Latest news with #BRIDGE
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Electrifying this affordable housing complex made financial sense
Canary Media's 'Electrified Life' column shares real-world tales, tips, and insights to demystify what individuals and building owners can do to shift to clean electric power. An affordable housing complex for older adults in Sacramento, California, boasts some enticing features. Residents of the earth-toned, low-rise structures can cultivate gardens, swim laps in the pool, and toss bocce balls. They can stroll to visit neighbors. And now, after an electric transformation of the buildings, Foothill Farms residents can also enjoy the cleaner air that comes with ditching gas appliances. The project not only slashes the complex's health-harming and planet-warming pollution — it also made financial sense for both the owner BRIDGE Housing and its tenants. Two years ago, the 138-unit property's original gas-fired equipment was nearing the end of its life. Coupled with available financial support, the timing gave executives of BRIDGE, a nonprofit affordable housing developer and manager, a chance to pivot away from fossil fuels. The 'smart, opportunistic' project at Foothill Farms illustrates how properties can electrify while keeping costs low for residents, according to a case study written earlier this year by staff at the Stewards of Affordable Housing for the Future, a collaborative of 13 nonprofits, including BRIDGE. The retrofit is also a trailblazer for the decarbonization journey millions more units of government-supported affordable housing will eventually need to take. Although single-family housing is by far the most prevalent in the U.S., and the biggest source of carbon pollution from homes, cutting fossil fuels from multifamily affordable housing is a particularly tricky task. Some of the most vulnerable Americans live in subsidized apartments, including low-income households with older adults, disabled individuals, young families, and veterans — and they usually rent these units. Residents typically lack the power or cash to electrify properties, which presents a hurdle to eradicating emissions from buildings and denies inhabitants the upsides of these retrofits: greater comfort, safer air, and potential bill savings. 'There's an opportunity for delivering outsized benefits to [these] residents and communities,' said Lucas Toffoli, principal of the carbon-free buildings division at clean-energy think tank RMI. In 2023, BRIDGE Housing decided Foothill Farms would be a good candidate for energy-efficiency upgrades after Bright Power, an energy services provider, and Carbon Zero Buildings, a company specializing in decarbonization retrofits, analyzed BRIDGE's entire portfolio of properties. Carbon Zero carried out the electrifying changes: The turnkey contractor swapped out polluting gas-fueled water heaters for Rheem heat-pump water heaters and replaced ACs with Samsung heat pumps capable of both warming and cooling spaces. The firm also installed LED lighting everywhere, which consumes a tenth of the energy of incandescent light bulbs. Carbon Zero's team first piloted the complete retrofit in one unit to work out the kinks. With feedback from staff and residents, the crew honed its approach so that it could complete a unit's upgrades in a single day during business hours. 'I love that,' said Toffoli, who wasn't involved in the project. 'Displacing folks is not only expensive and burdensome ... it's a real disruption to people who may be juggling a lot of things, like work and family, or who have limited mobility or health problems.' In the common areas, Carbon Zero installed a new heat-pump pool heater and heat-pump spa heater, 30 EV charging stations, and 240-volt power outlets in the laundry rooms. Foothill Farms still has gas-powered clothes dryers, but BRIDGE plans to replace them with electric dryers when they conk out. Comparing 2023 average monthly energy usage data to 10 months of data after the in-unit retrofits were completed last spring, natural-gas use has decreased by 98% while electricity use has risen 24% across the whole property, thanks in large part to the almost-magical efficiency of heat pumps. Virtually all of the project's $2.6 million cost was covered by state and utility grants: California's Low-Income Weatherization Program, TECH Clean California, and the Sacramento Municipal Utility District. Other projects, though, are by no means guaranteed to see so much aid, with funding limited and awards variable, said Sebastian Cohn, senior project manager at the nonprofit Association for Energy Affordability and BRIDGE's primary contact for the weatherization program incentive. 'It is typically in a property's best interest to enroll [in these incentive programs] sooner than later,' Cohn told Canary Media. 