Pilot program to provide energy efficiency and sustainability training, mentoring, and project funding support for small CT manufacturers

 

HARTFORD, Conn. (December 11, 2024) – The Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development’s Office of Manufacturing, in partnership with the Connecticut Sustainable Business Council (CTSBC) and the Connecticut Green Bank (Green Bank), today announced the launch of GreenGain, a year-long pilot program designed to provide training, subject matter expertise, and financial resources to help smaller manufacturing companies in the state integrate energy efficiency, renewable energy, and other technologies and strategies into their operations. The program will support manufacturers in building more sustainable and resilient businesses, boosting economic growth, performance, and competitiveness.

GreenGain is funded through the Office of Manufacturing’s Manufacturing Innovation Fund (MIF) and will be administered by the Green Bank through a partnership with CTSBC.

Geared towards smaller manufacturing companies in Connecticut, GreenGain will provide participants with monthly training sessions led by experts in the areas of sustainability and green manufacturing as well as representatives from larger manufacturers that have robust corporate sustainability programs. Sessions will be focused on decarbonization, ESG reporting, green manufacturing practices, certifications like Ecovadis and additional sustainability topics. Participating manufacturers will also receive consulting support to implement sustainability practices, perform energy audits, complete energy efficiency upgrades and renewable energy projects, install carbon accounting software, and more.

Additionally, through GreenGain’s voucher program, companies will have the opportunity to apply for matching funds to finance related projects and initiatives.

“Sustainability is no longer just an option for businesses—it’s necessary to remain competitive in a rapidly changing business environment. GreenGain provides small manufacturers with a clear roadmap and much-needed resources and support to build more sustainable and resilient operations while meeting the growing expectations of customers and stakeholders. This program is an exciting step forward for Connecticut’s manufacturing sector and we’re excited about the positive impact,” said Heather Burns, CEO, CT Sustainable Business Council.

“One of the components of Connecticut’s Manufacturing Strategic plan is building resilient and sustainable companies,” said Paul Lavoie, Chief Manufacturing Officer for the State of Connecticut. “An essential part of that initiative is energy efficiency, and the GreenGain program is designed to increase engagement, education and enablement for the manufacturing sector to become more resilient and to help them compete in today’s global environment.”

“As energy intensive businesses, Connecticut manufacturers have always known and navigated the impact of energy costs. Now, they face increasing pressure from their customers and stakeholders to integrate sustainability and resiliency into their operations while demonstrating a commitment to ESG goals,” said Connecticut Green Bank Vice President of Financing Programs Mackey Dykes. “However, many of the smaller manufacturers don’t have the time, resources, or funding to explore improvement projects, such as energy efficiency or renewable energy, and make progress towards new goals. This is where GreenGain comes in, and we are proud to partner with the Office of Manufacturing and the Connecticut Sustainable Business Council to bring the program to life. Connecticut’s vital manufacturing sector is a critical component to our state’s overall economy, and GreenGain will help companies save money, save energy, reduce their carbon footprints, and increase their competitiveness.”

West Hartford-based Legrand, North America, is a leading global specialist in electrical and digital building infrastructures. They are one of GreenGain’s partner companies that will provide expert training and mentorship to program participants. Over the last three years, Legrand has earned a Platinum rating from EcoVadis, putting them in the top 1% of over 130,000 evaluated companies based on performance across Environment, Ethics, Social and Human Rights, and Responsible Purchasing.

“Sustainability and corporate responsibility are at the heart of Legrand’s operations. As a global company, achieving aggressive targets for renewable energy procurement, energy use reductions, and energy efficiency requires close collaboration with suppliers and our teams across all of sites,” says Michael Kijak, Legrand Director of Operational Excellence. “We also attribute our continuing success to many great state and federal programs available – including the DOE’s Better Plants Challenge and the EPA’s Smart Way program. We are very open about sharing our processes and best practices within our industry and look forward to sharing our knowledge and expertise with smaller manufacturers that will be participating in the GreenGain program.”

GreenGain builds off the successful “Energy on the Line” grant program that was funded by MIF and administered by the Green Bank. Between 2016 and 2023, Energy on the Line helped 30 manufacturers across the state complete 25 solar PV projects and seven energy efficiency projects while providing access to C-PACE financing to support project implementation and equipment installation. The program delivered significant energy and cost savings to participating companies—collectively, more than 405 million BTU in energy savings and $25 million in electric cost savings over the effective useful life of the equipment.

For more information on GreenGain or to apply for the program, visit ctsbcouncil.org/green-gain.