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Feb 11
Diverse hands holding a recyling symbol

Sustainable Westchester Supports Equitable Waste Solutions for a Greener Future

By Our Blog
Diverse hands holding a recyling symbol

While Sustainable Westchester’s primary focus is on clean energy, we also support Westchester County’s forward-thinking waste management initiatives, including Recycle Coach, HELPSY, and the “Upon Request” law. These programs play a crucial role in promoting sustainability by enhancing recycling education, textile recycling, and waste reduction efforts across the county.

In November, we officially sunset the Recycle Right app and supported 18 municipalities in transitioning to the Recycle Coach platform. This innovative tool enhances recycling education and accessibility by offering personalized waste collection schedules, clear guidance on recyclable materials, and resources to reduce contamination in recycling streams. By making it easier for residents to recycle effectively, Recycle Coach strengthens local sustainability efforts, reduces landfill waste, and supports the creation of cleaner, greener communities. These advancements align with Westchester County’s commitment to sustainability and mark an important step toward achieving a circular economy and minimizing the environmental impact of waste management.

Textile recycling is another key focus area in sustainable waste management, addressing the growing issue of discarded clothing and fabrics. Westchester County offers programs like HELPSY, which provide residents with convenient ways to recycle textiles, ensuring these materials are repurposed instead of contributing to landfill waste. Textile recycling also plays a significant role in addressing environmental justice concerns, as waste disposal sites often disproportionately affect low-income communities. By reducing textile waste, these efforts not only lower environmental impacts but also contribute to healthier and more equitable living conditions.

Sustainable Westchester also supports Westchester County’s “Upon Request” legislation by fostering education, awareness, and collaboration around sustainable waste reduction practices. In partnership with Mothers Out Front, we hosted a web panel discussion featuring County Legislators, sustainability leaders, and local business owners to explore the law’s impact, challenges, and benefits. This panel provided valuable insights on how businesses and communities can successfully implement the legislation and reduce unnecessary waste. To further aid adoption, Westchester County provides downloadable fact sheets and business flyers in English, Spanish, and Chinese, ensuring clear guidance on compliance. Additionally, we encourage community participation in enforcement efforts by sharing reporting tools and directing residents to the county’s complaint hotline (914-813-5425). Watch the panel recording here and explore national efforts through the UPSTREAM National Reuse Network.

We will continue to support Westchester County’s waste reduction initiatives, ensuring that environmental justice communities and all residents have access to the resources and education needed for responsible waste management.

Feb 06

Empowering Communities with Critical Climate Resources

By Our Blog

At Sustainable Westchester, we play an active role in the clean energy transition, leveraging federal grants and resources to support our communities. Our commitment to access and transparency is driven by the understanding that many of our member municipalities face significant climate challenges and environmental inequities. At the heart of our mission is ensuring that all communities, especially those historically underserved, have equitable access to environmental resources.

Due to recent federal changes, several data resources environmentalists once had access to are no longer available.

For this reason,  we support the  Public Environmental Data Project, a volunteer coalition of environmental justice and policy organizations, researchers, archivists, and students, who are dedicated to preserving and providing public access to federal environmental data. By maintaining access to critical information on air quality, emissions, climate patterns, and pollution, this project helps communities and organizations identify environmental risks and track inequities. It also enables stakeholders to advocate for stronger climate change mitigation initiatives where they are needed most.

In addition to PEDP, we’re excited to share that the Climate Program Portal Library has recently been updated with a wealth of resources archived in January 2025. This includes the original Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) website, comprehensive EV charging information, elective pay options, and much more. These tools are invaluable for individuals, businesses, and municipalities aiming to stay informed and actively contribute to a sustainable future.

By supporting and promoting access to these critical resources, Sustainable Westchester continues to advance environmental justice through increasing accessibility across all our communities.

Explore these valuable tools and learn more about how environmental data supports justice and action:

Public Environmental Data Project

Climate Program Portal Library.

Helpful Tip: If there are any webpages you haven’t been able to access but you have the URL, you can try using the Wayback Machine to retrieve archived versions, which may be helpful to retrieve climate resources: http://web.archive.org/.

