Marcy Cleveland - Hudson Valley Green Homes

10/01/2026

Last week, a colleague sent me this photo taken at the SUNY Ulster campus. Seeing my face on a giant Green Careers banner was a little crazy! My first thought was, “Dang, that’s really BIG!” Closely followed by, “At least my hair looks good!” 😂

It got me thinking that October marks five years since I earned my first Building Performance Institute, Inc. (BPI) certification through a New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)-supported program at SUNY Ulster.

I was working as a National Association of REALTORS® GREEN real estate agent at the time. I signed up because I wanted to understand building science and energy efficiency better so I could be more knowledgeable about the homes I was helping people buy and sell.

As soon as I received my certification, I started an energy assessment business alongside my real estate work. I thought energy efficiency consultation would simply become another part of what I offered. Instead, I kept learning, added more certifications, and found myself doing more and more of this work. Building science took me in a direction I never expected. And it’s made me appreciate how important programs like this are. We really need good people in the green trades, and we need more of them. There is so much work to be done to make our buildings more efficient, comfortable and sustainable.

So, five years later, I’m pretty honored to be one of the faces of Green Careers at SUNY Ulster. I’m hoping someone walking past that banner or someone who picks up a course catalog will think, “Hmmm...maybe I could do that.” And maybe it takes them in a whole new direction, too.

Building Performance Association GreenHome Institute

09/28/2026

Having backup battery power was really useful this past weekend...

01/28/2026

It’s 8 degrees outside and feels like –6. 🥶
Inside? Warm, comfortable, and holding temperature just fine.

That didn’t happen by accident.

Our house is AWE-some because we followed the steps… in the right order:

Assess
Weatherize
Electrify

We started by figuring out where energy was being lost. Then we tightened up the house with air sealing and insulation. Only after that did we electrify with heat pumps, solar panels, and EV charging.

The order matters.

A tight, well-insulated home means heat pumps don’t have to work overtime, even in extreme cold. Comfort stays high, and energy bills stay reasonable because we simply don’t need as much energy to stay cozy.

Comfort first.
Efficiency next.
Electrification that actually works.

Curious what step your home is ready for?

01/26/2026

❄️ Winter Storm Fern stress-tested the homestead today! ❄️

Solar buried. Chickens checked. Heat pumps still running beautifully despite the cold.
Old fossil fuel generator… questionable at best and thankfully not needed. I really should get a home battery...
Battery-powered snow blower doing its thing until it didn’t. (There was A LOT of snow and some operator error running in “turbo” mode for too long.)
Teenager to the rescue.
Frozen fingers, face, and hair inevitable.

No outages. No fumes. No drama… just real life in an electrified home.

Storm-tested. Still fossil-fuel-free. 🌿 🏠

01/23/2026

Full scholarships available for Green Building courses. Great opportunity!

Join us, SUNY Ulster and CUNY on January 29th for an info session on how to get full scholarships on building Science courses! Register here to receive the zoom link: https://bit.ly/clpregister126

01/21/2026

If you're around in the Hudson Valley next week, this is always a great event that brings out like-minded folks. Stop by and talk with me at the New Energy Project Management table. 🌿 🏠 🌞

Spend an evening imagining what a fossil-fuel-free home could look like… then learn exactly how to get there.

On Wednesday, January 28, from 5:30–7:30 PM, Chronogram is hosting the Clean Power Guide Launch Party in partnership with Sustainable Hudson Valley. The forum and expo is designed as a one-stop destination for anyone curious about electrifying their home and reducing energy costs, on their terms.

We’re proud that Craig Hightower of New Energy Project Management will be speaking on the expert panel, alongside regional leaders working at the intersection of clean energy, policy, and innovation.

New Energy Project Management is also a sponsor of the 2026 Clean Power Guide and will be tabling at the event, sharing practical guidance on home efficiency and energy independence, helping homeowners think through next steps.

Attendees can meet the authors and sponsors of the 2026 Clean Power Guide, connect with local energy coaches, enjoy refreshments, and take home a complimentary copy of the guide—a practical resource for getting started this year.

📍 Fuller Building, 45 Pine Grove Ave, Kingston, NY
🎟 Free event. RSVP here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/chronogrammedia/2007603

01/17/2026

Didn't realize that when I received this request from SUNY Ulster...

"Can our photographer come take a photo of you for our upcoming brochure? I am looking for one for Green Careers, and you would be a perfect fit!"

That I'd actually be on the cover page! 😯

Showing my Building Performance Institute, Inc. (BPI) Certified pride. 💪

💚

01/08/2026

A shift in role, not in purpose.

As of 2026, I’m no longer practicing as an active real estate agent. I maintain my license for referral purposes only and connect clients with experienced local agents when needed.

My work is now fully focused on home energy, sustainability, and informed decision-making through New Energy Project Management, an independent energy consulting and project management firm. We help homeowners evaluate their homes, plan smart upgrades, and navigate electrification with clarity and confidence.

Hudson Valley Green Homes will continue to be a place for education, perspective, and trusted referrals. When hands-on support is needed, I’ll point people to NEPM.

02/14/2025

💚🏡 Love Your Home, Love Your Planet 🌎💚

This Valentine’s Day, let’s celebrate a love that gives back—a love for cozy, comfortable, planet-friendly homes! 💕✨

A home that warms your heart (not the planet) with efficient heat pumps.
A home that hugs you back with a well-sealed envelope.
A home that keeps the air fresh and clean with smart ventilation.

This is the kind of love that lasts—a home that’s comfortable, efficient, and built for a better future. 💖🏡

Ready to fall in love with energy efficiency? 💚 Let’s make your home a heartwarming haven!

If you're in the Hudson Valley, call us to learn how you can get a no-cost New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) energy assessment and start your journey toward a home you'll love forever. 💚🏡

Hudson Valley Green Homes, 845-421-0809

01/29/2025

🚀 REALTORS: Help Your Clients Navigate Home Energy Upgrades with Confidence! 🏡⚡

Homebuyers today are looking for comfortable, healthy, and energy-efficient homes—and as a , you can add value to your business by helping them navigate the path to sustainability and electrification.

Join me, Marcy Cleveland, Green Building Specialists founder & NAR-GREEN Realtor, along with Joseph Montuori, Executive Director of Sustainable Putnam, for an interactive presentation designed to equip Realtors with practical tools and insights on the latest in home energy trends.

📅 February 5 | 10–11 AM
📍 Mahopac Library | 3rd Floor Community Room
☕ Light refreshments provided

🔍 What You’ll Learn:

✅ Why energy efficiency & home electrification matters—and how it benefits homeowners
✅ Rebates & incentives to make upgrades more affordable
✅ The no-cost New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) home assessment program
✅ Pearl Certification & ClearlyEnergy’s Remotely tool—resources to highlight high-performing homes & increase value for your clients
✅ How to interpret home inspection reports for energy improvement opportunities
✅ Building relationships with vetted contractors
✅ Expanding your expertise with the Building Performance Institute, Inc. (BPI) Building Science Principles (BSP) course & National Association of REALTORS® GREEN Designation

🏡 Make energy efficiency part of your value proposition! This is your opportunity to differentiate yourself as a knowledgeable Realtor who guides clients toward smarter, more sustainable home choices.

🔗 RSVP & More Info: [email protected]

Tag a fellow Realtor who should join us! 👇