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Governor Rendell Says PA Making it Easier to Build, Renovate Energy Efficient Buildings

Posted on: Monday, 13 April 2009, 16:19 CDT

Says New Program will Put People to Work; Stresses the Importance of Reducing Energy to Save Money, Reduce Pollution

HARRISBURG, Pa., April 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Further enhancing Pennsylvania's reputation as a national leader in the movement to make homes and buildings greener, Governor Edward G. Rendell today announced the approval of new incentives that will take the state to the next level while creating more jobs and a cleaner environment.

The commonwealth's new, $25 million High Performance Building program will provide grants and loans to families and businesses constructing or renovating buildings that meet standards that measure a building's overall sustainability. The program's guidelines were approved today by the Commonwealth Financing Authority.

"The cheapest, cleanest energy is that which we do not use and by making our buildings more energy efficient, we'll be able to significantly cut our energy bills and the pollution in our environment," said Governor Rendell, who noted that Pennsylvania is second only to California in the number of green buildings and that there are more than 5,000 manufacturers in the state producing green building products.

According to the United States Green Building Council, buildings account for nearly 40 percent of the nation's total energy consumption and climate-changing greenhouse gas emissions, as well as almost 75 percent of total electricity use.

"We're building a greener, cleaner economy in Pennsylvania by developing more alternative and renewable energy resources, and using our abundant fossil fuels in a more environmentally friendly manner," said Governor Rendell. "But despite efforts to produce more energy, at some point, demand will exceed our generation capacity. That's why it's essential that we do everything possible to reduce our energy consumption.

"Making sure that our buildings use less energy saves money and the environment. It also will create new jobs for our skilled workforce in positions that install and maintain these energy-saving technologies."

Funds are available to anyone building or renovating a primary residence and to businesses with 100 or fewer full-time employees.

Loans of up to $2 million are available for small businesses; the maximum loan for an individual residential project is $100,000. Grants are not to exceed $500,000, or 10 percent, of total eligible costs, whichever is less. Applicants may apply for a grant or a loan, but not both.

The CFA also may provide loan guarantees not to exceed $2 million for a business and $100,000 for an individual.

Applicants may use the funds to acquire the land, buildings, rights-of-way and easements that are necessary to build an eligible project; to clear and prepare land; for planning, designing, modeling or consulting services; to register and certify the project with the U.S. Green Building Council; or for construction and renovation.

Costs incurred prior to the approval of a project are ineligible.

Applications will be evaluated based on the level of non-CFA matching investment; the number and quality of jobs to be created (small business applicants only); financial need; project readiness; sound land and water use; environmental benefits; nation and state of origin of building materials used to qualify the building as a high-performance building.

Matching funds of at least $1 for every $1 of program funds are required, and applicants must provide evidence of matching funds.

The program is administered by the departments of Community and Economic Development and Environmental Protection under the direction of the Commonwealth Financing Authority.

For more information, visit www.newpa.com. Program inquiries should be directed to:

PA Department of Community and Economic Development

Center for Business Financing -- Small Business Financing Division

High Performance Building Program

Commonwealth Keystone Building

400 North St., 4th Floor

Harrisburg, PA 17120-0225

E-mail: ra-dcedcbf@state.pa.us

The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit www.governor.state.pa.us.

CONTACT: Steve Weitzman (DCED) 717-783-1132 Michael Smith 717-783-1116

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor

Source: PR Newswire

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