USGBC Central PA: Decarbonizing Commercial Kitchens Webinar

USGBC Central Pennsylvania is working to inspire sustainable transformation in Central Pennsylvania through the built environment.USGBC Central Pennsylvania — through its members, board and committees — focuses its work in three main areas: education, advocacy and outreach. We represent 34 counties in the central part of the state, including the state capital and a population of over 4.2 million people. Our efforts include regular educational and networking programs, GreenCon, numerous service projects, and an annual awards program honoring innovative sustainable design.

USGBC Central Pennsylvania

Join us to learn about sustainable commercial kitchens and the PA Department of Environmental Protection’s CHECK Rebate Education Program

USGBC Central PA is hosting a webinar on induction cooking and the Cooking in Healthy Electrified Commercial Kitchens (CHECK) Rebate Program with speakers Chef Chris Galarza and Heidi Kunsch. Join us on Wednesday February 22nd, 2023, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm via Zoom. Did you know food service is one of the highest energy users per square foot in the commercial sector? Join us to learn about sustainable commercial kitchens, as well as the PA Department of Environmental Protection’s CHECK Education + Rebate Pilot Program.Chef Chris Galarza of Forward Dining Solutions LLC will cover the topic of sustainable food service, looking particularly at how all-electric kitchens, specifically induction cooking equipment, can transform commercial food service. High-performance electric kitchens save a considerable amount of energy, compared to traditional gas kitchens. Eliminating combustion from the commercial kitchen also dramatically improves thermal comfort, indoor air quality, and production. The course will delve into these topics and provide the audience with real-world examples. Heidi Kunsch of the PA Department of Environmental Protection will share information about their new learning and funding opportunity, CHECK.Approved for 1 GBCI CE &amp; 1 AIA LU /HSWThis event is FREE.<a href="https://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Energy/OfficeofPollutionPrevention/Energy_Efficiency_and_Conservation/CommercialBuildings/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">CHECK Education &amp; Rebate Program </a>CHECK Rebate Program: Rebate of up to $5,000 are available for a number of efficiency or electrification improvements in commercial kitchens: • Energy Star certified cooking equipment (combustion-free only) • Induction cooking equipment • Demand control kitchen ventilation system • Electrical infrastructure upgrades to accommodate additional load• Funding is available on first come, first-serve basis with an environmental justice focus. Please see the <a href="https://www.depgreenport.state.pa.us/elibrary/GetDocument?docId=4650199&amp;DocName=COOKING%20IN%20HEALTHY%20ELECTRIFIED%20COMMERCIAL%20KITCHENS%20%28CHECK%29%20REBATE%20PROGRAM.PDF%20%20%3cspan%20style%3D%22color:green%3b%22%3e%3c/span%3e%20%3cspan%20style%3D%22color:blue%3b%22%3e%28NEW%29%3c/span%3e%209/16/2024" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">CHECK rebate guidelines</a> for more information and send questions to RA-EP-CHECKProgram@pa.gov Learning Objectives:• Participant will become familiar with the PADEP’s CHECK rebate and education program for nonprofits, K-12 schools, and higher education institutions in Pennsylvania • Participant will understand why electrification is an important step towards decarbonization• Participant will understand how and why electric cooking equipment is more efficient than natural gas equipment• Participant will learn how removing combustion from a kitchen improves indoor environmental quality• Participants become familiar with a range of all-electric food service strategies, and their implications on energy performance and carbon emissionsTopics to be discussed:- Timeline of events from Berkeley’s gas ban to now- Introduction to induction cooking- Gas vs induction comparisons- Health considerations- Myth Busting induction cookingAbout the Speakers:Entrepreneur, author, public speaker, and podcaster Chef Chris Galarza is renowned for his work in kitchen electrification and is the Founder of Forward Dining Solutions LLC. As the country’s foremost expert in commercial electric-kitchens chef works with governments, manufacturers, brands, designers, and chefs to create lasting sustainable kitchens and culinary ecosystems. Chef has worked on notable projects such as Chatham University’s Eden Hall Campus (the world’s first fully self-sustained university campus), Microsoft HQ, and Castilleja All-Girls School.Chef worked for several prestigious establishments such as Carnegie Melon University, Monterey Bay of Pittsburgh, and The Greenbrier of WV where he apprenticed under several Certified Master Chefs and culinary Olympians. Chef leverages his experience as a culinarian, educator, and consultant to get projects moving forward and leaves operators educated and prepared to successfully, efficiently, and safely run their kitchen for years to come.Heidi Kunsch serves as an Environmental Group Manager at PADEP’s Energy Programs Office, where she manages education and outreach, as well as financial incentive programs for alternative transportation fuels and green buildings. She also supports the PA GreenGov Council on developing sustainability strategies. Prior to DEP, she served as Director of the US Green Building Council Central PA chapter. Heidi is a LEED Accredited Professional and earned a BS in Environmental Science from Muhlenberg College, as well as a Masters in Environmental Pollution Control from Penn State University.Support USGBC's Mission Donate to help us raise the living standard in communities everywhere.<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/xpkl6cd8p5nqwsb/2023_annual-sponsor_prospectus%20-%20Central%20PA%20Final%20Copy.pdf?dl=0" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Annual sponsorship</a> is available. Contact rbintley@usgbc.org for more details. Links/Socials:Twitter - @DiningForward Instagram – @ForwardDiningSolutionsLLCWebsite – <a href="https://www.ForwardDiningSolutions.com" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">www.ForwardDiningSolutions.com</a>Email – CGalarza@ForwardDiningSolutions.comPADEP Email – RA-EP-CHECKProgram@pa.gov <a href="https://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Energy/OfficeofPollutionPrevention/Energy_Efficiency_and_Conservation/CommercialBuildings/Pages" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">PADEP website</a>

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