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DENVER –
Energy Outreach Colorado’s initiative to help nonprofit facilities
reduce their energy usage and carbon footprint is one example of the
environmental movement inspired by Earth Day, celebrated around the
world on April 22.
The Nonprofit Energy Efficiency Program (NEEP), is a partnership between
Energy Outreach and other funders to provide energy audits and energy
efficiency improvements to qualifying nonprofits, particularly those
that shelter the homeless, domestic abuse victims and those with special
needs.
Organizations benefit from the investment in efficiency improvements
such as new lighting, increased insulation, Energy Star appliances and
upgraded boiler systems, as well as energy conservation plans for their
facilities.
Since 2007, with funding provided by the Denver Office of Strategic
Partnerships, Xcel Energy’s Demand Side Management program and EnCana
Oil & Gas, EOC has provided 39 nonprofit facilities with a total of
$1.33 million in energy efficiency improvements. Projected savings
include:
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More than
$195,000 in annual savings and a return on investment of less than
seven years
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Almost 1
million kWh (kilowatt hours) and more than 150,000 natural gas therms,
which will result in a reduction of about 2.25 million pounds of
carbon dioxide, 2,200 pounds of nitrous oxide and 15 pounds of mercury
One such
facility is the Greeley Transitional House, which provides about 100
homeless families a year with housing, food assistance and case
management as they work toward becoming self sufficient. Its 12-unit,
three-level, 10,000 square-foot building was retrofitted with three
tank-less water heaters, an air conditioning unit, additional
insulation, programmable thermostats and more than 160 compact
fluorescent light bulbs.
“We’ve seen a dramatic reduction in our natural gas bills and a more
comfortable environment, thanks to the improved air flow and the more
efficient systems and appliances,” said Jodi Hartmann, executive
director of the organization. “With four sets of appliances, furnaces
and air conditioners, anything we can do to save energy is really
important.”
The organization has saved around $2,000 a year in energy costs – funds
that instead are being used for services such as mentoring and tutoring
programs. And its residents are learning how to better manage energy
once they get into their own homes.
About Energy Outreach Colorado
Energy Outreach Colorado is the only independent, non-profit
organization in the state that raises money to help limited income
Coloradans afford home energy. Since 1989, EOC has raised more than $120
million to fund energy bill payment assistance and energy efficiency
upgrades for affordable housing. Energy Outreach relies on individual
donations, corporate contributions and foundation grants. It has
received top ratings from Charity Navigator for eight consecutive years
and is the top-rated charity in the country for consecutive top ratings.
EOC is an accredited charity member of the Better Business Bureau.
Energy Outreach Colorado,
www.EnergyOutreach.org, can be reached at 303-825-8750 or at 225 E.
16th Ave., Ste. 200, Denver, CO 80203-1612.
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