As this $2.4 million project improves the energy efficiency of UWLI’s headquarters, the renamed Entenmann Family Center for Hope will be a hands-on training ground for UWLI’s Workforce Development Training Academy. The Academy consists of United Way’s signature programs that serve veterans and young adults who are looking for careers in the fast-growing renewable energy industry.

In addition, with 576 PV solar modules, the Entenmann Family Center for Hope will function as a “command center” for nonprofit organizations across Long Island that are impacted by catastrophic events, like 2012’s Super Storm Sandy, allowing these organizations to continue serving the communities that rely on them when their own facilities are unavailable. In May, Long Island Business News honored the Net Zero Energy Building Campaign as Long Island’s “Top Green Project” as part of its 2023 Real Estate, Architecture, and Engineering Awards.

The Net Zero Energy Building Campaign, funded with a grant from the New York State Energy Research Development Authority (NYSERDA) and a naming gift from the Entenmann family, now includes the EMCOR Group as well as the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (via a gift championed by Assemblywoman Kimberly Jean-Pierre), the Robert B. Catell family, Brookhaven Science Associates, Bethpage Federal Credit Union, the Town of Babylon, and Flushing Bank. The campaign has also received in-kind support from the Haugland Group, Cameron Engineering, and Atom Power. In addition, two training partners — the Long Island Power Authority and Bank of America — have contributed through support of the Workforce Development Training Academy.

“The benefits and opportunities we’re creating through the Net Zero Energy Building Campaign are an example of the good that comes when labor, industry, and government work together to benefit our communities,” said Theresa A. Regnante, president and CEO of United Way of Long Island. “We are grateful to EMCOR Group for their work on this project, and we are looking forward to realizing the benefits for our Long Island communities.”