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Climate Solutions are Health Solutions: An Evaluation of PUSH Green's Home Energy Efficiency Program
Colleen Kristich, Becca Bass, Clarke Gocker, Nicholas Rajkovich — Jul 6, 2022
PUSH Green, a program of People United for Sustainable Housing (PUSH) in Buffalo, New York, addresses housing, health and climate needs all at the same time. PUSH Green links homeowners and renters with low-cost or no cost home energy improvements, which reduce the household’s use of fossil fuels and in turn save money on utility bills. The primary environmental and economic benefits of weatherization programs have been apparent for decades; however, it is only recently that attention has …
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The Climate Justice Movement in Western New York
Sam Magavern, Lynda Schneekloth — Jul 12, 2017
Although climate change requires an international response and will require national policies and actions, local geographies have to be involved because it that is where the harms are felt. But how can local and regional areas respond to the climate crisis? This article offers a story of the emergence of a climate justice movement in Buffalo and Western New York as an example of how one community is addressing climate change and its unequal impacts.
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Energy Poverty in Buffalo's West Side: PUSH, National Fuel, and the Fight for Equitable Energy Access
Anthony Hilbert — Jun 16, 2016
Energy poverty, the condition of households that cannot adequately heat their homes, is a chronic problem resulting from low income, high fuel prices, and poorly insulated, energy inefficient houses. In addition to financial strain, energy poverty causes severe social and health problems for people living in under-heated homes (Boardman 1991; 2013). Despite its seriousness and pervasiveness, energy poverty has been ignored too often in the US. Those that suffer through energy …
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Buffalo Niagara at the Crossroads: How State Energy Policies can Lead Western New York to a Green, Prosperous, and Just Future
Anthony Hilbert Mar 16, 2016
Buffalo Niagara stands at a climate crossroads. Looking down one road, we can see a chance to rebuild impoverished neighborhoods with quality jobs, green affordable housing, community-owned renewable energy, urban farms, and community gardens, building on the highly successful example of the Green Development Zone on the city’s West Side. Looking down another road, we can see an inequitable region made even more unjust and vulnerable by climate change impacts such as heat …
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Methane and Cogeneration Technology: Renewable Energy Opportunities for Erie County Wastewater Treatment Plants
Priscilla Hampton — Nov 27, 2007
This proposal encourages the Erie County Division of Sewerage Management and the Buffalo Sewer Authority (BSA) to explore opportunities to invest in combined heat and power technology at their wastewater treatment facilities. As energy costs continue to rise, use of methane-fueled CHP systems will become more and more cost-effective. Furthermore, facilities will increase energy efficiency, utilize renewable biofuels, decrease utility costs over time, and limit our dependence on …
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Weatherization: A Step Towards Green Cities
Rebecca Town — Nov 1, 2007
Home heating is a basic necessity that comes at a very high cost, particularly for residents in the city of Buffalo. Weatherization is an efficient and affordable method for reducing energy costs by increasing home energy efficiency. Existing buildings are renovated to increase energy efficiency and decrease energy consumption. Promotion of weatherization programs provides the City with an essential opportunity to financially empower its most vulnerable residents, who are the …