Patrice Tosi, VP of Advancement CBH, Tony DePrima, Executive Director Energize Delaware and Richard Garrett, Executive Director CBH
Children’s Beach House Looking Forward
Low-Interest loan helps upgrade to energy-efficient system & lighting.
Lewes – The Children’s Beach House (501c3) was recently a recipient of a $462,130 low-interest loan from Energize Delaware to increase the property’s energy efficiency. The need for a new heating system arose as their old system reached the end of its useful life expectancy.
The old heating system was replaced with a Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) HVAC system installed by Atlantic Refrigeration. This type of system allows staff to control the heating and cooling in each room. The ductless heating system is 30% more efficient than conventional HVAC systems. The VRF system will provide superior comfort, perform at high capacity, and save money because of its energy efficiency. In addition, the buildings were initially illuminated with fluorescent fixtures and incandescent lighting, all of which have been replaced with energy-efficient LED’s.
The Children’s Beach House’s mission is to improve the lives of children, youth, families, and communities by helping them to identify, understand, and utilize their own strengths, talents, and resources. They operate a daytime child development program for preschoolers, a youth development program for 7–18-year-old youth. In 2000, a two-building facility located at 1800 Bay Avenue in Lewes was erected. In 2010, The Children’s Beach House Inc. had a Level I energy Audit and then a second Level II Energy Audit to further evaluate the potential cost of savings strategies and determine what systems were the best fit.
“We work with kids,” said Executive Director Richard T. Garrett, “Which means we have to look to the future, set an example, and reduce the dependency on fossil fuel to reduce our carbon footprint. Our building is used almost every day of the week year-round; the HVAC and lighting get a workout. I am looking forward to seeing the energy savings.”
Tony DePrima, Executive Director of Energize Delaware, said, “Our low interest loan program is designed to be cash positive where energy savings are greater than the cost of the loan. We are always excited when we can help non-profits like the Children’s Beach House”
About Energize Delaware and The Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility (DESEU)
The Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility, DBA Energize Delaware, is a unique nonprofit that helps Delawareans save money through clean energy and energy efficiency. Energize Delaware’s sixteen programs provide energy education and financial incentives to Delaware residents, businesses, nonprofits, government facilities, farms, faith organizations and schools. Find a program to fit your needs at www.EnergizeDelaware.org.
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