Keep Breathing: New Paint, New Carpet and Your Family

Recently, my family had the opportunity to move into a new rental and choose the paint and carpet that would be installed. I was concerned that moving in the middle of the winter would not allow us to open doors and windows to vent the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other fumes that "off-gas" once paint, flooring and carpeting have been installed.

My family isn't particularly sensitive, but we do have a two year-old daughter who is developing her brain, muscle, and body at an alarming rate, and I don't want her breathing in chemicals. I voiced these concerns to my landlady Rosalie and asked her if I could pick no-VOC paints and seal any flooring she installs with AFM Safecoat sealers. She happily obliged and here is why:

High Quality and Equal CostI did a bit of cost comparison of paints found that zero VOC Mythic Paint sold at Handcrafted House was very similar in price to regular paint. Mythic paint is a non-toxic paint that provides the durability you expect from a premium paint without the off-gassing and cancer-causing toxins that emit years after drying. And you can breath easy knowing that Mythic has a very large selection of colors choices , with excellent coverage and smooth application.

Painters need to breath Too
The painter Rosalie hired to paint has been in the business for many years. In fact, he retired and is only doing jobs that allow him to use non-toxic paint. He was happy with the coverage of the Mythic Pro, using only one coat on most surfaces. 

Rosalie was still living in the house at the time it was painted, and she voiced how pleased she was with the fumes that she avoided breathing using these paints too.

Flooring It
I was concerned about the carpeting outgassing carcinogens as formaldehyde, toluene, benzene, xylene and styrene during the winter months when we are inside most. Sheryl at Handcrafted House pointed me in the direction of a product I didn't even know existed: Carpet Seal. It is designed to prevent the outgassing of harmful chemicals used in carpet backing. Carpet Seal is odor-free and effectively blocks outgassing for up to five cleanings or one year.

Creating a beautiful home for you and your family is an exciting process, but it isn't just about the looks. Don't forget to care for your health as you choose your finishes. Call Sheryl at Handcrafted House at  970.247.4046  to learn more!

Good Health to you and your family in 2014 and beyond!

About the Author

Teresa Shishim is Program Manager at 4CORE. She  is a Colorado native who is dedicated to improving where we live through collaboration. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science at Western Washington University and has significant experience managing and coordinating projects and programs, including marketing campaigns, volunteer programs, and events. She gained this experience through a variety of positions, including serving as the Director of a non-profit river restoration group and as Marketing Manager for a start-up software company.

The Pathway to Energy Independence

by Reji

Letter to the Durango Herald Editor

Dear Editor:

There is a pathway to energy independence in our region, and there is no better time than now to put one foot in front of the other to get there. The more of us that start walking that path, the more money stays in our back pockets and in our local economy. With the rising cost of electricity, alternative ways to power our homes and businesses are looking more appealing. The US Army is well on its way to energy independence, with the Army Strategy for the Environment: Sustain the Mission – Secure the Future (www.sustainability.army.mil). Our neighbors at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs produces as much energy as they use, and reuse or recycle 100% of their waste and water.

The first step along this path energy efficiency.  “First Reduce Your Use, and then Produce” Making sure that your home or business is air sealed is the first and usually least expensive way to decrease energy waste. Efficient bulbs and ENERGY Star appliances are a great way to reduce electricity demand, as well.

Once a home or building is efficient, the next step is renewables. More than 290 days of FREE sunshine brightens our county each year. Solar makes sense (and cents) in our sunny location, and allows us the freedom to produce energy on our very rooftops, of all places. With so much power just over our heads, it’s not as hard as you might think to reach up and grab it.

I’m excited about the opportunity that Solarize La Plata is creating for many here. The payback period for solar has changed from twenty years to just seven years with the offered base price systems. Financing options are available.

Let us follow the example that our nation’s army is setting and strive for energy independence. I encourage all readers who are ready to take electricity production into their own hands to visit fourcore.org or call 970-259-1916 to get your name on the list by January 31^st, when the sign up period ends.

Sincerely,

Teresa Shishim
A.K.A. Little Miss Sunshine

CEAP on Keepin' On

For one year, I dedicated myself to facilitating the development of the La Plata Climate and Energy Action Plan (CEAP), in collaboration with a wide range of community volunteers (volunteers who had already been hard at work for a year-and-a-half before I came into the picture!). As a group, we put an incredible amount of time, energy and soul into the creation of the CEAP. Working with that group of dedicated volunteers was a pretty incredible experience. I was so inspired by their passion, knowledge and drive to create a plan that they hoped would help shape a stronger future for the local community they loved.

The vision for the CEAP was to impact personal, organizational, and governmental policies, practices, and behaviors in a meaningful, measurable, and cost-effective way to minimize or neutralize local greenhouse gas emissions and to adapt successfully to climate change. The City of Durango and La Plata County recognized that climate change is not just a global problem, but something that is already having impacts here in our local community (projected impacts described below):

The community volunteers engaged to create the CEAP came up with the following emission reduction targets and strategies (and 42 recommended actions within the six strategies below).

The CEAP was officially submitted to elected officials in June of 2011. The City of Durango passed a resolution on August 2nd, 2011 that the plan is finalized and accepted by the City of Durango for timely consideration of its recommendations. However, the county chose to not pass a resolution regarding any sort of planned action. Since the CEAP was submitted, neither government entity has begun implementing recommended actions under the umbrella of the CEAP. Thousands of volunteer hours went into the creation of the CEAP, a plan that we were all incredibly proud of, a plan that we thought could really benefit our local community.

