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More than 80 million Americans are having difficulty paying their bills during the COVID-19 recession, according to the U.S. Census Bureau Household Pulse Survey.

This financial insecurity extends to necessary household expenses like utility bills. As a result, many local governments and public utility companies have passed moratoriums on utility shutoffs, so that people can still have running water, electricity, and heat even if they fall behind on payments.

While somes states have been extending their COVID-19 moratoriums as the pandemic stretches on, utility shutoff moratoriums in Florida, Virginia, and other states have ended, leaving millions of working-class people holding the bag. And even if youre fortunate enough to be covered by a moratorium, it doesnt mean youre in the clear it only means your unpaid bills are deferred. This means that you could owe several months worth of water, electric, or gas bills, on top of getting those utilities shut off, when your state moratorium expires.

Heres what you should know about utility moratoriums, how they work, and what private and public programs you can tap into to help pay your bills. Plus, see below for a state-by-state list of public and private programs that can help you manage your utility bills.

A utility moratorium is a temporary suspension of shutoffs, meaning utility companies cant cut your access to electricity, water, gas, or electricity due to non-payment. Utility companies will often enact moratoriums in the winter or summer (depending on where you live) when the weather is too extreme to send out a technician. These moratoriums are either based on fluctuating temperatures or scheduled for certain months throughout the year.

Now state, county, and city governments and private utility companies have enacted utility shutoff moratoriums in response to historic unemployment numbers and COVID-19. Many of these programs have already expired or will expire soon, according to the Wall Street Journal. The National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA), which represents state administrators of the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), estimates that at the end of October, only 40% of the U.S. population was covered by a COVID-19 moratorium down from 57% in July.

The sheer number of people affected by COVID-19 threatens to overload the existing private and public programs that have alleviated financial struggle over utility bills, says Mark Wolfe, executive director of NEADA. Typically, 6 million households receive public energy assistance every year, but Wolfe expects that number to be much higher due to historic unemployment rates.

Moratoriums work as a band-aid solution for struggling households, but werent designed to solve or alleviate financial hardship. Moratoriums essentially delay payment, says Wolfe. Theyre not a grant.

That presents a problem for people experiencing financial insecurity. Say you lost your job at the beginning of the pandemic and havent been able to find work since. If you live in a place with winter utility moratoriums in place, then you wont be shut off but would accumulate debt along the way. If you dont get another job until the economy recovers, which could be next spring, you could have a years worth of energy bills, Wolfe says. Thats an awful lot of money for low-income families.

You can check if your locality or utility company is subject to a moratorium using these resources:

If youve fallen behind on utility bills or are struggling to make the payments each month, then youre likely eligible for programs available in your state or utility company.

If youre temporarily low income, its very likely youre eligible for assistance even if you dont have a shutoff notice, and even if youre paying your utility bills, Wolfe says. Dont wait until youre falling behind [to apply].

Many utility companies have enacted their own moratoriums on shutoffs in response to COVID-19, and many already have programs that provide assistance to low-income customers.

Check what your utility company has to offer, as they may be able to offer relief, says Jim Chilsen, managing communications director and spokesperson for Citizens Utility Board, a consumer advocacy group representing utility customers across Illinois.

In Illinois, for example, state officials, consumer advocates, and major utility companies such as Peoples Gas and ComEd came to an agreement that allowed families to get the financial assistance they needed with their energy bills no questions asked.

You must call these utilities and let them know youre experiencing financial hardship, and then you can connect to see these consumer protections. All you need to say, Im struggling to pay my bills. No documented proof of hardship is required [in Illinois]. You can connect to the moratorium on disconnection, you can sign up for consumer-friendly payment programs, and also deposits will be waived, Chilsen says.

Keep in mind, though, that not all utilities will recognize your financial situation. Wolfe says that municipal utilities (owned by the government, as opposed to private investor-owned utility companies like Duke Energy and Florida Power & Light Company) and co-ops are often not covered by moratoriums and have been more aggressive in collections during the pandemic. However, its still worth getting on the phone and asking them what assistance theyre able to offer.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federal program that helps low-income families pay their energy bills specifically electric, gas, heating, and propane (water not included). Its a national assistance program administered independently by each state through block grants. Depending on the state, this program may be called LEAP, EAP, or another variant of LIHEAP.

Generally, 6 million households a year receive assistance from LIHEAP, but with the pandemic, Wolfe, whose organization NEADA represents LIHEAP administrators, expects that number to rise dramatically. Now were expecting millions of people, formerly middle class, eligible for assistance, he says.

Qualifications and application processes will differ for each state, but generally, the program helps people pay energy bills, deal with crises that affect heating and cooling in their homes (i.e., storms and natural disasters), make their homes more energy efficient, and repair old or broken heating and cooling systems.

Some states require whats called income and asset tests (which assess whether youre low income by specifying based on how much money you earn or possess) to qualify for LIHEAP. To be approved for the program, you must be low-income and states define this differently, but generally, its measured by how your income compares to the federal poverty level and median household income. Some states require more stringent documentation, such as pay stubs, proof of citizenship, permanent address, and employment statements, to back up the info provided in the application. And some only help with heating or cooling not both.

