Katrina LaubachMarketing ManagerRegenerative Energy Initiative:[email protected] Community Bike Works Named Winner of Regenerative Energy Initiative's 4th Nonprofit...
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Nonprofit Energy Makeover Contest
Helping Nonprofits Improve Their Buildings and Invest More in Their Mission
The Nonprofit Energy Makeover Contest helps Pennsylvania nonprofits make meaningful energy and building improvements that can reduce operating costs, improve comfort and building performance and allow more resources to support their missions.
Through the program, selected organizations receive a professional energy assessment, and one nonprofit is awarded funding toward recommended improvements to its facility. The award amount and program requirements are established for each contest cycle.
Current Energy Makeover
4th Nonprofit Energy Makeover Contest
The 4th Nonprofit Energy Makeover Contest is currently underway. This year’s selected recipient is Community Bike Works, located in Allentown. Community Bike Works will receive $100,000 toward recommended energy and building improvements identified through the assessment process.
Regenerative Energy Initiative’s team has conducted a comprehensive energy assessment to identify opportunities to improve the building performance, reduce operating costs and increase energy efficiency.
See more and follow along here.
What an Energy Makeover Can Do
Reduce Energy and Operating Costs
Identify improvements that can lower energy use and ongoing facility expenses.
Improve Comfort and Building Performance
Address heating, cooling, ventilation, weatherization and other building needs.
Modernize Aging Systems
Replace or improve outdated equipment and building systems with more efficient alternatives.
Create Healthier, More Functional Spaces
Support improvements that can enhance comfort and the day-to-day use of nonprofit facilities.
Strengthen the Mission
Help nonprofits reduce facility-related expenses so more resources can be directed toward programs and services.
How the Program Works
01 Apply
Eligible nonprofits submit an application during an open contest period.
02 Site Visit
Selected applicants receive an energy assessment conducted by Regenerative Energy Initiative’s team.
03 Finalists
Finalists are selected for further evaluation based on the assessment findings and program criteria.
04 Recipient Selected
One nonprofit is selected to receive facility energy and building improvements totaling the award amount.
Energy Makeover Success Stories
Family Promise of Carbon County
[Embed Family Promise television interview/video here]
Family Promise of Carbon County received energy and building improvements designed to increase efficiency, improve comfort and reduce ongoing facility costs. The makeover helps the organization direct more of its resources toward supporting families experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity.
View Project
New Bethany Ministries
New Bethany Ministries received a range of energy and building improvements across its facilities, including LED lighting, heat pumps, weatherization measures, low-flow water fixtures and resident energy education.
Improvements were designed to reduce energy and water use, improve comfort and help lower ongoing facility costs.
View Project
Lehigh County Humane Society
Lehigh County Humane Society was selected as a previous Nonprofit Energy Makeover recipient, receiving improvements designed to improve energy performance and support the organization’s facility needs.
View Project
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility requirements are established for each contest cycle and may vary. Previous program requirements have included:
- Registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
- Ownership of the building
- Building at least 15 years old
- Location within the applicable utility service territory
- Submission of a recent electric utility bill
Current eligibility requirements will be provided when applications open for each Nonprofit Energy Makeover Contest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a cost to participate?
There is no application fee or upfront costs to this program. The selected nonprofit receives facility upgrades and improvements totaling the value of the award. The award amount is determined for each contest cycle.
What types of improvements can be included?
Improvements are based on the needs of the selected facility and findings from the energy assessment. Previous projects have included HVAC systems, lighting, weatherization, windows and doors, ventilation, water-saving measures, hot water systems and energy-efficient appliances.
How are organizations selected?
Applications are reviewed based on the requirements and selection criteria established for each contest cycle. Selected organizations may receive an on-site energy assessment before finalists and the eventual recipient are chosen.
When will applications open again?
The 4th Nonprofit Energy Makeover Contest is currently underway. Future application opportunities will be announced by Regenerative Energy Initiative.
