Saving Energy at your Business

How does it work?

The Community Energy Challenge makes achieving energy efficiency at your business as easy as possible from start to finish. We provide you with a full energy assessment, a comprehensive report detailing cost-effective measures, on-going technical support and project facilitation, and access to exclusive financial incentives. Learn more about the Community Energy Challenge and sign up today!

1. Sign up for an energy assessment

One of our Energy Advisors will perform a walk-through energy assessment and examine all major appliances and building systems, the building envelope, and operational practices to identify energy-saving opportunities. Grant funding allows us to offer our services at a substantially subsidized rate. To participate, businesses pay a one-time fee prior to the assessment (discounts are available for non-profits).

2. Receive a customized Energy Assessment Report

The report outlines quick fixes (no-cost and low-cost solutions), as well as long-term efficiency opportunities in your building. This report will help you help prioritize energy efficiency measures by quantifying how much they will save/cost, and work through the next steps, with information about resources and financial incentives to help you complete projects.

3. Choose cost-effective, energy-saving projects

The Community Energy Challenge can help you interpret and implement any of the recommendations in your report, as well as provide project management services for bigger projects. Common recommendations include efficiency improvements to lighting, HVAC systems, and the building envelope, as well as renewable energy projects.

4. Access incentives for your project

Community Energy challenge participants have access to exclusive financial incentives of up to $5,000 per site, based on energy savings. Each participating business is also entitled to a $1,000 budget to be put toward “quick fix” projects, such as screw-in LED lighting, low-flow faucet aerators, power strips, and more. We will also help you identify and apply for existing utility rebates for your projects.

5. Continued support and recognition!

After your assessment, the Community Energy Challenge will continue to be a resource for technical support as you implement your energy-saving measures. We will provide annual check-ins to make sure we stay up to date with your progress, and make you aware of new offerings that are relevant to your business. As a Community Energy Challenge participant, you will also receive promotional materials for your business and recognition as part of our community-wide energy efficiency campaign.

Many Thanks To Our Energy & Green Building Funders and Sponsors:

The Community Energy Challenge is a joint project between Sustainable Connections and the Opportunity Council