Pilot program to provide energy efficiency and sustainability training, mentoring, and project funding support for small CT manufacturers
HARTFORD, Conn. (December 11, 2024) – The Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development’s Office of Manufacturing, in partnership with the Connecticut Sustainable Business Council (CTSBC) and the Connecticut Green Bank (Green Bank), today announced the launch of GreenGain, a year-long pilot program designed to provide training, subject matter expertise, and financial resources to help smaller manufacturing companies in the state integrate energy efficiency, renewable energy, and other technologies and strategies into their operations. The program will support manufacturers in building more sustainable and resilient businesses, boosting economic growth, performance, and competitiveness.
GreenGain is funded through the Office of Manufacturing’s Manufacturing Innovation Fund (MIF) and will be administered by the Green Bank through a partnership with CTSBC.
Geared towards smaller manufacturing companies in Connecticut, GreenGain will provide participants with monthly training sessions led by experts in the areas of sustainability and green manufacturing as well as representatives from larger manufacturers that have robust corporate sustainability programs. Sessions will be focused on decarbonization, ESG reporting, green manufacturing practices, certifications like Ecovadis and additional sustainability topics. Participating manufacturers will also receive consulting support to implement sustainability practices, perform energy audits, complete energy efficiency upgrades and renewable energy projects, install carbon accounting software, and more.
Additionally, through GreenGain’s voucher program, companies will have the opportunity to apply for matching funds to finance related projects and initiatives.
“Sustainability is no longer just an option for businesses—it’s necessary to remain competitive in a rapidly changing business environment. GreenGain provides small manufacturers with a clear roadmap and much-needed resources and support to build more sustainable and resilient operations while meeting the growing expectations of customers and stakeholders. This program is an exciting step forward for Connecticut’s manufacturing sector and we’re excited about the positive impact,” said Heather Burns, CEO, CT Sustainable Business Council.
“One of the components of Connecticut’s Manufacturing Strategic plan is building resilient and sustainable companies,” said Paul Lavoie, Chief Manufacturing Officer for the State of Connecticut. “An essential part of that initiative is energy efficiency, and the GreenGain program is designed to increase engagement, education and enablement for the manufacturing sector to become more resilient and to help them compete in today’s global environment.”
“As energy intensive businesses, Connecticut manufacturers have always known and navigated the impact of energy costs. Now, they face increasing pressure from their customers and stakeholders to integrate sustainability and resiliency into their operations while demonstrating a commitment to ESG goals,” said Connecticut Green Bank Vice President of Financing Programs Mackey Dykes. “However, many of the smaller manufacturers don’t have the time, resources, or funding to explore improvement projects, such as energy efficiency or renewable energy, and make progress towards new goals. This is where GreenGain comes in, and we are proud to partner with the Office of Manufacturing and the Connecticut Sustainable Business Council to bring the program to life. Connecticut’s vital manufacturing sector is a critical component to our state’s overall economy, and GreenGain will help companies save money, save energy, reduce their carbon footprints, and increase their competitiveness.”
West Hartford-based Legrand, North America, is a leading global specialist in electrical and digital building infrastructures. They are one of GreenGain’s partner companies that will provide expert training and mentorship to program participants. Over the last three years, Legrand has earned a Platinum rating from EcoVadis, putting them in the top 1% of over 130,000 evaluated companies based on performance across Environment, Ethics, Social and Human Rights, and Responsible Purchasing.
“Sustainability and corporate responsibility are at the heart of Legrand’s operations. As a global company, achieving aggressive targets for renewable energy procurement, energy use reductions, and energy efficiency requires close collaboration with suppliers and our teams across all of sites,” says Michael Kijak, Legrand Director of Operational Excellence. “We also attribute our continuing success to many great state and federal programs available – including the DOE’s Better Plants Challenge and the EPA’s Smart Way program. We are very open about sharing our processes and best practices within our industry and look forward to sharing our knowledge and expertise with smaller manufacturers that will be participating in the GreenGain program.”
GreenGain builds off the successful “Energy on the Line” grant program that was funded by MIF and administered by the Green Bank. Between 2016 and 2023, Energy on the Line helped 30 manufacturers across the state complete 25 solar PV projects and seven energy efficiency projects while providing access to C-PACE financing to support project implementation and equipment installation. The program delivered significant energy and cost savings to participating companies—collectively, more than 405 million BTU in energy savings and $25 million in electric cost savings over the effective useful life of the equipment.
For more information on GreenGain or to apply for the program, visit ctsbcouncil.org/green-gain.
