, 2009
LancasterRoofGreening.org is live
Click here to preview
The partners of the Lancaster Roof Greening project are excited to announce the launch of the Lancaster Roof Greening Web site. The site will provide updates on implementation of green roofs in Lancaster County.
LIVE Green, one of the partners, has been working with the Lancaster County Planning Commission with funding from the Department of Environmental Protection Energy Harvest Fund. The goal of this project is to demonstrate the many benefits of roof greening while developing the capacity of local businesses to respond to increased demand for this innovative technology.
February 9th, 2009
Department of Environmental Protection acting Secretary John Hanger is proud to announce the Keystone HELP Energy Efficiency Loan and Rebate Program to help families save money by conserving energy at home.
The program is available through the Alternative Energy Investment Fund, part of Governor Edward G. Rendell’s Energy Independence Strategy.
The new $17 million Keystone HELP Energy Efficiency Loan and Rebate Program offers a range of low-interest rate loans and rebate options that encourage cost-effective energy savings. The program will assist residents seeking air sealing and insulation services, or installing high-efficiency equipment, such as heating and cooling systems, water heaters, programmable thermostats, windows and doors.
Applications and program guidelines are available at www.keystonehelp.com. The deadline for applications is June 30, 2009. For more information, please contact residentialenergy@state.pa.us.
January 12th, 2009
The first state program with incentives for greener construction was rolled-out January 12: the Small Business Energy Efficiency Grant is here! The PA Dept of Environmental Protection (PADEP) will be managing the program. Here is a quick lowdown:
How Much: Grant of up to $25,000 or 25% of the total cost, whichever is LESS. Works on a reimbursement basis.
Eligible Projects: Energy efficiency improvements to existing buildings (windows, doors, insulation); energy efficient lighting; high efficiency furnaces, boilers and air conditioners; geothermal heat pumps; energy efficient refrigeration; energy efficient manufacturing process equipment.
Project Requirements:
- MUST show energy savings of at least 20 % for the system being replaced; or represent at least 20 % of the entire business’ energy consumption.
- MUST save at least $1,000 / year in energy costs.
- Business must register in EPA’s Energy Star Portfolio Manager Program.
- Reimbursement form must be sent in once project is complete.
- One Year Follow-Up Report is required, showing energy savings.
Eligible Applicants:
SMALL BUSINESSES located within PA – for-profit business enterprise that is:
- Corporation
- LLC
- Partnership
- Sole proprietorship
- Or other legal business entity that has no more than 100 full-time employees
Ineligible Applicants:
- Non-profit and tax-exempt organizations.
- Residential rental units and dwellings.
Click here to visit the grant site
Grant available only from January 12th to May 1st, 2009 !
Thanks to the PA Environmental Council www.pecpa.org for their efforts in diceminating this information.