To realize that this amazing piece of work was just going to sit on a shelf was a pretty demoralizing experience. But just because the CEAP was never officially adopted and purposefully implemented, it doesn't mean that action hasn't been occurring in our community that supports its goals. The City of Durango has done a lot to promote resource conservation within their operations, increase multi-modal transportation through many different projects, and has switched to single-stream recycling. La Plata County has also taken action to be more resource efficient through partnering with the City on recycling events and greening their own operations. LPEA, as well, has contributed to the cause through its Green Power Program, its highly successful commercial lighting program, as well as the recently developed Community Solar Garden policy. 

Here at 4CORE we have also been hard at work, weatherizing 628 low-income homes, conducting energy audits on and assisting with upgrades for 30 businesses, launching a Solarize campaign to increase installations of rooftop solar, coaching fleets on alternative fuel options, and conducting resource efficiency education presentations and training. Even though our local governments haven’t directly encouraged or supported implementation of the CEAP, our community has continued to work on a variety of grassroots activities that work to achieve the CEAP goals.

Two years later we are faced with a different political climate than we were when the CEAP was submitted. New local leadership is placing more of a priority on sustainability initiatives. Durango Mayor Dick White (a former member of the CEAP Steering Committee) made the following comment:

“I very much want to see these initiatives advance during my term as Mayor . . .  I think that the easiest way forward would be to update the [emissions] inventory, even as the City (and, I hope, the County) begin to consider what CEAP actions make sense for near-term consideration.”

According to Gwen Lachelt, La Plata County Commissioner,

"Several county residents [have] request[ed] that La Plata County take up the CEAP again. The La Plata County Commissioners will be meeting before the end of the year to discuss priorities for 2014 and the CEAP will be on my list as it was during my campaign . . . If the CEAP is a priority to county residents I would urge folks to send letters to the three La Plata County Commissioners . . . [Additionally], the EPA has been planning to lower the federal ozone standard and if that were to happen tomorrow, La Plata County would be in non-attainment due to the high ozone concentrations that currently exist. I believe it is critical that we work cooperatively with the oil and gas and coal industry as well as the local governments in the region to address this issue in order to protect public health, the environment and our economy." 

As a community, we've had some setbacks in the sustainability department, but also a lot of positive developments. And with strong local leadership in support of taking action to address climate change, I think we have a bright future on the horizon. I’m excited to be a part of this community and to help see these actions unfold!

About the Author Amanda Saunders is Program Coordinator at 4CORE. She was born in Florida and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. While in Chapel Hill, Amanda worked with the town to conduct a greenhouse gas inventory for their Climate Action Plan. Outside of work, Amanda enjoys climbing, hiking, skiing, traveling, reading, and soccer. Amanda manages the Resource Smart Business Program.

Radon Education Grant Received

La Plata County Extension and 4CORE are teaming up to raise radon awareness. EPA has approved grant request for Radon Education in Southwest Colorado through Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. CSU Extension will provide workshops beginning in December to discuss the impacts and prevalence of radon in our area.  Short term radon test kits will be available.  In addition, 4CORE will conduct radon testing and education for low-income residents.

“I’m very pleased that we’re going to be able to provide this resource again and that we will have kits again,” said Wendy Rice, Extension Agent.  “There are a variety of factors that can impact the amount of radon drawn into a home. Two homes, sitting side by side, could have completely different radon levels,” she explained.  “You just can’t tell without testing.”

Radon has been definitively linked to lung cancer after long-term exposure. It is the primary cause of lung cancer second only to cigarette smoking, though it is easy to prevent through testing and mitigation.

EPA recommends mitigation for homes testing at four (4) picocuries per liter (pCi/l) or greater. Figures released by EPA showed that homes in Colorado are at high risk because of granite and soil content. Levels in La Plata County have ranged from 1 - 315 pCi/L.  If mitigation is needed it should only be done by National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) certified technicians.

The screening kit provided by CSU Extension Office ($5 with class/$10 without) is a complete three-day screening test that has no additional reading costs. The kit is a reliable tool and if results above four pCi/l are received, an additional test should be conducted before mitigation takes place.

The kits are easy to use and any interested resident is encouraged to contact the Extension office about participating in the testing program at 970-382-6465.

Low-income residents should contact 4CORE at 970-259-1916 to determine eligibility and schedule a test.

First Businesses ‘Going Beyond’

The Resource Smart Business Program (RSBP) is pleased to announce Renae Marie and the Durango Double Tree Hotel as the first businesses to be certified at the ‘Going Beyond’ level. This is the highest level of certification in the program and is only achieved by implementing three improvements in each area of energy efficiency, worksite wellness, and sustainability.

"We have worked hard to bring our business into the light, both literally and figuratively," said Renae Muller, owner of Renae Marie Apparel and Gifts. Our utility bills have decreased and our employees are enjoying new benefits. I feel good knowing that we are making a positive impact in our community and our world by becoming more sustainable with the eco-friendly products we carry and recycling efforts made within the store. The partnership with the RSBP and La Plata Electric Association have made reaching the ‘Going Beyond’ level of Resource Smart Certification an easier task."

Renae Marie made energy efficiency improvements, including changing their lighting system to LEDs,>installing weather stripping on the front door, and insulating their water heater. Worksite wellness was improved by creating "The Box of Gratitude" for employee recognition, providing a wellness package to staff that aligns with personal interests and needs, and providing healthy snacks for employees. Sustainability was improved by creating a new green business mission statement, carrying eco-friendly products, and re-purposing salvaged doors and wood to make display tables. These changes equate to an estimated $1,370 saved per year.

The DoubleTree Hotel in Durango changed their rooftop, restaurant, and parking lot lighting to LEDs, and upgraded the meters on the rooftop air handlers to improve energy efficiency. Sustainability improvements include sharing sustainability information and tips with staff and stakeholders, setting up new computers on power strips, proposing a Director of Sustainability to coach all of the Hilton branches on integrating sustainability into hotel operations, and joining the City of Durango’s ‘Way to Go club’ to encourage alternative commuting methods. Wellness actions include the creation of a comprehensive wellness program focused on physical activity, mental wellness and healthy eating, with a mentor program and support system for achieving individual plans and goals, an incentive system to encourage and track participation, provision of healthy meals at work, a corporate discount rate at the Durango Recreation Center for employees, and wellness education in newsletters. These upgrades are anticipated to save them almost $14,000 in annual operation costs.