'The same project reserved today would receive less than half the [Sacramento Municipal Utility District] incentives Foothill Farms did due to updated incentive levels and per-project limits.' Unlike many landlords who don't pay tenants' utility bills, and thus don't benefit from energy-efficiency upgrades, BRIDGE actually had a financial incentive to make this switch to electric appliances: The organization pays for residents' gas usage but not their electricity bills. How then did the project prevent residents' costs from going up? Elementary, my dear reader. Federal rules for most subsidized affordable housing protect residents from high rent and utility costs — and make sure these expenses don't exceed 30% of their income — by requiring owners to provide what are called utility allowances, i.e., rent reductions to tenants paying their own utilities. The exact amounts are set by housing authorities and depend on locale, home size, and types of appliances. Based on the utility allowances for Sacramento when Carbon Zero pitched the project, the contractor estimated that residents would come out ahead, with each unit on average saving over $200 annually. The estimated savings for BRIDGE itself were $25,000 per year. The real-world results match the initial project modeling very well, Cohn said, though BRIDGE declined to share specific dollar savings. BRIDGE isn't planning to stop with this project; a spokesperson said it's already working with Carbon Zero and Bright Power on similar retrofits at a few other California properties.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
$150k from BrightRidge gets group 90% to goal to bring new air service to Tri-Cities
BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) — A $150,000 commitment from BrightRidge has helped an organization nearly reach its goal to bring new air service to Tri-Cities Airport (TRI). BRIDGE, a regional economic development organization that is privately funded, has been raising funds from county and city governments, local businesses and individuals in the hopes of enticing an airline to bring service to the airport. Proposed Poga retreat faces setback at planning committee BRIDGE hopes to raise $2 million as a minimum revenue guarantee for an airline. Those funds would be used to bring a low-cost airline to TRI and provide regular, non-stop service to two major markets. On Tuesday, BRIDGE announced in a news release that it was 90% to its goal, courtesy of a $150,000 commitment from BrightRidge. The commitment would span over two years. BrightRidge's board of directors approved a resolution to support the expansion on Tuesday. 'We're grateful to the BrightRidge Board for their support,' BRIDGE executive director John Rose stated in the release. 'As one of the key utility providers in the region, BrightRidge understands the regionwide economic benefit of improved air service at TRI, and we appreciate their strong commitment.' BRIDGE did not meet its initial fundraising deadline of April 7; however, the organization has continued to get more commitments. According to Rose, BRIDGE is set up to speak with more potential partners this week who could help the organization reach the $2 million threshold. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Washington Co., Tenn. contributes to effort for new airline at Tri-Cities Airport
BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) — Washington County, Tennessee, joined a growing list of groups around the region to commit financially to bringing another airline to Tri-Cities Airport (TRI). Sullivan County committed $240,000 and Kingsport agreed to fund $250,000 to that effort. Now, Washington County said it will contribute $240,000 to the initiative, which Kingsport-based organization 'BRIDGE' is spearheading. BRIDGE members say adding another airline would be an economic benefit for the region. 'Our airport has around between 250 and 270,000 people fly out of it every year,' said BRIDGE's Executive Director John Rose. 'But there's over 400,000 people fly out of competing airports. So we're losing 60% of the potential people that could fly out of this airport, go to competing airports. And it's because, they can oftentimes save money, on ticket price.' JC Brewing Company announces new location Rose told News Channel 11 on Tuesday that groups and localities working with BRIDGE must first raise $2 million, which will be funded over two years to support the new air service at TRI. 'The airport cannot raise nor incentivize money, nor incentivize funds for [an] individual airline,' Rose said. 'That's against FAA regulations. So they need a third-party group to do that for them. So, under our board's direction, we volunteer to help facilitate raising funds.' Rose said that while he can't discuss possible destinations that the airline would offer, he said two 'major' cities would be included in added flights. 'The next step is to continue, you know, outreach and meeting with people and sharing the project and getting the funds raised. And then also, we're in the final steps of finalizing the contract with [the] proposed airline. And so that that is the next step, is raise the money, sign the agreement, and then an announcement of when our service would start at Tri-Cities.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Web Release
22-03-2025
- Business
- Web Release
BRIDGE Summit, National Media Office Showcases BRIDGE Summit at Annual Ramadan Gathering