To apply to LIHEAP, youd need to go to your states local office and find out the qualifications, application process, and how much assistance youre eligible to receive (in the form of a one-time payment). There are three ways to find your local office:

Through the Department of Energy, the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) helps low-income families save money on their utility bills by making their homes more energy efficient. These renovations help conserve fuel through HVAC repairs and replacements, by adding insulation, by replacing refrigerators and lighting, and implementing other energy-saving changes. Generally, they wont repair your roof or fix your plumbing, because of the cost of those repairs.

Similar to LIHEAP, eligibility requirements will differ depending on the state you live in. So depending on where you live, your state may require household income or asset tests to determine if someone is low-income. Weatherization generally benefits homeowners, but renters can qualify if their landlords sign a consent form.

To apply to the Weatherization Assistance Program, contact your local WAP office.

In addition to LIHEAP and WAP, many states offer relief programs intended for low-income families struggling to pay utility bills. Heres a list of additional statewide public and private programs:

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Utility Bill Deferments Are Ending. Heres a State-by-State List of Programs That Can Help - NextAdvisor

By Dan Diehl

The commercial real estate industry endured a year unlike any other in 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic left offices empty for months on end, prompting unprecedented scrutiny of filtration, controls, and each buildings ventilation effectiveness. Employees suddenly feared airborne transmission and questioned the safety of air quality and in-person work.

If you are a building owner, youre hearing new concerns from your tenants. Theyre worried about keeping their employees safe, healthy and productive and they want assurances that their office environment is not endangering their workers. In particular, your tenants are expressing pointed concerns about their buildings systems for ensuring indoor air quality (IAQ): What can we know about the air quality being delivered to our space? What IAQ safety strategies are being deployed by our building operator?

These questions are just the beginning and they range beyond COVID-19. The world has truly awakened to the importance of air quality, and its impact on building occupants. Of course, this air quality awareness was already happening the recent COGfx Study showed the impact of green buildings on cognitive function, for example, while the International WELL Building Institutes WELL Certification has emerged as the leading system for examining how the built environment impacts human health. Atop this existing momentum, COVID created a tidal wave of support for healthy buildings, and specifically for the IAQ concept.

Despite the new imperative around IAQ, many in the commercial real estate space remain undecided on whether (and how) to proceed. This is understandable up to a point. After all, who can say what the world will look like on January 1, 2021? Youre probably questioning the ROI from any spending you apply to IAQ improvements. Whether for COVID-related re-occupancy or longer-term IAQ goals, its hard to justify this investment, right?

Wrong. Why? Because of one reality: healthy buildings are here to stay.

Employees WILL return to the office; that much is a certainty. For one thing, most large enterprise organizations prefer their employees to work in-office. Likewise, most employees long for a return to normalcy and that means going to work, not combatting more Zoom fatigue.

COVID-19 is not the sole reason you should want to provide healthy buildings. Instead, this public health crisis serves a prime example for why you implement and maintain healthy buildings over time. One of the longer-term effects of this heightened awareness will be requiring building owners and operators to maintain and communicate healthy building parameters. This could even emerge as a standard lease requirement. As a building owner, this means you must implement holistic management solutions and know you are delivering healthy air to all tenants. The key is measuring, controlling, and communicating IAQ analytics based on multiple parameters and, in real time, directing more air when and where needed.

If youre getting nervous about the investment needed to install these systems, there is some good news. Last March, the U.S. Congress passed the 2020 Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the CARES Act), a direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Among other provisions, this federal stimulus package delivers tax benefits for facility improvements.

Under the 2020 CARES Act, non-residential property owners may be able to write off up to 100% of qualifying facility improvements costs. The tax savings is realized through a bonus depreciation for certain qualified improvements made to the interior portion of a commercial building. These improvements include the following:

Air Quality as a Service (AQaaS) is another solution increasingly offered and sought after by the marketplace. It allows companies significantly lower upfront expenditures, making it easier and faster to deploy in existing buildings. In many cases, AQaaS solutions deliver sufficient HVAC efficiency gains that help adopting companies cover all or much of the cost of their IAQ improvement investments.

When employees do return to the office, building owners must demonstrate a healthy environment. This means being able to demonstrate to occupants that the solutions chosen for the building are in fact making improvements. Building owners cant just choose a technology that claims to kill COVID or improve air quality, check the box, and walk away.

The IAQ solution should continuously measure air quality parameters: CO2, particles, TVOCs, and dewpoint to ensure effectiveness. Ideally, IAQ analytics should be part of the platform, particularly to communicate IAQ first to operators so they can make necessary corrections. After all, you cant manage and control what you do not accurately measure. Todays smart, healthy buildings are data driven baseline levels and continuous analytics showing where you are and what strategies might need tweaking.

This is an accountability question. How healthy is your building? The answer to that question will determine your success in responding to this opportunity.

Based on what we experienced in the past year, its clear that you have three new realities: healthy buildings are here to stay, the technology exists to accurately measure and manage air quality and, perhaps most importantly, now is the time to act.

Diehl is CEO of Aircuity and has over 25 years of industry expertise across a wide variety of vertical markets and disciplines in commercial and light industrial building markets. Prior to Aircuity he led business development at Lutron Electronics, was a partner for six years with Synergy, and spent 11 years at Johnson Controls, Inc. Diehl earned a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland and has an MBA from Villanova University.

Read the original:
In Pursuit Of Healthy Indoor Air For Buildings, Tech Tools Will Help - Facility Executive Magazine

POINT PLEASANT The Mason County Board of Education met on Tuesday evening to continue discussion of the Comprehensive Educational Facilities Plan (CEFP).

