Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/479398
www.CTGreenGuide.com Fall 2014 • Connecticut Green Guide 13 Underground Hartford River Gets $4.6M For Flooding State Bond Commission in July approved $4.6 million to repairs the underground river running through Bushnell Park in hartford. The funding will go toward fixing the flood control infrastructure that protects hundreds of properties along the south branch of the Park river, as it flows through West hartford, hartford, and newington. The flood control project was started in the 1960s by the u.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Today, it is maintained by the state Department of Energy & Environmental Protection. The $4.6 million repair project is necessary as vegetation, woody debris, sediment, and bank failures mean the flood control channels no longer function they way they originally were intended. The repair project is expected to maintain or create 96 jobs. "We looked into these upgrades to save energy, save money, create a more comfortable dining space for our customers, and better workplace for our employees," said Savvidis. Energize Connecticut also gave the diner a $50,581 grant for its energy improvements. Working with Berlin utilities Connecticut Light & Power and Yan- kee Gas, along with Ellington-based contractor Earthlight Technologies, Savvidis made a number of energy improvements to his restaurant. One of the larger improvements at Silver Star Diner is something most customers wouldn't even no- tice. Traditional light bulbs in its out- door sign, which is visible to drivers along I-95, were replaced with energy efficient LED lights (energy efficient LED bulb's typically use 75 percent less energy than traditional bulbs). "Silver Star Diner is an excellent example of a small business taking action to improve their bottom-line while also improving their cus- tomer experience," said Matt Gibbs, CL&P director of energy efficiency. In addition to new LED lights in the sign, new energy efficient interior temperature controls and lighting systems were installed, as well as a new exhaust hood control system for the kitchen. "At the end of the day, it was the right decision for our business to spend the money to improve how we use energy," said Savvidis. "We want this restaurant to stay in our family for many generations to come, and with the steps we've taken, we can now ensure that it remains a part of the Norwalk community." Alex Savvidis founded his Greek style family diner in 1980. PhoTo | ConTriBuTed 860.871.1111 Toll Free: 800.741.6367 nemsi.com License #'s: E1-104939 • S1-302974 • P1-203519 • F1-10498 • SM1-192 • MC-1134 GREEN SOLUTIONS… ONE SOURCE Only one company can build, power, protect, and maintain the critical systems in virtually every type of facility. Our clients trust us to provide sustainable, more productive, greener facilities. We are experts in: Energy Systems and Incentives • Building Automation Technologies • Sustainable Design and Operation The skating rink Hartford installs for Winterfest sits by the Park River pump house. PhoTo | hBJ File