Connecticut Launches “GreenGain” Sustainability Program for Small Manufacturers
/in Building Solutions, NewsPilot program to provide energy efficiency and sustainability training, mentoring, and project funding support for small CT manufacturers
HARTFORD, Conn. (December 11, 2024) – The Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development’s Office of Manufacturing, in partnership with the Connecticut Sustainable Business Council (CTSBC) and the Connecticut Green Bank (Green Bank), today announced the launch of GreenGain, a year-long pilot program designed to provide training, subject matter expertise, and financial resources to help smaller manufacturing companies in the state integrate energy efficiency, renewable energy, and other technologies and strategies into their operations. The program will support manufacturers in building more sustainable and resilient businesses, boosting economic growth, performance, and competitiveness.
GreenGain is funded through the Office of Manufacturing’s Manufacturing Innovation Fund (MIF) and will be administered by the Green Bank through a partnership with CTSBC.
Geared towards smaller manufacturing companies in Connecticut, GreenGain will provide participants with monthly training sessions led by experts in the areas of sustainability and green manufacturing as well as representatives from larger manufacturers that have robust corporate sustainability programs. Sessions will be focused on decarbonization, ESG reporting, green manufacturing practices, certifications like Ecovadis and additional sustainability topics. Participating manufacturers will also receive consulting support to implement sustainability practices, perform energy audits, complete energy efficiency upgrades and renewable energy projects, install carbon accounting software, and more.
Additionally, through GreenGain’s voucher program, companies will have the opportunity to apply for matching funds to finance related projects and initiatives.
“Sustainability is no longer just an option for businesses—it’s necessary to remain competitive in a rapidly changing business environment. GreenGain provides small manufacturers with a clear roadmap and much-needed resources and support to build more sustainable and resilient operations while meeting the growing expectations of customers and stakeholders. This program is an exciting step forward for Connecticut’s manufacturing sector and we’re excited about the positive impact,” said Heather Burns, CEO, CT Sustainable Business Council.
“One of the components of Connecticut’s Manufacturing Strategic plan is building resilient and sustainable companies,” said Paul Lavoie, Chief Manufacturing Officer for the State of Connecticut. “An essential part of that initiative is energy efficiency, and the GreenGain program is designed to increase engagement, education and enablement for the manufacturing sector to become more resilient and to help them compete in today’s global environment.”
“As energy intensive businesses, Connecticut manufacturers have always known and navigated the impact of energy costs. Now, they face increasing pressure from their customers and stakeholders to integrate sustainability and resiliency into their operations while demonstrating a commitment to ESG goals,” said Connecticut Green Bank Vice President of Financing Programs Mackey Dykes. “However, many of the smaller manufacturers don’t have the time, resources, or funding to explore improvement projects, such as energy efficiency or renewable energy, and make progress towards new goals. This is where GreenGain comes in, and we are proud to partner with the Office of Manufacturing and the Connecticut Sustainable Business Council to bring the program to life. Connecticut’s vital manufacturing sector is a critical component to our state’s overall economy, and GreenGain will help companies save money, save energy, reduce their carbon footprints, and increase their competitiveness.”
West Hartford-based Legrand, North America, is a leading global specialist in electrical and digital building infrastructures. They are one of GreenGain’s partner companies that will provide expert training and mentorship to program participants. Over the last three years, Legrand has earned a Platinum rating from EcoVadis, putting them in the top 1% of over 130,000 evaluated companies based on performance across Environment, Ethics, Social and Human Rights, and Responsible Purchasing.
“Sustainability and corporate responsibility are at the heart of Legrand’s operations. As a global company, achieving aggressive targets for renewable energy procurement, energy use reductions, and energy efficiency requires close collaboration with suppliers and our teams across all of sites,” says Michael Kijak, Legrand Director of Operational Excellence. “We also attribute our continuing success to many great state and federal programs available – including the DOE’s Better Plants Challenge and the EPA’s Smart Way program. We are very open about sharing our processes and best practices within our industry and look forward to sharing our knowledge and expertise with smaller manufacturers that will be participating in the GreenGain program.”
GreenGain builds off the successful “Energy on the Line” grant program that was funded by MIF and administered by the Green Bank. Between 2016 and 2023, Energy on the Line helped 30 manufacturers across the state complete 25 solar PV projects and seven energy efficiency projects while providing access to C-PACE financing to support project implementation and equipment installation. The program delivered significant energy and cost savings to participating companies—collectively, more than 405 million BTU in energy savings and $25 million in electric cost savings over the effective useful life of the equipment.
For more information on GreenGain or to apply for the program, visit ctsbcouncil.org/green-gain.
Electric School Bus Deployment RFP Announced
/in Community Solutions, Investment Solutions, NewsDecember 9, 2024 – The Connecticut Green Bank is pleased to announce a Request for Proposals (RFP). This RFP makes available Green Bank low-interest financing resources and state matching grant funds administered by the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) for electric school bus (ESB) projects in Connecticut. Recipients of previously awarded federal and state ESB grant funds are highly encouraged to apply.