The CEFP was presented to the Board last week by the committee. The plan is unfinished, but the committee wanted to seek the Boards comments and get a direction to move forward with the completion of the plan. The CEFP is a 10-year plan for 2020-2030 to focus on priority and secondary projects for the school district.

The Board discussed the proposed plan for nearly three hours in an executive session on Tuesday. The Board entered executive session due to having documents regarding the buildings ratings that were not to be released to the public at the time of the meeting. Board President Dale Shobe said the school board signed a release to obtain the documents.

After returning to the open meeting, the Board voted to make several changes to the proposed CEFP. Among the changes, the Board categorized sections of the plan into projects.

In Project 1, the Board changed the objective of moving sixth grade students to the secondary buildings to the secondary projects, rather than primary.

In Project 2, the Board voted to amend the objective regarding closing Leon Elementary and Roosevelt Elementary. The new project was written as Bring Roosevelt and Leon Elementary up to code individually. This project remains as as priority project.

Project 3 dealt with the School for Success renovations at the Point Pleasant Intermediate School (PPIS) campus. The new project states that the Board will replace the School for Success buildings at all current locations.

The HVAC projects were grouped into Project 4 and were given no changes from the Board.

In the proposed CEFP, PPIS was given renovations to construct an auxiliary gym and additional classrooms to accept students from the Point Pleasant Primary School (PPPS). PPPS was proposed to be closed. The Board voted to delete this project from the CEFP.

Project 6 includes the construction of auxiliary gymnasiums at Hannan Jr/Sr High and Beale Elementary. The Board voted to keep the Hannan project as a priority project and move the Beale project to the secondary projects.

Project 7 includes mantraps at Ashton, Beale, Hannan, Career Center and Wahama. The project was not changed by the Board and will remain in the priority list.

No changes were made to Project 8, which includes the water infiltration issues at Wahama.

Project 9 includes athletic upgrades at all three secondary schools. The following projects were all moved to the secondary list from the priority. At Wahama, the Board made no changes to the projects, which includes field turf installation, bleacher renovation and a locker room addition. At Point Pleasant Jr/Sr High, the Board voted to keep the proposed projects to re-turf the existing field and tract. The Board removed the fieldhouse and locker room projects at Point Pleasant. At Hannan Jr/Sr High, the Board kept the new field turn project.

Project 10 was a secondary project for roof replacements at PPIS, Beale Elementary, New Haven Elementary and Point Pleasant Jr/Sr High, but the Board voted to move those projects to the priority list.

In Project 11, the Board grouped all the parking lot re-surfacing projects, which will remain on the secondary project list.

The Board sent their amendments to the CEFP committee to make the changes. After the amendments are added, the county board will have a final approval before sending the CEFP to the state. The state department of education must approve the plan by Oct. 30.

Supt. Jack Cullen told the Register after the meeting, the Board will add mantrap installation, roof replacement and HVAC updates to PPPS, and HVAC updates and parking lot re-surfacing to Leon Elementary and Roosevelt Elementary during the next meeting.

All board members Dale Shobe, Rhonda Tennant, Jared Billings, Ashley Cossin and Meagan Bonecutter were present during the meeting.

2020 Ohio Valley Publishing, all rights reserved.

Kayla (Hawthorne) Dunham is a staff writer for Ohio Valley Publishing. Reach her at (304) 675-1333, ext. 1992.

Original post:
Board of Ed. amends 10-year plan - Point Pleasant Register

On National Energy Efficiency Day today, ComEd announced that customers have saved more than $5 billion on their energy bills as a result of the company's energy efficiency program, the equivalent of removing 5.2 million cars off the road, reducing over 53 billion pounds of carbon dioxide emitted into the air and powering 5.2 million homes for a year.

The ComEd Energy Efficiency Program, launched in 2008, is one of the largest programs in the nation offering residential, business and public sector customers a variety of options that can help them cut back on their energy usage, which saves money and helps the environment.

"The average monthly household bill is lower than it was a decade ago," said ComEd CEO, Joe Dominguez. "Thanks to the ComEd Energy Efficiency Program, the average customer has saved about $1,250 by participating in the offerings that's enough to cover the cost of an average residential energy bill for 15 months. We want customers to know there are options available to help them reduce their energy use and save money, especially as people spend more time at home."

The ComEd Energy Efficiency Program has more than 35 different offerings to save money and energy. Residential offerings include:

This press release was produced by the Commonwealth Edison Company (Electric). The views expressed here are the author's own.

Continued here:
ComEd Customers Save $5 Billion Through Energy-Saving Programs - Patch.com

Unloading property for a new North Dartmouth recreation center, a vacant home bylaw, and a Cross Road solar project are among the articles coming up at the remote Fall Town Meeting on Oct. 27.

The Select Board voted unanimously on Oct. 5 to hold another remote Town Meeting via Zoom following the success of Spring Town Meeting on June 20, which was held through the same platform.

Dartmouth was one of only a few communities in Massachusetts to hold a completely virtual Town Meeting in the spring. The October meeting will take place via Zoom at 7 p.m.

A dial-in number will be provided for Town Meeting members concerned about using a computer, Town Meeting moderator Melissa Haskell told the Select Board on Oct. 5.

At the same meeting the Select Board also approved a draft warrant of just ten articles a few of which, including the sale or lease of a town-owned Reed Road property and the vacant home bylaw, provoked intense discussion.

