In an effort to create a more sustainable environment while maintaining and expanding Madison’s job force, Madison officials officially launched the city’s Green Madison Program Tuesday through a multi-million dollar grant subsidized by the federal government.

Mayor Dave Cieslewicz announced an energy efficiency program that would allow the public to apply for low-interest energy efficiency loans through a $7.2 million U.S. Department of Energy grant.

Cieslewicz, who worked as an environmentalist before being elected mayor, said the program would allow Madison to save energy – a task he said is one of the most important actions the city can take to protect its environment. He said the program is a multi-faceted innovation that would also have numerous benefits outside of environmental sustainability. 

“This is [also] about creating jobs – this gives an opportunity that is badly needed in our community,” Cieslewicz said. “When we invest in conservation programs, not only does it create jobs and income that will resonate in our community, but it means those dollars are not going out of the city. This is not just the use of one time resources from the federal government, but this will resonate over and over again in our community.” 

The program would also provide the public access to local energy advocates that could help guide homeowners through the process of making their residences more energy efficient.

Although Madison historically has been a large player in the green movement, Cieslewicz said this program is different than projects the city has launched in the past because it repeatedly recycles the funds back into Madison’s economy and into the program.

The program will allow the original $7.2 million to continuously flow through the city’s economy instead of allowing the money to flow elsewhere, Cieslewicz said. He said this would allow for more jobs to be maintained throughout Madison.

“This is a much more bold and comprehensive mission than we have ever done before,” Cieslewicz said. “We’re talking about getting to 3,500 homes over the next few years. We will be creating jobs and then recycling funds so that it becomes an ongoing program rather than using all of the money at once – this will perpetuate the program.”

Executive Director of Madison’s Building and Trade Council Eric Hobb said the program creates a “win-win” opportunity for taxpaying customers and for workers.

Hobb said the program creates new modern job opportunities while satisfying the needs of users.

“Through a building trades perspective, this program is a good opportunity to provide good, honest work for my fellow brothers and sisters that they can truly be proud of while also embracing the turn of a new era – the green technology era,” Hobb said. “It’s also a win for the customer as a consumer because they have a chance to do things like replace windows with those that are more energy efficient, which can save them up to 40 percent on their energy bill.”

The program comes as a partnership with Focus on Energy through joint efforts between the city’s Community Development Division, Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation and the Summit Credit Union.

WECC Executive Director Mary Schlaefer said she is confident the program would allow homeowners throughout the city to choose to save on their energy costs and save on the comfort and value of their homes by making them more energy efficient.

“The program offers a real prospect of delivering substantial energy savings to a large number of homeowners and helps to grow and maintain jobs in Madison,” Schlaefer said.