If you know of additional resources we can share with our community please email us at [email protected].

Jan 28
Larchmont Girl Scouts Learn How to Conduct an Energy Assessment

Larchmont Girl Scouts Learn How to Conduct an Energy Assessment!

By Our Blog
Larchmont Girl Scouts Learn How to Conduct an Energy Assessment

Pictured: Larchmont Girl Scouts with Hayden from Healthy Home Energy & Consulting, and Sustainable Westchester’s Building Decarbonization Director Lauren Brois, Program Coordinator Dara Rivadeneira, and College Intern Stella Sanko.

January 23, 2025 – Earlier this January, Sustainable Westchester and Healthy Home Energy & Consulting accompanied two Larchmont Girl Scout Troops on their Get Moving Journey. This Journey is all about exploring energy and how to use it responsibly. A lot of our energy usage happens at home, so together with the Girl Scouts we performed a modified home energy assessment at the Larchmont Girl Scouts House! The troops learned how insulation helps buildings stay warm during the winter and conducted a blower door test and used an infrared camera to find areas of the building that were cold and lacking insulation. They discovered how colors indicated temperature on an infrared camera. Look at the photo below to see the residual heat left by their warm helping hands!

screen of the infrared gun

Together, 4th and 5th grader girl scouts made the connection on how using energy efficiently at home helps the planet. In the end Sustainable Westchester emphasized how these young Girl Scouts have the power to make a difference and helped them put together promises on ways to reduce energy at home through their energy pledge. After they made their energy pledges, we brainstormed ideas on how to expand on these energy saving ideas in their homes and communities. We were happy to hear that some girls wanted to conduct home energy assessments in their own homes and schools to help save energy! The girls were also delighted to learn that there are also interactive apps for download to help them track their energy at home and remind them of energy saving tips.

If your troop is interested in being green leaders and earning their Get Moving badge, please contact Lauren Brois at [email protected]!

Girl Scout Get Moving! Badge

Feeling inspired to be more energy efficient like our fellow girl scouts? Please check out our EnergySmart Homes program and the GridRewards app to get started!

 

Dec 10

Sustainable Westchester Now Accepting Applications for the Renew America’s Nonprofits Grant Program

By Our Blog

Eligible organizations across New York State can apply for subrecipient grants of up to $200,000 for energy efficiency building upgrades.

Sustainable Westchester, a municipally-led shared service provider that delivers climate solutions to the governments, businesses, organizations, and people of Westchester County, is pleased to announce that the application period is now open for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Renew America’s Nonprofits Grant Program. Last year, Sustainable Westchester was one of nine nonprofits selected nationwide to help implement energy efficiency building upgrades for other nonprofit organizations.

The Renew America’s Nonprofits program will provide vital funding to nonprofits across New York State, helping them to implement energy-saving measures that reduce their operational costs and environmental impact while advancing the clean energy transition. The program will support energy efficiency upgrades in up to 32 buildings owned by eligible nonprofit organizations with subrecipient grants of up to $200,000. Chosen nonprofits will receive funding to cover a range of energy efficiency measures including, but not limited to, envelope, HVAC (geothermal and air source heat pumps), controls, and lighting, with a required price match of 20 percent.

“Leveraging our expertise in shaping building decarbonization efforts across Westchester County and leading energy retrofits in hundreds of local buildings, we’ve designed a program that will specifically support nonprofits serving constituencies who have been historically disproportionately harmed by environmental and energy cost burdens,” said Mark Crosskey, Deputy Program Director, Building Decarbonization at Sustainable Westchester. “By replicating the model for success that our organization has helped establish alongside municipalities throughout Westchester, nonprofits statewide can pave the way towards a more sustainable future, greater financial savings, and long-awaited equity and environmental justice for underserved communities.”

