With the escalating costs of energy, landlords, tenants and homeowners alike have taken an interest in all things energy efficient. A number of Web sites, such as the U.S. Department of Energy and Home Energy Magazine, provide helpful and relevant information. The U.S. Dept. of Energy provides a Consumer's Guide to Energy Efficiency and Renewal Energy. Some of the information you'll find includes:
- Energy conservation and efficiency programs
- Information on the ENERGY STAR program which reduces energy use through the use of efficient energy products such as lights and appliances
- Weatherization assistance and solar energy systems
- Financial programs to assist with the costs of home energy audits and to help pay for home energy efficiencies
- New York Energy Smart Loan Fund to help pay for energy improvements.
Additional resources are:
Weatherization Assistance Program for single-family and multi-family homes
Con Edison
Theodore Fremd Avenue
Rye, New York 10580
Tel: (800) 75-CONED (1-800-752-6633)
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)
17 Columbus Circle
Albany, New York 12203
Tel: (518) 862-1090
“Green Technology” refers to making buildings and properties as energy-efficient and environmentally clean as possible. This is a trend that is growing in usage and popularity. Green technology sometimes requires upfront investment, but it has long-term benefits both financially and environmentally.
For more information about these technologies see the Global Warming section of our Web site. Other sites to visit are Enterprise Community Partners, Enterprise Green Communities, and the Local Initiatives Support Corp. Green Development Center. Enterprise helps build fair and affordable housing for low-income Americans by providing financing and expertise to community and housing developers. Enterprise Community Partners is a national nonprofit that provides loans, grants, and information resources. LISC's Green Development Center provides financial resources, technical information, partnership opportunities, and education to support the use of green design, construction, and management principles in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods.