Albany County Government: County Executive McCoy Launches Albany County Community Sustainability Challenge

Press release from the Albany County Government:

10/28/2021 11:29 am

Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy today officially launched the Albany County Community Sustainability Challenge. The Community Sustainability Challenge builds on the County’s recent designation as one of the State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Climate Smart Communities by providing County residents with streamlined, affordable ways to go green. The Challenge includes three Community Campaigns approved by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) focused on community solar, clean heating and cooling, and electric vehicles. 

Through partnerships with Solarize Albany, Heat Smart Capital Region, and the Capital District Transportation Committee, the County has established programs that allow residents to learn about innovative clean energy technologies, connect with reputable vendors, and take steps to save money while they reduce their carbon footprint. 

NYSERDA’s Community Campaigns reward local governments that run successful campaigns with grant funding for clean energy projects. Albany County’s goal is to encourage at least 25 residents to participate in each of the three Community Campaigns. 

“Fighting climate change remains a top priority of my administration. Albany County is leading by example, not just by reducing our own emissions, but also by empowering our residents to take actions that will reduce their carbon footprint,” said County Executive Daniel P. McCoy. “Community Campaigns are a win-win-win, benefiting, our residents, the County, and the environment. By partnering with our local municipalities, including our largest ones like Albany and Colonie, we will see an even larger impact.”

Several local governments are joining the County in this effort including the City of Albany; the Towns of Colonie, New Scotland, Guilderland, and Bethlehem; and Villages of Menands and Voorheesville.

"I fully support the County's campaign to provide residents with innovative options for clean energy options that are affordable and available to all residents.  This effort advances the Town's continuing goal of addressing climate change with concrete actions," said Guilderland Town Supervisor Peter Barber.

“I join County Executive McCoy in the mission to provide clean energy products and retain NYSERDA grant funding for these products for Albany. These are additional tools that can help Albany continue to lead in sustainable practices,” said Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan.

Learn more about the three campaigns:

Heat Smart Capital Region is a grassroots community initiative that supports residents and businesses in exploring ways to improve how they heat and cool their buildings.
Learn about clean heating and cooling technology and schedule a free evaluation for your home! To enroll in the HeatSmart campaign: https://heatsmartcapitalregion.com/enroll

Solarize Albany is a local nonprofit that can connect you with community solar, which will provide 10% off your electricity bill for subscribing with a community solar company. You will receive $200 just for signing up. Enroll through Solarize Albany:  www.solarizealbany.org.

Electric vehicles (EVs) save money and reduce air pollution. Compared to gasoline-powered cars, EVs are more energy efficient and cost about 50 to 70% less to operate per mile. Because New York’s electricity includes clean sources, EVs reduce greenhouse gas emissions and pollutants that cause smog and acid rain. To find out more about electric vehicles visit your local dealership for a free test drive today, or visit https://www.cdtcmpo.org/AltFuelResources. 

For more information about the Albany County Community Sustainability Challenge, please contact Lucas Rogers in the Office of the Albany County Executive: Lucas.Rogers@albanycountyny.gov

This press release was produced by the Albany County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.