Renae Marie is located at 809 Main Ave. in Durango or at www.facebook.com/pages/Renae-Marie-Apparel. The DoubleTree in Durango is located at 501 Camino Del Rio and can be found at http://doubletree3.hilton.com. Stop by their businesses to support Resource Smart Certified businesses.

For more information or to apply for RSBP certification, please visit the website or contact Amanda Saunders with 4CORE at (970) 259-1916.

About RSBP

The Resource Smart Business Program is a voluntary certification program that helps La Plata County businesses identify potential areas for improvement and implement smart business decisions that reduce operational costs, improve employee wellness, boost brand integrity, and increase profitability. Participating businesses learn how to assess energy consumption, worksite wellness and overall sustainability. Businesses that complete the six-step certification and make positive changes based on program recommendations become ‘Resource Smart Certified’ and receive recognition and promotion for their efforts. RSBP is administered by the Four Corners Office for Resource Efficiency (4CORE) in collaboration with , Local First that was awarded to La Plata County in 2012. For more information, please visit www.resourcesmartbusiness.com.

Put your Money Where Your House Is

While you read this, if you read this, I want you to think about your favorite appliance. Mine is, without a doubt, the refrigerator (more on this later).

Let me first take a moment to tell you about 4CORE. 4CORE is a 5 year old 501(c)3 not for profit organization, with the mission to serve Southwest Colorado as the leading resource for the effective and efficient use of energy to promote and sustain vibrant local communities.

What exactly does that mean? It means we are working to curb the dollars each of us spend to buy energy for transportation, our homes, as well as our work place in order to keep money from leaving our community (we are energy importers). Energy has been cheap for a long time, so conserving it and the dollars to buy it hasn't seemed to matter, but as energy costs increase, it does matter. It matters for your wallet and for our community.

The obvious extension is that energy matters for our country and for the whole world. I believe it also matters for the environment. A quick look at a few numbers is pretty staggering: Viewing the global population calculator, which, as I'm writing this blog, is reading 7.2 billion people. This is mind boggling, and leads me to invoke the word ‘sustainable’ (able to be used without being completely used up or destroyed, involving methods that do not completely use up or destroy).

If I were to ask you how your job or your marriage was, and you said, “it’s sustainable”, that doesn't sound very good. So let me ask you, rhetorically, to ponder if you think our current energy consumption levels are sustainable? This reminds me of the bumper sticker ‘Earth First- we’ll mine the other planets later’.

Where We Have Come From

A Watt Steam Engine, fueled by coal,
propelled the Industrial Revolution 

The coal fired ‘Watt Steam Engines’ of the early industrial revolution are now around 250 years old, so aside from having fires in our caves for a long time, the machine age and now gadget age are relatively young. To bring this dialog home the Durango Discovery Museum/Power House, which was commissioned in 1893 is now 120 years old. This was the same year of the iconic Chicago Worlds Fair, where Alternating Current (AC) electricity lit the ‘White City’ and Pabst Beer won the ‘Blue Ribbon’ as a micro brewery).

Durango always seems to be on the cutting edge. Back then each small town had to have their own power generation as the ‘grid’ we appreciate today wasn't available. Each town also had their own diaries, saw mills… One might say that communities were more sustainable, or independent. 

My, How We Have Grown

http://visual.ly/how-does-american-energy-consumption-measure-global-context

How do we, in the United States rate on the global scale of energy use? It is nice to see that the U.S. is still number 1, but I am afraid that China and India will probably surpass us in time. Compared to the world La Plata County only has 51,000 people with almost 26,000 housing units (actually, 25,860 housing units according to the 2010 census).

The average home uses $84 worth of electricity/month equaling around $1000 per year, multiplied by 26,000 homes equals over $26,000,000 million/per year spent on residential electricity in La Plata County (this does not count industrial or commercial uses).

If you recall, my Favorite Appliance is the Refrigerator
You have to love the thermodynamic cycle of a heat pump working in reverse to keep food and beer cold and fresh! My grandmother Ethel had an old chest cooler on her back porch in Washington D.C. where I grew up. She had an electric fridge inside the house, but always kept the old cooler stocked full of Frostie Root Beer on ice. This was a pre-electric ice chest, and before electrification, ice was cut from the Potomac River in the winter, capped with saw dust and stored in buildings, then delivered to the neighborhoods throughout the year.

Nothing tastes as sweet as that root beer used to from that antique cooler, and she would let me have as many as I wanted. I remember the milk man delivering whole milk to our back porch in heavy glass bottles, then picking up the empties. We continue to innovate as a species and things are different today. Our modern grocers stock almost everything imaginable year round. I have heard that the average piece of fruit travels 1,600 miles. However, the home grown fruit, or tomato is always the sweetest.

Our Durango Power House has evolved from producing its own power in 1893, to shutting the power house down in the mid 1970’s, and is now an awesome interactive museum.

Enough about our community, what about me? And you? 
In our evolution, let us remember how to innovate and evolve toward energy efficiency. The price of energy is increasing, as is the cost to our planet as we grow in population and use more. The first step starts, literally, at home. Find out how much energy you could be saving by getting a HomeRx assessment. Make the upgrades that will $ave you the most and make your home more comfortable.

Maybe you Buy Local, but take the next step... Put your money where your house is.

