SLU CCAC Collaborates with Village of Canton Sustainability Committee on New Campaign
VILLAGE OF CANTON LAUNCHES CLEAN ENERGY COMMUNITIES CAMPAIGN WITH POTENTIAL TO EARN $50,000 IN GRANT FUNDING
The Village of Canton Sustainability Committee has launched a new clean energy campaign. The “Canton Decarbonization Campaign” is a collaboration between the committee, Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County, and St. Lawrence University’s Campus Climate Action Corps project. The campaign seeks to earn points towards NYSERDA’s Clean Energy Communities Program.
The Clean Energy Communities (CEC) Program allows communities to earn credits and recognition for clean energy initiatives. By completing High-Impact Action items, including tasks from annual reporting of energy used in municipal buildings, to installing energy-efficient LED street lighting, communities can earn points and unlock grant funding.
The Village of Canton already has 1,400 points in the CEC program, making the Village eligible for a $10,000 grant with the submission of one more High-Impact Action. With the potential 3,800 points that could be earned by the campaign, the Village could unlock a $50,000 grant. Grant money can go towards project types that are pre-approved by NYSERDA, including solar installations, electric vehicle purchases, electric vehicle charging stations, heat pump installations, and the purchase of electric landscaping equipment, among others.
The “Canton Decarbonization Campaign” ties into existing work being completed by Cornell Cooperative Extension Energy Navigator Volunteers. Volunteers provide basic home energy assessments in the form of home walkthroughs, educating community members about simple ways to save energy and decrease utility bills, and connecting folks with Energy Advisors for assistance with programs, incentives, and rebates. Through education and outreach, the campaign seeks to achieve five residential heat pump installations in the Village, five electric vehicle purchases, and 10 community solar or hydro subscriptions.
To learn more, or to sign up for a home energy walkthrough, please contact Nick Hamilton-Honey at 315-379-9192 ext. 230 or nh327@cornell.edu.