First New York Energy Smart^SM Building in the State

April 10, 2009

Saranac Lake, NY , April 10, 2009—The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and Community Energy Services (CES) of Canton, NY, today announced the completion of the first New York Energy $mart^SM Multifamily Building in the state. Through NYSERDA’s Multifamily Performance Program, apartment buildings or dwellings five units or more can earn the New York Energy $mart^SM label by reducing overall energy use by 20 percent or more.

The program also provides cash grants, access to low-interest financing, and other incentives for energy improvements.

The building at 135 Broadway in Saranac Lake, NY is made up of 13 residential units and commercial space on the ground floor. The recent improvements have reduced energy use by 27 percent, which will help save more than $7,300 in annual utility costs and improve comfort for the residents. The total cost of the project was $44,430, with NYSERDA providing nearly $31,000.

“The program, which is available to any residential building with five or more units serviced by NYSEG or National Grid, has made a significant difference for the tenants, the commercial landscape and the streetscape of Saranac Lake,” said Saranac Lake Mayor Thomas Michael. “The building owner is one of our growingly innovative and forward-thinking business community members, who are fully participating in Saranac Lake becoming an Energy $mart Community.”

“With some of the coldest temperatures in the state, the winter heating season in Saranac Lake can be a tough burden, so it’s a great achievement for 135 Broadway to be the first building to earn the New York Energy $mart^SM label,” said NYSERDA President and CEO Francis J. Murray, Jr. “NYSERDA’s Multifamily Performance Program is a one-stop shop that allows buildings, such as the 135 Broadway, to reduce their energy costs while improving comfort and maintaining affordability for the residents.”

Building owner TSB Development LLC selected CES, a partner in the Multifamily Performance Program, to help implement the energy-saving improvements. Upgrades included:

• high-efficiency boiler
• temperature controls
• high-efficiency domestic hot water heating system
• energy-efficient lighting upgrades
• window and appliance replacement
• carbon monoxide and smoke detectors

About NYSERDA’s Multifamily Performance Program

Sponsored by NYSERDA, the Multifamily Performance Program addresses energy and operational needs of new and existing buildings comprised of five or more residential units. The program uses a customized approach for each building, using a partner network of engineers, energy consultants, and other industry professionals to improve the efficiency and performance of multifamily buildings. For more information, visit Get Energy Smart or call 1-877-NY-SMART.

About Community Energy Services

Community Energy Services (CES) is a non-profit, 501 (c)(3) corporation, founded in January 2001 to deliver information, education and technical services in energy conservation and efficiency for all of the residents of the North Country of New York, with a commitment to serving low and moderate income households. Our vision is that every person in the North Country will become energy aware and every building will become energy efficient. For more information about CES programs and services, or to support our work, please call (315) 379-9466 or visit www.communityenergyservices.org.

CONTACT:

Nancy Norman, NYSERDA
518-862-1090, ext 3414
njn@nyserda.ny.gov

Louise Jensen , Community Energy Services
315-379-9466
louisej@ncenergy.org