About the Author

Born and raised in the Washington D.C. area Gregg Dubit has been in Southwest Colorado for over 20 years. Gregg has a Bachelors degree from The University of New Hampshire, Durham in Forest Resource Management, and from Fort Lewis College, Durango in secondary education. Greggs’ previous experience includes Commercial energy auditing, Residential Services Network training and certification, residential general contracting, residential real estate inspection services, high school math and science teacher, former ski patroller, and aged outward bound instructor. In addition, Gregg is an avid dog musher, proud father of Lydia and Hayden, and happily married to Gretchen.

Confessions of an Energy Addict

Hello, my name is Gregg Dubit, and I am addicted to energy.

I feel better having said that. I am also the Director of 4CORE, and this is my first ever ‘web log’ or blog.  I am honored and proud that 4CORE is helping to Solarize our community and blogging seems like a great way to tell my thoughts and story on ‘going solar’.

Remember when your mom said, ‘eat your veggies before you have desert’? The same analogy applies to energy use in the home. Insulate, air seal, and maintain or upgrade your appliances first, to have an efficient home. Hire an energy auditor and prepare your nest for the winter. Then for dessert; ‘go solar’.

Our family still eats our veggies: We boosted our attic insulation, we insulated our basement, and we continue to look for ways to make our home more energy efficient. I still have to chase my kids around the house to get them to power down and turn off the lights, ROKU, Wei, computers, TV and the list of high energy consuming plug in devices seem to grow monthly.

I personally thought solar photovoltaics (PV) was not within my financial reach. I thought solar was for wealthy people, and it has been. My wife and I discussed going solar a lot. We were on the fence between our 10-year old daughter (Lydia) needing braces, and the need to upgrade a vehicle, as well as another set of snow tires. There was always something to keep us from investing in solar. I have admired the concept of ‘Going Solar’ but thought I could not afford to put solar on my house.

But I still did not have the cold hard cash to throw down.

Enter Solarize La Plata (SLP), never under estimate what a committed group of volunteers can accomplish. The SLP committee has made ‘going solar’ easy. Solarize La Plata is a grass roots effort to make Solar possible for more people, maybe even you. Competitive local loans, and very competitive pricing on solar installations with professional NABCEP certified, local contractors.

On top of all that, La Plata Electric Association (LPEA), is a proven leader among the 44 electric cooperatives under Tri-State for supporting solar on your home with well-organized, professional grid tied interconnect policies (meaning you don’t need to buy $10,000 worth of batteries to go solar), and you will even qualify for a renewable energy credit (thank you LPEA).

What was the tipping point for us on the solar decision? 

Actually there were several tipping points.

After doing the math, subtracting the incentives from the LPEA Renewable Energy Credit, and then subtracting the 30% federal income tax credit available - ‘going solar now’ is possible. My wife Gretchen and I piloted a loan to put PV on our home. Our system went live just a few weeks ago and we are now offsetting our home’s use of electricity. We plan to pay off our loan over the next seven years and we are hedging that utility prices will increase, making our investment even smarter.

Solar power is an opportunity like a back yard garden. We still depend on others for most of our food, but the elk, broccoli, cucumbers, tomatoes, potatoes, berries, and lettuce we grow or get locally just taste better and make me feel good. I will still depend on LPEA for electricity, and I greatly appreciated how quickly they performed repairs after the last wet snow storm a few weeks ago. But I'm smiling, having gone solar and knowing I am making electricity while the sun shines.

My Energy Use Confession

I built a ‘hillbilly hot tub’ 10 years ago with a cattle stock tank and an aluminum submersible wood stove. We enjoyed many years of soaking, but splitting an additional chord of wood to heat it was not that relaxing. To upgrade to a modern electric hot tub, or not to upgrade.

Remember when I said I was addicted to energy? Let me tell you, Gretchen and I  really fought over this new appliance. Keeping 300 gallons of water 102 degrees outside is not sustainable. After all, the leader of 4CORE could not be caught relaxing in an electric hot tub, supplied with coal fired power (I imagined that I should be tarred and feathered). Gretchen made the case that this electric hot tub would be an investment in our marriage, soaking under the stars after the kids are in bed – and she was right (again). But compromise often comes with conditions, and my condition for the hot tub was that we invest in solar PV, before I turn 50.

So there you have it. I have come out of the closet – The director of 4CORE is addicted to energy.

What about you? What is your story about energy use?

If you have money, aka cash, solar offers a smart return on investment (ROI) which will outperform most stocks and bonds, and this is represents a local investment, with local contractors. If you don’t have the cash but still want to ‘go solar’ check out the competitive lending options.

If you would like to check out my array, come to the 1st Solarize Open House we are hosting, this Sunday, November 3rd  1:00 to 4:00 pm at our home: 2525 County Road 124, La Plata Canyon, direction signs will be posted – (please leave your dog at home- we have plenty).

Thanks for reading,

Sincerely, Gregg

About the Author

Born and raised in the Washington D.C. area Gregg Dubit has been in Southwest Colorado for over 20 years. Gregg has a Bachelors degree from The University of New Hampshire, Durham in Forest Resource Management, and from Fort Lewis College, Durango in secondary education. Greggs’ previous experience includes Commercial energy auditing, Residential Services Network training and certification, residential general contracting, residential real estate inspection services, high school math and science teacher, former ski patroller, and aged outward bound instructor. In addition, Gregg is an avid dog musher, proud father of Lydia and Hayden, and happily married to Gretchen.

Sunshine to Power More Homes in La Plata County

Solarize La Plata County is offering a limited time opportunity for homeowners in La Plata County to generate their own solar power through a simplified process at a reduced cost. The campaign is launching with an informational event hosted by the Discovery Museum on October 22^nd at 5:30 PM, and a chance for interested participants to sign up. Complimentary food and beverages will be served. 

