The average building is overspending on energy costs by 30%. This affects non-profit organizations the most, as every dollar spent on energy consumption is one dollar less that they have available to spend on more important initiatives. Unfortunately, many people/organizations are unaware that this is the case and even if they were aware, it is difficult for them to do anything about it.
Green HEAT is the solution. This project provides free energy assessments for local non-profit organizations. Green Homes is currently partnered with Pathways to Independence which provides housing and care for people with differing abilities.
In its first year, Energy Systems Engineering Technology (ESET) students conducted two energy assessments in these homes and completed a report which identified how Pathways could reduce their heating and utility costs by 55%. With this report, Pathways to Independence is able to request funding from the Ministry to initiate these retrofits.
This past year, Green HEAT conducted an assessment on Kingston’s Partners In Mission Food bank (PIMF) and was able to identify potential annual savings of $2,500. This can be accomplished with simple retrofits using weather stripping, insulation and the installation of a new furnace. SIFE secured the funding and volunteers, these retrofits were completed May 2011 as part of a larger initiative to help our local food bank.
The value of the retrofits to the food bank is $11,000. The cost to the food bank is $0 because of our entrepreneurial efforts.
