RBR - Recumbent BikeRiders, Inc. opened their 970 square foot store in State College, PA in 2002, and today sells a variety of recumbent bikes to customers across the US. In mid-2004, Rob Gentry, President of RBR, contacted the Environmental Management Assistance Program (EMAP) of the Pennsylvania Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to request an energy assessment. During the assessment, infrared scanning demonstrated significant heat loss through the store's 20 year old single pane windows. The assessment also revealed that the same windows allowed in measurable ultraviolet (UV) light that was damaging inventory.

RBR implemented EMAP recommendations to upgrade the windows and main entrance door to ENERGY STAR qualified double-paned low-e windows (U < 3.5) and a storm door, and as the door insulation improved, the seal of the door-to-frame interface tightened and air-infiltration decreased, so less heated/cooled air is lost. RBR also upgraded from T-12 fluorescent lamp fixtures with magnetic ballasts to energy efficient T-8 lamps with electronic ballasts. To help in financing the project, RBR was able to take advantage of a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Small Business Advantage Grant, which covered a significant portion of the upgrades to ENERGY STAR qualified products. The efficiency improvements reduced RBR's energy consumption by 33%, for savings estimated at $860 annually. Electricity use was reduced by nearly 1,580 kWh, and gas consumption was reduced by about 56 therms, resulting in an emission reduction of more than 3,360 pounds of CO2 annually.

In recognition for their commitment to energy efficiency, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded RBR with a 2006 Energy Star Small Business Award.

To read more about the 2006 EPA Energy Star awardees (six out of eight were EMAP clients!), click here to visit the Energy Star website.

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"We were the recipients of a grant for remediation of energy-wasting features of [our] store and the consultation that we received from EMAP…made it all possible. Our store’s substantial waste of electricity and gas from outdated lighting fixtures and poorly insulated windows was noted in an EMAP evaluation. We were then guided through the grant proposal and the remediation process with professional and expert advice. It would not have been possible without their help."

- Rob Gentry, President
Recumbent BikeRiders, Inc.