CEA debuts Climate Change Art Project

Posted on February 16, 2010 by LGlick

The Cambridge Energy Alliance is debuting a poster art exhibit to inform the public about climate change and its impacts, the carbon emissions of Cambridge, and how local citizens can make a difference. Over 80% of Cambridge’s Climate emissions come from residential and commercial buildings, so eliminating wasted energy in our homes and workplaces is a priority.

To view the full CEA art poster exhibit visit:

http://cambridgeenergyalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/posters.pdf

The Cambridge Energy Alliance art exhibit displays many ways people can conserve energy and get connected to efficiency programs and resources. The Exhibit will be on display from Wednesday, February 16^th, 2010 through March 20^th, 2010 at the Clear Conscience Café (C3) located inside Harvest Coop‘s Central Square location.

Following the 4-week showing at C3, the CEA art exhibit will be rotated to other locations throughout the city. You can preview the posters by clicking the thumbnail above.

Solar Shingles Heat Up

Posted on February 11, 2010 by LGlick

Check out a recent story I wrote for Technology Review on a new plug ‘n’ play solar shingle from Dow Chemical. Dow plans to release a small test batch of the solar embedded shingles later this year and while they haven’t yet announced who will get them, I think they’d compliment my solar hot water system quite nicely.

My guess is this and other attempts to merge solar panels with conventional building materials will initially cost a premium and the technology will likely encounter some hiccups along the way. But, eventually, I think solar embedded shingles will become a standard part of new roofs. Like one industry analyst told me, “two hundred years ago they didn’t build buildings with electrical systems in the walls and wiring buildings was a really expensive retrofit. Today, its standard practice.”

Déjà vu?

Posted on February 4, 2010 by Tara Holmes

It appears the Obama Administration is starting to eerily resemble the Bush Administration, at least when it comes to energy policy. In last week’s State of the Union address, President Obama touched on—albeit briefly—clean energy standards and climate change. Sadly, those “standards” reflected the days of recent past: investing in “clean coal” technology, nuclear power and biofuels. As for significant wind and solar power investment? Hmmm…

To make matters more dire, the Obama EPA has signed off on the Renewable Fuel Standard established under the Bush administration. The Renewable Fuel Standard supports energy-intensive corn production for ethanol, which is high in GHG as well as inefficient to produce. The EPA is also apparently in support of Carbon Capture and Storage technology which is said to reduce the amount of CO₂ leaked into the atmosphere from coal-fired power plants. What about the damaging coal extraction process that leaves mountaintops bare, rivers polluted and coal ash? And nuclear energy? Never mind the issue of waste, the sheer number of new nuclear power plants that would have to be constructed to account for our ever-growing demand for energy is daunting in itself.

So where does this leave us? Hopefully Obama will understand that investing in truly clean sources of renewable energy, like wind and solar, is not only good for the environment, but good for our struggling economy. Instead of investing in “clean coal” technology, let’s instead subsidize clean energy center training and education programs so coal miners can gain marketable skills in a safer, cleaner industry. Instead of a short term approach, let’s mix that with a long term agenda so we can, in time, ween off of the fossil fuel based economy we’ve grown so accustomed to and onto a green, renewable one. If the U.S. wants to “lead” in the global clean energy race, at this point, there really is no time left to waste.

New Commonwealth Solar Programs available Today!

Posted on January 27, 2010 by LGlick

The Commonwealth Solar Stimulus and Commonwealth Solar Rebate Programs will be available today at 2:00 PM EST on Wednesday, January 27, 2010.

The Commonwealth Solar Program provides rebates through a non-competitive application process for the installation of photovoltaic (PV) projects. The Commonwealth Solar II Rebate Program provides rebates for commercial systems up to 5 kilowatts (kW) and all residential systems (regardless of size). The Commonwealth Solar Stimulus Rebate Program provides rebates for commercial PV systems sized greater than 5 kW up to 200 kW.

The Commonwealth Solar program issued awards for the installation of 23.5 megawatts (MW) of solar power over the last two years, but recently ran short of funding. The new rebate programs for homeowners, business, and communities throughout the Commonwealth will help the commonwealth reach Governor Deval Patrick’s goal of installing 250 MW of solar energy by 2017. Commonwealth solar also provides webinars and information on helpful resources, plus view the map of installations of solar photovoltaic projects across the state.

