Category: Business Offsetters

Founded in 1984, Halco Home Solutions has been at the forefront of the home performance industry for over four decades. Halco is one of the few companies in New York capable of managing whole-home electrification, providing expert insulation, air sealing, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work. Halco’s contributions reflect their core values of environmental responsibility and community support that perfectly align with the Finger Lake Climate Fund’s mission. As one employee shared, “Supporting the Finger Lakes Climate Fund allows us to take tangible action on our values. We’re proud to offset emissions from our operations, while directly helping local families transition to cleaner, more efficient energy systems.” Halco recently renewed its Finger Lakes Enterprises for Climate Action (FLECA) membership, continuing its long-standing partnership with the Finger Lakes Climate Fund. Notably, Halco was the very first FLECA offsetter, initially making a $1,000 contribution after purchasing 35 fuel-efficient Priuses for their fleet, a clear demonstration of their early and ongoing commitment to sustainability.   Thanks to their continued support, another Finger Lakes family will soon benefit from renewable energy-powered heating and cooling. Hats off to an amazing partner in the climate movement!

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) is a non-profit research organization devoted to reducing energy waste and tackling climate change through energy efficiency. Since 1980, ACEEE has played a vital role in energy efficiency by aiding in the creation of innovative solutions to energy issues that are both economically and environmentally beneficial. Using policy advocacy, collaboration, and analytical research, ACEEE’s initiatives have had a great impact on energy usage and policies within the United States. Through their hard work and dedication, ACEEE has made many energy accomplishments in the U.S, including reducing energy use by half relative to the size of the economy and lowering energy bills for American households. In the future, ACEEE hopes to equitably reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2050. ACEEE hosts insightful conferences throughout the year, each focusing on a specific topic surrounding energy efficiency. These conferences, along with their other events such as workshops and governmental meetings, provide powerful and informative data-driven energy knowledge to its attendees. Since 2021, ACEEE has graciously donated $20,000 to the Finger Lakes Climate Fund to offset their staff’s travel emissions. As an organization that travels frequently to use events as a form of meaningful engagement and outreach, ACEEE’s donation reflects their commitment to creating a sustainable future. We are incredibly grateful for ACEEE’s support!

Colgate University continues to walk the talk on climate leadership. As a proud partner and friend of the Finger Lakes Climate Fund (FLCF), Colgate has once again demonstrated its commitment to community-based sustainability by making another $3,000 carbon offset donation. This ongoing partnership shows Colgate’s role in the higher education sustainability movement. In 2008, the University joined the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC), now part of the Climate Leadership Commitment, and pledged to achieve carbon neutrality. Just over a decade later, in 2019, Colgate became the first institution of higher education in New York State to reach that goal. The journey began with accountability. A 2009 greenhouse gas inventory revealed a baseline footprint of 17,393 metric tons of CO₂. Over the years, Colgate reduced its campus carbon footprint by over 50 percent. Yet Colgate knows carbon neutrality was only a milestone. As the University continues to push toward decarbonization and zero emissions, it maintains its carbon-neutral status by investing in high-quality carbon offsets that align with its values, just like the Finger Lakes Climate Fund. Colgate’s donation will directly support local families in Madison County, including those in Hamilton, where the University is located. These funds help income-eligible homeowners access the resources they need to complete energy-efficient home upgrades, improving indoor comfort while reducing household carbon footprints. Past donations have already made immediate differences by funding new insulation, weatherization, and heating improvements for residents across the region. Thanks to Colgate’s latest contribution, we’re excited to begin identifying the next round of Madison County households that could benefit from a cleaner, greener, and more energy-efficient home. Thank you, Colgate University, for demonstrating that carbon neutrality doesn’t stop at the campus gates.

Carol Bushberg, local real estate veteran, is proud to announce the merger of her talents with those of Warren Real Estate. Carol is a strong advocate for protecting the environment. She fosters a culture of sustainability by providing employees with the flexibility to work remotely and when they do come to the office, they regularly cycle and walk to work. As well, Carol strives to be paperless, practices the 3R’s as well as using ecofriendly cleaning products and energy efficient appliances. With almost 40 years of local real estate sales experience, Carol Bushberg remains your best source for “Sound Advice for Big Decisions.”  Considering downsizing and selling? Call Associate Broker Carol Bushberg today! To access all local real estate listings: CarolBushberg.com; 607-273-3400 Carol and her team recognize the impact of global climate change and as a company they are making a difference! Sustainable Finger Lakes and the Finger Lakes Climate Fund could not be more thrilled about this partnership.