 

Solarize La Plata was initiated by the Four Corners Office for Resource Efficiency (4CORE) and a group of committed citizens in the spring of this year. Goals include installing solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on 100 homes in La Plata County with a total of 325 kilowatts (kW) in system capacity. The Solarize model, developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the City of Portland, was so successful that the U.S. Dept of Energy (DOE) adopted it and published a Solarize Guidebook for other communities to follow.

 

"This idea started in Portland by a neighborhood group that organized so they could collectively make informed decisions concerning installation of residential PV systems on their homes," said Robert Lea, Solarize La Plata Chairman. "Our changing political climate and the decrease in solar panel pricing is generating excitement about a local campaign, and our dedicated group of volunteers is setting Solarize La Plata in motion."

 

Solarize La Plata is partnering with the City of Durango, local lenders, and La Plata County-based solar contractors to create incentives to make going solar an affordable venture for more residents. As with many other Solarize campaigns around the country, it is expected that Solarize La Plata will result in increased market demand for PV in Southwest Colorado.

 

"Solar power is reliable, maintenance free and can be generated at your home," said Gregg Dubit, 4CORE Executive Director. "Now is a great time for solar. Many people don’t think they can afford solar, but we have lowered the price, motivated local banks to offer competitive loans, and are making it financially feasible for more residents to go solar."

 

The Solarize La Plata group will begin accepting applications on their website after October 22nd.

The Inside View on Window Coverings

By Sarah Sumner, Interior Designer and owner of Fusion Interiors

I believe it is human nature to love a beautiful view.  I search for them wherever I go: on the top of a mountain, at the top of a sandstone cliff on Cedar Mesa in Utah, or inside a home.  Beautiful views create good feelings. One of my latest projects, providing interior design for a new home in Pagosa, was oriented to magnify the beautiful view of Squaretop Mountain. The owners love this area so much they had June Jurack (a water color painter known in Durango for her whimsical gift cards) paint the view on a label for their home-crafted wine.  

Large windows are often installed that showcase incredible views. However, unless the windows have been well designed with thoughtful planning, those “take your breath away” glories come with a price.  I have worked with numerous homeowners who complain that their lovely and large windows either heat the room up or cool it down too much, or the room occupants are blinded with glare.

There is one window covering family that offers many solutions to the issues posed by excess heat, cold or glare. The Duette Architella honeycomb shades by Hunter Douglas were first invented in Broomfield, Colorado over 30 years ago. From its humble beginnings it has grown to be the number one window covering in climates such as ours. The Duette Architella is energy efficient to the maximum!

Four reasons why Duette Architella shades are so popular :

1. Cold and Hot Climate Benefits; shades reduces cold, exterior air from entering and prevents interior air from escaping; and vice versa for the hot climates.
2. Reduces Energy Consumption; shades are one of only a few that are so insulating they qualify for a Federal Tax Credit. See website for details.

3. Environmentally Sensitive; Some fabrics are GREENGUARD certified. Select fabrics contain sustainable and recycled content.
4. Versatility; They come in hundreds of fabrics and colors, five different head rail systems including a vertical system for sliding glass doors, and various opacity options, from sheer to semi-opaque to blackout.  They are low profile to retain most of the view.

There are numerous other window covering solutions. Most shades are available with hard wired motorization, which include options for home automation and integrated IPAD apps (for the techy person, tons of info can be provided).  Many types of window shadings are on the market today, including the infamous Silhouette shade, and the new Solera Soft Shades by Hunter Douglas.

Sunscreens are popular in offices and restaurants to retain the view yet cut the glare. Some shades look like drapes but roll up in a low profile such as the Vignette and Roller Shade Collections. For the fabric lover, custom draperies also offer high insulation and glare cutting capabilities.

The need for window coverings tend to be similar for most people; heat, cold, glare, privacy, and aesthetics. The best options for meeting those needs are varied and complex. To get the most out of your time and money, consult a professional who can assist you with balancing your needs and your budget. You will be glad you did.

Tell me about your favorite view: email Sarah or call 970-749-0061.

About the Author
Sarah Sumner is the owner of Fusion Interiors and LEED accredited in Interior Design and Construction and has a specialty in green design for interiors. She is located at 700 Main Avenue Suite A in Durango, CO.

Four More Businesses are Now Resource Smart Certified

The Resource Smart Business Program (RSBP) recently certified Maria’s Bookshop, Housing Solutions for the Southwest, Pet Haus and San Juan Basin Health Department as ‘Ramping Up’. The RSBP process is helping them to make positive changes in their business and our community by reducing energy consumption, increasing worksite wellness and promoting sustainable business practices in the workplace. These businesses have made upgrades that will ultimately increase their profits by saving money on their bottom line.

“This program is guiding us on a path to deeper efficiency for our business,” said Peter Schertz, owner of Maria’s Bookshop. “Our staff is excited about the benefits and ideas the RSBP has introduced.  The culture of our work place as well as that of employee’s homes has shifted.”

Maria’s changed their lighting system by replacing 116 CFL light bulbs with LEDs, resulting in annual savings of $1,748, an investment with a return on investment of less than one year. They have also previously installed a bike rack for customers in the parking space outside the store, provide incentives to employees that choose not to drive, purchase 100% green power, built a shed to store reusable cardboard boxes for the community, and much more.

Pet Haus installed a thermal entrance door to minimize air infiltration and heat loss, and upgraded lighting to LEDs. Their estimated annual savings of $415 is expected to pay for itself in less than 6 months. Other Resource Smart actions previously taken by Pet Haus include sourcing local and made in Colorado pet products, offering whole, raw, organic and non-GMO pet food options, using green cleaning products, offering biodegradable plastic bags for products, accepting drop-off plastic bags for re-use, using slow-drip irrigators and xeriscape landscaping, and installing low-flow toilets and sink aerators, among other activities.

