Perhaps you saw our ad in this month’s City View? Well, it’s happening! The Georgetown University Energy Prize is going on now, and we are all a part of it. Our city’s collective energy use is being measured and the more we can lower it by the end of 2016, the better shot we have at a 5 million – yes, million – dollars. The money would be used to fund energy initiatives in the city that will benefit everyone. So let’s WIN IT!

Here’s how you can help:

1. Go to our brand new Ideas Forum. Vote and comment on the posts that are there, and then submit your own ideas for how we can reduce our energy use. Think big! Think small! We want to hear it all.
2. 2. Sign in to your electricity account with Eversource. They have a brand new, customized portal that shows you all sorts of information about your energy use and steps you can take to reduce wasted energy.
3. Haven’t had a Mass Save energy assessment in the last 3 years? Now is the time. It’s a no-cost way to start saving real money on energy in your home. Renters and homeowners alike can take advantage of this amazing program. Schedule your assessment now.
4. Take action in your home and business. Flicking off the lights, using a fan instead of AC, and turning down your water heater are all things you can do to make a difference. Need ideas? We’ve got ’em!
5. Tell a friend. Tell your landlord. Tell your boss. Spread the word! Follow us on Twitter @Cambenergy #WINITCambridge and like us on facebook.com/cambridgeenergyalliance.

And THANK YOU! We can’t do it without you.

If you’ve visited the tools or lighting aisles at TAGS hardware store on a Saturday or Sunday, you have probably seen a home energy information table. The home energy information table has provided thousands of customers with free advice and resources for saving energy and reducing carbon emissions. On Friday May 29, Cambridge City officials visited TAGS to thank owners and staff for their work to make the city more energy efficient.

At an informal ceremony in front of the store, Cambridge City Councilor, Leland Cheung, and Outreach Director of Cambridge Energy Alliance, Meghan Shaw, presented a resolution to TAGS Co-owners Margaret “Mardi” Moran and Simon Shapiro. The resolution, approved by Cambridge City Council on Monday May 25, reads “The City Council commends with gratitude the exemplary contribution of the owners and employees of TAGS toward the reduction of energy and greenhouse gas emissions”. City Councilor Cheung explained the resolution was approved without opposition saying, “The Council supports the leadership provided by members of the city’s business community, and TAGS is a great example of that leadership”.

TAGS began offering the information table in 2012 with support from Cambridge Energy Alliance and Next Step Living out of concern for the environment. Ms. Moran explained, “The need to reduce carbon emissions is so urgent. We are happy to make this resource available.” Mr. Shapiro explained that in addition to helping area residents, TAGS is also taking steps to reduce its own energy use, such as replacing all of it’s lighting with highly-efficient LEDs. Ms. Shaw praised the initiative of the co-owners saying. “You have always said ‘yes’ to taking actions for a strong, sustainable community.”

The home energy information table at TAGS helps people to take steps to reduce energy use in their homes by giving them the chance to see and ask questions about sample energy-saving light bulbs, power strips, faucet aerators, shower heads, and more. The table is staffed by an energy savings specialist who can offer advice about energy savings programs and schedule no-cost home energy assessments.

TAGS has been especially generous in making space for the home energy information table in the store, but they are not alone. Check out other Cambridge institutions that have made space for the home energy information tables.

There are many residents of Cambridge who can make their homes more energy efficient, and Cambridge Energy Alliance is eager to see many more information tables across the city. If you can offer a little space for a home energy information table in a store, house of worship, office, or other place where people gather, please send email to outreach@cambridgeenergyalliance.org. You’ll help people save energy and money; you’ll help the environment; and you’ll help Cambridge in its competition with 49 other U.S. cities to win the $5 Million Georgetown University Energy Prize.

In front of TAGS hardware store, City Councilor, Leland Cheung, at center, presents the resolution, with Meghan Shaw to left, and Mardi Moran and Simon Shapiro to right. Also shown are Christine Ellersick (far left), Anika Klaessig (held by her mother), Zack McArthur, and Malcolm Bliss (far right).

