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Photos: President Bill Clinton Visits Bed-Stuy's Cornerstone Baptist Church

Bill Clinton visited the Bed-Stuy church to check out the energy-efficient upgrades that resulted from a Clinton Global Initiative University commitment
By Raymond Hagans

Former President Bill Clinton visited the Cornerstone Baptist Church in Bed-Stuy to check out the energy-efficient upgrades the house of worship has received due to a Clinton Global Initiative University commitment.

The church received several energy efficiency upgrades, which President Bill Clinton praised as essential in the fight against climate change.

Bill Clinton, Cornerstone Baptist Church, Clinton Global Initiative University, energy-efficient upgrades, BlocPower, Donnel Baird, climate change
BROOKLYN, NY - DECEMBER 10: Former President Bill Clinton and Donnell Baird discuss BlocPower initiatives at Cornerstone Baptist Church on December 10, 2019 in Brooklyn. Credit: Raymond Hagans/BKReader
"This is a picture through which we can see a better future," said Clinton.
The 102-year-old church was outfitted with high-tech, but low-cost eco-friendly technology, including efficient lights and a new cooling system.
Bill Clinton, Cornerstone Baptist Church, Clinton Global Initiative University, energy-efficient upgrades, BlocPower, Donnel Baird, climate change
BROOKLYN, NY - DECEMBER 10: Former President Bill Clinton at Cornerstone Baptist Church on December 10, 2019 in Brooklyn. Credit: Raymond Hagans/BKReader

"Some of the lowest cost responses are what you see happening in this church, and they all buy us 10, 20, 30 years before the worst happens for us to fix the whole thing."

The retrofit by BlocPower, is an energy startup founded by Donnel Baird courtesy of funding provided by the Clinton Global Initiative University. Baird committed to lowering energy costs across the country for small businesses, churches, and non-profits. Since committing in 2013, Baird has retrofitted over 1,000 locations in American cities.

The ecological benefits of the new green tech, church staff estimate the improvements will save them 30 to 40 percent a year on energy bills.




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