Energy Savings Seminars Avaialble to MA Communities

Posted on January 21, 2010 by LGlick

The Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA) is offering free Home Energy Saving Seminars to communities across Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Municipal Association is a nonprofit, nonpartisan association that provides advocacy, training, publications, research and other services to Massachusetts cities and towns. If you are interested in hosting a workshop in your community schedule the workshop soon, as the program ends in March.

Through this free service offered by MMA, the Cambridge Energy Alliance hosted a Weatherizing Your Home for Ultimate Energy Savings event on January 12th, that brought together over 45 individuals wanting to learn how to reduce their energy use at home. Speaker Clark Goody from the Conservation Services provided detailed information on home energy audits, cost effective investments, and access to resources to help residents save energy and money.

The free energy seminar stresses the importance of reducing heat usage by providing do-it-yourself sealing techniques, tips on hiring a contractor for in-depth alterations, and resources for home audits and financing alterations. Program attendees learned about:

Air sealing and insulation as the most cost-effective investment for reducing home energy costs
Programmable thermostats, CFL’s, low-flow showerheads
Rebates and grants to reduce the cost of home alterations and appliance purchases
Energy Star ratings as an indicator of product energy efficiency
MassSave home energy audits, enhanced audits, and the weatherization assistance programs

The Home Energy Savings Seminar is an excellent way for communities to connect residents to efficiency resources and programs. Communities can chose from a variety of workshops including:

___ “Intro to Home Energy Savings” provides simple steps to reducing the use
of electricity, water, and heat; do-it-yourself techniques for basic home sealing
and heating; resources for financing home audits and alterations.
___ “Home Energy Savings for Renters” provides tenant-specific information on
basic home energy savings.
___ “Home Energy Savings for Retirees” provides senior-specific information on
basic home energy savings.
___ “Weatherizing Your Home for Ultimate Savings” stresses the importance
of reducing heat usage by providing do-it-yourself sealing techniques; tips on
hiring a contractor for in-depth alterations; resources for home audits and
financing alterations.

To learn more about the program contact Alicia Hunt at energy@mma.org, 617-426-7272 ext. 280

Green Shelter Project Underway at Transition House

Posted on January 15, 2010 by LGlick

Press Release: Green Shelter Project Underway at Transition House

Cambridge, MA — Transition House, Cambridge’s nonprofit domestic violence prevention agency, is greening its Emergency Shelter. The 120-year-old building buzzed with activity on Sunday, January 10, as Transition House kicked its Green Shelter Project into high gear with a modern-day weatherization barn-raising in partnership with the Home Energy Efficiency Team (HEET), the Cambridge Energy Alliance and New Generation Energy. “We were excited to have so many skilled and enthusiastic volunteers join together to make the Shelter more energy efficient and more comfortable for the 100 people who live there each year,” relayed Risa Mednick, chair of the Transition House Board. “We’re connecting the dots between environmental sustainability, energy conservation and sustaining vital programs in an era when domestic violence is on the rise and the needs of survivors far outstrips available resources.” “Every dollar we save on utility expenses will be redirected toward strengthening services our community depends on,” says Mednick.

Over 40 volunteers worked nonstop in groups led by HEET trainers sealing drafty basement leaks, caulking windows, installing low flow faucets and shower heads, replacing incandescent light bulbs with energy efficient compact florescents (CFLs) and weather stripping doorways. Former Mayor and City Councilor Denise Simmons, Councilor Sam Seidel and Councilor and State Representative Tim Toomey lent a hand. Transition House board members and the Middle East restaurant provided food for hungry workers. HEET donated all supplies and training and the Cambridge Energy Alliance donated CFL bulbs.

“In a few hours, we swapped out 50 light bulbs in 15 rooms, caulked all the windows and doors, fitted sinks with new aerators, and sealed over 140 feet of band joists that were a major source of heat loss,” reported Audrey Schulman, HEET’s president. Based on before and after measurements, HEET estimates a reduction of over $600 per year on heat and electricity bills. “We look for ways an organization like Transition House or an individual in their own home can realize big savings with small changes, says Schulman. One example: simply replacing the old bulbs in exit signs that operate 24/7 with high efficiency LEDs will save Transition House over $100 per year.