Rick Muehlke is canvassing door to door in Cambridge. He’s talking with residents about ways they can save energy, to help Cambridge win $5 million in the Georgetown University Energy Prize.

Canvassing door to door is challenging work, but Rick knows people need to take action to reduce energy demands and help our city beat the 49 other U.S. cities competing for the prize. He also knows people are more likely take action when someone talks with them face-to-face.

Rick has done canvassing work for years, but he started to canvass in Cambridge on March 18. Rick explained, “It’s hard work, but it’s all worth it, to help reduce carbon emissions and help people save money by saving energy.” On a good day, Rick will knock on 50 doors, speak with 20 or more people, and a half-dozen or more will commit to energy-saving action.

The door-to-door canvass that Rick is part of is supported by the City of Cambridge, Cambridge Energy Alliance, and the Boston-based business, Next Step Living. On behalf of Cambridge Energy Alliance, Rick asks residents to take measures such as scheduling a no-cost Mass Save home energy assessment, weatherizing their home, or installing solar panels. Any of these measures will help Cambridge win the Georgetown University Energy Prize. Any of these measures will also save energy and money on a resident’s energy bills.

Last week, Rick had an unusual experience. Normally, he proceeds from door to door without much interruption. “A guy saw I was canvassing for Cambridge Energy Alliance and called to me from across the street. I crossed the street to him, and he scheduled a no-cost home energy assessment.” said Rick, “I didn’t even need to knock on his door! If everyone were that pro-active it would sure help Cambridge win the prize.”

Cambridge Energy Alliance plans for the canvass to continue from neighborhood to neighborhood with a 100% participation goal. The canvass is one of many initiatives being taken to help win the Georgetown University Energy Prize. All residents of Cambridge are encouraged to reduce their energy using ideas such as on the Cambridge Energy Alliance website. Volunteers are needed to help the city reduce its energy use. Please contact outreach@cambridgeenergyalliance.org if you are interested in getting involved.

Have you and your friends had your no-cost home energy assessment yet? No need to wait for Rick to come to your door, get started here.

Cambridge has been selected to advance to the Semifinal round of the Georgetown University Energy Prize, a national competition that challenges us, along with other small- and medium-sized communities to develop and implement creative, sustainable, and replicable strategies to save energy.

Our commitment to environmental sustainability and energy efficiency has put us in the running against leading small- and medium-sized communities across the county.

Cambridge will work together over the next two years with NSTAR, business associations, local schools and universities, residents, and our innovation and technology sector businesses to implement our energy-saving plan that will not only deliver financial benefits to residents, but will also help ensure the long-term sustainability of our community. Most importantly, we will develop new approaches that other communities can replicate—so that we can all do our part to secure our nation’s energy future.

In competing for the Georgetown University Energy Prize, Cambridge intends to focus improvements on:

• Working with the high tech sector to deploy energy saving technology
• Piloting an improved multi-family energy efficiency program
• Offering a deep energy retrofit raffle
• Promoting community solar

Stay tuned for more details on the Prize, Cambridge’s energy-saving plan, and to learn how you can support our efforts. In the meantime, please stay connected with us through our website CambridgeEnergyAlliance.org, Facebook page and Twitter profile @CambEnergy.

We are excited to get underway in the competition and we look forward to elevating Cambridge as a national leader of energy efficiency efforts in America.

For questions about the Prize or if you would like to get involved in the effort, please contact Meghan Shaw at 617-349-5323 or mshaw@cambridgema.gov

Here are some easy but important tips to help you keep costs down, reduce your environmental impact, and keep the pipes from freezing while you are away this winter.

1. Set your thermostat between 52 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything lower and you could endanger your pipes when temperatures are freezing. Anything higher and you are wasting energy!

2. If you live in a single family home or condominium, you can also turn down your water heater or put it into vacation mode. There is no need to heat water to hot temperatures when no one is going to be using it.

