Babylon celebrates completion of 2,000 energy retrofit projects

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Town of Babylon officials celebrated the completion of the 2,000th energy retrofit project Thursday as part of its Green Homes program. 

The milestone was announced at a press conference during the town’s day-long Green Horizons Sustainability Fair at Town Hall in Lindenhurst. 

Babylon Supervisor Rich Schaffer also announced that the town was awarded a new $235,330 Bridge the Gap grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, which will enable the town’s Green Homes program, which began in 2008, to assist homeowners to afford air-source heat pumps and weatherization projects. The grant provides funding for energy retrofits in both disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged communities, aligning with state and federal goals to ensure equitable access to renewable energy solutions, according to a town statement. 

“This is an important opportunity to highlight a terrific program that has existed in the Town of Babylon since 2008: the Green Homes program,” said Babylon Supervisor Rich Schaffer. “The Green Homes program provides residents with an eye-opener regarding their homes, and participants often share with us the incredible savings they experience with their electric and heating bills. This truly helps in this day and age when everyone is watching every dollar they must spend on necessities.” 

Over the last 16 years, average savings per homeowner from the Green Homes initiative has equaled $1,084 annually or 20 percent to 30 percent off energy bills, according to the town. 

Schaffer also announced some of the program’s future plans, which include increased town-allocated funding this year to expand outreach and educational efforts aimed to accelerate the transition to clean energy for more homeowners, particularly those with low to moderate income. 

The Sustainability Fair featured informational presentations, booths and activities focused on promoting greener, healthier and more cost-efficient lifestyles. Attendees were able to test drive electric vehicles in the parking lot and learn about cold climate air-source heat pumps, exercise routines, local, state and federal incentives, rebates and low-interest financing. Redfine Meals offered prepared meals at the event. 

Sponsors of the event included Long Island Clean Energy Hub, Green Team LI and Security Dodge Chrysler Jeep.