BOULDER, CO--(Marketwire - March 17, 2009) - iCAST, a Colorado nonprofit dedicated to
promoting sustainable development using a triple bottom-line approach,
today announced a simple one-stop program to help commercial and
residential property owners in Boulder County qualify to obtain financing
for renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements.
iCAST's "Green Button" service is designed to cut the hassle and streamline
applications for residents interested in participating in Boulder County's
$40 million ClimateSmart Loan Program. The full-service program oversees
all aspects of the efficiency upgrade, from energy audits, bids for all
products and services, installation of energy conservation and renewable
energy systems and monitoring of savings.
In addition, iCAST's unique service model provides real-world experience
and green collar job training for a corps of Colorado students enrolled in
the iCAST program who are seeking careers in renewable energy and energy
efficiency.
"For Boulder County residents, we can streamline the move to energy
efficiency -- and help train tomorrow's green energy leaders," said Ravi
Malhotra, Chairman of iCAST. "It's a win-win for the community and future
generations."
In 2008, Boulder County voters approved Ballot Measure 1A, which
established a "Clean Energy Options Local Improvement District" allowing
Boulder County to sell bonds to fund up to $40 million in commercial and
residential energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements.
The Boulder County program is the largest such loan program in the country,
and is at the forefront of a growing state and national trend among
communities that are seeking to improve energy efficiency in their
neighborhoods. Berkeley, Calif. has already enacted a smaller $1.5 loan
program, and 40 other communities across the country are considering such a
plan including the state of Colorado.
"We applaud the foresight of Boulder County voters and we stand ready to
put their smart decision into action," said Chris Stoneman, VP of
Operations at iCAST. "No other community in the country has committed to
making such an impact on energy efficiency."
iCAST's program will guide commercial and residential property owners
through the ClimateSmart Loan Program's application and qualification
process, which includes:
-- Getting a home energy audit, as loan acceptance priority will be given
to property owners who have done a home energy audit using a blower-door
test.
-- Attending a workshop, which take place across the county through March
28. http://www.conservationcenter.org/e_climatesmart.php?form_id=23
-- Getting a project bid and submit it with the loan application. Bids
will help determine loan amounts an applicant will receive if approved for
a loan. Bids with energy efficiency work will receive another priority
point.
-- Submitting loan applications by April 10 2009
About iCAST
iCAST (International Center for Appropriate & Sustainable Technology) helps
communities use their local resources for their benefit. Our projects
foster economic viability, environmental stewardship, and social
responsibility in under-served communities--and a new vision for their
future. A 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization based in Lakewood,
Colorado, iCAST partners with organizations to help local citizens in the
community development process. And we offer a unique service learning model
for students to receive credit for working on these real-world projects. to
promote sustainable development using a triple bottom-line approach that
promotes environmental stewardship, economic viability and social
responsibility.
Contact Information: For more information, please contact:
Dan Mahoney
CSG|PR
970-405-8060