Green Choice Bank is exhibiting at the March 21 Make Green Going Green Business Seminar.  While this half-day event featuring free electronic recycling for businesses is focused on restaurant efficiency, the Green Choice Bank offers both residential and business loans for energy efficiency improvements. What makes this bank’s loan programs unique is their willingness to incorporate energy improvements into the loan model.

While every situation is different, this Bank is working with LEED professionals (Leadership in Energy Efficient Design) and organizations involved in efficiency efforts such as MEEA (Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance), CMAP’s Energy Impact Illinois  (Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning) and DELTA Institute.  Homeowners and businesses alike can apply for low interest loans for improvements that will calculate the savings from efficiency projects such as adding wall insulation or replacing windows. This calculation results in a higher cash flow situation than current conditions would suggest; therefore offering the client greater lending flexibility.

An energy audit typically results in a list of suggested improvements with various payback timeframes (a few weeks to a few years to a decade or more).  Each homeowner or business evaluates the suggestions against the time they expect to remain in the building, the overall cost and payback timeframe.  A typical business client of SEDAC (Smart Energy Design Assistance Center) will implement projects that increase their cash flow by $8,000 annually.  SEDAC offers a list of additional project that average another $16,000 in annual savings that clients keep for later implementation.

How much are you spending on natural gas, electric and water?  Why continue to allow these costs to be uncontrollable?  Take a few hours on Wed, March 21 to learn how your business can cut these costs while still keeping the lights, heat and air conditioning running comfortably. Visit willcountygreen.com to register.