Housing Solutions for the Southwest installed programmable thermostats for swamp coolers, insulated and air sealed their warehouse garage door, replaced their bathroom exhaust fan for better ventilation, and signed up for single-stream recycling. Their estimated annual savings is $97 and 2,362 kWh.

San Juan Basin Health Department signed up for single-stream recycling and is working on building upgrades. Other Resource Smart Actions previously taken by San Juan Basin Health Department include ordering post-consumer recycled paper products, setting printers to print double-sided automatically, and sending out an educational wellness newsletter to staff, among other activities.

Maria’s Bookstore is located at 960 Main Avenue in Durango or at www.mariasbookshop.com. Pet Haus is located at 1444 Main in Durango or at www.pethaus.net. Housing Solutions for the Southwest is located in Bodo at 295 Girard St. in Durango or at swhousingsolutions.com. San Juan Basin Health is located at 281 Sawyer Dr. in Durango or at sjbhd.org. Stop by their businesses to support Resource Smart Certified businesses.

For more information or to apply for RSBP certification, please visit the website or contact Amanda Saunders with 4CORE at (970) 259-1916.

4CORE brings Healthy Homes Grant to La Plata County

4CORE is launching the Healthy Homes Project to increase community awareness of public health issues related to residential indoor air pollution. The goal is to share low- or no-cost methods for reducing indoor air pollution health risks for vulnerable populations, including low income families, children and the elderly.

4CORE received an Environmental Justice Grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to fund this effort in La Plata County. Throughout the next year the project will conduct 18 presentations across the county to provide information on topics such as asthma, radon, carbon monoxide poisoning, second-hand smoke and Sick Home Syndrome.

“The EPA says we spend an average of 80-90% of our time indoors and this air can be two- to five-times more polluted than air outdoors,” states Gregg Dubit, Executive Director of 4CORE. “We are excited to be able to provide this information to our region’s low-income populations, especially children and elderly people who are particularly at risk.”

A long-term goal of the project is to improve the health of program participants through improved indoor air quality in their homes as a result of information gained from presentations. Participants will receive free radon test kits, carbon monoxide alarms and information on low- or no-cost methods for the reduction of home-based health hazards.

Key partners in the project include: San Juan Basin Health Department, Housing Solutions for the Southwest and the Regional Housing Alliance. Interested community organizations, low-income housing developments and health providers are encouraged to contact 4CORE at 970-259-1916 to schedule a presentation.  For more information, visit www.fourcore.org.

La Plata County Organizations Celebrate Local Sustainability Efforts

On Sept. 7, 2013, local businesses and area organizations will share their sustainability efforts with the community at the Sustainability Showcase Celebration. The event will feature food, drinks and music, and a ‘Passport’ that participants get stamped at educational stations and turn in to receive a prize.

In July of 2011, La Plata County received a Climate Showcase Community grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to decrease greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by optimizing business efficiency, educating youth, increasing the production and consumption of local food, and promoting ridership on local transit.

The Resource Smart Business Program is a certification program that helps businesses operate more efficiently by decreasing their energy consumption, increasing worksite wellness, and promoting sustainable business practices. Program partners include the Four Corners Office for Resource Efficiency (4CORE), Bright Green, Fort Lewis College Environmental Center, Healthy Lifestyle La Plata, La Plata Electric Association, Local First, and SWConnect.

The Durango Discovery Museum has been working to engage youth with innovative technology by creating a living laboratory that demonstrates the value and science of renewable energy and energy efficient building practices. Healthy Community Food Systems works with producers, processors, marketers, and consumers to make our local food system healthy, economically viable, and good for the land. Southern Ute Community Action Programs reduces commuter vehicle miles traveled by increasing ridership on Road Runner Transit. These groups will showcase their resource efficient programs and activities by educating and entertaining the community on September 7th from noon to 2 p.m., outside on the Durango Discovery Museum Plaza.

"The Climate Showcase Community program is an incredible opportunity to bring together a diverse array of community organizations to collaborate on innovative sustainability programs," says Amanda Saunders, 4CORE Program Coordinator. "We are excited to share what we have been working on for the past two years and how it benefits our community."

10 Things to Ask before Signing a Rental Lease

Ready to move in? Before you sign, take care of your health and your pocket book by asking these questions:

1. If you are paying utilities, what is the estimated cost of utilities each month? How about in winter when heating costs are higher? Often times, you can call the utility to find out these costs if the landlord doesn't know. 
2. Who arranges for and pays for maintenance and repairs? If it is the landlord, how long does the repair process usually take? 
3. What are policies on visitors, pets, and subletting?
4. Has the landlord ever done a radon test, and if so, what were the results? If any results came back 4 picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L) or greater, a retest and mitigation should have been done. If it wasn't done, occupants are at risk for increased chances of lung cancer. 
5. How long ago was the furnace, gas stove, or other combustion appliance tested for gas leaks? 80% of homes weatherized by 4CORE had health and safety issues, usually related to gas stoves, furnaces, water heaters, or other appliances.
6. How old are the appliances and are any of them ENERGY STAR rated? 
7. Is there any mold or asbestos in the home? If so, indoor air quality could be poor and you might not want to move in until these are removed. In addition, make sure that you know about the presence of any lead paint and that work on the home has followed  lead-safe practices.
8. How well are the windows and doors air sealed? This might be something you look for when you go to view the house. If there are obvious gaps, ask them to be repaired before you sign. 
9. Are there any reasons the land lord or property manager would break the lease before it is expired? 
10. Have previous tenants experienced any respiratory-related health problems that you are aware of? 

Other things to consider: 

• Get rental insurance for your belongings- a land lord's insurance will not cover you- just the property. 
• If children or elderly people are going to be living with you, they are at a higher risk for indoor air quality issues. Make sure radon and appliance testing are addressed before signing.

