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www.CTGreenGuide.com WINTER 2015 • CONNECTICUT GREEN GUIDE 5 SMART BUSINESS: APPLE REHAB LAUREL WOODS E. Haven Rehab Center Achieves Two-Year Payback on Upgrades E ast Haven short-term rehabilitation center Apple Rehab Laurel Woods received $76,000 in incentive payments for an upgrade expected to save the facility $38,000 annually in energy expenses. "We were slightly skeptical about the potential at the onset but quickly saw how the savings through efficiency efforts will allow us to routinely assess and upgrade equipment and technology," said Ben Schiano, administra- tor for Apple Rehab Laurel Woods. "By investing in energy efficiency now, we're positioning ourselves to best support the needs of the seniors we serve for years to come." Apple Rehab wanted to make its operations as ef- ficient as possible to prepare for the upcoming demand, as the state's population of residents 65 and older is estimated to increase by 63 percent between 2010 and 2025, according to a 2013 Connecticut Long-Term Care Planning Committee report. Through the Energize Connecticut Small Business Energy Advantage program, Laurel Woods upgraded fluorescent lighting to LED technology throughout the facility. The company replaced outdated motor controls for its walk-in freezer, cooler unit and kitchen fume hood with equipment designed for more efficient operation. The efficiency improvements immediately reduced energy costs and streamlined maintenance. Apple Rehab expects a two-year payback period for the upgrades. The $76,000 in incentive payments came through Energize Connecticut funding, which is paid for by ratepayers and administered by the state's electric utilities. Orange electric utility United Illuminating helped Apple Rehab with this project. UI has collaborated with other senior-housing facili- ties seeking to stay ahead of efficiency trends, as the demand for their services grows. Such organizations include the Whitney Center, a senior living community in Hamden, and Mary Wade Home, a nonprofit senior care community in New Haven. Through the Energy Blueprint program — also funded by ratepayers — Mary Wade Home's $11 million new construction project on its adult day center and skilled nursing facility resulted in an annual savings of nearly $30,000. Information on energy efficiency programs can be found at EnergizeCT.com or by calling 1.877.WISE.USE. An 80% Reduction — Following the Green Bank's lead, Connecticut officials have adopted the "Go Big or Go Home" philosophy when it comes to clean energy goals. During a summit between U.S. and Chinese leaders, Gov. Dannel P. Mal- loy pledged to reduce the state's carbon emis- sions 80 percent below the 2001 levels by 2050. If Malloy is going to make a big bet on the state's eco-friendliness, he might as well aim high. UIL Concessions — After regulators preliminar- ily rejected a $3 billion merger between Spanish energy conglomerate Iberdrola and New Haven utility parent UIL Holdings, led by CEO James Torgerson, the two companies offered $84 million in rate credits, donations and cleanup funds. It ap- pears any time energy firms want to merge, Connecticut will hold them hostage until they cough up a fistful of dollars. Coltsville Accord — On the heels of Congress' approval of Hartford's Coltsville area as a nation- al park, city officials led by Mayor Pedro Segarra reached an accord with the National Park Service on which agency would take care of the park. It's nice to see government entities not letting the situation devolve into a detail-squabbling mess, especially since Coltsville National Park is expected to generate $150 mil- lion over five years for the regional economy. Grade: B Grade: C- Grade: A Ben Schiano, administrator for Apple Rehab Laurel Woods. PHOTO | CONTRIBUTED