Bedford Celebrates Reduction in Energy Waste in Homes

Bedford, N.Y. – Last night, at the Bedford Town Board meeting, the Town of Bedford and Bedford 2020 recognized a group of Bedford homeowners and community members for taking important steps in reducing energy waste and helping to achieve the Town’s sustainability goals.

29 homeowners and their certified contractors were recognized for outstanding leadership in reducing home energy waste. This is the fifth home energy recognition event hosted by the Town of Bedford and Bedford 2020 since Energize Bedford, the Town’s program to reduce energy waste and help homeowners save money, was launched.  

Along with honoring this current group of “Energized” homeowners, last night’s recognition event marks an important milestone for the program -- 120 Bedford homes have now completed energy performance upgrades reducing annual energy spending by over $200,000. Their collective reduced emissions, which is estimated at 228 metric tons of Co2, is the equivalent of taking 38 cars off the road.

“We are thrilled to honor our Bedford neighbors for the important steps they are taking to help achieve our Town’s environmental goals, said Mary Beth Kass, Co-President of Bedford 2020. “Together, they are making a big difference in reducing energy waste in our community, and at the same time, they are realizing significant cost-saving benefits. This program is a win-win for everyone.”

The three Bedford libraries were also recognized at the event for their leadership in helping to achieve the Town’s goals by participating in the “Energized Library Program.” The libraries are partnering with the Town, Bedford 2020 and Energize Bedford to host “assistance hours” at which residents can come in for information and hands-on help with signing up for Energize and applying for a free or reduced-cost comprehensive home energy assessment. “We are thrilled and honored to have the three Bedford libraries partnering with us to convey the benefits of the Energize program to residents,” commented Midge Iorio, of Bedford 2020. “Our libraries are highly respected community organizations, and their choice to support Energize and the Town’s energy reduction goals is very important.”

 Also celebrated at this event, was the completion of the first new home constructed under the new Town of Bedford Energy-Efficient Building Code.  In 2012, the Town passed a building code requiring all newly constructed homes to be in compliance with the New York State Energy Conservation building code, and to achieve an efficiency rating that is 15% more efficient than the NY State code. The newly constructed home, which is located in Bedford Hills, not only meets the new code, but it exceeds the Bedford standards by 17% and the NY State standards by 32% in terms of Energy efficiency. “This new home will be spending $4000 less a year on energy, and in fact spends 32% less on energy than the State Energy code model home,” explained Mark Thielking, Director of Energy Resources for the Town of Bedford and B 2020 Board member. 

 Bedford Town Supervisor, Chris Burdick, was on hand to award the seals and certificates to the energy champions. “Reducing energy wasted in buildings is a top priority for achieving our goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 20% by the year 2020,” explained Burdick. “We are here tonight to honor those who are helping the Town achieve our goals by participating in the Energize Bedford program.”