4CORE Launches Home Performance Prescription Program (HomeRx)

4CORE is pleased to announce an innovative program now available for Southwest Colorado homeowners. The Home Performance Prescription (HomeRx) program lowers utility bills by identifying primary areas for home energy improvement, prescribing upgrades, linking area residents with incentives, financing, and contractors, and providing inspections for quality assurance

Building on the success of 4CORE’s HomeRx Program pilot, this initiative is for homeowners who are interested in improving home comfort and making smart investments in proven energy efficiency upgrades. HomeRx offers financing options and local contractors to create a package that pays for itself in a short amount of time. The homes in the HomeRx pilot are saving an average of $481 annually in utility bills, in addition to improving health, safety, comfort, and quality of life for families. 

"Many area residents are paying too much to heat their homes, and a surprisingly high number of homes have serious health and safety problems," said Gregg Dubit, Executive Director for 4CORE.  "We are excited to help area homeowners of all income levels get on the path to higher performing, more comfortable homes. This is an area that 4CORE has solid expertise in, having assisted over 630 homeowners already." 


4CORE will be using the latest diagnostics available from the Department of Energy’s Home Energy Score to evaluate homes. This system scores homes and compares them to national averages. In addition to energy improvements such as air sealing and insulation, HomeRx addresses the health and safety of combustion appliances for gas leaks, performance, and general indoor air quality. Radon testing is also available. 

4CORE’s HomeRx Program links homeowners with financing options, including loans through local lending institutions, rebates, and other incentives. First National Bank of Durango is providing HomeRx-specific loans for homeowners. 

"We are excited to be offering this loan program as part of 4CORE’s HomeRx Program," noted Steve Emrich (NMLS ID # 787887), Vice President of First National Bank of Durango, equal housing lender, member FDIC. "We anticipate this program becoming more popular as homeowners come to understand the value of long-term energy savings."  

In addition to assisting individual residents, the HomeRx Program will benefit Southwest Colorado’s economy by boosting job creation through referrals to local contractors, and saving energy dollars that would otherwise go to providers outside of our region. 

Tom Zajicek, nationally certified building science expert, is coordinating HomeRx and is now taking reservations for home assessments. For additional information or to sign up, please email Tom at 4CORE or call (970) 259-1916 ext. 113.

4CORE and Local First Share Resources Local to Reduce Costs

Local First and the 4CORE are teaming up to save costs and resources by sharing an office space. Both organizations are now located in the West Building at 835 E. 2^nd Avenue, room 440.

The organizations’ co-location is a natural fit: both work to stimulate local economic growth and preserve independently-owned businesses in La Plata County.

"I am excited by this opportunity," said LeeAnn Vallejos, Director of Local First. "Our vision to create a sustainable economy that values people, the planet and prosperity for all is shared by 4CORE, and this move will foster opportunities that will open up new avenues for collaboration and community growth." 

Local First and 4CORE work together on the Resource Smart Business Program, which provides assessments, recommendations, and incentives for local businesses to improve building efficiency, worksite wellness and sustainability.

Sharing expenses such as rent, printing costs, utilities, and internet is a strategy many non-profits are using to reduce overhead costs and improve the ability to collaborate. Working in close proximity allows for the easy exchange of ideas and information, preventing overlapping services and increasing cooperation between organizations.

4CORE and Local First are sharing rent expenses and have the chance to easily work on business-related programs and campaigns.

"Local First is a long-time partner that we’ve collaborated with through the years," said Gregg Dubit, 4CORE Executive Director. "This co-location has allowed us to stay in our current office and it will be nice to only have to walk a few steps for a meeting."

Stop by to visit both 4CORE and Local First, or get involved by visiting them online at www.local-first.org and www.fourcore.org.

How Cold is your Conditioner?

When we compare and contrast, evaporative systems cost half of what it takes to run air conditioning systems and use 75% less energy. This can keep you and your wallet cool during summer months. Here is a great summary of the differences taken from a publication by Xcel Energy:

Central Air Conditioners
System components include a single outdoor unit and uses ducts to distribute cooled air throughout the house.

How It Works

• Air is drawn in through return-air ducts
• Uses high velocity air forced through ducts
• Filtered air is routed to air supply ductwork that carries it back
to rooms
• Cycle repeats continually when air conditioner is running

Performance
• Produces cold, dry air (works best in an airtight home)
• Temperature control and eliminates drafts
• Eliminates humidity from the home
• Reduction in airborne particles such as dust and lint
• Condenser unit is located outside the home limiting indoor noise

Costs
• Higher initial purchase and installation expense
• Higher electricity costs

Maintenance
• Low maintenance
• Replace air filter and clean coils regularly

Evaporative Coolers
System components include a single outdoor unit typically located on the roof, ground, window
or in the attic, and a water line to the system.

How It Works
• Cools air by filtering it through water saturated pads
• Fan inside unit pulls outside air through the sides and into the house
• Water is stored in a pan (media pads) at the bottom of the cooler
• Cooled air is distributed from central location or through existing ducts
• Need to open window or vents to outside when operating

Performance
• Increases humidity in the home
• Increased fresh air flow in the house
• Limited reduction in airborne particles such as dust and lint
• Reduced control over exact temperature in house

Costs
• Uses up to 75% less electricity than central air
• Lower initial purchase and installation expense
• Lower operating costs, typically half of central AC

Maintenance
• Need to maintain air flow balance
• Weatherization maintenance needed in the spring and fall

Alternative Fuel Vehicles Project Starts in Nine Colorado Counties

Today, Refuel Colorado Fleets, a pilot project to boost the use of alternative fuel vehicles in public and private sector fleets, today announces that communities within nine Colorado counties have been selected for the project. Counties selected for the year-long pilot are Routt, Larimer, Boulder, Jefferson, Adams, Garfield, Mesa, Montezuma and La Plata.

