Wednesday, July 31, 2013

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. 2nd 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.

Monday, July 29, 2013

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

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

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

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

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.