His Excellency Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office and Chairman of the UAE Media Council, on Wednesday showcased the UAE's newly announced BRIDGE Summit. Reaffirming the UAE's commitment, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to strengthening international cooperation in the media sector, HE Al Hamed said the nation recognises media as a key pillar of progress, a catalyst for positive change, and a driver of a more prosperous and sustainable future. These comments came during His Excellency's participation in a panel discussion titled 'How 'BRIDGE' is Shaping Media's Future?' The session was moderated by Anas Bukhash, Entrepreneur & Interviewer, Host of #ABtalks, as part of the annual Ramadan gathering organized by the National Media Office (NMO), held on Wednesday in Dubai. Speaking at the gathering, HE Al Hamed introduced the BRIDGE Summit to an audience of senior officials, media leaders, and industry experts. The summit, a long-term global initiative designed to connect East and West, enhance media integration, and keep pace with digital advancements, was launched by the NMO during a special ceremony in Washington DC on 10 March. HE Al Hamed said: 'Our gathering coincides with Zayed Humanitarian Day, a momentous occasion in the UAE's calendar. The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan firmly believed that media is more than a communication tool—it is a humanitarian force that fosters goodwill and peace. His vision laid the foundation for a credible, respectful, and impactful media landscape. The BRIDGE Summit builds on this legacy, offering a global platform that leverages media for the greater good in line with our belief that media should unite, not divide.' Shaping the Future of Media HE Al Hamed said: 'Our goal is to establish the BRIDGE Summit as a global benchmark for anticipating the future of media, driving industry transformation, and strengthening its contribution to the global economy. The summit will facilitate knowledge exchange, explore emerging technologies, and build bridges between media institutions, academia, and businesses.' He also described how rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and digital technologies are reshaping the media landscape. In response to these trends, the BRIDGE Summit aims to provide a global forum for international collaboration, addressing industry challenges and ensuring sustainability through innovation, transparency, and credibility. He added: 'BRIDGE is not just an event—it is a movement; it is the UAE's invitation to the world to collaborate in uplifting media's role in society. By forging strategic partnerships with global media organisations, we aim to develop an international framework that ensures ethical and responsible media practices in the digital age.' The BRIDGE initiative is a year-round effort to foster engagement, develop solutions for evolving media challenges, and champion innovation. Furthermore, the summit reinforces the idea that media is a shared responsibility—advancing it requires collaboration, and a commitment to sound ethics, truth and transparency. HE Al Hamed also announced the launch of the BRIDGE Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering media professionals, promoting responsible journalism, and positioning media as a transformative force in development and positive change, in line with the UAE's commitment to investing in talent and ensuring a resilient, future-ready media sector. A Call for Global Engagement In closing, HE Al Hamed urged policymakers, media leaders, and decision-makers to engage with BRIDGE as a dynamic platform for dialogue and collaboration. HE Al Hamed said: 'Our success depends on open communication and a shared commitment to using media as a force for good. Let us work together to shape the future, build knowledge networks, and establish BRIDGE as a gateway to a more responsible and impactful media industry.' Following HE Al Hamed's address, His Excellency Dr. Jamal Mohammed Obaid Al Kaabi, Director-General of the National Media Office, provided further insights into the BRIDGE Summit's key themes. He emphasised its role in driving international media collaboration, keeping pace with digital advancements, and fostering meaningful dialogue among media leaders and experts. Dr. Al Kaabi announced that Abu Dhabi will host the BRIDGE Summit from 8-10 December 2025, bringing together heads of state, CEOs, policymakers, and media professionals to shape the future of media. Emphasizing that BRIDGE is the UAE's 'gift to the world', Dr. Al Kaabi said the summit will also feature a media production exhibition showcasing cutting-edge innovations from leading national, regional, and global media companies. Dr. Al Kaabi said the BRIDGE Summit will also serve as a hub for media entrepreneurship, creating new opportunities for innovation and creativity. The event will provide a dynamic platform for media startups and innovators to present their ideas, connect with investors, and expand their presence in global markets. Panel discussions The NMO's annual Ramadan gathering hosted a panel discussion titled 'Legacy vs. Disruptors: How has the Media Evolved Through Eras of Change'. The session featured Rani R. Raad, CEO, IMI, President and Operating Partner of RedBird IMI and was moderated by Richard Attias, Founder & Chairman, Richard Attias & Associates. The event also included a panel titled 'From Newsrooms to Algorithms: Who Controls the Future of Media?' The discussion featured Arya Bolurfrushan, Founder & CEO, Applied AI, Julien Hawari, CEO of Million, Marwan Kai, CEO of Media International Services Gulf, and Aaina Pahwa, Digital Content Creator, and was moderated by Becky Anderson, Journalist & Anchor at CNN.
