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The first annual CNY Green Building Symposium is sponsored by ASI Energy, and is free and open to the public, but the information being presented will be targeted toward the not-for-profit community. Seating is limited and pre-registration is required.
ASI Energy is sponsoring the symposium because of the receent growth in the number of state and federal programs that make grants and loans avaialble for energy efficient renovations and new construction. ASI Energy President and CEO Herbert Dwyer says, "We’ve heard first-hand from not-for-profit leaders that they would like to make these improvements, but aren’t necessarily aware of the options available to them. We’re hosting and sponsoring the CNY Green Building Symposium to help them learn about their construction and renovation options, as well as the funding sources available to help them cover those costs."
ASI Energy and its sister company ASI Renovations hold several certifications, including designation as a NYSERDA Business Partner, certification from the Building Performance Institute, E.P.A. certification to remove lead from buildings, and membersships in the Ithaca Green Buildin Alliance, Building Performance Contractors Association, and Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce.
Topics to be covered at the first annual CNY Green Building Symposium include funding options such as grants and loans for energy efficiency projects, the Green Jobs Green New York Program, how to find funding through NYSERDA - the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, and LEED certified building opportunities.
The Green Jobs Green New York Program will provide up to $13,000 for residential property energy efficiency improvements, and $26,000 for commercial properties. NYSERDA is one of the main resources in the state for information about the different clean energy programs that are available. Various energy efficiency grants and loans are available from a variety of sources. And, LEED certification is one of the "standards" in environmentally-friendly design and construction, but is it better suited for some projects and not others?
"Not-for-profit organizations are facing difficult financial times," Dwyer says. "Energy efficient renovations or new construction can help them reduce their costs now and in the future. Going green shouldn’t cost someone a small fortune."
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