GREENSBORO, NC – March 10, 2011 – (RealEstateRama) — The City of Greensboro has launched a program to assist residential and commercial property owners in making energy efficient upgrades to their homes and businesses. The Early Adopters Program is an element of a $5 million BetterBuildings grant awarded to the City by the Department of Energy.
According to the City’s Sustainability Manager Dan Curry, the Early Adopters Program is designed to offer immediate assistance to owners who already have the money to make their homes more energy efficient. “It’s important to the City of Greensboro that we promote ways to make our homes and lives more energy efficient and sustainable,” says Curry. “We know there are Greensboro residents who are ready to make energy improvements on their property. We want to assist them by offering a rebate on their energy assessment and on the cost of making the upgrades.”
To participate in the program, property owners must first have an energy assessment of their building conducted by a BPI or RESNET certified professional. Once completed, owners must submit a copy of the assessment along with an Early Adopters application to the City for approval. If approved, the City will rebate 50 percent of the cost of the assessment, up to $150 for single-family homes.
After the assessment rebate is approved, recommended energy upgrades should be completed by a contractor. If enough improvements are made to make a building 15 percent more energy efficient, the City will then rebate 20 percent of the total cost of the home improvements, up to $4,000 for single-family homes. Rebate amounts for other types of buildings, including multi-family and commercial properties, are also available.
The energy efficient upgrades can be in the form of basic level insulating and weather-stripping, to HVAC system and water heater upgrades, to whole home upgrades that include the replacement of windows, doors and appliances. Renewable energy systems can also be included in the upgrade work, such as solar hot water systems.
More information about the program, including a list of frequently asked questions, a link to certified energy assessors, and an application, can be found online at www.greensboro-nc.gov/GreensboroGoesGreen.
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The City works with the community to improve the quality of life for residents through inclusion, diversity, and trust. As the seventh largest employer in Greensboro, the City has a professional staff of 2,800 employees who maintain the values of honesty, integrity, stewardship, and respect. The City is governed by a council-manager form of government with a mayor and eight council members. For more information on the City, visit www.greensboro-nc.gov or call 336-373-CITY (2489).
Contact:
Dan Curry
Phone: 336-373-2751
