Brooklyn Boro

National Grid announces first winner of ‘B’ Green Challenge to promote small business energy efficiency

June 27, 2013 Shlomo Sprung
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National Grid has teamed up with BarclaysCenter and the Brooklyn Nets to create the ‘B’ Green Challenge to promote energy efficiency among Brooklyn small businesses.  So far about 25 small businesses have signed up for the challenge and Junior Lowe children’s clothing store in Brooklyn Heights has been selected as the first winner.

Junior Lowe has taken steps to reduce their energy use by sealing air leaks around doors and windows with weather stripping, and installing a high-efficiency heating system, programmable thermostat, new plumbing, energy-efficient or light-emitting diode (LED) lights and UV protecting window shades.  The new shades block 85 percent of harmful UV rays, which can also improve the efficiency of the HVAC system and coupled with the new lighting and other energy efficiency measures have improved the shop’s customer experience and lowered their energy bills.

“When I found out about the program I was already doing some of the suggested energy efficiency tips so the ‘B ’Green Challenge helped me to continue to look at ways to reduce energy consumption on a daily basis,” said John Lowe, owner of Junior Lowe.  “I am taking similar steps in my home and telling others about the energy efficiency steps that I have taken and the benefits.”

Lowe has operated the children’s clothing store at 89 Atlantic Avenue between Hicks and Henry for a year.  

The ‘B’ Green Challenge presented by National Grid encourages and helps businesses implement energy savings tips to save money and energy and protect the environment.  To participate in the challenge Brooklyn small businesses can visitbarclayscenter.com/bgreenchallenge to register.  The first 100 businesses to register for the Challenge will receive a free do-it-yourself energy efficiency item — a programmable thermostat, pipe insulation or weather stripping.  

Each month the businesses answer a few short questions about steps they are taking each day to ‘B’ Green.  Each month National Grid, the Brooklyn Nets and Barclays Center review the submissions and select a winning business.

The winning business receives tickets to a Nets game or Barclays Center event, autographed Nets memorabilia, a plaque and recognition on barclayscenter.com.

“We are committed to connecting our customers and communities to the energy they need and helping them make wise energy choices,” said Kiel Costella, National Grid Energy Efficiency representative. “Congratulations to Junior Lowe for taking the ‘B’ Green Challenge and we look forward to helping more Brooklyn businesses ‘B’ Green.”

National Grid is the proud energy partner of the Brooklyn Nets, the natural gas provider to Barclays Center and the presenting sponsor of the arena’s ‘B’ Green initiative to inspire Barclays Center guests to help the environment based on the sustainability practices the arena is incorporating into its own operations.  In another energy efficiency event for businesses, National Grid is the presenting sponsor of Energy Efficiency Tip-Off conference and expo on July 17 at Barclays Center.  Small and medium businesses, property managers and multi-family property owners can learn about the latest energy efficiency products and services, learn about energy efficiency incentives and network with industry leaders, peers, vendors and customers.  For more information visit https://2013NationalGridTipOff.Cvent.com.

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