Town of Babylon

, the Town of Babylon is collaborating with educational institution, BOCES, to create a training program for Energy Auditors. "There are very few trained professionals to conduct home energy audits," said Supervisor Bellone. "We need to provide the necessary training in this green collar job market to fulfill the dearth that currently exists. "As an organization whose primary role is to provide continuing education and training for Long Islanders, we are pleased to collaborate with the Town of Babylon in an effort to address the need for additional technical training and professional development in the green collar job market," said Michael Mensch, Deputy Superintendent of Western Suffolk BOCES. The Town is also working closely with Plumbers Union Local 200 to provide the training necessary to perform some of the energy efficient improvements under the program. Local 200 Organizer, Art Gipson stated, "The Plumbers Union Local 200 will develop the specific training programs needed for plumbing technicians to be able to install and service the newest energy efficient systems." Neal Lewis, Executive Director, of the Neighborhood Network has been a leader in promoting the development and adoption of renewable energy initiatives. The Neighborhood Network has been the driving force behind the adoption of Energy Star standards for new home construction by municipalities across Long Island beginning with the Town of Babylon in August of 2006. "In keeping my ear to the pulse of Long Islanders, many desire to protect the environment and reduce their energy costs," said Neal Lewis. "However, issues such as finding qualified professionals and obtaining access to capital make it extremely difficult for Long Islanders to participate in retrofitting their homes. I applaud the Town of Babylon for creating a program which allows residents to find qualified professionals as well as provide capital for residents to complete the energy saving upgrades to their homes." In 2006, The Town of Babylon was named one of America's "Cool Cities" by the Sierra Club. The Town of Babylon received this recognition based on the town's commitment to combat global warming by reducing carbon emissions 7% by the year 2015. The Town of Babylon took on a more aggressive position and committed to reducing carbon emissions 12% by the year 2012. The Cool Cities campaign empowers city residents and local leaders to join and encourage their cities to implement smart energy solutions to save money and build a cleaner, safer future. "The Sierra Club would like to personally thank Supervisor Bellone and Dorian Dale for this unprecedented funding mechanism, said Frank Morris, Chairman of the Sierra Club Long Island Chapter. "Saving money and promoting energy efficiency is good for the environment." In December 2006, The Town of Babylon adopted the most comprehensive Green Building Code in the nation, requiring all commercial and industrial buildings over 4,000 sq ft. to be meet the US Green Building Council's LEED Certified standard. The Town of Babylon collaborated on the development of the code which has drawn interest from numerous municipalities across the country. Babylon and the US Green Building Council have also collaborated on many initiatives to promote green building and to provide training for LEED certified inspectors.