The application period for the Renew America’s Nonprofits program will remain open until May 1, 2025. Interested nonprofits can learn more about eligibility requirements, grant details, and the application process by visiting https://susweststg.wpenginepowered.com/renew-americas-nonprofits-grant-program/. There will be virtual information sessions on December 4, 2024, and February 6, 2025 to provide additional guidance to potential applicants.

News 12 Westchester recently spoke to Mark Crosskey, Deputy Director of Building Decarbonization, about the program. Check out the interview here under the title Federal money for nonprofits.

Please visit our RAN FAQ or contact [email protected] if you have any questions.

Oct 16

D.I.Y. Energy Education Workshops to Lower Energy Costs

By Our Blog

D.I.Y. Energy Education Workshops to Lower Energy Costs

Sustainable Westchester is hosting a series of “Do-It-Yourself” (D.I.Y.) Energy Education Workshops for homeowners and renters to learn about simple, do-it-yourself actions to lower their utility bills. Keep reading to learn more about what these workshops will cover, and how to organize one for your community members!

What’s included in these D.I.Y. Energy Education Workshops?

Participants will receive a tutorial on how to use their free D.I.Y. Energy Kit, containing materials to help them stop leaks, reduce drafts, and lower their energy usage. The workshops also cover cost-saving programs like HEAP, EAP, EmPower+, and Community Solar, and information on funding available for bigger home energy upgrades. 

Included in the D.I.Y. Energy Kit:

  • Weatherstripping
  • Door sweep
  • Window insulation kit
  • Foam outlet and switch gasket
  • Foam tape for windows/doors​ 
  • Power strip 
  • 2 LED light bulbs

When and Where? 

Workshops will be held throughout Westchester County from November 2024 through January 2025. We hosted our first workshop with the Fairview Empower Group on Sunday, October 13th, 12pm – 1:30pm at the Theodore D. Young Community Center.

Stay Up to Date on the Workshop Schedule

Contact [email protected] for more information.

Are you a Community-Based Organization looking to book a D.I.Y. Energy Education Workshop with our team? We can work with Seniors Groups, PTAs, Lion’s Club, Community Health Centers, Neighborhood Associations and most any community group! 

Call 914-242-4725 ext.5 or email [email protected]

Oct 10

Taller de Ahorros Electricos

By Our Blog

Taller de Ahorros ElÉctricos

El 26 de junio del 2024, en colaboración con la aldea y el pueblo de Ossining y Neighbors Link, Sustainable Westchester llevó a cabo su primer taller de ahorro de energía en español en la Biblioteca Pública de Ossining. El taller educó a los miembros de la comunidad local sobre el cambio climático y oportunidades de ahorros energéticos.

¡Participar en los programas de Sustainable Westchester es una forma sencilla de ayudar a combatir el cambio climático y, al mismo tiempo, ahorrar dinero en electricidad! Por ejemplo, nuestro programa Community Solar ofrece una suscripción gratuita a un proyecto solar. Cada suscriptor recibe ahorros garantizados en sus facturas de electricidad, mientras que el proyecto solar entrega energía limpia y renovable a nuestra red eléctrica. Esto da como resultado una red más estable, menos dependencia de los combustibles fósiles y una mejor calidad del aire para nuestras comunidades.

El taller incluyó una sesión de inscripción donde los participantes pudieron inscribirse en los programas y recibir asistencia en persona. Estamos encantados con el éxito de este evento, y Sustainable Westchester espera expandir los eventos de alcance en español para servir mejor al condado de Westchester.

El taller ofreció los siguientes programas de ahorro:

  • Community Solar ahorro garantizado en tu factura de la luz. ¡Suscríbase a un proyecto solar y reciba los beneficios de la energía renovable sin instalar paneles solares en su hogar!
  • GridRewards es una aplicación gratuita que puede ayudarte a reducir tu huella de carbono y ahorrar dinero. Tome medidas sencillas de energía durante las horas de mayor demanda y obtenga un reembolso en efectivo de Con Edison al final del año.
  • Empower+ programa estatal que proporciona fondos a los hogares elegibles para mejoras energéticas en el hogar.
  • HEAP (Programa de Asistencia de Energía para el Hogar) ayuda a residentes del estado de Nueva York elegibles con soluciones de calefacción y refrigeración en su hogar.
Sep 05
A flyer for an event for reducing waste, listing several notable guests.