3. Use all of your window defenses—make sure windows are closed and latched, and close curtains and blinds to help keep the cold from getting in. If you have a particularly drafty window, you can improvise temporary insulation treatments, such as pinning a wool blanket to cover the window—since you’ll be away, this is a case of function over form.

4. Mind the gaps. If you have a fireplace, make sure the damper is closed. Insulate or seal cracks or gaps in your walls that let in drafts. Here is a DIY Guide. You can also sign up for a home energy assessment to get free air sealing. In a pinch, use door snakes or rolled up blankets to cover drafty spots (just make sure you aren’t covering a vent).

5. Need to leave a light on or using a light timer? Make sure the bulb is an energy-efficient LED or CFL.

6. Unplug anything that doesn’t absolutely need to be plugged in. Many of your electronics use energy even when they are turned off. Switch off powerstrips and unplug appliances while you are gone. By the way, smart powerstrips (available with a utility discount at efi.org) can help you eliminate standby power all the time, not just when you’re away.

7. Give a friend a spare key. If there is a storm expected, have the friend stop in before and after to to make sure everything is in good order at your place, and to address any problems as soon as possible. You can thank them with a bottle of wine and a smart powerstrip!

Have creative ideas for reducing energy costs while away? We’d love to hear them—share them in the comments section.

Cambridge has allocated $500,000 for implementing citizen ideas as part of its Participatory Budget initiative. The projects must be capital projects on city property that benefit the public. Submit some climate resiliency, energy efficiency, or renewable energy ideas!

Brainstorming welcome. Check out the site below and share your ideas. Yes, that means you!

http://cambridgema.nationbuilder.com/

Don’t miss this fantastic free event! Bring anything of yours that needs fixing & get help repairing it. Save money, be good to the planet, AND have fun doing it! Details here.

There’s a ton of great stuff to put on your calendar this month and next…

PARK(ing) Day is September 19 – The City of Cambridge will transform parking spaces into something more surprising for a day. It’s a great time to learn what the city is up to, meet your neighbors, and have some fun. CEA will be in Central Square, come say hi! (And pick up some swag!)

You can also find us at the Danehy Park Family Day! September 20 @ 11:00PM.

Join the City of Cambridge for this invigorating panel discussion “Getting towards Net Zero” at the Cambridge Main Library on September 23 @6:00PM. See: Invitation4_9_4_2014 for more details. Hosted by the City of Cambridge’s Net Zero Task Force.

Interested in what’s new in building energy efficiency? Take a tour of Bostons’ LEED Silver Hosteling International building on September 25 @ 5:30PM.

What’s yet another great way to save money and be kind to the environment? Fixing your broken stuff! But don’t worry if you’re not the handy type, just come to Repair Cafe. Experts will be available to help you take on your fix-it projects big and small (for free!). September 27 @10:00AM, 5 Callendar Street, Cambridge.

Learn about the hazards of methane leaks and what HEET’s Squeaky Leak program is doing about them. Natural Gas Forum on Tuesday, September 30th @ 6:00PM

Do you know of a non-profit that owns their building? Refer them to the Race to Solar program, which can help them go solar on the cheap to save big on energy costs. Details at the HEET Race to Solar Workshop @ 12:30PM, October 2, in Jamaica Plain or 4:00PM, Octber 8 in Cambridge.

We hope to see you at one or more of these fantastic local events! Follow us on Twitter for information on events like these, plus local and national energy efficiency and renewables news.

We’re seeking a full-time Energy Assistant Planner for this 2-year contract position. Details below. See the original posting here.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Energy Assistant Planner will assist with and manage a variety of energy outreach and planning activities, program analysis and data tracking, with a focus on community and stakeholder engagement in energy efficiency and renewable energy. This person will be a member of an eleven person team within the Environmental and Transportation Planning division of the Community Development Department, doing innovative and collaborative work with other city departments with a focus on renters, landlords, homeowners, businesses, schools, higher education institutions, community groups, non-profits and the local utility company and also including regional, state and federal energy agencies.

