Mobile, interactive learning center, funded through Green Jobs-Green New York, visits neighborhoods to build awareness of ways to use less energy in homes and businesses
New York, NY – August 29, 2013 – (RealEstateRama) — The Community Environmental Center EcoHouse, a traveling exhibition space and interactive learning center, will make stops in Jamaica, Queens and Harlem this fall to share information about the many ways residents can be more energy efficient in their daily lives.
The EcoHouse offers a fun and hands-on – yet educational – opportunity to learn about the impact of everyday behavior on the environment, and to develop an understanding of actions that reduce energy waste and save money. It will be at PS/IS 206, 74-10 Commonwealth Blvd., where it is being hosted by Neighborhood Housing Services of Jamaica, from September 19 to the end of October, and in Harlem, hosted by Civic Association Serving Harlem, in November.
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) provided Green Jobs-Green New York (GJGNY) funding to develop the EcoHouse (see photos), which was designed and built, and is operated, by the Community Environmental Center (CEC), a Queens-based not-for-profit organization that works to reduce the environmental impact of energy use in buildings. To date, more than 7,000 New Yorkers have visited the EcoHouse, including more than 200 school groups.
“NYSERDA is proud to be involved in this innovative project to help educate residents about energy efficiency right in their own neighborhoods,” said Francis J. Murray Jr., President and CEO, NYSERDA. “Innovation plays a key part in Governor Cuomo’s vision for making the State more sustainable, and the Community Environmental Center Ecohouse provides a compelling experience to help residents learn about positive steps they can take to lead a more energy efficient and sustainable lifestyle.”
NYSERDA works with a number of local groups, or constituency-based organizations (CBOs), to help people in their communities make their homes and businesses more energy efficient. New York City CBOs are partnering with CEC to engage neighborhood residents in the Ecohouse and to share information about available energy-efficiency programs and incentives.
In addition to working with CBOs Neighborhood Housing Services of Jamaica and Civic Association Serving Harlem this fall, CEC has brought the EcoHouse to neighborhoods over the past few months through partnerships with CBOs that included El Puente in Brooklyn, Downtown Manhattan Community Development Corporation, Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, Sustainable South Bronx and the Neighborhood Housing Services of Staten Island.
“Collaborating with CBOs has been an excellent way to bring Community Environmental Center’s EcoHouse to many different New York City neighborhoods, and to bring hundreds of members of each community, people of all ages and backgrounds, to visit the EcoHouse, learn about energy efficiency and learn about the programs available through NYSERDA,” said Richard Cherry, President of CEC.
Located in Queens, but serving the entire New York Metropolitan Area, CEC is a major provider of construction and technical services for green buildings, and a proponent of green living and working conditions, especially for the neediest residents. For more information on the EcoHouse, visit: http://www.cecenter.org/ecohouseLink opens in new window – close new window to return to this page..
Constituency-based organizations are independent contractors that make it easier for homeowners, renters, landlords, not-for-profits and small businesses to participate in NYSERDA energy-efficiency programs. To locate a NYSERDA CBO for energy-efficiency assistance, visit http://nyserdagreenny.org/cbo-locatorLink opens in new window – close new window to return to this page..
About NYSERDA
NYSERDA, a public benefit corporation, offers objective information and analysis, innovative programs, technical expertise, and funding to help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, use renewable energy, and reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. NYSERDA professionals work to protect our environment and create clean-energy jobs. NYSERDA has been developing partnerships to advance innovative energy solutions in New York since 1975. For more information, visit nyserda.ny.gov or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram.
Contact(s)
Dayle Zatlin, Assistant Director of Communications
Phone : 518-862-1090, Ext. 3359
Email : dez (at) nyserda.ny (dot) gov
