Mayor Jennings names the Palace Theatre as the first recipient of the Downtown Commercial Energy Efficiency Matching Grant
Published:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Contact: Doug Melnick
518-434-2532 ext. 15
MAYOR ANNOUNCES THE FIRST RECIPIENT OF DOWNTOWN
COMMERCIAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY MATCHING GRANT
LAUNCHES ALBANY GREEN BUSINESS PROGRAM
ALBANY, N.Y. –Mayor Jennings announced today the first recipient of the Downtown Commercial Energy Efficiency Matching Grant Program (Program) and launched the Albany Green Business Program, another event of Albany’s Sustainable Spring campaign.
“The City of Albany is pleased to announce that the Palace Theatre will be the first recipient of the Downtown Commercial Energy Efficiency Matching Grant to complete energy efficiency improvements at their facility,” said Mayor Jennings. “This is a great investment in downtown that benefits the Palace Theatre and the environment.”
The Program, announced in April, is intended to further the City’s efforts to become more sustainable by increasing energy efficiency in the business sector. Funding for this program comes from the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA) as part of the EECBG program.
“I applaud Mayor Jennings and the City of Albany on their efforts to help businesses become more energy efficient. The reduction of energy consumption is a great way to help businesses lower their energy bills and reduce overhead costs. It is initiatives like this that make downtown Albany a desirable location to own and operate a business” said Georgette Steffens, Executive Director of the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District.
With the grant funds the Palace Theatre, now the first member of the Albany Green Business Program, plans to replace its existing chillers and condensers an investment of over $290,000, leveraged by the $120,000 grant from the Program. The project will result in a 50% reduction in energy use per month. Limited grant funds are still available and applications can be found at www.albanyny.gov or www.albanysustainability.org.
The City of Albany Green Business Program is a voluntary partnership between business leaders, government agencies and nonprofit organizations to improve overall efficiencies, save money, and reduce their environmental footprint as a means to creating a more sustainable Albany. Participating businesses will receive exclusive member benefits such as direct technical assistance, networking opportunities and access to exclusive resources. The first six months of the program will be free for businesses to join. Following the initial six month start up phase new businesses will be required to pay a nominal membership fee.
“This Program is an easy way for businesses to examine ways to reduce their impact on the environment. I encourage all businesses in the City of Albany to participate in the Green Business Program and take advantage of the membership benefits to improve efficiencies and ultimately save money,” said Jennings.
The goals of the Albany Green Business Program are to:
- Reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions associated with business operations
- Reduce energy-related business costs freeing up capital for business operations
- Continue to be a leader in the State on environmental and sustainability initiatives
- Attract more businesses committed to environmentally friendly and sustainable practices
- Be a hub for green technology businesses and associated industries
For more information on the Albany Green Business Program visit www.albanysustainability.org.
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