 

Energy coaches employed by four community-based nonprofits will help business and government fleet owners work together with auto dealers, fuel providers, business leaders and local governments in the nine counties to pursue or expand use of alternative fuels.

 

"The Refuel Colorado Fleets energy coaches will support the adoption of alternative fuel vehicles," said Jeff Ackermann, director of the Colorado Energy Office. "Each community will determine what makes sense for them, be that electric, natural gas, propane, or other vehicle types. Each of these provides economic and environmental benefits, making this an exciting project."

 

Energy coaching will be done by Northern Colorado Clean Cities, Denver Metro Clean Cities, Garfield Clean Energy and Four Corners Office for Resource Efficiency. The pilot project is being led by CLEER: Clean Energy Economy for the Region, a Carbondale nonprofit with expertise in alternative fuel vehicle technology, energy coaching and community engagement.

 

The four nonprofits will use energy coaching techniques already being used by CLEER to help households and businesses carry out energy efficiency upgrades in homes and commercial buildings. "Energy coaching delivers a proven success rate of 70-percent or higher in helping property owners actually carry out efficiency upgrades", said Mike Ogburn, energy engineer for CLEER.

 

The Refuel Colorado Fleets pilot project will apply these same energy coaching techniques to the evaluation of existing fleets, to reduce petroleum use and save money by using alternative fuel vehicle options. A U.S. Department of Energy grant to the Colorado Energy Office is funding the project.

 

"Colorado has built a strong reputation as a leader in renewable energy and other innovative industries," said U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo. "Refuel Colorado Fleets' work on these projects in counties across the state only enhances that reputation. "There is great promise in alternative fuel vehicles and these types of programs help proliferate their use and allow communities to see how best to implement proven green technologies."

 

The nine counties were selected following a two-month survey of 21 cities and counties in western Colorado and along the Front Range. Southern Colorado Clean Cities, based in Colorado Springs, also participated in the survey effort.

 

"We selected the nine counties after finding a good match between three key aspects: fleet vehicle needs, auto dealer interest in alternative fuels, and viability of developing public refueling facilities," said Ogburn.

 

"Not all fleet vehicles can be replaced by an alternative fuel vehicle, some auto dealers were more interested than others, and the availability of alternative fuels varies by region," said Ogburn. "Our survey found communities with the best overlaps in these three areas, and the energy coaches will help those communities accelerate the shift to alternative fuels."

 

In the coming weeks, energy coaches will work with businesses and local governments in the nine counties to analyze their fleets, including miles driven and age, vehicle type and purpose, to determine the optimal alternative fuel to focus on.

 

"We want to help fleet owners understand the benefits of alternative fuels, such as less air pollution, less reliance on foreign energy sources, and lower costs for fuel and maintenance," said Sarah Rank, energy coach for Four Corners Office for Resource Efficiency. "We’ll help them make wise buying decisions that will deliver a high return on investment."

 

Selected counties, by energy coaching organization:

 

Routt, Larimer counties

Maria Eisemann, Northern Colorado Clean Cities, marianccc@comcast.net, (970) 988-2996

 

Boulder, Jefferson, Adams counties

Natalia Swalnick, Denver Metro Clean Cities, nswalnick@lungcolorado.org, (303) 847-0271

 

Montezuma, La Plata counties

Gregg Dubit, 4CORE, Gregg@fourcore.org, (970) 259-1916 x114

 

Mesa, Garfield counties

Heather McGregor or Mike Ogburn, CLEER: Clean Energy for the Economy & Garfield Clean Energy,             hmcgregor@cleanenergyeconomy.net, (970) 704-9200

4CORE Fortifies Energy Programs and Projects with Four Strategic Areas and Newly Elected Board Chair

4CORE is strengthening the organization based on requests, feedback and the needs of residents and businesses in the region. 4CORE’s new mission is to: "serve Southwest Colorado as the leading resource for the effective and efficient use of energy to promote and sustain our vibrant local communities."

Organization board and staff have honed a new strategic plan with four focus areas:

• Energy Efficiency, health, and safety focus for commercial buildings and homes
• Innovative Solutions, or forward thinking energy solutions, including solar photo voltaic (PV)
• Resource Efficiency Education for building professionals and residents
• Energy Information Hub, distributing relevant, accurate information and resources for decreasing energy use

"Our board and staff have just completed a strategic plan that will build upon Durango's goals of using energy efficiently, promoting renewable energy development and expanding our educational role around energy," said Erich Bussian, 4CORE's newly elected Board Chair. "Weatherization was a great program, and we now look forward to expanding our role around energy use."

Energy efficiency efforts will be improved by conducting residential and commercial energy assessments and upgrades through the Resource Smart Business Program (RSBP) and the Home Performance Prescription (HomeRx) Program. This includes linking clients with finance and incentive options, as well as promoting job creation by referring work to local energy professionals. 4CORE will ensure quality work by performing inspections on upgraded homes and buildings.

4CORE’s Innovative Solutions will include facilitating the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) through one or more Solarize campaigns or packages. Resource efficiency education will continue to be a focus for 4CORE throughout Southwest Colorado. This includes Home Spotlight events, technical training, general/community brown bag lunches, indoor air quality sessions for low income residents of La Plata County, and facilitation of a regional dialogue on alternative fuel vehicles, including Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for fleets. 

Finally, 4CORE will continue to provide cutting edge, accurate, regularly updated, informational services through multiple media platforms, including an informative website, monthly newsletters, regular blogs, and social media to keep 4CORE stakeholders informed. 

"4CORE staff are rejuvenated and excited about this new direction," said Gregg Dubit, 4CORE Executive Director. "We have enhanced our strategy and are dedicated to serving our region with improved service and new innovative programs." 

Support 4CORE and get involved by visiting www.fourcore.org.