Heres a look at whats coming up later this month.

Lease or sale of property on Reed Road

This article one of the more controversial on the warrant would authorize the town to lease and/or sell two lots on Reed Road with a restriction for recreation use only.

The Finance Committee unanimously rejected the article at an Oct. 1 meeting due to concerns about the propertys value, potential Parks and Recreation uses for the land, and the timing of the lease or sale, committee chair Teresa Hamm said at the Select Board meeting. Steve Burgo of Burgo Basketball Association had previously presented plans for a new $6 million community recreation facility on the property, for which the Select Board voiced unanimous support in July.

The Select Board ultimately voted 4-1 to recommend the article, with member Stanley Mickelson the only dissenting vote.

Vacant or abandoned building bylaw

A new bylaw drafted by Town Counsel Anthony Savastano with help from Public Health Director Chris Michaud would create a registry of Dartmouth buildings that have sat vacant and/or abandoned for longer than 30 days. It would not apply to seasonal buildings.

A majority of Finance Committee members voted to reject the article due to seemingly subjective language and concerns that 30 days would not give owners enough time to find renters or buyers to occupy the property, Hamm said.

Select Board member Stanley Mickelson noted that the abandoned Hawthorne Country Club is a fire hazard for neighbors, while vice chair Shawn McDonald stated that changes to the bylaw can be made in the future if necessary. Weve got to get something on the books, he said.

Board member John Haran said he regarded the law as government overreach, ultimately voting against the measure. The board tweaked the language and changed the grace period to 60 days before voting 4-1 to recommend the modified article.

Russells Mills Conservation Project

The Community Preservation Committee will be asking for $300,000 in funding for a Russells Mills land conservation project that will preserve around 24 acres of open space in Russells Mills village across Fisher Road from Dartmouth Natural Resources Trusts Destruction Brook Woods property.

The CPC is also seeking Town Meeting approval for the town to acquire a conservation restriction for the project as well as borrow $200,000 in anticipation of a $520,000 state Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity grant.

The Select Board voted unanimously to recommend both articles concerning the project.

Capital plan

The biggest ticket items in the $2.6 million capital plan for Fiscal Year 2021 include over $2 million for road maintenance and improvements as well as replacing a street sweeper for the Department of Public Works Highway Division, which will be funded from surplus revenue.

Other items include $34,500 for an electric sign for Town Hall as well as multiple vehicle replacements for various departments, such as a new garbage truck ($135,000), a dump truck ($190,500), and a pickup truck with a plow ($62,000).

Dartmouth Public Schools will also be requesting $75,000 from surplus revenue for HVAC upgrades at multiple schools due to the pandemic.

Town Administrator Shawn MacInnes noted at the meeting that this represents the lowest capital plan presented since 2013, calling it very prudent in its use of funds. The Select Board voted unanimously to recommend the plan.

Charter amendment to appoint, not elect, the Town Clerk

The Select Board unanimously recommended an article proposing to change the Town Clerk to an appointed rather than an elected position. If approved at Town Meeting, the question would go on the ballot at the April town election, and if voted through the new rules would go into effect starting July 1, 2021.

Rezoning for Cross Road solar project

The last article on the warrant is a citizens petition to rezone a single residential parcel off Cross Road to allow a solar installation to be constructed. According to MacInnes, there will be a restrictive covenant on the property to prevent any use other than solar. The board voted unanimously to recommend the article.

Read more:
Vacant building bylaw, new recreation center at Town Meeting this fall - Dartmouth Week

We feel compelled to write to you in a shared voice, as there are universal elements to our concerns about re-entry into the schools this September. It is important to note that this is a discussion about re-entry, not re-opening. The education of children has always been our top concern. One truth that cannot be ignored as a necessary precursor to any successful model of instruction is a safe learning space. Though we will open this September for instruction, the only question is the modality of that instruction.

All districts in New York were required to create a re-entry plan that addressed three options: full virtual, hybrid, and full in-person instruction. The hybrid model is the most popular one for re-entry this September, but it poses significant risks. The hybrid model requirement gained traction in the state early on, but unfortunately, most of what we have recently learned about COVID-19 and children calls the safety of this model into question. These risks are not a reflection of inadequate efforts by any district or administrative team in protecting the children and staff in their schools. Rather, they are inherent inadequacies when a system designed around instructing students is tasked with creating learning environments that will protect children and teachers during a viral pandemic. Additionally, there has been a failure in state and federal governments to ensure that adequate testing, PPE, and HVAC filtration systems are readily available. The requirements for the district plans were provided by the Governors office and the State Education Department in the middle of July and they were to be completed by July 31. The Governor even added new testing and contact tracing requirements in the first week of August.

To create truly safe re-entry plans, districts would require more time, direction, and resources. It is telling that neither the state nor federal governments have provided additional resources to help ensure a safe re-entry; districts have been on their own.

Educators approach every task with a can do attitude. Throughout the months of July and August, teams in each district leaned in and got the job done. The plans were made and it is truly impressive work. The problem, however, is that they are plans to meet government requirements for safety; they are not necessarily plans to make the schools as safe as they can be. The limits of these plans hit close to home this summer when the Greenburgh-North Castle school experienced an outbreak of COVID-19, despite meeting or exceeding all Department of Health guidelines and having a very small student population. As anyone with any experience planning school events can attest, even the best plans on paper never match what happens once actual students are brought in. Every plan assumes a well-behaved student body that will follow all directives and maintain masks and social distancing, even during hall passing. Plans assume we will be able to hire enough leave replacements, substitutes, and monitors to supervise students in the next three weeks. This will not occur. When schools reopen with the potential of being understaffed, it will make an already unsafe situation even worse.

