United Way’s Net Zero Energy Challenge is a visionary project that provides career skills training for populations in need while setting a new standard in renewable energy as a replicable demonstration site for non-profit organizations across the nation.
Through the installation of 576 solar panels, air-source heat pumps, EV charging stations, and battery back-up, we are transforming our 31,000 sq. ft. headquarters into a net zero building that produces as much energy as it uses. This will reduce carbon dioxide emission by nearly 150 tons a year, which is the equivalent of planting more than 4,500 trees. Going net zero means that we will avoid more than $65,000 in annual energy costs that will be re-invested to support our mission. The project turns the facility into an on-the-job Training Academy for our signature YouthBuild, VetsBuild, and PowerUp! programs, growing the talent pool of skilled labor in construction, energy efficiency and clean technology market.
The net-zero building can remain operational during a power outage caused by a weather event by relying on its on-site renewable energy systems and battery storage. The facility is designed to be a meeting place for organizations as United Way prepares for a major weather event or disaster that may impact the non-profit sector’s ability to operate and serve the public. The renovation will re-imagine our space and position us in the 21st century as a net zero facility, completely modernized with integrated technology upgrades and enhanced program space to accommodate evolving needs. Most importantly, we will create a community center that builds strong neighborhoods in keeping with the same vision and spirit we have shared for decades. We are living in time of great change. Our region’s future depends on our ability to respond quickly in disasters to invigorate our neighborhoods and create a vision of the future that fully engages and mobilizes our partner agencies. A dynamic community center is central to this effort and an essential part of our vision. More broadly, this project can provide inspiration to other nonprofits and businesses on Long Island and beyond to transition their facilities for greater positive environmental impacts. The facility is a replicable concept demonstrating that going net zero need not be out of reach.
After receiving more than $2 million from government grants, pledges and in-kind contributions we have entered the final stages of fundraising for this $2.4 million project. A ribbon cutting for the building is scheduled for September 2025. United Way of Long Island is grateful for the support of its energy committee who helped to guide the project and provide important financial support.
www.unitedwayli.org/energychallenge
Net Zero Energy Challenge Committee
Committee Co-Chairs
Mr. David Calone, Jove Equity Partners LLC
Mr. Robert B. Catell, AERTC and NOWRDC
Committee Members
Mr. Matthew Aracich, Building and Construction Trades Council of Nassau and Suffolk
Ms. Dana Boylan, Suffolk County
Mr. John Cameron, Cameron Engineering & Associates, LLP
Mr. Aaron Choo, National Grid
Mr. Michael Deering, LIPA
Mr. John Durso, Local 338 RWDSU/UFCW & Long Island Federation of Labor
Ms. Maria Grasso, Flushing National Bank
Mr. John Guadagno, IBEW Local 25
Mr. David Manning, Brookhaven National Laboratory
Mr. Michael Voltz, PSEG Long Island