Kurn Hattin Homes Continues Meeting Energy Efficiency Challenge

WESTMINSTER, VT — Kurn Hattin Homes is proud to be recognized as one of thirty-one out of sixty-nine participating businesses and organizations that successfully met Efficiency Vermont’s Energy Leadership Challenge to reduce energy use by at least 7.5% over two years. Efficiency Vermont’s goal was to help businesses and organizations use less energy and reduce electrical use in particular, as electricity is typically a significant expense for businesses. Vermont’s largest 315 commercial and industrial businesses account for more than one quarter of the state’s total electrical use, so if they reduce their energy consumption by 7.5%, it’s like taking many homes off the grid.

At the beginning of the initiative in June 2011, Kurn Hattin Homes had received an estimate that the proposed efficiency improvements at the Homes would save approximately $6,800 per year at current energy rates. Improvements included changing over to high efficiency oil burners, replacing florescent lighting with LED lights and updating water faucet heads for both septic and kitchen. As part of the program, Efficiency Vermont offered subsidies to assist with Kurn Hattin’s cost for implementing these projects, reducing them by more than a third. In the end, Kurn Hattin not only ended up helping reduce statewide energy consumption and improving the environment, but surpassed their original reduction goal of 50,000kWh by saving an estimated 58,000kWh of electricity.

Kurn Hattin is determined to continue to do more to reduce its carbon footprint by working on a ten-year plan and instill in the youth and staff at the Homes the importance of being energy efficient. This initiative is imperative as we educate our students regarding their present and future environmental responsibilities and fulfill our immediate obligation toward increasing Kurn Hattin’s energy efficiency.

Efficiency Vermont, a private nonprofit organization, is helping Vermonters to reduce energy costs, strengthen the local economy, and protect the environment by making homes and businesses energy efficient. They provide technical assistance, rebates, and other financial incentives to help reduce energy costs with energy-efficient equipment, lighting, and approaches to construction and major renovation. They also partner with contractors, suppliers, and retailers of efficient products and services throughout the state.

Established in 1894, Kurn Hattin Homes for Children in Westminster, Vermont is a charitable, year-round home and school for boys and girls, ages 6-15, who are affected by family tragedy and social or economic hardship. Kurn Hattin Homes transforms the lives of children and their families forever.

Photo caption: (l-r) Co-Executive Director, Tom Fahner accepts the Energy Efficiency Challenge award for Kurn Hattin Homes from Efficiency Vermont Account Manager Chuck Clerici.