In every survey conducted about re-entry, the most important condition people require is that the schools be safe. The phrase Maslow before Bloom is never more applicable than the current situation. It is irrational to expect students will be able to learn in any reasonable manner when their teachers and administrators are constantly conveying the need for vigilance in mask- wearing and social distancing. The constant need for vigilance cannot help but be internalized as fear and anxiety. At best, schools will be more similar to a well-meaning prison than an actual rich learning environment where thoughts can be shared and joy can be expressed.

Before we can return to schools, we must be sure that every reasonable precaution has been met in order for schools to be safe. The goal cannot be to just mitigate risk, but to create the safest possible learning environment. Many of these requirements go well beyond the capability of an individual school district and require action at the state or federal level. We may feel powerless to secure what is necessary; that, however, does not change the reality of its necessity.

To ensure that in-person instruction begins safely, every school district should be putting into place the following measures that create the highest health and safety standards for our students, teachers, and staff:

1. All building-wide HVAC systems must be upgraded to a minimum of MERV-13 filtration, and if existing systems cannot be upgraded, portable units with HEPA filtration must be available for all indoor spaces.2. There must be uniform standards for COVID testing that help monitor asymptomatic spread. COVID testing must provide accurate and reliable results within 24 hours in order to monitor asymptomatic spread. The current wait time can be as high as 12 days, which is not adequate to help prevent the spread of COVID by asymptomatic individuals infected with COVID in our schools.3. Supply lines for PPE must be prioritized to deliver all necessary PPE to schools in a timely fashion. All schools must have an adequate supply of PPE at all times, including enhanced PPE for students and employees who require it.4. School districts must be able to guarantee that there is sufficient staff to supervise students and provide instruction, even as individual staff members are absent for illness or quarantine, child-care, or personal leaves.5. There must be a 100% virtual option for teachers and students who are medically compromised.6. Plans should require a minimum 14-day shutdown once closed for COVID-19 issues.

Last year was the most challenging instructional year any teacher experienced. There is no teacher who looks forward to beginning the year using remote instruction. Everything about teaching virtually is more complicated. For educators, their classroom is their space. It is where they conjure childrens dreams and give them the tools to fulfill them. Computers are sterile imposters that rob the experience of the richness of our relationships with our students. Educators and students need to not only feel safe but must actuallybe safein their working and learning environments. Districts and governments need to strive to meet these expectations. There is too much at stake to fall short of the safest possible model.

Additional Resources

Hybrid Model Risks:https://www.wired.com/story/hybrid-schooling-is-the-most-dangerous-option-of-all/

Testing:https://covidstates.net/COVID19%20CONSORTIUM%20REPORT%208%20TEST%20JULY%202020.pdf

New Information on Children and COVID-19:https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/what-scientists-know-about-how-children-spread-covid-19-180975396/

https://www.lohud.com/story/opinion/2020/08/12/westchester-doctor-school-chronic-illness/3331348001/

https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/12/health/covid-kids-school-gupta-essay/index.html

https://www.lohud.com/story/news/education/2020/07/29/greenburgh-north-castle-summer-school-coronavirus/5530181002/

Co-signing PresidentsMichael Lillis, Lakeland Federation of TeachersNate Morgan, Hastings Teachers AssociationVanessa Vaccaro, Ossining Teachers AssociationTom McMahon, Mahopac Teachers AssociationJennifer Maldonado, Hendrick Hudson Education AssociationElisa Rosen, Hendrick Hudson Education AssociationDavid Wixted Scarsdale Teachers AssociationAnthony Nicodemo, Greenburgh North Castle United TeachersMary Claire Breslin, New Rochelle Federation of United School EmployeesSamantha Rosado-Ciriello, Yonkers Federation of TeachersBrenda OShea, Somers Faculty AssociationAndrea McCue, Haldane Faculty AssociationJames Groven, Irvington Faculty AssociationJudith A. Kelly, Teachers Association of the TarrytownsChris Tyler, Harrison Association of TeachersJeanne Whelan, Tuckahoe Teachers AssociationRoseanna Cutietta, Hawthorne Cedar Knolls Federation of TeachersRick Tivnan, Brewster Teachers AssociationCarene Domato, Mt. Vernon Federation of TeachersMelissa Barreto, BOCES Teachers AssociationJeff Yonkers, NYSUT ED 16 DirectorSean Kennedy, Yorktown Congress of TeachersLisa Jackson, Carmel Teachers AssociationJanet Knight, Mamaroneck Teachers AssociationJos Fernandez, Peekskill Faculty AssociationAmy Geiger, Katonah-Lewisboro District Teachers AssociationKathleen Fox, Edgemont Teachers AssociationMiriam Longobardi, Chappaqua Congress of TeachersJennifer Cole, Greenburgh Eleven Federation of TeachersClare Delongchamp Eastchester Teachers Association

Read more:
An Open Letter to the School Communities in Westchester and Putnam Counties from the Leadership of Teacher and Staff Unions - HamletHub

The outbreak of COVID-19 has forced a majority of people all over the world to stay indoors for an extended and unknown period of time a situation that puts a special strain on the facilities of any property

