NET ZERO Energy Challenge

United Way of Long Island's NET ZERO Energy Challenge

 

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ABOUT THE PROJECT

Our hope is that the NET ZERO Energy Challenge will be a model state-of-the-art project for other organizations to replicate, doing our part to protect the next generation.

The project is transforming United Way’s 31,000 sq. ft. headquarters into a net-zero building that produces as much energy as it consumes. Through renewable energy, we will possess one of the largest solar arrays of any not-for-profit commercial building in New York State.

NET ZERO also turns the facility into an on-the-job training academy for our signature YouthBuild, VetsBuild, and PowerUp! programs, growing the talent pool of skilled labor in the energy efficiency and clean technology market. And in times of natural disasters, the building will stand ready as a command center to serve the public. A savings of $70,000 in annual energy costs will be reinvested to support the agency’s mission.

The total cost of the NET ZERO Energy Challenge is $2,300,000. The project is underway through a $1,000,000 New York State Energy Research Development Authority (NYSERDA) Carbon Neutral Community Economic Development program grant, a $125,000 Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) Community Capital Assistance Program grant as well as in-kind resources toward this goal. $500,000 in gifts will enable us to begin construction in 2023.

In order to fund the NET ZERO Energy Challenge we have identified several naming opportunities. Your gift presents an opportunity to be openly recognized. You may also use a naming opportunity to honor a family member. You may take advantage of these opportunities through an outright gift or through a gift that is pledged over 1 or 2 years. All gifts will be permanently recognized on a Commemorative 3-D Solar Panel Donor Wall Listing sorted by giving level, adjacent to the Net Zero Digital Dashboard prominently displayed in United Way’s high traffic Lobby and Waiting Area.

 

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  • The cost savings by using renewable energy will be reinvested into United Way’s core programs and services
  • The building will be a live demonstration site for career training opportunities to young adults, veterans, and those looking to replicate the Net Zero Energy project design
  • The completed project site will be disaster resilient during extreme weather conditions 
     

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PRESS COVERAGE

 

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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Craig Fligstein at 631-940-3752 or craig@unitedwayli.org
Estelle Desilier at 631-940-3731 or edesilier@unitedwayli.org