For two decades, Discover Cayuga Lake (DCL) has engaged students, community members, and visitors in learning about the ecology and history of Cayuga Lake and its watershed. DCL is committed to providing equitable access to Cayuga Lake and to fostering an appreciation of the importance of the Finger Lakes watersheds for local ecosystems, human use, and natural beauty. Discover Cayuga Lake makes an offset donation to the Finger Lakes Climate Fund annually to cover the emissions from the fuel used to power their boat, the MV Teal. In addition, they host an annual Carbon Offset Cruise. Further, DCL provides a check box on their cruise reservation page, so any passenger can choose to make a $1 donation to the FLCF when they book their ticket. Discover Cayuga Lake provides fun, beauty, education, and inspiration to so many people in our community and beyond. The Finger Lakes Climate Fund is honored to partner with Discover Cayuga Lake!

Nestled in a restored 1800s barn on a picturesque hillside in Burdett, New York, Two Goats Brewing offers stunning views of Seneca Lake. It’s the perfect spot to savor a refreshing beer brewed on-site and enjoy their signature beef-on-weck sandwich, made with naturally raised, local meat. Since Jon and Jess Rodgers opened Two Goats in 2010, they’ve embraced the core values of people, planet, and prosperity in everything they do. Powered primarily by geothermal and solar energy, Two Goats goes the extra mile to reduce its environmental footprint by composting, reusing, and recycling everything they can. They also make it a priority to source local and ethically produced ingredients, strengthening the local economy while crafting great beer. Two Goats Brewing is a true gem in Schuyler County—a place where everyone can enjoy breathtaking lakeside beauty (with spectacular sunsets!) and live music with friends, all while supporting a business committed to sustainability. Now, they’re adding another feather to their cap as a proud member of FLECA!

Established in 1985, Dailey Electric has been proudly locally owned and operated since 2006. Specializing in a full range of services including plumbing, HVAC, electrical work, and now geothermal installations, they are a trusted name in the region. As an accredited business and a member of the GroundUp Geothermal Alliance of Western New York, Dailey Electric is committed to advancing sustainable energy solutions. Owned and operated by Leah and Ryan Dailey, this family business was a key installation partner for the HeatSmart program. They are experts in ground source (geothermal) heat pumps and also offer air source heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, as well as comprehensive plumbing and electrical services. Whether for new construction, remodeling, or retrofits, Dailey Electric provides specialized geothermal, HVAC, and electrical installations tailored to your needs. Their specialization in geothermal is also their commitment to sustainability. Geothermal energy is a renewable resource that helps conserve natural resources while saving homeowners significantly on heating and cooling costs. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, geothermal systems can reduce heating expenses by 30–70% and cooling costs by 20–50% compared to conventional systems. These systems are not only highly efficient but also require minimal maintenance and are designed to last for decades, making them a reliable, year-round solution for home temperature control. We’re thrilled to welcome Dailey Electric as a renewed partner in the Finger Lakes Enterprises for Climate Action (FLECA), where their dedication to sustainable energy continues to make a positive impact in our community.

Did you know that libraries are leading the way in sustainability initiatives and education? That’s right! Often recognized as cherished institutions that significantly contribute to their communities, libraries extend beyond providing programs, resources, and services. According to the Sustainable Libraries Initiative, “Libraries play an important and unique role in promoting community awareness about resilience, climate change, and a sustainable future.” https://www.sustainablelibrariesinitiative.org/about-us/faq The Ramapo Catskill Library System (RCLS) wholeheartedly embraces this principle, taking concrete steps to support it. Recently, RCLS joined our FLECA (Finger Lakes Climate Enterprises for Climate Action) campaign by contributing to the Finger Lakes Climate Fund. This donation offsets the CO2 emissions from their conference travel and their extensive delivery system, serving 47 libraries across Orange, Sullivan, Rockland, and Southern Ulster counties in New York State. RCLS’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond offsetting. They are in the process of becoming a certified sustainable organization through the Sustainable Libraries Initiative. To guide them and their member libraries on this transformative journey, they have employed a full-time Sustainability Innovation Consultant. Public libraries, exemplified by RCLS, play a pivotal role in helping us navigate the challenges of climate change. We express our sincere gratitude to RCLS for their exceptional efforts and generous contribution to the FLCF!