What do all six Pennsylvania winners of the EPA Excellence in Energy Efficiency Awards reported last week have in common? They benefited from the Small Business Development Center’s Environmental Management Assistance Program.

In an update to the Digest story last week, we learned that these winners were clients of the SBDC’s Environmental Management Assistance Program office at Penn State, which performs free and confidential environmental compliance and energy efficiency on-site assessments for small to mid-sized businesses—

· Recumbent BikeRiders Inc., based in State College, requested that EMAP conduct an energy assessment, which found that there was significant heat loss through the store's 20-year-old single-pane windows. After implementing EMAP's recommendations, the store's energy consumption was reduced by 33 percent, for savings estimated at $860 annually. They were assisted by Penn State SBDC.

· Music Mart, based in State College, contacted EMAP for an energy assessment. The assessment found that the business's heavy use of incandescent lighting to showcase musical instruments generated a significant heat load that required the use of air conditioners, even during winter months. After performing the lighting upgrade, the store reduced its electricity consumption and is saving $1,840 per year. They were assisted by Penn State SBDC.

· TJ Markets in Hughesville made several energy efficiency improvements based on EMAP's recommendations -- including upgrading lighting and installing programmable thermostats. The business reduced its energy costs by $8,600 annually. They were assisted by Lock Haven University SBDC.

· Tripp's Grill & Six Pack in North Bend requested an energy assessment to decrease its energy costs and improve its bottom line. One EMAP recommendation was to replace four inefficient beverage coolers with one walk-in cooler. The change resulted in a $150 savings the first month alone. They were assisted by Lock Haven University SBDC.

· Susquehanna Fire Equipment Co. in Dewart sought out EMAP's help in determining how to cut energy costs. Improvements based on EMAP's assessment are saving the company more than $2,280 annually. Such improvements included adding door seals, installing new insulation and removing unnecessary lighting. They were assisted by Bucknell University SBDC.

· Gehman & Company of Mechanicsburg took possession of an outdated supermarket in late 2003 and contacted the Kutztown University SBDC to request an energy audit from EMAP. Remodeling the store was necessary and Gehman was interested in making investments in energy efficiency. As part of the remodel, a new lighting system and energy-efficient HVAC equipment was installed, programmable thermostats and occupancy sensors were added, and unnecessary water heaters were disconnected. The newly remodeled store now saves $4,700 on energy costs.

For additional information, visit the EMAP webpage.

9/29/2006