Stay Informed About Future Energy Makeovers
Eligibility requirements and application details are established for each program cycle. Information about future opportunities will be posted here as it becomes available.
Previous Contest Winners
FAMILY PROMISE OF CARBON COUNTY
PROJECT SCOPE AND SAVINGS SUMMARY
HVAC Improvements
- Install 16-zone ENERGY STAR certified mini-split heat pump system
- SEER2 of 22.3, EER2 of 12, and an HSPF2 of 10.5
- Reduce reliance on oil-fired heating
- Eliminate outdated window AC units
- Estimated Annual Savings: $1,900
LED Lighting Retrofit
- Total Wattage Reduced = 5,741 watts
- 121 total fixtures installed
- Replace interior and exterior lighting with high-efficiency LEDs
- Upgrade fixtures and install advanced controls
- Enhance exterior lighting to increase nighttime safety and security
Building Envelope Improvements
- Replace 3 drafty exterior doors
- Replace 4 aging aluminum windows
- Reduce heating and cooling loads
- Improve indoor comfort and overall building efficiency
High-Efficiency Hot Water System
- Install 80-gallon heat pump water heater
- Repair existing 50-gallon unit
- Utilize waste heat and improve basement dehumidification
- Increase hot water capacity for resident families
Healthy Air & Ventilation
- Install bathroom exhaust fans with timer controls
- Reduce moisture and mold concerns
- Improve indoor air quality
- Create a healthier environment for families and children
ENERGY STAR Appliance Upgrades
- Replace outdated donated appliances with 5 high-efficiency models
- Install 2 efficient washers using less energy and water
- Upgrade to 20 cubic ft. refrigeration and induction cooking equipment
- Upgrade to 45.2 cubic ft net capacity chest freezer
NEW BETHANY MINISTRIES
PROJECT SCOPE AND SAVINGS SUMMARY
LED Lighting Retrofit
- Currently fluorescent lighting – LEDs in all rooms, areas, and programs
- Occupancy sensors added to common areas
- Will reduce O&M costs and offer the latest in LED technology
- Estimated Annual Savings: $3,200
Weatherization Measures
- Window AC Units
- Windows and Doors
- Electrical Sockets
- A drafty vent Hospitality Center
Resident Education
- LED light bulbs and weatherization products for individual rooms
- Energy conservation reminders and posters
- Table with energy demonstrations and coloring activities for kids
Minisplit Heat Pumps – Mollard Hospitality Center
- Will replace five low-efficiency AC units, offset electric resistance heat (SEER 18.9), and provide greater comfort to over 150 guests per day
- Estimated Annual Savings: $1,300
Low-flow water fixtures for sinks and showers
- Will help conserve water and reduce the need for electric water heating
- Estimated Annual Savings: $3,600
Window Heat Pump Units – Transitional Housing Program
- Will replace six low-efficiency AC units and offset electric resistance heat above 40°F
- Estimated Annual Savings: $3,950
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a cost to participate?
There is no application fee or upfront costs to this program. The selected nonprofit receives facility upgrades and improvements totaling the value of the award. The award amount is determined for each contest cycle.
What types of improvements can be included?
Improvements are based on the needs of the selected facility and findings from the energy assessment. Previous projects have included HVAC systems, lighting, weatherization, windows and doors, ventilation, water-saving measures, hot water systems and energy-efficient appliances.
How are organizations selected?
Applications are reviewed based on the requirements and selection criteria established for each contest cycle. Selected organizations may receive an on-site energy assessment before finalists and the eventual recipient are chosen.
When will applications open again?
The 4th Nonprofit Energy Makeover Contest is currently underway. Future application opportunities will be announced by Regenerative Energy Initiative.
Stay Informed About Future Energy Makeovers
Eligibility requirements and application details are established for each program cycle. Information about future opportunities will be posted here as it becomes available.