Understanding the Westchester County “Upon Request” Legislation: A Step Towards Sustainability

By Our Blog

Understanding the Westchester County “Upon Request” Legislation: A Step Towards Sustainability

A flyer for an event for reducing waste, listing several notable guests.

In a significant move towards reducing waste and promoting sustainability, Westchester County has adopted the “Upon Request” legislation, which requires food service establishments to provide single-use food-ware items only when explicitly requested by customers. This new law aims to minimize unnecessary waste and encourage a more mindful approach to consumption. Click here to learn more from Westchester County.

The Upon Request Web Panel: A Collaborative Discussion

Sustainable Westchester, in partnership with Mothers Out Front, recently hosted a web panel to discuss the implications and benefits of this new legislation. The event brought together County Legislators, sustainability leaders, and local business owners to share their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities presented by the “Upon Request” law. The panelists highlighted the importance of community involvement in ensuring the successful implementation of this initiative.

View the recording here: https://youtu.be/7mK4xdTQgNU 

Access Resources: Supporting the Implementation

To help community members and businesses adapt to the new law, fact sheets and business flyers are available to be downloaded here in English, Spanish, and Chinese. These resources provide clear information on what the law entails and how it can be effectively implemented.

Ensuring Compliance: Your Role Matters

The success of the “Upon Request” legislation depends on collective effort. If you come across businesses that are not adhering to the new rules, you can make an anonymous report using this form. Additionally, the county has set up a complaint hotline at 914-813-5425 to assist with any concerns.

Discover what’s happening nationwide with the UPSTREAM National Reuse Network here.

Aug 16

Celebrating the Second Anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act!

By Our Blog

Celebrating the Second Anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act!

State Senator Nathalia Fernandez, Pelham Homeowner, Sustainable Westchester, Local Contractors, and Advocates Celebrate Second Anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act With Front Porch Ribbon Cutting Event

Pelham, NY – On Friday, August 16, 2024, State Senator Nathalia Fernandez, Rewiring America, Sustainable Westchester, the League of Conservation Voters, local advocates, and HVAC and solar experts gathered at the home of Pelham resident Greg Spock to host a “front porch ribbon cutting” celebrating his home energy-efficiency upgrades made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).  

The event celebrated Spock’s commitment to home electrification and marked the second anniversary of the IRA, a landmark federal law that has played a pivotal role in making energy-efficiency and electrification upgrades affordable to Americans nationwide.

Michael Hernandez, New York Policy Director for Rewiring America, applauded the IRA for enabling nearly 185,000 New Yorkers to invest in high-efficiency electric appliances and/or rooftop solar. Spock credited the legislation’s electrification tax credits for making it possible for him to install high-efficiency heat pump and water heater systems, and soon rooftop solar, lowering his monthly energy bills and increasing the comfort of his home. 

Local climate advocates and energy specialists urged residents to learn more about how they can take advantage of the tax credits and other local incentives to upgrade their own homes and lower their energy bills. After the ribbon cutting, community members and neighbors were invited to “test drive” electric lawn care equipment and other high-efficiency appliances to learn more about how they work. 

“With the support of the Inflation Reduction Act, we were able to install an air source heat pump, a heat pump hot water heater, lease that beautiful and fast Emerald Lake Lyriq in the driveway, and charge it, with the home charger we installed, said the Pelham Homeowner. “Since making these upgrades, we’ve noticed several benefits. Not only am I contributing to a healthier environment, but our home is quieter, more evenly heated and cooled, and I’ve reduced our utility bills significantly. I expect an even bigger reduction with the solar installation imminently occurring. These changes have made our home more comfortable and efficient, and I feel proud to be part of a growing movement towards 100% clean energy.”  

