Sustainable Energy

the challenge

The Region is primarily dependent on fossil fuels for electricity generation and the energy produced is often used inefficiently, leading to increased costs to all sectors of the community. Additionally, while the Region has many local businesses in the green business sector, including certified energy-related contractors, many of those businesses are under served and underutilized.

The challenge to the community is how can it become more energy efficient and practice conservation measures to improve air quality, public health, and cause less environmental damage resulting from fossil fuels while increasing jobs, reducing costs, and exploring alternative forms of energy.

CEI today

Through its Green Business Directory CEI provides consumers with easy access to information and contact with local and regional businesses that supply energy conservation and other energy-related products and services. CEI maintains the directory database and initiates networking opportunities within the green business community as well as the overall region.

CEI's future

CEI is seeking funding to develop programs that will foster the sustainable generation and use of energy by educating, collaborating and employing informed action strategies to preserve and protect the environment and thereby empowering the community at large to make sustainable energy choices for the future.

With additional funding and CEI's proven track record, CEI will:

• Convene with many of the region's energy-related stakeholders and experts to develop a strategy for more efficient and sustainable energy generation and use.
• Accelerate the adoption of pertinent energy conservation, efficiency improvement, and other renewable technologies.
• Facilitate the preparation and submittal of applications for project funding and ensure that funded projects are implemented.
• Collaborate with energy-related partners, such as NYSERDA, RG&E and NYPA, to become a more energy-efficient and sustainable community.