Easterseals Capital Region & Eastern Connecticut Announces Facility Upgrades in Partnership with the Connecticut Green Bank
Improvements are estimated to produce $1.3 million in savings over the lifetime of the upgrades
WINDSOR, Conn., March 28 — Easterseals Capital Region & Eastern Connecticut today announced that – using C-PACE (Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy) financing through the Connecticut Green Bank – it has begun a clean energy upgrade project at its Deerfield Road facility in Windsor. The improvements to the 22,100-square-foot building include installing a 218 kW rooftop solar system, plus new lighting and controls. The estimated energy savings over the lifetime of the improvements are approximately $1.3 million.
“At Easterseals, we’re leading the way to full equity, inclusion and access through life-changing programs for children and adults with disabilities, active military and veterans,” said Robin Sharp, President & CEO of Easterseals Capital Region & Eastern Connecticut. “Not only will this project allow us to redirect our financial savings to enhance our programs, but it’s also a way to support future generations by tackling climate change right here in our building.”
Easterseals has always focused on elevating the community through its commitment to sustainability. Established in 2008, its social enterprise, EnviroShred, is dedicated to the safe, secure and eco-friendly destruction of confidential data. EnviroShred also directly employs veterans and individuals with disabilities.
The project with the Connecticut Green Bank is being funded with approximately $714,000 in C-PACE financing. C-PACE is administered by the Green Bank and is specifically designed to finance green upgrades, such as energy efficiency improvements or adding renewable energy sources. Easterseals is also utilizing the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) direct pay option through the IRS for this project. Direct pay allows tax-exempt and governmental entities access to expanded tax credits for clean energy technologies as a provision of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). This new provision means C-PACE and solar energy are now more accessible than ever to non-taxpaying organizations like Easterseals.
“As a nonprofit organization investing in clean energy improvements, Easterseals will have access to the same financial incentives as for-profit companies, thanks to the direct pay option,” said Mackey Dykes, Vice President of Financing Programs at the Green Bank. “Through this program, most nonprofits are eligible for tax incentives between 30 and 50 percent of the project’s total cost, meaning projects that were once impossible are now financially feasible Between this tax credit and our C-PACE financing, this project is a win-win for the Easterseals.”
Oxford, CT-based Facility Solutions Group, Inc. (FSG) will install the 218kW system, which is projected to be completed in the first half of 2024.
“We’re thankful for the opportunity to once again work with the Green Bank to bring much-needed renewable energy upgrades and cost savings to a Connecticut nonprofit,” said Kevin Siebrecht, Vice President of Solar Solutions at FSG. “We commend the mission and hard work of the entire Easterseals organization and are proud of their decision to pursue these improvements.”
To learn more about the Connecticut Green Bank, visit www.ctgreenbank.com. For more information about the Easterseals Capital Region & Eastern Connecticut, visit www.Easterseals.com/hartford.
About Easterseals Capital Region & Eastern CT
For nearly 75 years locally and 100 years nationally, Easterseals has been an indispensable resource for individuals with disabilities, veterans, seniors, and their families. Through high-quality programs, including medical rehabilitation, autism services, Veteran and Military services, workforce development, adult day care and more. Easterseals also operates social enterprise businesses such as EnviroShred and EnviroClean. In schools, workplaces, and communities, we are fostering environments where everyone is included and valued — making a real and positive impact on us all. Join us in ensuring that everyone – regardless of age or ability – is 100% included and 100% empowered.
Learn more at www.easterseals.com/Hartford and www.veteransrallypoint.com.
About FSG
FSG was founded in 1982, growing from a small lighting distributor in San Antonio Texas, to one of the nation’s largest lighting distributors and electrical contractors. Today, FSG employs more than 2000 employees nationwide and works with more than a thousand affiliate vendors from all four corners of the nation. FSG’s customers list includes every type of business from top name multisite consumer brands, to general contractors, to local neighborhood businesses.
