Client: Linda Spencer

Address: The Thomas Studio of Performing Arts
1900 Painters Run Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15241

County: Allegheny

Industry: Dance Instruction / Studio

Year Founded: 1967

SBDC Assistance: Business consultant assistance, EMAP assistance 

Additional Partners: SBA, DEP Small Business Energy Efficiency Grant

Ms. Linda Thomas Spencer, owner and operator of The Thomas Studio of Performing Arts, a family-owned business since 1967 decided to stop leasing space and have her own space to call home!  In September 2008 Ms. Spencer contacted Lee Ann Briggs, environmental consultant, for assistance as it related to her potential acquisition of a former light industrial -manufacturing facility located in Bridgeville, PA.
Upon acquiring the site, she also wanted to make significant improvements with energy efficiency as a top priority.

Assistance

The EMAP consultant explained the Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessment process and recommended that a Phase I assessment be conducted on the property.  Additionally, the EMAP consultant at the University of Pittsburgh SBDC provided The Thomas Studio with the information and recommendations that led the owner to conduct the appropriate due diligence prior to signing a purchase agreement.

Following the acquisition of the property, the environmental consultant conducted an on-site energy assessment and provided a number of energy efficiency recommendations including, but not limited to, upgrading to high efficiency lighting fixtures, installing additional insulation and replacing the existing (original) windows with higher efficiency double pane windows.

The environmental consultant was instrumental in informing Ms. Spencer of the potential opportunity available to her with the DEP’s Small Business Energy Efficiency Grant (SBEEG).  The environmental consultant assisted Ms. Spencer with completing the grant application.  The application request of $25,000 was submitted to DEP at the end of April 2009.  Approval is expected sometime this fall.

Results

The environmental consultant helped the client to secure a $250,000 loan to purchase the building and property. Energy efficiency improvements included installation of high efficiency T-5 fixtures, LED exit signs, new double pane windows and installation of additional ceiling and wall insulation.

These upgrades will result in annual savings of approximately 22,000 kWh of electricity and approximately 3,800 therms of natural gas or a total cost savings of over $7,800 annually.    In addition to the annual savings on kWh and therms and the associated economics, the upgrade will result in emissions reductions of over 39 tons annually. 

If you would like more information on how the Duquesne University SBDC can assist you with your business, please contact us by: form, phone 412.396.6233, or email duqsbdc@duq.edu