Community & Economic Partnerships
We partner with business and community groups, nonprofits, and schools to help all Vermonters save energy.
To help Vermonters learn about energy efficiency, we work with the organizations and groups they connect with every day—like local nonprofits, chambers of commerce, schools, and town energy committees. These collaborative partnerships help us ensure that everyone in Vermont has access to resources and guidance on how to save energy at home, at work, and in their communities.
Highlights
- Unbiased, third-party advice from a trusted authority on energy efficiency
- Training, guidance, and technical assistance for nonprofits, communities, and business groups
- Employee presentations to promote a culture of energy efficiency in your company or organization
Targeted Communities
In 2019, Efficiency Vermont is on the ground in Bellows Falls, Rutland, Swanton, and Saint Johnsbury. Residents and businesses in these areas will have access to enhanced services, including community trainings and events, and free energy assessments.
These offerings are part of a larger outreach effort to help Vermont’s vital downtown businesses thrive through strategic energy investments. Read our blog post for more information.
Community Energy Groups
In partnership with the Vermont Energy and Climate Action Network (VECAN), the Energy Action Network (EAN), and other clean energy organizations, we support grass-roots efforts to advance sustainable energy solutions at the community level. We provide guidance, educational materials and, in some cases, training and grants to catalyze action.
Examples include:
- Offering trainings to dozens of employers and community groups on how to save energy at home and at work
- Support for VECAN’s annual conference, connecting more than 100 town energy committees with trainings and ideas to drive action in their communities
- Support to three Vermont communities competing for the national Georgetown University Energy Prize, a $5 million award for the community that drives the deepest and most sustainable energy savings over a two-year period
Municipalities and Schools
Vermont municipalities and schools turn to us for help improving the efficiency of their streetlighting, public buildings, and water and wastewater treatment plants. This directly benefits local taxpayers by reducing municipal energy costs while improving public infrastructure. In addition, we partner with the Vermont Energy Education Program to promote energy literacy in schools and support infrastructure improvements, turning schools into laboratories to inspire learning on sustainable energy.
- Access technical assistance and incentives to help your town and school save energy and money
- Reduce energy costs for your town and constraints on its municipal budget
- Connect with schools and educators for hands-on learning
Business Associations
We provide business associations and economic development organizations with technical guidance and training in energy efficiency. As a result, they’re able help their members reduce energy usage and lower the cost of doing business. We also partner with the Vermont Agency of Commerce & Community Development (ACCD). By leveraging our resources—including rebates, services, and other incentives—we’re enhancing the economic vitality of Vermont’s downtowns.
- Assistance for business and trade groups to help them educate and serve their members
- Special support for downtowns in partnership with ACCD
- In-person presentations on energy efficiency for business and economic development groups