So, whether you lease or own your space, have a broad portfolio, or a single asset, as a property owner, the attention you give to your assets, and its facilities, is more crucial now than ever

CBRE, a property consulting firm, oversees a number of buildings throughout Cambodia and across China, South East Asia, Europe, and America

We have a regional hub in South East Asia where each of the heads of Property Management is in regular contact; sharing information/ experiences and jointly developing plans and procedures, especially in these times

This has imparted valuable lessons behind my no-regrets, action-oriented recommendations: Manage entries The best way to keep your facility safe is to keep people with the virus at home

There are several ways to approach this, including temperature screening and other sophisticated equipment that could become permanent installations

There are also low-cost options, like increasing lobby signage reminding people to stay home if ill, restricting visitors, and setting up selfcheck temperature stations

Plan for an exposure-related shutdown It is likely that you will experience a suspected or confirmed case in at least one of your facilities

Rather than waiting for that moment and having to scramble, prepare a written plan, and educate your site managers, staff, and providers proactively

What to do with the individual? How to isolate them? How to get them home safely? What steps to take? If you think all of this through and get it in writing beforehand (working with your legal, HR, building owner, and key stakeholders) you will mitigate risk and reduce anxiety when the event happens

Clean often Increased cleaning has a direct, infection-control benefit and should be implemented as a preventative move

A full daily disinfection may not be necessary, but the virus lives on surfaces for up to 3 days; and proper, increased cleaning will help lower your exposure

Clean more often and be visible with these services, especially in common areas

As the world opens back up for business, we should expect a lot more cleaning

Use the downtime to prepare for re-opening Every facility has deferred projects and tasks that were waiting for a weekend when the building sits empty

Planned correctly, now is your chance for these projects

We are working with clients to complete delayed projects, replacements, and repairs

Our teams in China realized that deferred maintenance on older equipment just could not respond to more intensive HVAC demands, so we are working hard to repair, replace, and upgrade

Communication Keep up to date with all local newspapers and government departments so that you are ready for any changes that may be enforced

Keep your company, all your clients, tenants and occupiers updated regularly but also limit the channels of communication and avoid participating in gossip groups as misinformation creates confusion and worry

The Future New Normal As you plan for re-opening, your employees, customers, and suppliers are going to have new expectations for how to run, clean, and manage your facility

Consider focusing on three areas: Operations: Inspect and test key building systems to ensure the building is safe and comfortable as you come back to full occupancy

Service Planning: Allow providers of cleaning, food, concierge, HVAC, security, etc

ample lead time to ensure they can get their teams back on-site and fully operational Transparency: Ensure the occupants are aware of whats been done, whats different, and what protections need to stay in place to keep everyone healthy

Set up a hotline to take their questions

Original link: https://www.realestate.com.kh/guides/how-to-maintain-your-properties-duringcovid-19-outbreak/

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How to maintain and manage your property during COVID-19 outbreak - Khmer Times

For the last decade, governments and private businesses have talked of grand ideas to reduce carbon emissions and stave off climate change, committing to a variety of future targets. But what does it really take to meet these targets? A company called Minimise USA is doing work on the ground to make buildings more efficient from understanding a companys consumption habits, retrofitting their buildings by investing in more energy efficient lighting and HVAC-R (heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration) systems, and educating clients and their employees about how to reduce their energy consumption.

Minimise USA is an energy-efficiency-as-a-service company based out of Tampa, Florida. Grit Daily caught up with CEO Daniel Badran, a two-time cancer survivor who leads the operation, to learn more about how energy-efficiency-as-a-service companies function. Badran has a strict understanding of the term as a service, claiming that only the companies that offer no capital outlay, take no collateral, and include maintenance, are truly offering energy efficiency as a service.

The model is simple. Minimise goes to a client, looks at their energy bills for the previous 2 years, takes measurements to get a better understanding of the facility, and tests the equipment to see how much each energy consuming asset uses on a regular basis. This is all part of the investment grade audit Minimise conducts to get an idea of what retrofits and replacements are worth investing in. The audit aligns with the IPMV (International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol), which provides an overview of best practice techniques for energy and water efficiency and renewable energy projects.

Then, Minimise suggests areas for improvement, and commits to investing in the project to ensure energy savings, aiming for savings of 15-17%, to eventually reduce energy use by up to 40%. This means installing LED light bulbs, more efficient heating and cooling equipment, solar panels, low flow water valves and leakage detectors, etc.

The final step is educating the staff, what Minimise calls mindset change management to make sure that the end user effectively adapts to the new equipment.

Minimises largest project to date is in partnership with the Hillsborough County School District, where so far, they have replaced over 300 thousand light bulbs with LEDs, installed Eniscope software to monitor energy consumption in real time, and significantly reduced energy bills. Sean Ewais, a Senior Project Executive at Minimise says of the NCOPA (No Capital Outlay Plan Agreement) model, We dont want your money. We know that you are going to have an energy bill. We know that were going to reduce energy, so were just going after saving from the energy bill to pay for the cost of the project.

Minimise has a global presence, partnering with companies in South Africa, the Philippines, the United Arab Emirates, Canada, and New Zealand, who are interested in applying the NCOPA model to get maximum cost savings without having to make the hefty initial investment to make their facilities more energy efficient. Minimises contracts are off the balance sheet, and they do not take the equipment as collateral for payment, nor do they treat the agreement as a loan or lease. Theyre making long-term investments, which include maintenance of equipment.

