Category Archives: Home / Energy

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has  launched the second phase of a multi-year Home Energy Rating Pilot initially launched in February.

NYSERDA is seeking applications from licensed home inspectors to deliver home energy ratings during pre-purchase inspections to support homebuyer remodeling of a newly purchased one- to four-family home.

Alicia Barton, president and CEO of NYSERDA, said reducing energy use in homes “provides a foundation for greater statewide energy savings and advances us another step towards meeting Gov. Cuomo’s energy efficiency target by 2025. Piloting home energy ratings with home inspectors offers New York homebuyers access to a useful and informative tool that will identify energy efficient needs, features and upgrade opportunities to inform future remodeling decisions that will help them lower energy costs and increase the comfort of their homes.”

By Susan E. Campbell

The quest for healthier, cozier homes is driving residential interior design trends, say two Saratoga-based professionals.

“The move to more natural, organic materials is driven largely by health concerns, just like food trends,“ said Shelly Walker, owner of Finishing Touches Home Decor in Wilton. “We are using more stone, copper, concrete, bamboo and wood in residences now, along with non-toxic organic fabrics. Parents don’t want their children exposed to toxins and gasses.”

Beverly Tracy, founder of Beverly Tracy Home Design in Saratoga Springs, agrees that color selections and textures are influenced by the trend back to nature.

By Warren Evans

Zero energy (ZE) commercial buildings are grid-integrated buildings capable of generating as much energy as they consume through advanced efficiency technologies and onsite generation systems such as solar power and geothermal energy. 

Beyond the environmental benefits, ZE projects provide owners with significant business value through resilience, employee and tenant retention and the ability to enjoy higher rents. Through intelligent design, clean construction and well-planned financing, developers can substantially increase the value of a commercial building with ZE.

The 2018 Saratoga Showcase of Homes will take place over three weekends this month and tickets are now on sale.

The event benefits Rebuilding Together Saratoga County and Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties.

Now celebrating its 23rd year, this annual community event has contributed over $1 million local charities. 

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has issued a tool that provides guidance and resources for communities seeking to develop solar projects on underutilized properties such as landfills and brownfields.

What is called the Municipal Solar Procurement Toolkit supports recent revisions to the NY-Sun Megawatt Block Program which provides financial incentives for developing solar projects in those areas.

The NY-Sun initiative supports the mandate for 50 percent of the state’s electricity to come from renewable resources by 2030 to combat climate change.

Veterans & Community Housing Coalition will hold its third annual Veterans Ball from 5-9 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 4 at the Hall of Springs in Spa State Park.  

Attendees will support VCHC’s mission to serve local Veterans and their families with affordable housing and support services while they transition to independent living. 

The evening’s highlights will include Honorary Chairman Ray O’Conor, LaSalle Institute’s JROTC Cadets, live music by the Joey Thomas Big Band, Saratoga Photobooth, champagne, a chocolate fountain, food stations, a cash bar and a silent auction.