SEF Blog

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Regenerative Energy Initiative
(Formerly Sustainable Energy Fund)
Contact: Katrina Laubach
Marketing Manager
610.264.4440
[email protected]

SCHNECKSVILLE, PA., April 30, 2026 – Regenerative Energy Initiative, formerly known as Sustainable Energy Fund, has been recognized with the Non-Profit Energy and Environment Innovator Award at the Great Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce Sustainability Summit.

The award honors the organization’s AI Water Heater Advisor, a first-of-its-kind non-commercial educational tool designed to help residents make informed energy decisions without cost, pressure or sales influence.

“Our AI Water Heater Advisor provides personalized, region-specific insights that help residents compare cost, energy use and environmental impact across different technologies,” said John Costlow, President and CEO of Regenerative Energy Initiative. “By using trusted sources like ENERGY STAR and EPA emissions data, we’ve created a tool that is educational, unbiased and designed to empower people to make informed decisions without pressure or sales influence.”

Unlike traditional tools, the Advisor is designed to be fully educational and unbiased with no promotion of specific vendors or products. This reflects the organization’s commitment to transparency and accessible information.

The AI Water Heater Advisor addresses a major barrier to energy adoption, which is access to clear and understandable information. By translating complex energy, cost and emissions data into user-friendly insights, the tool helps individuals make decisions that benefit both their households and the broader community.

The project represents the first step in a broader effort to expand accessible tools across additional household energy systems including heating, cooling and appliances.

This recognition comes at a pivotal moment for the organization following its recent evolution into the Regenerative Energy Initiative, reflecting an expanded mission to advance energy systems that renew, revitalize and regenerate environmental, economic and social systems.

While the name is new, the organization’s programs, partnerships and services remain unchanged and continue to be delivered by the same team.

Pictured: Brent Beck, Manager of Technical Services; Scott DeStefon, Vice President of Investments & Development; John Costlow, President and CEO; and Kelly Sanders, Vice President of Education & Outreach, all of Regenerative Energy Initiative; Frank Cabreja, President of IT Edge CRM; and Tara Zrinski, Northampton County Controller and Regenerative Energy Initiative Board Director.

Regenerative Energy Initiative also recognizes the contributions of James Costlow, an intern who supported the project, and Andy Chung, who contributed during his internship and now serves with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC).

About Regenerative Energy Initiative

Regenerative Energy Initiative, formerly known as Sustainable Energy Fund, is a Pennsylvania-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advancing a regenerative energy future. The organization works to overcome financial, educational and regulatory barriers while enabling action through financing, education and innovative tools that support resilient communities and long-term energy solutions.