Client: Anonymous

County: Westmoreland

Industry: Bead and Hobby Shop

Year Founded: 2007

SBDC Assistance: Environmental Management Assistance Program 

Additional Partners: DEP Small Business Advantage Grant

A small bead and hobby start-up was referred to Lee Ann Briggs, environmental consultant with the Saint Vincent SBDC EMAP program by her business consultant for specific assistance related to energy efficiency improvements as well as potential funding assistance.

The facility is located in West Newton, PA.  The former single family home was constructed circa 1700’s.  Following the purchase of the building a variety of improvements and upgrades were in progress to convert the single family home into a bead and hobby shop to host birthday parties and other special occasion events.  The client requested an energy efficiency assessment to help make suggestions and recommendations for energy improvements and upgrades to the building.

 Assistance

The environmental consultant conducted an energy assessment and made suggestions and recommendations for energy improvements.  They included, but were not limited to, installation of; a high efficiency Energy Star® rated HVAC system, high efficiency fluorescent lighting fixtures, LED exit signs and programmable thermostats.

The environmental consultant was instrumental in informing the owner of the potential opportunity available to her through the Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEPs) Small Business Advantage Grant (SBAG).  The environmental consultant also provided assistance with completing and submitting the grant application.

The client focused purely on the HVAC upgarad.  Installation of the high efficiency HVAC system was completed in May 2009.  The total cost of the project was $18,375.  The owner committed $10,875 and the DEP SBAG has been approved for a 50% match up to the maximum of $7,500.  The completion report has been submitted to DEP.  The client should receive the reimbursement check within several weeks.

Results

The HVAC upgrades are anticipated to result in an annual savings of approximately 2,007 kWh of electricity and 741 therms of natural gas which equates to an annual monetary savings of $1,205.  The environmental savings show a reduction in greenhouse gases of over 5.8 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