April Smart Energy News: In Like A Lion

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April 2012
Investment, Awards, Events, & Education
April 2012 Newsletter Summary
With the arrival of Spring, the Energy Alliance is going outdoors to join the community for a number of great activities for Earth Month.
In this month’s newsletter, we are sharing some exciting stories including:
Finally, you may have already noticed some changes to our newsletter as well. We would love hear what you think, so please feel free to contact us with your thoughts or just to chat about the program. Enjoy this issue of the Smart Energy Newsletter and the new growth of Spring!
GC-HELP Investment
Energy Alliance Receives Half Million Dollar Investment from Greater Cincinnati Foundation
The Greater Cincinnati Foundation
An investor in the Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance since 2009, the Greater Cincinnati Foundation recently invested $500,000 in the Energy Alliance Greater Cincinnati Home Energy Loan Program.
GC-HELP is a low-interest 6.99% loan program that helps homeowners in the region invest in Home Energy Improvement projects through the Energy Alliance Home Performance Program.
GC-HELP offers a quick and easy application process that provides homeowners a credit decision within a few hours of applying. Homeowners that utilize the loan are eligible for incentives up to 35% of the Home Energy Improvement. The program is available to residents in Hamilton County in Ohio, and Boone, Campbell and Kenton Counties in Kentucky. Homeowners and contractors are invited to apply online and learn more about GC-HELP at www.greatercea.org/loan.
Community Outreach Award
Energy Alliance Wins Green Business Award
Andy Accepting Green Business Award
The Energy Alliance is a proud recipient of the Green Business Award hosted by the Business Courier and U.S. Green Building Council Cincinnati Regional Chapter. The award ceremony was held at the Cintas Center and a total of 66 nominations were received for the inaugural year, with 9 selected finalists for the competition. The annual program recognizes people, companies and organizations demonstrating outstanding leadership in sustainable practices on a variety of projects and at facilities.
Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance was the recipient for the Green Business Award in Education/Outreach and a finalist for Market Strategy in the nonprofit categories. The Energy Alliance won the Education/Outreach award for our AmeriCorps summer canvass program in 2011.
The goal of the program was to drive the demand for energy efficiency through a community-based door-to-door approach. This was accomplished by reaching out to homeowners directly through community engagement and neighborhood canvassing.
The Energy Alliance, working with the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps., reached out to 13,000 homes during a seven-week, door-to-door canvass of four area counties last summer and spoke to over 2,000 homeowners. More than 600 homeowners said they were interested in a reduced-cost home energy assessment.
An Earth Day Event
EcoSculpt is Back on Fountain Square
Ecosculpt 2011
We will be celebrating Earth Day 2012 by being title sponsor for this year’s EcoSculpt on Fountain Square. EcoSculpt is a three-week installation of original sculptures made from recycled or recyclable materials. Artist creations are displayed on Fountain Square bringing color, life and vibrance to the Square and sharing unique ways we can use, reuse and upcycle our resources.
Along with our sponsorship, IKEA will be the presenting sponsor and Business Courier is the media sponsor for EcoSculpt 2012.
You will be able to vote for your favorite installation on the square in the Energy Alliance Eco house or online. EcoSculpt runs from April 13 – 29.
Spring Education
Green Your Home in 2012 with Spring Preparation
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Spring is a great time to plan ahead for Summer home projects! The Energy Alliance is here to help you with your home energy improvement needs and we provide resources that make your home energy improvement easy and affordable. Learn more about the benefits of investing in energy efficiency.
1. Request a reduced cost energy assessment
An expert conducted energy assessment is key in preparing your home for energy efficiency improvements. A comprehensive Home Energy Assessment will test your home for air leakage and inefficiencies that are costing you money.
Sealing and insulating your home’s windows, doors, floors, outer walls and ceiling can result in savings of 20 percent or more on heating and cooling costs, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program. After the assessment, you will have a list of things to do, which can help you plan changes and create a budget. Request your Home Energy Assessment to get started today.
2. Research cash rebates and rebate programs.
As part of the Home Performance with Energy Star program, the Energy Alliance offers a 35% instant cash rebate off the cost of your home improvement project. In addition to the 35% instant cash rebate, you may qualify to participate in our GC-HELP low-interest loan program and still receive the 35% rebate.
Check out programs such as Energy Star to learn about available rebates, tax credits and their requirements. Rebates may be available for hot water heaters, programmable thermostats, appliances and more.
3. Recognize the benefits of green energy improvements.
By making energy-efficient changes in your home, you could benefit in these ways:
  • Reduce operating costs in your home by increasing efficiency
  • Increase value of your home
  • Improve indoor air quality resulting in overall improved health
  • Reduce waste and emissions costs
  • Conserve natural resources
A little bit of preparation now, will set you up for success in Spring and Summer. Request your reduced cost energy assessment today!
Sign Up for an assessment!
Upcoming Events
4/16 - Sustain Cincinnati (DAAP - UC)

4/16 - Cincinnati Priority-Driven Budget Community Meeting (Dunham Recreation Center)

4/17 - Cincinnati Priority-Driven Budget Community Meeting (Cincinnati/Hamilton County Public Library - Avondale Location)

4/17 - Why Go Green (Greener Stock)

4/17 - EPA Cincinnati Earth Day (Sawyer Point)*

4/19 - Party for the Planet (Cincinnati Zoo)*

4/21 - Wings of Harmony (Krohn Conservatory)

4/21 - The Great American Cleanup (Several Cincinnati Locations)

4/22 - Reduce, Recycle, Run! (Northside)

4/24 - Green School Tour (Hyde Park)

4/25 - EcoSculpt Award Ceremony (Fountain Square)*

4/27 - Fiscal Sustainability and Quality of Life (Drake Conference Center)

5/20 - Historic Home Tour 2012 (Clifton)*

*Energy Alliance event participation


Side Notes

Hamilton County residents can drop off their yard trimmings for free at three drop-off locations until November 25, 2012.

Would you like to volunteer for the Earth Day Celebration at Sawyer Point, April 21? If so, send an email.

Green Recycling Works is a self-sustaining enterprise to transitionally employ the graduates of their resident drug treatment programs. The business recycles clothing, books, cardboard, paper, plastics, aluminum and carpets.

The City of Forest Park had an Open House, Tuesday, April 10th. 40 homeowners came out to connect with contractors and learn about the details on the 50% subsidy for home energy improvements in the Forest Park area. Learn more about the Forest Park Energy Efficiency Program.

 
 
Other Ways to Connect With Us
Contact Us | Phone: 513-621-4232 | info@greatercea.org

 

Interested participants should contact a qualified Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance professional for more information. All participants must meet Department of Energy and Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance program qualifications. Program terms are subject to change without notice.