Energy efficiency meeting in Troy, NY on December 5, 2007

[Nick Gromicko]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Mark DeChiro (51 542-5175

Building Contractors Learn How to Meet Consumer Demand for Energy Efficiency

TROY, NY – November 27, 2007 - The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), in partnership with the Center for Energy Efficiency and Building Science at Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC) are offering a no-cost orientation for home improvement contractors. Contractors will learn about opportunities to increase business by integrating energy efficiency into customers’ projects. The orientation is being promoted through the Capital-Saratoga Energy $mart Communities Program.

The orientation, to be held December 5 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at HVCC, 80 Vandenburgh Avenue, Troy, NY, in Hudson Hall Room 120 on the main campus, is for contractors who wish to become accredited and certified by the Building Performance Institute (BPI), a national resource for building science technology that sets the standards for assessing and improving the energy performance of homes. This is a required step for participation by a contractor in the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® program. Inspectors who attend also earn 2 hours of continuing education at InterNACHI.

“BPI accreditation is an important step for contractors to take in order to offer homeowners a systematic approach to identifying, installing, and financing energy improvements to their homes,” said NYSERDA President and CEO Paul D. Tonko. “Through our Home Performance with ENERGY STARâ Program, we are creating new opportunities for contractors to attract customers, while expanding energy efficiency and renewable services for the individual homeowner.”

Demand for certified home performance contractors is increasing as residents across the Capital-Saratoga region learn about NYSERDA’s energy efficiency programs, which can result in up to 40% savings in energy bills.

NYSERDA offers incentives to participating contractors through its Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® Program, to help offset the cost of training, certification and equipment. This is more than just an energy efficiency program; it is the model for the home improvement industry of the future. Participating contractors emphasize that their services to homeowners make their homes energy efficient, as well as healthy, safe, and comfortable. This goes a long way toward creating greater customer satisfaction and value in home improvement services. NYSERDA also provides low-interest financing and other incentives for qualified residents to fund the energy efficiency improvements they receive through the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® program.

To register visit www.GetEnergySmart.org and click on events. For more information, contact Mark DeChiro, 518-425-5175 or mdechiro1@nycap.rr.com. Refreshments will be served.

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