Green Communities Fund Workshop

Business owners interested in updating their buildings to make them more energy efficient are invited to attend a Green Communities Fund Workshop hosted by Cartersville-Bartow Department of Economic Development and the Cartersville Downtown Development Authority.

The Green Communities Fund is a new, revolving-loan program offered by the Georgia Cities Foundation. Made possible by a grant from the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority, the fund will provide low-interest financing to business or property owners for energy efficient improvements to their commercial properties located within city limits. 

“This program began in Georgia in the downtown business districts, and is now being expanded to any building within the city limits of a Georgia city,” explained Liz Hood, executive director of Cartersville DDA. “This loan fund can help property owners make needed improvements to their buildings which will be energy efficient and save them money in the long run. Plus, with the low interest rate spread over a period of time, it makes this affordable as well.” 

Melinda Lemmon executive director of the Cartersville-Bartow Department of Economic Development added, “We are hopeful that businesses in all seven Bartow County cities may be interested in learning about the opportunity. Many throughout the county have demonstrated a commitment to the environment already through the EvMS Initiative and otherwise. However, I’m aware of others that want to make improvements to their facilities but haven’t been able afford it. This fund may provide the solution they’ve been seeking.”

Loan amounts for energy improvements begin at $10,000 with a maximum of $250,000. The loans are available for energy efficient improvements to existing businesses, renovations of existing businesses, and planned new construction.

Those interested in applying for the fund must first conduct an energy audit for existing businesses or an energy model for new construction. The audit will identify eligible improvements to be financed. 

Energy saving investments may include: insulation, lighting retrofits, roofing, weather sealing, duct sealing, high efficiency HVAC, occupancy sensors, solar thermal hot water heaters, or tankless water heaters, and other efficient improvements.