8 | City of San Antonio descent bulbs with energy efficient compact fluorescent models, blowing insulation into the attic and walls, applying tinted coverings to windows, upgrading HVAC systems, and replacing inefficient appliances. These alterations when taken together can lead to big savings on utility costs. In addition to saving energy, the weatherization program created nearly 150 jobs, improved the safety of San Antonio homes, and helped protect the environment; it is a real win-win.” San Antonio went a step further to support businesses by providing retrofits, ultimately allowing more than 700 separate enterprises to experience cost savings. The program included a financing system which allowed businesses to secure a loan to make the upgrades, which could then be paid back through the savings they achieved on utility costs. Basically, they didn’t have to spend any more than they already were on utility bills. Yet, these efforts have benefitted business overall through the creation of new jobs, and new opportunities for existing business. For example, San Antonio’s M&MWeatherization, a long-respected provider of energy efficiency remodeling services, performed a significant amount of work through the Bicycle Mission Reach City of San Antonio | 9 weatherization initiatives, allowing the company to experience growth. A company known as Premier Window Tinting providedmany of the services involving window applications, which benefitted their business. There are numerous other examples of companies which are benefitting today through the focus on sustainability. And the City of San Antonio led by example in all of these efforts. Through the Energy EfficiencyConservationBlockGrant and the Better Buildings Grant, both awarded by theDepartment of Energy theCity was able to invest more than $5 million into upSan Antonio Riverwalk DECEMBER 2023 THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AMERICA - SOUTH
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