More Energy Service Businesses Needed, County Says

Passaic County is developing a strategy to help create businesses in the energy services sector and improve the energy efficiency of buildings in the county, officials announced on Tuesday.

The county Department of Planning and Economic Development is developing an Energy Efficiency Market Transformation Strategy designed to support and foster growth in the energy services industry in the county.

Officials said such a strategy would create jobs, improve indoor air quality, increase real estate values, and foster local business development.

“This program is an example of Passaic County leading the way toward energy efficient buildings,” Bruce James, chairman of the county Board of Chosen Freeholders, said in a statement.

The strategy is being developed with the assistance of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s CoLab Green Economic Development Initiative. The initiative supports local economic development organizations by helping to foster environmental sustainability.

“This partnership will have a positive impact for residents and families by helping to save taxpayer monies and providing environmental benefits for years to come,” James said.