County Helps Rocklanders Go 'Green'

As part of Rockland County's efforts to go "green," County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef said Tuesday the county has launched a new website, www.RenewRockland.org, that will serve as a one-stop resource for residents, businesses and organizations to find rebates, incentives and grants available to lower energy costs and conserve resources.

The interactive web site features a Home Energy Appliance Calculator that will help residents calculate how much they are paying for the energy used by their appliances. The Home Energy Audit will allow residents to compare their home's energy usage to similar homes across the country.

The website, www.RenewRockland.org, was created as a result of federal stimulus funding from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG). It is being completed in partnership with Blue Springs Energy LLC, a consultant hired to assist the county in the implementation of the grant.

"Rockland County is proud to participate in this "green" initiative," said Vanderhoef.  "The launch of this new website is another example of our ongoing efforts and commitment to saving energy and preserving our environment here in Rockland."

Visitors to the new site can learn about ways Rockland has gone green and continues to save taxpayer money, Vanderhoef said.  The Rockland County Highway Department has implemented a three-phase green road program that addresses the maintenance, repair and restoration of the county road system using environmentally friendly, "green" processes.  Recently, the County unveiled 16 hybrid electric Transport of Rockland (TOR) buses that will reduce emissions and improve the environment.

The Renew Rockland website can also be accessed through the Rockland County website, www.rocklandgov.com, by clicking on the top right icon "www.RenewRockland.org."

Sarah Charlop-Powers, coordinator, Mid-Hudson Energy Smart Communities, from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) said the web site hopefully will increase participation in Rockland in programs that are available to help homeowners and businesses save money.

Other New York counties that currently have "green" websites include Orange, Monroe and Oswego.

Coming up tomorrow, the Rockland Business Association's Green Council  is also  giving a boost to the "Green" cause.

The RBA hosts its 3rd Annual Green Seminar on Thursday at Rockland Community College's Technology Building on the college's main campus at 145 College Road.

The seminar  runs from 8 a.m. to noon and focuses on "Becoming a Player in the Green Economy." Carl Meyer, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Consortium in Ulster County is set to talk about"Creating The Environment For A Green Economy – The Community's Responsibility."

The seminar includes a panel discussion on "Establishing a Green Business in Rockland" and Thom Kleiner of the state Labor Department is set to talk about  "Green Jobs: Why Should We Care."

For information, call the RBA  at 845-735-2100 or check out www.rocklandbusiness.org.