Town of Malta is First Local Government to Receive Award in Recognition of ‘Green’ Building Investments

December 7, 2009

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) tonight will present the Town of Malta with a High Performance Building Plaque to recognize the energy efficiency measures the town incorporated in the recently-constructed David R. Meager Community Center that will reduce electricity consumption significantly and save the town approximately $25,000 annually. The Town of Malta, which will receive the plaque at a presentation to the Town Board at 7 p.m., is the first local government in New York State to receive a High Performance Building Plaque.

Using $45,000 of funding from NYSERDA’s New Construction Program, the Town installed a high efficiency lighting system, high performance windows, wall and roof insulation, and a demand-controlled ventilation system, among other improvements.

“By participating in this NYSERDA energy-saving program, the leaders in Malta have shown their commitment to both reducing energy use and saving taxpayer dollars,” said Francis J. Murray Jr., President and CEO of NYSERDA. “In these challenging times, investing in ‘green’ technologies is a proven strategy for local governments to reduce their costs. NYSERDA looks forward to partnering with more local governments to help realize the ambitious energy efficiency goals advanced by Governor David A. Paterson”

Supervisor Paul J. Sausville said; “The Town is pleased with receiving the $45,585 award. We will use the money to help balance our budget in 2010 and will save hundreds of thousands of dollars in future energy costs over the life of the building. It is a big win for both the environment and for the pocketbooks of our taxpayers.”

The Town of Malta is the twentieth recipient of a High Performance Building Plaque, which are presented to hospitals, libraries, schools, and other institutions whose buildings are designed to perform at least 30 percent above the New York State Conservation Construction Code through improved energy efficiency and building energy management. The Meager Community Center is expected to perform 43 percent above code.

As a result of this investment, the Town of Malta is anticipated to reduce their energy consumption by more than 94,000 kWh per year, the equivalent to the electricity consumed by approximately 15 single family homes per year, and avoiding approximately 58 kW of peak summer demand.

Governor Paterson’s ‘45 by 15’ clean energy policy calls for New York to reduce its electricity consumption by 15 percent and increase the proportion of clean renewable energy used by New York consumers to 30 percent by the year 2015. The policy will create 50,000 jobs, while protecting our environment and making the State more energy independent and energy efficient.

Previous Capital Region recipients of the High Performance Building Plaque include the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, Woodland Hills Montessori School, Complexions Day Spa, and others. The program’s goal is to effect a permanent transformation in the way buildings are designed and constructed by offering technical support to building design teams and financial incentives to building owners. In addition, the program offers services and incentives to building owners and designers to encourage green building practices, as well as funding for commissioning, peak-load reduction, and advanced solar and daylighting technologies. State and local governments, schools, healthcare facilities, and not-for-profit organizations that pay into the System Benefits Charge are eligible for incentives.

For more information visit  NYSERDA New Construction Program Page

CONTACT:

Jeffrey Gordon, NYSERDA
518-862-1090, ext. 3544
jrg@nyserda.ny.gov