Region 2 Pollution Prevention (P2)

Rebuilding an estimated 377,000 damaged or destroyed homes, businesses, and buildings in New York and New Jersey (1, 2) with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) ENERGY STAR and WaterSense Programs is an opportunity to invest in the future and address Climate Change by integrating energy and water efficiency into the rebuilding process. People who make these investments can save money on future electric and water utility bills, improve system reliability by reducing the electric load on utility grids, and help ensure reliable water supplies today and for future generations.

 

ENERGY STAR & WaterSense Products

Using ENERGY STAR products leads to lower energy bills and helps protect the environment while providing desired features and performance.  Further information about ENERGY STAR products may be found at:  http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_find_es_products

Products and services that have earned the WaterSense label have been certified to be at least 20 percent more water efficient without sacrificing performance.  Further information about WaterSense labeled products and services may be found at:  http://www.epa.gov/watersense/products/index.html

 

ENERGY STAR & WaterSense Homes

If you are undertaking new construction, ENERGY STAR certified new homes are designed and built to energy standards well above most other homes on the market today, delivering energy efficiency savings of up to 30 percent when compared to typical new homes.  More information on Energy Star certified new homes may be found at:   http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=new_homes.hm_index

WaterSense labeled new homes not only use less water but also help residents save money on their water and energy bills while reducing stress on local water resources and infrastructure, which benefits the entire community.  If you are building a new home, more information on the WaterSense New Home Specifications may be found at:  http://www.epa.gov/watersense/new_homes/index.html

 

Response and Recovery

Information about EPA's response efforts and coordination with other agencies and states can be found at: at:  http://www.epa.gov/sandy/.

Additional information for communities managing natural disaster debris is available in EPA’s “Planning for Natural Disaster Debris” at:  http://www.epa.gov/waste/conserve/imr/cdm/pubs/pndd.pdf.

 

References

1:  Governor Cuomo's estimates of home units destroyed:
http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/20960/20121127/cuomo-seeks-41-billion-from-us-gov-for-sandy-rebuilding

2: Governor Christie's estimates of business and home destruction/damage:
http://newyork.newsday.com/news/region-state/gov-christie-seeks-37b-in-federal-aid-for-sandy-damage-1.4269992