Capital provided through the RFP process may be used to cover costs associated with:
• Bus procurement,
• Electric vehicle charging hardware procurement and installation, and
• Charging depot site upgrades and make-ready infrastructure investments.
The Green Bank and CT DEEP will also consider proposals to deploy ESBs at sites not currently contemplated by either federal or state grant awards.
Priority will be given to projects planned or proposed in Connecticut Distressed Municipalities and Federal Low-Income and Disadvantaged Communities. More information on these communities is provided in the RFP Appendix.
The Green Bank and CT DEEP will host a bidders’ conference on Monday, December 16 at 1:00 pm ET. Please register here to participate.
Connecticut Green Bank Seeks Proposals to Construct Solar Projects at Affordable Multifamily Housing Sites
/in Building Solutions, Community Solutions, NewsHARTFORD, Conn. (Dec. 2, 2024) – The Green Bank recently released a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking qualified contractors or entities to provide engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services for solar photovoltaic (PV) projects at Affordable Multifamily Housing (AMFH) sites. Through this RFP, the Green Bank seeks to procure EPC services to install 2 megawatts (MW) of solar on nine AMFH sites in Connecticut working with the Green Bank’s Solar Marketplace Assistance Program (Solar MAP).
The Green Bank is working with AMFH site owners through Solar MAP to facilitate solar PV deployment at nine sites located in Cheshire, Hamden, Storrs, Tolland, New Haven, and West Hartford to install seven rooftop and two hybrid carport projects for a total portfolio of 2 MWdc. The Green Bank commissioned evaluations of each Site and provides detailed exhibits for each proposed project through this Request.
This solicitation also requests secondary project pricing that incorporates the requirements associated with the use of federal Greenhouse Gas Reduction Funds (GGRF), such as the Build America, Buy America Act and Davis-Bacon and Related Acts. Federal compliance requirements are further explained in the solicitation. This secondary pricing is optional, but Green Bank strongly encourages submissions as this is a priority funding area.
The solicitation offers site visits on Dec. 9 and 10th and an informational webinar on federal compliance requirements on Dec. 13 for federal compliance requirements. Submissions are due on Jan. 13, 2025.
The RFP and registration links can be found at https://www.ctgreenbank.com/about-us/rfps/.
Ron has been on a mission to make his home climate resilient and more environmentally friendly
/in Customer Stories, Smart-EQcells and Hanwha Aerospace USA Advance a Clean, Reliable Energy Future by Utilizing Energy Storage Solutions Program.
/in Building Solutions, Customer StoriesSmall Business Energy Advantage Program Continues to Grow; Surpasses $100 Million in Loans Since 2018
/in Building Solutions, Investment Solutions, NewsEversource’s program is supported through a financing agreement with Amalgamated Bank and the Green Liberty Note offerings from the Connecticut Green Bank
Hartford, CT (November 13, 2024) – The Connecticut Green Bank and Amalgamated Bank recently celebrated the cumulative purchase of $100 million in loans through Eversource’s Small Business Energy Advantage (SBEA) program, which enables small businesses in Connecticut to reduce their energy costs through efficiency upgrades and zero-interest on bill financing.
“This is a great example of an innovative public-private partnership that creates significant benefits for our communities,” said Bryan Garcia, President and CEO of the Connecticut Green Bank. “Through this program, small businesses are empowered to improve their operations, which helps strengthen our economy.
Since December 2018, Amalgamated and the Green Bank have been in an agreement with Eversource to purchase tranches of SBEA loans. The loans are initially funded by Eversource, and Amalgamated Bank and the Green Bank purchase the loans to ensure the program has a continuous flow of affordable capital to support additional loans in the future. This allows all customers to benefit as program costs are lowered.
“Ensuring access to energy efficiency programs like SBEA helps small businesses overcome the financial hurdles that typically hinders their participation in energy saving initiatives which often times saves them money in the long run,” said Edgar Romney, Amalgamated Bank’s Chief Strategy and Administrative Officer. “Our partnership with Connecticut Green Bank to fund energy efficiency improvements and reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the SBEA is an excellent example of how financial institutions can support small businesses in addressing climate change and support sustainability efforts.”
To further support the Small Business Energy Advantage program, the Green Bank created Green Liberty Notes, an investment opportunity that allows anyone to earn a return while directly supporting energy efficiency in Connecticut. Notes are offered quarterly through Raise Green’s online investment platform with a minimum investment of $100 so everyone can support Connecticut’s small businesses’ efforts to become more energy efficient. The Green Liberty Notes program was recently honored as a 2024 State Leadership in Clean Energy Awards winner by the Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA).
