SSIC company helps CNY live the green life

SSIC company helps CNY live the green lifeApril 14, 2009Amy Schmitzaemehrin@syr.edu

Year after year, energy consumption in New York state increases by 3 percent, according to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). The effects are felt across the region-with both energy bills and pollution rates on the rise.

As the 39th annual Earth Day is held on April 22, a Central New York business-New York Wind & Sun, owned by local residents Court and Mindy Rutherford-is offering several “green” options for energy, including wind power, solar panels and generators.

“Less than 3 percent of the energy in New York state is generated with wind power,” says Court Rutherford. “Yet wind power is emissions-free and the most rapidly growing source of electricity around the planet.”

The Rutherfords have seen their business expand in the last few years as a result of more people and companies becoming environmentally conscious. They credit their success in part to the START-UP: Syracuse Entrepreneur’s Bootcamp, run by the Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University, and to the Entrepreneurial Assistance Program training and workshops at the South Side Innovation Center (SSIC), of which New York Wind & Sun is a tenant.

“The kind of solutions New York Wind & Sun offers has a great impact on the environment,” says Monica Hughley, director of the SSIC. “They can help individuals eliminate thousands of pounds of carbon dioxide emissions-the equivalent of driving your vehicle from Los Angeles to Manhattan and back. Equally important, they have an impact on our local economy. New York Wind & Sun is an example of a thriving CNY company, making important progress during a time of economic hardship.”

The Rutherfords also practice what they preach-they live in a home with a wind turbine, PV solar electric panels, a solar hot water heater, a solar pool heater and a generator.

Contact New York Wind & Sun at http://www.nywindandsun.com or (315)433-6058. Media queries can be directed to Amy Schmitz, director of communications, Whitman School of Management, at (315) 443-3834 or aemehrin@syr.edu.