Minimise USA is currently offering double payouts to clients during the coronavirus pandemic, something that the CEO hopes can continue on indefinitely. Badran prides himself on having partnerships with clients, and is not out to milk every dollar. He says, The client should be very happy with the fact that were risk takers and were not risking their money; were risking ours, and in return were putting our technology where our money is.

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Energy Efficiency As a Service: Doing the Groundwork to Reduce Emissions - Grit Daily

By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer

(June 25, 2020) The Worcester County Board of Education on Tuesday, June 16, approved its $116.2 million operating budget for the 2021 fiscal year.

Of that total, $95.2 million is from the Worcester County Commissioners, for an increase in local spending of $2.8 million

Of that increase, $633,000 is allocated for one-time capital projects.

The funding for one-time capital projects is divided into $283,000 for schematic and design development fees for Stephen Decatur Middle School, $200,000 for additional HVAC unit replacements and $150,000 for central office improvements.

The other nearly $20 million came from the state, and the remaining $792,463 came from other revenue sources.

In addition to the increase in unrestricted funding, Worcester County approved $50,000 in local restricted grant funding to continue the Pocomoke Middle School Afterschool Program.

Toward expenditure increases, the 2021 fiscal year budget includes $468,104 for new positions.

Vince Tolbert

They are being funded by health insurance savings that have been recognized this year, said Chief Financial Officer Vince Tolbert. Theres two behavioral health workers the need for mental health in our school systems continue to increase, and were adding these two behavioral health workers to help address that need.

Showell Elementary will add an art teacher, a guidance counselor, a 10-month secretary, a part-time nurse and two more custodians.

The budget includes salary increases, totaling $2.4 million, and $59,816 will go to employee pension costs.

Tolbert added that there is a $200,000 funding increase for tuition reimbursements and $150,000 will be used for technology upgrades.

Another $1,500 will go toward SkillsUSA program.

During the meeting, the school board approved an updated bus contract, which involves the following increases: a 2 percent increase in hourly, mileage and PVA rates, $32,000 for contractors purchasing new buses and $200,000 for support increased transportation costs.

For more information, visit worcesterk12.org.

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WCPS Board of Education budget increases approved | Worcester County News Bayside Gazette - baysideoc.com

Trusted Business Insights answers what are the scenarios for growth and recovery and whether there will be any lasting structural impact from the unfolding crisis for the HVAC Control Systems market.

Trusted Business Insights presents an updated and Latest Study on HVAC Control Systems Market 2019-2026. The report contains market predictions related to market size, revenue, production, CAGR, Consumption, gross margin, price, and other substantial factors. While emphasizing the key driving and restraining forces for this market, the report also offers a complete study of the future trends and developments of the market.The report further elaborates on the micro and macroeconomic aspects including the socio-political landscape that is anticipated to shape the demand of the HVAC Control Systems market during the forecast period (2019-2029).It also examines the role of the leading market players involved in the industry including their corporate overview, financial summary, and SWOT analysis.

Get Sample Copy of this Report @ HVAC Control Systems Market Size, Analysis, Market Research and Industry Forecast Report, 2025 (Includes Business Impact of COVID-19)

Industry Insights, Market Size, CAGR, High-Level Analysis: HVAC Control Systems Market

The global HVAC control systems market size was valued at USD 13.1 billion in 2018 and is expected to register a CAGR of 12.2% from 2019 to 2025. The anticipated market growth is attributed to ascending demand for building automation systems, coupled with technological advancements associated with HVAC control units. Furthermore, rising customer inclination towards comfort has increased the demand for HVAC controls that can be operated remotely. All these factors are expected to positively influence the market over the forecast period.Demand for HVAC equipment is soaring owing to an increase in construction sector spending, rapid urbanization, and rising disposable incomes across major economies. Another major factor contributing to increased HVAC demand across the globe is climate change. Due to rising temperature and unpredictable climatic conditions, HVAC equipment have become a necessity rather than comfort. As control systems are intrinsic to all HVAC equipment, the growing demand for HVAC equipment is further expected to fuel market growth.

The HVAC control systems market is expected to experience considerable growth owing to government initiatives aimed at creating a green, clean, and sustainable environment. Several governments around the world are offering financial benefits to promote use of energy saving equipment in both residential and commercial spaces. For instance, the U.S. government introduced the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which provides a tax deduction of up to USD 1.80 per square foot for new commercial buildings. The tax benefit is awarded to buildings that reduce regulated energy consumption by 50 percent relative to the requirements stated in the 2001 new construction standard developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE 90.1). Such government initiatives, along with rising awareness about environmental degradation and energy management, are expected to upkeep the demand for energy efficient HVAC control systems.The demand for HVAC controls is also anticipated to gain momentum owing to the introduction of technologically advanced smart controls. Manufacturers are focusing on providing Internet of Things (IoT) enabled HVAC control systems to support connectivity and home automation. For instance, CoolAutomation ltd. has designed a smart HVAC controller named ControlPad for home automation. The controller is equipped with the RS485 network and ASCII interface that helps in communicating with multiple equipment such as heating, cooling, lighting, and curtains.The need for replacement of existing old control systems with newer, more sophisticated controllers is expected to fuel the market growth. Advanced systems offer numerous benefits over existing systems, including reduced operating costs and increased energy efficiency. Thus, retrofits, replacements, and incremental upgrades to existing systems are expected to drive the market in developed economies such as U.S., U.K., Germany, and Japan. Moreover, advancements in functionalities of HVAC sensors used to measure CO2, humidity, occupancy, and temperature are also expected to upkeep the market demand over the forecast period.