Chuck Lewin, founder of New Generation Energy ducked below basement pipes and beams as he sealed up air leaks remarking, “Every small thing each of us did here will have a lasting impact for Transition House. The environmental benefit can multiply if everyone applies what they’ve learned to their own homes and apartments.” HEET trainer Lilah Glick, of the Cambridge Energy Alliance led the team replacing thermostats with instruction in Spanish and English and shared that “programmable thermostats are an inexpensive way to reduce energy consumption, typically saving the average home over $150 dollars a year.”

Introducing low income homeless women to new skills that might spark their interest in green jobs and training opportunities is another important goal of the Green Shelter Project; engaging them in energy saving strategies as a part of budgeting and money management is also key.

Next steps for the organization include: continuing work with HEET to train staff and clients on changing work and lifestyle behaviors to increase energy conservation and savings; collaborating with New Generation Energy and the Cambridge Energy Alliance to monitor utility consumption patterns and assess the efficacy of renewable energy systems for the Emergency Shelter; and a green kitchen renovation.

###

About Transition House: Transition House, a nonprofit organization in Cambridge, MA, works to break the cycle of domestic violence. Transition House offers a continuum of safe, supportive housing options for individuals and families escaping abuse as well as prevention education in school and community settings. Since 1975, Transition House has been a lifeline to thousands of families as they rebuild their lives and has educated tens of thousands of youth in Cambridge and Greater Boston. www.transitionhouse.org

Partners in this green initiative include: the Home Energy Efficiency Team (www.heetma.org), Cambridge Energy Alliance (www.cambridgeenergyalliance.org) and New Generation Energy (www.newgenerationenergy.org) respected organizations with a shared interest in engaging public awareness and increasing participation in conservation and energy efficiency initiatives.

Hot air

Posted on January 15, 2010 by JPierce

Back in July T. Boone Pickens announced a quartering of his mega-wind farm project. The project has essentially been scrapped due to continuing issues with access to transmission lines, as Mr. Pickens downplays wind in his wind+natural gas “plan.” The remaining order with GE has been halved to three hundred odd turbines, whose future home is expected to be relocated from the Texas panhandle to Canada or Montana. Continue reading →

Tobacco powered trucks?

Posted on January 13, 2010 by JPierce

On their face, biofuels seem like a pretty good idea: carbon dioxide and sunlight in, carbon dioxide and energy out. Certainly some hobbyists manage to recover waste grease for use in diesel engines, but commercially the field has been dominated by the fermentation of sugars from food crops into ethanol. Unfortunately, due to the large petro-chemical inputs often employed it is unclear whether the result is a net gain. In addition, much attention has been given to the competing interests of fuel vs. food (vs. land conservation).

There is hope that research into the production of cellulosic ethanol, or alcohol from plant fibers, could soon tip the balance decidedly in favor of biofuels. One could use agricultural waste or fast-growing special cover crops however, this material should arguably be composted back into the fields… But what if you could make use of existing knowledge and agricultural land; instead of converting forest into sugarcane fields, or farming prairie? Perhaps even provide a competing market for an otherwise dubious product? This may be possible if research into genetically modified tobacco proves to be fruitful. These plants do not contain pesticide-producing or herbicide-resistance genes. Instead, scientists are working on ways to make the leaves of the plant express existing genes and produce more oil for use in fuel production.

Fun with a Kill-A-Watt

Posted on January 12, 2010 by BrendaPike

We finally got that Kill-A-Watt we’ve been thinking about, and we spent a good part of last weekend running around the house measuring the energy use of every single piece of electronic equipment we own. It was surprisingly fun. It was also a lot of numbers. (See below.) But we could draw a few conclusions from all of them: Continue reading →

Cross-posted on pragmaticenvironmentalism.com

MA gets gubernatorial group’s guidance on retrofits

Posted on January 6, 2010 by JPierce

The National Governors Association announced yesterday that it would be providing support for the development of “policy academies” focusing on building retrofits in six states, including Massachusetts.

A Policy Academy is a highly interactive team-based process for helping a select number of states develop and implement an action plan to address a complex public policy issue. Participating states receive guidance and technical assistance from NGA Center staff and faculty experts and consultants from the private sector, research organizations, academia and the federal government.

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