EcoStar Grant program

Constellation Energy, a national energy company, is accepting applications for its annual EcoStar Grant program, which provides qualifying nonprofit organizations with funds to implement projects that support the company's commitment to environmental stewardship.

The EcoStar program targets community-based projects that fit into one or more of five stewardship categories — pollution prevention, education and outreach, energy efficiency, conservation, and community activism.

Since its launch in 2010, the program has awarded one hundred and forty-seven grants totaling $655,000. Funded projects have ranged from urban gardens and wetland restoration to innovative programs that promote energy efficiency and improved air quality.

To qualify for a grant, a project should be located in an area where Constellation does business. Employee engagement is preferred but not required. Applicant organizations must have a board of directors and 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. Applications should include a project budget that details how the grant award will be spent, with no more than 20 percent allocated to administrative and office expenses.

Grant awards will be up to $5,000, with funds provided through the Constellation Energy Foundation.

Complete program guidelines, a company service area map, the application form, and an application FAQ are available at the Constellation Energy Web site.

Link to Complete RFP

Service areas in PA include those served by:
• PECO
• Met-Ed
• Penelec
• Allegheny Power
• PPL

DEP Announces Regional ISO 50001 Energy Management Systems Workshops

HARRISBURG -- The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection invites industries, businesses, utilities and local government to attend one of several free introductory workshops around the state on the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 50001, a program designed to promote energy efficiency and reduce operating costs for a variety of organizations.

ISO 50001 is the new energy management system standard designed to help organizations improve energy efficiency, make better use of energy-consuming assets, evaluate implementation of energy-efficient technology, reduce operating costs and improve profitability. Attendees will learn more about the concept of energy management systems and the benefits of developing and implementing one for their organization.

The free ISO 50001 workshops are being offered as part of DEP’s state energy plan initiatives through a grant provided by the U.S. Department of Energy. All workshop details can be found online at http://iso50001.eventbrite.com. Those who plan to attend should register by visiting the website or by calling 814-332-6681. For more information, visit www.dep.state.pa.us or call 814-332-6681.

Ridgway, Elk County – Wednesday, Feb. 15, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the North-central Regional Planning & Development Commission, 651 Montmorenci Road, Ridgway, PA 15853. Ed Pinero is the scheduled speaker and lunch will be provided.

Harrisburg, Dauphin County – Tuesday, March 6, from 9 a.m. to noon at DEP’s South-central Office, 909 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg, PA 17110.

Norristown, Montgomery County – Thursday, March 8, from 9 a.m. to noon at DEP’s Southeast Office, 2 East Main St., Norristown, PA 19401.

Scranton, Lackawanna County – Thursday, March 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at General Dynamics, 156 Cedar Ave., Scranton, PA 18505. Lunch will provided and an optional facility tour will follow the program. Note that this session also requires proof of U.S. citizenship and a photo ID. This event has a snow date of March 29.

Cranberry Township, Butler County – Tuesday, March 20, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Cranberry Township Municipal Building, 2525 Rochester Road, Cranberry Township, PA 16066. Ed Pinero is the scheduled speaker.

Erie, Erie County – Thursday, April 5, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center, 301 Peninsula Drive, Erie, PA 16505. Ed Pinero is the scheduled speaker.

GE supports energy efficient buildings

GE

 In 2010, GE achieved a 33 percent improvement in its own energy intensity, a 24 percent reduction in its GHG emissions (both from a 2004 baseline) and 22 percent improvement in its water re-use (from a 2006 baseline). In 2010, GE set new, more aggressive targets for 2015:  A 50 percent energy intensity improvement, 25 percent GHG emissions reduction, and a 25 percent water reduction, from the same baselines across more than 105 million square feet. 

GE Capital Americas  (GECA) will shape a credit strike zone and profitability model for commercial building energy efficiency projects that will lead to financeable opportunities of $50MM+.  GECA will use its best efforts to create financial products to meet market needs through all steps of the supply chain from manufacturers, to dealers to end users.  GECA foresees the ability to help financing energy-saving technologies in areas such as lighting and HVAC across multiple markets – including office, retail and manufacturing.