Building Solutions
Buildings are a critical piece of the climate solutions puzzle.
Residential and commercial buildings account for about 30% of greenhouse gas emissions in Maine, largely due to the energy involved in heating and cooling these buildings. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from buildings involves ensuring buildings are as efficient as possible, transitioning from fossil fuels to electrical sources of heating and cooling (and other operations like cooking), and ensuring the building is sourced by a clean supply of electricity.
The great news is that most of these solutions, over time, result in significant savings for home and business owners. However, the transition comes with an upfront cost and the need for a robust workforce of home performance experts, electricians, plumbers, and solar contractors prepared to facilitate the transition.
The Comprehensive Building Solutions Program was created to guide community members through the process of making their homes & businesses more comfortable and efficient, while saving on energy costs. ACTT will support participants in taking a comprehensive approach to weatherization, heat pumps, heat pump hot water heaters, solar, and other energy saving building upgrades. Through this program, ACTT’s support focuses on helping homeowners get started and consider different available funding support, as well as support throughout the process of working with contractors. Detailed technical support will be provided by contractors specializing in the central building solutions, as ACTT is not trained to provide detailed technical support.
Interested in learning more about the building solutions program and how efficiency and other upgrades can improve the performance of your home?
Watch informational videos from the January 2023 Building Solutions Fair!
Why pursue energy solutions for a home, business, or organization?
Improve comfort. Efficiency projects, including weatherization and air sealing, can improve the comfort of your home by eliminating drafts and allowing your heating system to work more efficiently.
Take advantage of generous rebates and incentives. Both Efficiency Maine and the Federal Government are offering a significant amount of money to help homes and businesses undertake upgrades to use energy more efficiently and get solar.
Save money. Energy efficiency projects and solar can often save significant money over time by reducing energy costs.
Solar Power: A rooftop array, eligible for a 30% Federal Income Tax Credit, harnesses free energy from the sun to power your home and helps bring our community closer to energy independence.
Weatherization: Weatherization makes your home or business healthier, more comfortable and more energy-efficient to heat, with Efficiency Maine rebates that cover between 50% and 90% of project costs.
Heat Pumps: Keep your home comfortable year-round without relying on dirty, increasingly expensive fuel oil by switching to heat pumps, assisted by rebates of up to $1250.
Other Solutions: From super-efficient induction stoves to low-flow showerheads, there’s a building solution for every space and situation. If you’re a business owner, a renter, a homeowner, or a seasonal resident, no matter your income, join us to explore steps you can take to making your space more efficient, comfortable, and climate-friendly!