“The Small Business Energy Advantage program has helped small businesses across Connecticut gain access to the incentives and expertise necessary to improve their energy efficiency,” said Eversource Vice President of Energy Efficiency and Electric Mobility Tilak Subrahmanian. “We are pleased to see so many business owners taking advantage of this program while lowering their energy bills and reducing their carbon footprint in the process. Through this partnership with Connecticut Green Bank and Amalgamated Bank, we are helping to provide the resources, information and funding that will allow Connecticut’s clean energy economy to continue to grow and flourish.”
SBEA offers a no-cost, no-obligation energy assessment to small businesses, providing a one-stop service that combines easy access to energy efficiency measures as well as incentives and payment plans.
“Through the Energize Connecticut℠ Small Business Energy Advantage Program, we received customized recommendations from Eversource’s energy experts for improving efficiency at our center,” said Mary Etter, Executive Director, Bristol Adult Resource Center. “Eversource connected us with Energy Resources USA to replace old fluorescent lighting, which we had in every room, with LED bulbs. They also installed faucet aerators to improve our water flow, decreasing demand on our boiler system to heat the water. We have since seen electric and gas savings thanks to these upgrades, and Eversource and Energy Resources were great partners for us.”
To learn more about the SBEA program, please visit https://energizect.com/energy-assessments/small-business
About Amalgamated Bank
Amalgamated Bank, the wholly owned banking subsidiary of Amalgamated Financial Corp. (Nasdaq: AMAL), is a mission-driven New York-based full-service commercial bank and a chartered trust company with a combined network of six branches in New York City, Washington D.C., San Francisco, and Boston. Amalgamated Bank provides commercial banking and trust services nationally and offers a full range of products and services to both commercial and retail customers. Since their founding in 1923, Amalgamated Bank has used the power of banking to create impact and empower organizations and individuals to advance positive social change. Amalgamated Bank advocates alongside those working to make the world more just, compassionate, and sustainable. Amalgamated Bank is the country’s largest B Corp® bank and a proud member of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values. Learn more at www.amalgamatedbank.com.
About Eversource
Eversource (NYSE: ES), celebrated as a national leader for its corporate citizenship, is among the top energy companies in Newsweek’s list of America’s Most Responsible Companies for 2024 and recognized as a Five-Year Champion, appearing in every edition of the list. Eversource transmits and delivers electricity to 1.28 million customers in 149 cities and towns, provides natural gas to 251,000 customers in 74 communities, and supplies water to approximately 217,000 customers in 59 communities across Connecticut. Eversource harnesses the commitment of approximately 9,900 employees across three states to build a single, united company around the mission of safely delivering reliable energy and water with superior customer service. The #1 energy efficiency provider in the nation, the company is empowering a clean energy future in the Northeast, with nationally recognized energy efficiency solutions and successful programs to integrate new clean energy resources like a first-in-the-nation networked geothermal pilot project, solar, offshore wind, electric vehicles and battery storage, into the electric system. For more information, please visit eversource.com, and follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more information on our water services, visit aquarionwater.com.
Budderfly expands its mission with the help of Green Bank financing.
/in Capital Solutions, Customer StoriesOctober 2024 Contractor Updates
/in Building Contractors, Contractor Announcements, Home ContractorsOctober Contractor updates:
September 2024 Newsletter
/in Newsletters, NewslettersGreen Bank launches their second green liberty offering, announces enhancements to c-pace, annual awards, and more
Connecticut Green Bank Seeks Qualified Vendors to Provide Services Related to Energy and Environmental Areas
/in NewsRequest for qualifications aimed at vendors with specialized capabilities to support key Green Bank initiatives
HARTFORD, Conn. (Sept. 10, 2024) – The Connecticut Green Bank is pleased to announce the release of a Request for Qualifications to establish a pool of qualified vendors (consultants, technical professionals, engineers, and others), including women and minority owned businesses and led organizations, to provide the Green Bank with diverse technical, energy, environmental, and financial services. The selected firms may be invited to support any new or existing Green Bank programs and help support efforts to stimulate the growth and development of clean energy and environmental infrastructure investment in Connecticut. Any vendors previously selected through the RFQ in the 2023 solicitation period are not required to reapply through this RFQ, unless the vendors are interested in being considered for additional support areas. Vendors should also note that if they do not respond to this RFQ, they retain the ability to apply to any future Green Bank opportunities for services.
The Green Bank has broadly defined its needs across the following support areas: energy generation technology; utility-scale resources; transportation; environmental infrastructure; hydrogen; novel solutions (e.g., artificial intelligence); and climate change impacts, resilience, and adaptation analysis.
The qualified vendors could be called upon to assist with tasks including life cycle assessments; macroeconomic analysis and modeling; forecasting of energy use, prices and greenhouse gas emissions; health and environmental impacts; environmental infrastructure support; policy analysis; technology assessment; program development; community engagement; and facilitation services.
The solicitation period closes on Oct. 13, 2024. The RFQ can be found at https://www.ctgreenbank.com/about-us/rfps/.