Much has been said about the number of opportunities that exist for residents to make their homes more energy efficient through low interest loans and other programs.
Unfortunately, many people these days are pressed for time and may not have the patience to research the opportunities that are available. On Wednesday, interested homeowners got the opportunity to receive a quick and easy primer on home energy efficiency during a forum held at the Westchester County Center in White Plains.
The free event, entitled “Building Block for Energy-Efficient Homes,” was hosted by Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino’s and the New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund. More than six dozen people and 20 vendors attended the forum.
“I have an older home that probably isn’t energy efficient as it should be and, as involved as I am, I am confused about what is right for my home and how I can save money,” Astorino said. “I think the average person is probably like that. It’s a little intimidating when you’re considering putting solar panels or making your home more energy efficient and then you have to figure out if it’s cost effective.”
The event began with two panel discussions. The theme for the first panel discussion was “Greening Your Home to Maximize Its Value.” Judy Martin, of Green Homes Consulting, was the moderator and the panelists included . Panelists included Leah Caro, real estate owner and broker of Bronxville-Ley Real Estate; Susan Anthony, an interior designer; Sean Murphy of Murphy Brothers, home builders; Christina Griffin, principal of Christina A. Griffin PC, an architect; and Jared Haines of Mercury Solar of Port Chester.
The second panel discussion, “How Do You Get Started,” was moderated by Pamela Lippe, president of e4 inc. Panelists included Tom Bregman, director of Energize, NY; Kristina Klimovich, an associate with PACENow; Anthony Marmo, an energy efficiency specialist for Clover Comfort; Toby Simpson, a Honeywell representative for Con Edison; and John Sullivan of Sullivan Architecture.
Nannette Bourne, chairwoman of the Westchester chapter of the New York League of Conservation Voters, said Astorino’s office approached her group about organizing the forum nearly a year ago. She said the forum fulfilled one of her group’s goals, which is to educated people about environmental conservation in an apolitical environment.
“This is the first one of these energy forums that we’ve held in Westchester County, but as a part of our chapter we have held a number forums,” Bourne said. “Often times, we will have an issues forum that is educational opportunity for candidates.”
Bourne said her chapter will likely schedule more energy forums at different locations in the county.
The League’s next forum, "What IS an urban park, anyway?,"is scheduled to take place 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday inside the Beczak Environmental Education Center, located 35 Alexander Street in Yonkers.
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