“The Inflation Reduction Act represents the largest climate investment in U.S. history, allocating funds to accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy and addressing climate change across multiple sectors,” said State Senator Nathalia Fernandez. “By making transitions to technologies like air source heat pumps, electric cars and electric landscaping equipment, we are taking steps to protect our environment, to live healthier lives and save money. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act these projects are more affordable.” 

“The Inflation Reduction Act is paving the way for a cleaner, more resilient future, and it demonstrates that environmental policy can be a win-win for both our wallets and the environment we live in,” said Melissa Eustace, Board Member of Westchester Chapter of The League of Conservation Voters.  

“Today, we’re here to celebrate the impact the Inflation Reduction Act has had right at our kitchen tables. This law has been a game-changer for homeowners like Greg, establishing incentives to help every American household transition to cleaner, more efficient, and more affordable electric appliances,” said Michael Hernandez, New York Policy Director for Rewiring America.  “It’s thanks to these historic tax credits that millions of households across the country now have the power to fight the climate crisis, lower their energy bills, and increase the comfort of their homes. “

“In the past few years, the Village began electrification projects such as purchasing electric landscaping equipment, installing charging infrastructure, preparing a fleet electrification study, and constructing a new, all-electric municipal center, which will be completed by the end of the year. And in the past two years, numerous residents have reduced their energy consumption and costs through Inflation Reduction Act incentives for electric technologies,” said Yenna Chan, Co-chair, The Village of Pelham Sustainability Advisory Board.  “I am thrilled that Rewiring America has created this opportunity for neighbors and community members to hear from industry experts and try out electric equipment in person.” 

“With the implementation of the IRA and specific guidance from contractors like myself, homeowners are educated to invest in a highly efficient electric mechanical system and the end result is a superbly comfortable home, even temperatures, more comfortable sleeping, and a happy family. All of these are accomplished because you made an educated choice for your home and your wallet,” said Bryan Smith, Innovative Air. “Electrifying is really about choosing highly efficient, high-performance mechanical systems to provide the comfort you deserve. With careful planning, sound recommendations, and overall impeccable execution of installation, you too can move toward the electrification of your home!”  

“Sustainable Westchester is happy to celebrate the second anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act! As a member of NYSERDA’s Regional Clean Energy Hub, we are part of a statewide network of local organizations providing clean energy solutions to Westchester municipalities, businesses and residents. Our energy advisors can help our neighbors throughout the County access NYSERDA programs. discuss technologies, connect with contractors and navigate rebates and incentives,” said Lauren Brois, Director, EnergySmart Homes at Sustainable Westchester. “We have seen how the IRA’s tax credits have made it easier for homeowners to install energy-efficient appliances, like heat pumps and heat pump water heaters, solar panels, and electric vehicles, significantly reducing project costs and environmental impact. Through IRA tax credits, homeowners can access tax credits up to $1,200 for insulation, $2,000 tax credit for ASHP and 30 percent tax credit for geothermal projects.” 

To find out what federal incentives they might qualify for, New York residents can visit Rewiring America’s Savings Calculator. Residents will only need to input a few details about their households to immediately see all federal electrification and energy-efficiency incentives they qualify for.

The Front Porch Ribbon Cutting series, spearheaded by Rewiring America and Citizens’ Climate Lobby, is a nationwide initiative to raise awareness about the benefits of energy-efficient solutions and the financial incentives available through the Inflation Reduction Act.

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About Rewiring America

Rewiring America is the leading electrification nonprofit, focused on electrifying our homes, businesses, and communities. We develop accessible, actionable data and tools. Rewiring America helps Americans save money, tackle nationwide emissions goals, improve health, and build the next generation of the clean energy workforce. We believe in an abundant, flourishing, climate-safe future, and know that, together, we can realize one. 

About the New York League of Conservation Voters

The New York League of Conservation Voters is the only non-partisan, statewide environmental organization in New York that takes a pragmatic approach to fight for clean water, healthy air, renewable energy, and open space. For over thirty years, NYLCV has worked to lobby state and local governments on environmental policy, provide objective information to the public, and hold elected officials accountable. For more information, visit www.nylcv.org. 

