Resilient Reading initiative reports progress on building improvements and redevelopment projects

Green Building Alliance has released a progress report highlighting the impact of its Resilient Reading initiative, a multi-year program helping commercial property owners, small businesses and nonprofits improve their buildings, reduce energy costs and access funding for renovations and energy efficiency upgrades.

According to the report, Green Building Alliance (GBA), working in partnership with the City of Reading, engaged with more than 600 partners and building owners during 2025 and 2026. The organization also provided more than 300 hours of customized coaching and technical assistance to help property owners evaluate building conditions, identify improvements and pursue financial assistance.

The initiative offers no-cost technical support to commercial property owners, beginning with a review of energy bills to identify potential inefficiencies and unusual increases in energy consumption. Building assessments then help determine opportunities for improvements such as LED lighting, insulation, weatherproofing and heating and cooling system upgrades.

GBA also connects property owners with qualified service providers and provides guidance on available rebates, incentives and grant opportunities.

Several properties in Reading have benefited from the program, including a vacant factory formerly occupied by the E-Mac Dairy Brush Company that is being transformed into the new home of Reading Cable Company. The manufacturing business plans to produce American-made welding and power cables and custom accessories.

GBA assisted with developing a coordinated renovation plan addressing water damage, mechanical and electrical systems, construction phases and potential funding sources.

Another project involves the century-old former Industrial Abrasives building at 642 North 8th Street. The organization conducted an energy and building envelope assessment, identified potential system upgrades and assisted the owner in exploring financing opportunities.

The initiative also provided technical assistance for the renovation of an 11,000-square-foot former manufacturing and office property owned by Valsage LLC. Recommendations included improved insulation, air sealing, energy-efficient windows, upgraded heating and cooling equipment, LED lighting and building controls.

Beyond individual properties, the program has supported broader redevelopment and clean energy planning throughout Reading.

In 2025, GBA and the City of Reading secured a $250,000 Phase 1 planning grant through a predevelopment municipal investment funding program administered by ICLEI and the Coalition for Green Capital. Reading was the only Pennsylvania applicant selected for an award.

The funding supports planning for building revitalization projects incorporating electrification and other energy improvements.

According to GBA, the effort has helped advance a pipeline of more than 25 clean energy and redevelopment projects with a combined estimated value exceeding $225 million.

Projects under consideration include approximately 1.78 megawatts of planned municipal solar canopies, redevelopment of the former Glidden Paint Factory and Penn Street bus station sites, adaptive reuse of the Fifth and Penn Bank Building and redevelopment of the Dana industrial site.

The report also highlights recent grant awards for properties receiving assistance through the program.

In November, three projects supported by GBA’s technical assistance and grant-writing services received funding from the Berks County Community Foundation. Reading Cable Company was awarded $9,000 for outdoor LED lighting, Valsage LLC received $30,473 for LED lighting improvements, and Berks Catholic High School received $100,000 to replace stadium lighting with LED fixtures.

In addition to assisting with renovations, Resilient Reading hosts monthly educational programs and building tours to help property owners, managers and community members learn about energy efficiency and building improvements.

Past topics have included energy-efficient building practices, C-PACE financing and building automation systems.

The initiative is supported by the Met-Ed/Penelec Sustainable Energy Fund and is part of GBA’s broader work promoting sustainable building practices and community revitalization.

Commercial property owners, businesses and nonprofit organizations interested in receiving assistance through Resilient Reading can contact info@gba.org.

The full progress report is available online .

Resilient Reading initiative reports progress on building improvements and redevelopment projects

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