Primary responsibilities will be in three main areas:

Multi-Family Residential Energy Efficiency Pilot is a program currently being designed with MIT and the local utility (NSTAR) to try and overcome barriers to deploying energy efficiency in multi-family housing including: the split incentive problem, condominium common ownership challenges and financing issues. The Pilot will require collaborative work with NSTAR, community and business organization, residents, and energy efficiency contractors. Tasks include:

• Coordinate Multi-family Pilot programming, resources and communication.
• Track and analyze program results.
• Create Multi-Family Pilot marketing and outreach materials for print, web, and social media.
• Facilitate and organize outreach events, workshops, and meetings with residential property owners
• Track participation in a CRM system (Salesforce).
• Build coalitions and working relationships with lenders, contractors, and tenant/landlord organizations.
• Perform other duties as required.

Georgetown University Energy Prize (GUEP) is a national competition for small to medium sized municipalities to see who can reduce their energy use in the municipal and residential sector the most from 2015-2017 in order to win a $5 million dollar prize.  GUEP tasks include:

• Research and model the energy savings that could be achieved with innovative energy campaigns.
• Execute innovation energy campaigns to drive down residential energy use through efficiency and renewable energy adoption.
• Work with K-12 public schools on energy education and energy savings projects for school and home.
• Coordinate with other city departments on driving down municipal energy use.
• Manage quarterly GUEP reporting process and writing reports and press releases documenting progress.
• Create marketing and outreach materials for print, web, and social media.
• Recruit volunteers and community leaders to support the GUEP effort.
• Perform other duties as required.

Solar Market Pathways is a U.S. Department of Energy grant that the City of Cambridge and Boston applied for to develop a ten year solar deployment plan for our cities/region. Solar Market Pathways tasks include:

• Contribute to a stakeholder engagement process, including identifying and recruiting stakeholders and attending stakeholder meetings.
• Assist with a market segmentation data collection and analysis.
• Contribute to research on solar deployment programs in other cities and countries including policies, programs, financing, etc.
• Attend and report on the activities of a regional solar committee.
• Contribute to efforts to address solar deployment in sectors like rental housing, new construction, and utility area networks.
• Contribute to reporting and documenting Solar Market Pathways progress.
• Perform other duties as required.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

The Energy Assistant Planner should be familiar with energy efficiency and renewable energy technology, policy and community organizing, and data tracking and analysis.  Technical experience should include a basic understanding of energy efficiency and renewable energy equipment.  Ability to work with a wide variety of people, coordinate projects, and use diplomacy required.  Should possess excellent project management, organizational, communication, presentation, computer, writing and analytical skills.  Minimum of two years of related professional experience and a related Bachelor’s degree.

 Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal and time management skills, and ability to multi-task while remaining organized
• Must be able to work independently, as a proactive team player
• Ability to explain technical information to lay audiences and comfortable with public speaking
• Experience building community partnerships and relationships
• Experience with campaign planning and community organizing
• Knowledge of the Cambridge community
• Understanding of energy efficiency and renewable energy technology and policy, especially Massachusetts policy and the Mass Save program a plus.
• Understanding of utilities, especially deregulated utilities and utility energy efficiency programs.
• Flexibility to work nights and weekends for events (as needed)
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Volunteer recruitment, supervision, and training experience
• Desire to work with K-12 schools.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  Requires travel to and through the City and adjacent cities. Driving, walking, biking, bending, squatting, reaching and standing for long periods.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:  Work involved is both indoor in a profession office setting and outdoors for outreach opportunities.

RATE: $52,650/year + excellent benefits

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Internal applicants submit a job bidding form and 2 copies of both your resume and letter of interest; external applicants submit both your resume and letter of interest by 5pm on the closing date via email to employment@cambridgema.gov or Personnel Dept, Room 309, City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge MA 02139.  Fax 617-349-4312