Going Green to Save Green—Earth Day

With Earth Day around the corner, here are some practical tips to help your business go green to save green from the Frederick County Office of Sustainability and Environmental Resources (OSER):

Interested in solar?

Starting this month, small businesses, churches, farms, nonprofits, and homeowners can join a solar co-op through Solar United Neighbors. This is a good way to learn more about solar and join with others to leverage bulk purchasing power. Check out the co-op: Maryland Capital Solar and EV Co-op

Check out these incentives to help you save on your energy bill:

Potomac Edison offers a Small Business Direct Install Program which pays for up to 70% of eligible improvements that can help your business save on energy costs.

Potomac Edison offers additional energy saving solutions for health, education, commercial, industrial, agricultural, or non-profit entities.

Washington Gas also offers rebates on high-efficiency natural gas equipment. Check out incentives for existing businesses, new businesses, and custom solutions.

To help offset upfront costs there are some great options. These projects are likely to save money on utility bills and the savings can be used for the loan repayment. The projects eventually pay back themselves.

Commercial Property Assess Clean Energy Loans (C-PACE)

C-PACE provides loans for projects relating to energy efficiency, renewable energy, climate resiliency, and water conservation. The loan is paid back over time through a surcharge on the property tax bill. To learn more, click here or check out this fact sheet

Jane E. Lawton Conservation Loan program

Loans through this program have a 2% interest rate and usually range from $50,000-$500,000. More info can be found here.

If you are interested in learning more about how your business can go green, please feel free to contact us at sustainability@frederickcountymd.gov or 301-600-1416.