SEEDS, Northern Poconos Chamber Name Highlights Foundation 2022 Green Business Of The Year In NE PA

On January 30, the Sustainable Energy Education & Development Support of Northeastern PA and the Chamber of the Northern Poconos announced The Highlights Foundation in Boyds Mills, Wayne County has been awarded the 2022 Green Business of the Year Award. 

In 2019, Highlights Foundation adopted an Energy Mission Statement, which was "to lead the way in a transition to net positive energy usage at Boyds Mills by end of 2021 via creation of an energy management plan and its implementation, while providing educational opportunities to those who are touched by this property."

Since then, they have installed a 30kW solar array to power the retreat center, installed a 70kW solar array on the property, added spray foam insulation in the floors of cabins, installed mini-split heat and air conditioning units in 23 cabins, and integrated energy management software to oversee a more efficient use of power on the campus. 

“The Highlights Foundation has shown that adopting sustainable energy goals can also be financially sustainable and educational. It was a grandiose mission at first, but Highlights has managed to make significant progress even in the face of a pandemic, never losing sight of what they set out to do. I'm proud to have them as a neighbor and a model for organizational stewardship in our community,” said SEEDS Executive Director Olga Trushina. 

The Highlights Foundation positively impacts children by amplifying the voices of storytellers who inform, educate, and inspire children to become their best selves.

“We do not take lightly what it means to create engaging, authentic stories for children and youth. We believe that you, as storytellers, have profound impacts on the lives of children. This matters a great deal to us as an organization, and most importantly to our world.”

Past award recipients include the Cooperage Project for a solar project and efficient boilers, Leeward Construction for using recycled blacktop, Nature’s Grace Deli for a solar PV installation, Stephens Pharmacy/Northeast Med-Equip for creating an employee “Green Team”, Wayne Memorial Hospital for eliminating Styrofoam, Himalayan Institute for a commitment to zero waste, Wayne Highlands School District for on-site food waste composting, The Ledges Hotel for various eco-friendly initiatives, and the Car Wash on Route 6 for water recycling, and using energy-efficient equipment and environmentally-friendly detergents.

SEEDS (Sustainable Energy Education & Development Support) of Northeastern Pennsylvania is a nonprofit environmental education organization based in Honesdale, promoting sustainable energy and sustainable living in Northeastern Pennsylvania and the Upper Delaware region. 

Its goals include improving the health of our environment and local economy through energy efficiency and sustainability practices, such as conservation and recycling. 

For more information about SEEDS, visit the SEEDS website, call 570-245-1256 or email Olga@seedsgroup.net. 

[Posted: January 31, 2022]  PA Environment Digest