The Indiana Office of Energy Development has opened its application for the Community Conservation Challenge for 2015.
The challenge is a program that “offers funds to Indiana businesses that demonstrate measurable improvements in energy efficiency or renewable energy, result in a reduction in energy demand or involve the implementation of an energy recycling process,” according to the Indiana state government’s website about the challenge.
Director of the Indiana Office of Energy Development Tristan Vanceexpressed his enthusiasm for the program this year.
“We are excited to offer Hoosiers a competitive grant program that supports recipients who create unique energy projects and teach their communities how to replicate them,” Vance said. “Through programs like the Community Conservation Challenge grants, we can support those who find ways to develop affordable and ?reliable energy projects and put them into practical use.”
In order for a project to be eligible, it must be entirely located in Indiana, demonstrate measurable improvements in energy efficiency or renewable energy, result in a reduction in energy use or implement an energy-recycling process.
The winners from the previous cycle were ?announced in December 2012 and they shared $526,000 in federal grant funding.
The winners included the City of Evansville Department of Sustainability; Bestway Express from Vincennes, Ind.; Ozinga ?Indiana, RMC, from Gary, Ind.; Linton-Stockton School Corporation from Linton, Ind.; and Hoosier Interfaith Power and Light, based in Bloomington and Indianapolis.
The winner, Hoosier Interfaith Power and Light, received the grant with a proposal to install solar panels at six different religious institutions in both Bloomington and Indianapolis.
The application opened in January and will close Feb. 20.
Winners will be picked later this year.
Daniel Metz
