Pratt Center
October 9, 2014
Energy Champions Launch Party
On October 8th, 2014, the Pratt Center for Community Development, in partnership with several community-based organizations, celebrated the launch of the Energy Champions Referral Program. The program was designed to support communities to reduce their carbon emissions while lowering energy bills through home improvements. Participating individuals and non profit organizations can earn $200 for referring a homeowner who successfully completes an energy upgrade.
Hosted at the Urban Future Lab in Downtown Brooklyn, the event was widely attended by community members, industry professionals, and local politicians. Attendees networked, learned more about the program and the process involved in auditing a home, and had a chance to meet some of the contractors performing the upgrades.
State Senator Kevin Parker, one of our esteemed speakers of the evening, praised Pratt Center for our work around energy efficiency and sustainability. He underscored the importance of reducing energy consumption and commended the Energy Champions program as a unique strategy to help meet those reduction goals.
Another guest speaker, Sandra Chapman of the Brooklyn Borough President's office, reaffirmed Borough President Eric Adams' commitment to renewable and sustainable energy. She emphasized the importance of combating climate change "at home" and was excited to mingle with the Energy Champions in the room.
We are immensely proud of the Energy Champions Launch Party and grateful to our partner organizations El Puente, Chhaya CDC, Neighborhood Housing Services of Jamaica, Neighborhood Housing Services of Staten Island, and Sustainable South Bronx. Visit here to learn more about Energy Champions.
Senator Kevin Parker poses with Pratt Center's Green Jobs Green New York Project Coordinator Elana Bulman and Michael Dunseith from the Green Jobs Training Center.
Sandra Chapman from the Brooklyn Borough President's office mingles with the crowd.
The audience listens to the opening remarks and presentations.
Donna Marie Arena from Neighborhood Housing Authority of Staten Island explains the benefits and incentives that are available through NYSERDA for home energy upgrades.
The party was a hit!