About Sustainable Westchester

Sustainable Westchester is Westchester County’s leading advocate for local municipalities striving to make their communities safer and more resilient against the threats posed by climate change. It plays a critical role in helping members achieve the goals of New York’s landmark Climate Act by supplying large-scale renewable electricity, implementing innovative clean energy solutions, increasing energy efficiency, saving taxpayers money, and promoting equity and environmental justice. Its diverse hub of popular and high-effective programs developed for municipalities includes Westchester Power, Community Solar, EnergySmart Homes, Commercial Clean Heating & Cooling, GridRewards Demand Response, Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Infrastructure, Zero Waste Recycling, and Sustainable Landscaping. 

Visit our website.

Aug 15

Building a Resilient Westchester: Sustainability Programs and Initiatives

By Our Blog

Building a Resilient Westchester: Sustainability Programs and Initiatives

Author: Matthew Gutierrez

Impact of Sustainable Westchester Programming

Sustainability has never been a more vital priority, and Sustainable Westchester is leading our region to a better future, offering resources, programs, and initiatives to guide individuals and communities toward more eco-conscious choices. Join us on a journey through practical strategies and actionable steps, as we explore how we contribute to a greener, healthier, more resilient and equitable county, state, and world.

How can Sustainable Westchester help you make more sustainable choices?

Sustainable Westchester offers resources, programs, and initiatives to help individuals and communities make more sustainable choices. One such program is Sustainable Westchester’s Community Solar, which offers guaranteed savings to residents who enroll while helping to green the local electric grid. Or sign up for GridRewards, which pays you to reduce energy demand during times of peak usage.  Those two programs are just a small sample.  Check out all of our programs here.

How does Sustainable Westchester support local communities in addressing climate change?

Sustainable Westchester collaborates with local governments, businesses, and community organizations to develop and implement initiatives, policies, and programs that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote energy efficiency, and build climate resilience. By working with stakeholders across Westchester County, we aim to create a more sustainable and resilient future for all residents.

What is the importance of renewable energy sources like solar and wind power?

Renewable energy sources like solar and wind power are crucial for reducing our dependence on fossil fuels, which are major contributors to climate change. Unlike fossil fuels, renewable energy sources produce electricity without emitting greenhouse gases, making them a cleaner and more sustainable alternative. Investing in renewable energy can decrease our carbon footprint, create green jobs, and support a transition to a more sustainable and resilient energy system.  That’s why our Westchester Power program is so important, helping tens of thousands of households in our region access clean, renewable energy.

How can I stay informed about sustainability news, updates, and opportunities in Westchester County?

Stay informed about sustainability news, updates, and opportunities in Westchester County by subscribing to our newsletter, following us on Facebook and Instagram, visiting our website, and attending events.

How can Westchester-area businesses and organizations contribute to sustainability and climate action?

Businesses and organizations are crucial in driving sustainability and climate action by adopting environmentally responsible practices, reducing our carbon footprint, and engaging stakeholders in sustainable initiatives. Here are some strategies for businesses and organizations to consider:

  • Implement green practices: Adopt energy-efficient technologies, reduce waste, recycle materials, and incorporate sustainable procurement practices to minimize environmental impact.
  • Invest in renewable energy: Install solar panels, wind turbines, or other renewable energy systems to generate clean and renewable energy for your operations.
  • Engage employees and stakeholders: Educate employees, customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders about sustainability goals, initiatives, and opportunities for participation and collaboration.
  • Support sustainable policies and regulations: Advocate for government policies, incentives, and regulations that promote renewable energy, energy efficiency, waste reduction, and other sustainability initiatives at the local, state, and national levels.

The Bottom Line

Sustainable Westchester provides avenues for individuals, businesses, and communities to engage in sustainable practices. From Community Solar programs to collaborative initiatives with local stakeholders, to first-of-their-kind innovations like Sunshine-to-EV, Sustainable Westchester empowers residents to make environmentally conscious choices and build a more resilient future.

By staying informed, advocating for sustainable policies, and embracing green practices, we can all play a vital role in preserving our planet for generations to come.

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