BINGHAMTON, NY – Binghamton University students have teamed up with Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Energy Leadership Program (ELP), to kick off The BU Home Energy Efficiency Education Campaign, at 12:15 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28, in the Old Union Hall, on the University campus. This program, which is free and open to the public, will include a complimentary lunch.



The event will include a discussion on the Green Jobs Green New York (GJGNY) program, which offers free or reduced cost home energy assessments and financial incentives for energy improvements to qualified middle-income homeowners. Non-profits and small businesses can also qualify for this program.

Also featured will be Julianna Razryadov, a Binghamton University alumna who became employed in the industry through the ELP internship.  In addition, a demonstration of diagnostic equipment by a local home performance contractor will also be provided and a limited number of free compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFL) will be given away at the event.

ELP's goal is to encourage the region’s leaders to recognize energy efficiency as a top priority. The program uses behavioral and organizational research to educate diverse populations in the region and is making broad-scale residential energy efficiency a reality. Generating market demand for good local green jobs, ELP educates community leaders and residents about home energy improvements, financial incentives, and the benefits for our community. By making some of ELP's suggested upgrades, homeowners could reduce some energy bills by 20 to 60 percent. ELP is funded through the Federal American Reconstruction and Recovery Action Grant obtained by the City of Binghamton. In collaboration with community-based organizations, the ELP is a partner in the GJGNY Southern Tier Regional Outreach and Workforce program lead by the Public Policy Education Fund, whose partners include the Binghamton Regional Sustainability Coalition and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County.

The event is co-sponsored by Binghamton University’s Environmental Studies Program, the Center for Civic Engagement, Jeff Barker, Master of Dickinson College, the Student Environmental Action Coalition, the Food Coop, SODEXO, the Go Green Institute, Intellectual Decisions on Environmental Awareness Solutions (IDEAS), and CSEA Local 648. For more information, contact the ELP Program Coordinator, Adam Flint by e-mailing aflint@binghamton.edu or asf87@cornell.edu.