We’ve all been saying it for years, but now more than ever, our environment needs protecting. Demosthenes Maratos is the Communications Director for the Sustainability Institute at Molloy College, Long Island’s first-ever venture housing “sustainability” education and policy analysis within an academic institution. The Sustainability Institute team provides community education on key issues related to sustainability. So let’s have a bit of an education on going green.
How important is it to educate people about the importance of renewable energy?
Fundamentally important. We only have one planet and we encourage Long Islanders to think globally while acting locally. In order for Long Island to meet its energy goals we all need to do our part. Renewable energy in particular is thriving here on Long Island because environmental awareness is strong and thousands of us have taken it upon ourselves to use energy more efficiently. Not only does it protect the environment, but it can save the individual money and make Long Island a more sustainable place to live.
Tell me about Long Island Green Homes.
Long Island Green Homes is a nonprofit collaborative partnership of Long Island Towns, community organizations and Molloy College funded primarily with a community outreach grant awarded by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and PSEG-LI in order to help Long Islanders improve their homes and use energy more wisely.
Via one-on-one support from experienced Energy Navigators, Long Island homeowners are connected with government funds and local, certified contractors to receive a free home energy audit, and money saving and energy efficient improvements to their homes. In addition to reducing your home’s carbon footprint and saving you money, the Long Island Green Homes Initiative stimulates job growth and business opportunities.
How can homeowners lower their carbon footprint?
Long Islanders pay some of the highest property taxes in the nation, so why not take advantage of something New York State is offering for free? We recommend that every Long Island homeowner get a free home energy audit via Long Island Green Homes. It is the first step in making your home more energy efficient and saving you thousands of dollars in energy costs. New York State and PSEG Long Island recognize that having an energy efficient home is not only good for the environment, but also good for your wallet.
You’ll learn where your home’s biggest energy efficiency gains can be made; receive a comprehensive report of your home’s energy use conducted by a certified professional; and be able to fix any energy efficiency issues with affordable improvements. In addition, every home energy audit includes a carbon monoxide safety check of your home’s combustible appliances. This is particularly important as heating systems come on-line during winter months, and cases of carbon monoxide exposure increase significantly.
How does Long Island Green Homes work?
Regardless of the municipality in which you live or your income level, every Long Island homeowner can participate in this program. Long Island Green Homes makes energy efficiency simple and easy. Simply visit www.longislandgreenhomes.org or call 800-567-2850. One of our trained Energy Navigators will pre-qualify your family and assist in identifying rebates, discounts, financing and ensure that you understand precisely what your household is eligible for. Our Energy Navigator will then arrange for your free home energy audit resulting in a report of your home’s efficiency and a detailed plan for the improvements you can choose to have done to save you money and improve the comfort of your home.
