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