Campaign ME
21-03-2025
- Business
- Campaign ME
UAE Media Council spotlights BRIDGE initiative to spur media ethics in the AI age
The UAE National Media Office (NMO) hosted its annual Ramadan gathering in Dubai on Wednesday, where it showcased the UAE's newly announced BRIDGE Summit – a long-term global initiative designed to enhance media integration, keep pace with digital advancements, enhance media ethics and accountability in the age of AI, train young cohorts within the next generation of media professionals, and more. His Excellency Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office and Chairman of the UAE Media Council, reaffirmed the UAE's commitment, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to strengthen international cooperation in the media sector. The BRIDGE initiative is a year-round effort to foster engagement, develop solutions for evolving media challenges, and champion innovation. Furthermore, the summit reinforces the idea that media is a shared responsibility — advancing it requires collaboration, and a commitment to sound ethics, truth and transparency. HE Al Hamed also announced the launch of the BRIDGE Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering media professionals, promoting responsible journalism, and positioning media as a transformative force in development and positive change, in line with the UAE's commitment to investing in talent and ensuring a resilient, future-ready media sector. Campaign Middle East was present at the event where HE Al Hamed said the UAE recognises the media as a key pillar of progress, a catalyst for positive change and a driver of a more prosperous and sustainable future. During a panel discussion titled 'How Is 'BRIDGE' Shaping the Media's Future?' moderated by entrepreneur and host of #ABtalks Anas Bukhash, the Chairman of the NMO, HE Al Hamed said, 'Our gathering coincides with Zayed Humanitarian Day, a momentous occasion in the UAE's calendar. The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan firmly believed that media is more than a communication tool — it is a humanitarian force that fosters goodwill and peace. His vision laid the foundation for a credible, respectful, and impactful media landscape.' 'The BRIDGE Summit builds on this legacy, offering a global platform that leverages media for the greater good in line with our belief that media should unite, not divide.' 'The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan firmly believed that media is more than a communication tool — it is a humanitarian force that fosters goodwill and peace. His vision laid the foundation for a credible, respectful, and impactful media landscape.' Shaping the future of media through the BRIDGE initiative HE Al Hamed also described how rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and digital technologies are reshaping the media landscape. In response to these trends, the BRIDGE Summit aims to provide a global forum for international collaboration, addressing industry challenges and ensuring sustainability through innovation, transparency and credibility. HE Al Hamed said, 'Our goal is to establish the BRIDGE Summit as a global benchmark for anticipating the future of media, driving industry transformation and strengthening its contribution to the global economy. The summit will facilitate knowledge exchange, explore emerging technologies and build bridges between media institutions, academia, and businesses.' He added, 'BRIDGE is not just an event—it is a movement; it is the UAE's invitation to the world to collaborate in uplifting media's role in society. By forging strategic partnerships with global media organisations, we aim to develop an international framework that ensures ethical and responsible media practices in the digital age.' In closing, HE Al Hamed urged policymakers, media leaders and decision-makers to engage with BRIDGE as a dynamic platform for dialogue and collaboration. HE Al Hamed said, 'Our success depends on open communication and a shared commitment to using media as a force for good. Let us work together to shape the future, build knowledge networks, and establish BRIDGE as a gateway to a more responsible and impactful media industry.' Following HE Al Hamed's address, His Excellency Dr Jamal Mohammed Obaid Al Kaabi, Director-General of the National Media Office, provided further insights into the BRIDGE Summit's key themes. He emphasised its role in driving international media collaboration, keeping pace with digital advancements, and fostering meaningful dialogue among media leaders and experts. Dr. Al Kaabi announced that Abu Dhabi will host the BRIDGE Summit from 8-10 December 2025, bringing together heads of state, CEOs, policymakers, and media professionals to shape the future of media. Emphasising that BRIDGE is the UAE's 'gift to the world', Dr. Al Kaabi said the summit will also feature a media production exhibition showcasing cutting-edge innovations from leading national, regional, and global media companies. Dr. Al Kaabi said the BRIDGE Summit will also serve as a hub for media entrepreneurship, creating new opportunities for innovation and creativity. The event will provide a dynamic platform for media startups and innovators to present their ideas, connect with investors, and expand their presence in global markets. The NMO's annual Ramadan gathering also featuerd a fireside chat and a panel discussion titled 'Legacy vs. Disruptors: How has the Media Evolved Through Eras of Change'. The fireside chat welcomed Rani R. Raad, CEO, IMI, President and Operating Partner of RedBird IMI on stage and was moderated by Richard Attias, Founder and Chairman, Richard Attias & Associates. The event also included a panel titled 'From Newsrooms to Algorithms: Who Controls the Future of Media?' The discussion featured Arya Bolurfrushan, Founder & CEO, Applied AI; Julien Hawari, CEO of Million; Marwan Kai, CEO of Media International Services Gulf; and Aaina Pahwa, Digital Content Creator, and was moderated by Becky Anderson, Journalist and Anchor at CNN.