Component Insights of HVAC Control Systems Market

Components that constitute an HVAC control unit include sensors, controllers, and controlled devices. The sensor is an imperative component used to measure the environmental variables such as temperature and humidity. This information is then communicated to the controllers and used to maintain a controlled environment. Although multiple sensors are used in HVAC control systems, temperature sensors are most commonly used. Other sensors used include humidity, occupancy, economizer, dew point, and CO2 sensors. The sensors segment held the largest market share in 2018 and is expected to dominate the market throughout the forecast period.The controllers segment is expected to register a CAGR of more than 11.0% from 2019 to 2025. The high growth rate is attributed to the increasing use of thermostats across the globe. Thermostats are the most commonly used controllers that maintain the desired temperature by switching the heating/cooling device on or off. Some thermostats maintain temperature by regulating the flow of a heat transfer fluid.

Application Insights of HVAC Control Systems Market

Based on application type, the market has been segmented into residential, commercial, and industrial HVAC control systems. The residential segment dominated the overall market in 2018, accounting for more than 50% of the revenue share. Increasing HVAC demand across the residential sector, particularly in developing economies, was a major factor contributing to high market share. This trend is expected to continue over the forecast period, further driving market growth.The commercial segment is expected to witness a CAGR of approximately 10.0% over the forecast period. Increased construction spending in the commercial sector, particularly in the Middle East and developed countries such as the U.S., are expected to boost segment growth. Increased deployment of building management systems in commercial buildings, government initiatives that promote use of environmental friendly HVAC systems, and availability of energy efficient HVAC controls are also fuelling product demand in the commercial segment.System InsightsBased on system, the HVAC control systems market has been segregated into temperature and humidity control, ventilation control, and integrated control systems. In 2018, the temperature and humidity control system segment accounted for over 40% of the overall revenue. High market share of the segment is attributed to rising adoption of heating and cooling equipment across the globe.Companies focus on offering systems that combine temperature and humidity control capabilities in a single unit. For instance, Preservatech offers Maxi T control unit equipped to manage humidity and temperature and also includes an interactive display panel for ease of operation. Similarly, Munters offers ML Plus standalone system provides dehumidification and is incorporated with temperature and humidity control. Owing to the onset of such systems that offer temperature and humidity control through single units, the segment is expected to continue its dominance over the next six years.

Meanwhile, the integrated control system segment is anticipated to register a CAGR of more than 12.0% over the forecast period. Integrated control systems include the combination of ventilation, temperature, humidity, and other control systems. Combining all the systems offers convenience to the users and also saves space.In an attempt to sustain competition, certain companies are providing integration solutions for HVAC control systems manufactured by other OEMs. For instance, Integrated Controls Environmental, LLC (ICE), a building management service operator, provides integrated systems that are manufactured by Automated Logic Corporation.

Regional Insights of HVAC Control Systems Market

The Asia Pacific market dominated the overall industry in 2018 and accounted for over 40% of the revenue that year. The regional market is likely to retain its dominance over the forecast period as well. The growth is attributed to increasing demand from emerging economies such as China and India. Furthermore, rising disposable income, coupled with availability of low-priced systems in these countries, is anticipated to intensify the competition in the region.North America is expected to witness substantial growth, registering a CAGR of more than 10.0% from 2019 to 2025. The regional HVAC equipment market has achieved stability over the years. However, the need to replace or upgrade the existing aging systems with newer control systems is anticipated to drive market growth in the region. Another major reason for the expected growth is a higher percentage of smart homes particularly in the U.S. The connected devices in smart homes allow integration of smart HVAC control systems, which provides ease of control and increased efficiency. Additionally, the region is characterized by the presence of manufacturers, OEMs, and a large consumer base. Companies such as Honeywell International, Nest, and Johnson Controls based in the region are significantly contributing to the growth of the market.

Market Share Insights of HVAC Control Systems Market

The market is consolidated and is characterized by high competition. Key players operating in the market include Honeywell International, Johnson Controls, Schneider Electric, Delta Controls, Nest, Ingersoll-Rand plc, and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation. These market players particularly focus on entering into mergers and acquisitions and joint ventures/collaborations in order to enhance their market presence.Market players are increasingly investing in research and development in response to the growing demand for advanced technology from developed economies. For instance, In June 2019, Telstar announced its Smart Cleanroom, an innovative HVAC control system for pharmaceutical companies that considerably reduces energy consumption and operational costs. The advent of smart control systems and the use of IoT are anticipated to boost the growth of the market over the forecast period.

Segmentations, Sub Segmentations, CAGR, & High-Level Analysis overview of HVAC Control Systems Market Research ReportThe report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2015 to 2025. For the purpose of this study, this market research report has segmented the global HVAC control systems market report based on component, system, application, and region:

Component Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2019 2030)

Sensors

Controllers

Controlled Devices

System Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2019 2030)

Temperature & Humidity Control

Ventilation Control

Integrated Control

Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2019 2030)

Residential

Commercial

Industrial

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HVAC Control Systems Market 2020 | Analyzing The COVID-19 Impact Followed By Restraints, Opportunities And Projected Developments - 3rd Watch News