C3 Will Award $20K in Energy Efficiency Upgrades for Small, Minority-Owned Businesses

 
 

C3 is launching Energy Efficiency Grants and Climate Services for area nonprofits and for-profits this week with special financial perks for a limited number of small and minority-owned businesses and nonprofits.

Energy Efficiency Grants

$20,000 worth of Energy Efficiency Grants will be awarded to small, minority- owned businesses to invest in building upgrades to reduce energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions. The funds, up to $2,500 for each business, may include lighting, heating/cooling systems, appliances, other energy-consuming equipment, and associated services.

The grant program is made possible by funding from the City of Charlottesville’s Office of Economic Development, County of Albemarle’s Office of Economic Development, and an Anonymous Foundation; our community outreach partner is the Community Investment Collaborative.

The deadline for applications is March 31, 2023. Visit the Energy Efficiency Grants webpage (including application) and Flyer.

Climate Services

C3 now offers Climate Services to commercial organizations of all shapes and sizes. Through 15+ years of engineering expertise and experience, C3’s Director of Corporate Sustainability, Coles Jennings, now offers:

  • Walkthrough energy audits to uncover energy savings potential

  • Analysis of commercial fleet’s fuel efficiency and carbon footprint

  • Written report outlining findings, including estimated return on investment (ROI) for budget and operations planning

  • Follow-up coaching including connection to financial resources and referrals to service providers

Community organizations including non-profits, faith-based organizations, and educational institutions can receive these services free (to a limited number of recipients on a first come, first serve basis). C3 also offers these services at low cost to for-profit businesses. Visit the Climate Services webpage.

Jennings said, “These grants will put money directly back into the pocket of local organizations by reducing waste on operating costs. At the same time, they are good for the planet because they save energy and reduce emissions.”

Quotes from past winners and clients:
Kate Duvall, President, Piedmont CASA
: “C3’s Energy Audit and expert advice provided an amazingly helpful roadmap.”

Fernando & Jessie Dizon, Little Manila Restaurant and Food Truck: “[C3’s] focus was to find the best item to fit our business that would create lasting benefits in savings while also helping the environment! Thank you all so much for all you’ve done for our small business and the planet.”

Martin Chapman, CEO, InBio: “Coles from C3 provided an energy audit which helped us really understand our opportunities. This led to us implementing HVAC upgrades that reduced our gas consumption by over 40%.”

About Community Climate Collaborative

The Community Climate Collaborative brings communities together to lead on climate by working closely with schools, businesses, citizens, and local governments to implement carbon emissions reductions, develop climate action plans, and enact equitable policies that accelerate climate action. Visit theclimatecollaborative.org.

PRESS CONTACT: Teri Strother (formerly Kent), Director of Communications, Community Climate Collaborative, (434) 466-5157, or teri@theclimatecollaborative.org