Clean energy practices, cut down on energy usage, and boost sustainability. It’s all about giving municipalities the tools, recognition, and funding they need to make impactful clean energy changes that benefit both their communities and the environment. The program encourages municipalities to adopt specific high-impact actions that promote energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainability. By completing these actions, municipalities can earn points, gain recognition as Clean Energy Communities, and access grant funding to further their clean energy projects.
The point system has a few basic steps:
1. High-Impact Actions: Choose from a list of actions, each with different point values based on their complexity and impact. For instance, a community solar project might earn more points than an energy efficiency campaign.
2. Earning Points: Complete an action, earn points. It’s that straightforward.
3. Achieving Designation: Collect enough points to be designated as a Clean Energy Community, opening grant funding.
4. Grant Opportunities: Once designated, municipalities can apply for grants to support further clean energy efforts. The more points, the bigger the funding opportunities.
Three low-cost options to start earning points are benchmarking, LED streetlights, and renewable energy. Benchmarking entails tracking the energy use in municipal buildings and earn up to 1800 points. Another great place to start is upgrading your streetlights to energy efficient LEDs for up to 900 points. Lastly, by subscribing to renewable energy programs, such as community solar, a municipality can gain up to 4,00 points. There are many other ways to earn points and take advantage of this program, these are just a few examples.
Ready to lead your community into a sustainable future, get in contact with a Clean Energy Communicator in your area here:
NYSERDA Clean Energy Communities
Watch our Webinar with our partners at NYSAC here:
Unlock New Opportunities with Clean Energy Communities Round 3.0
