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.

What's In Your Attic?

Winter is on its way and, with it, so come the frigid temperatures. Do you know what’s in your attic?…or walls?…or floor? Hopefully the answer is insulation. In the United States, heating and cooling account for 50 to 70% of all energy used in the home. A lot of that energy is being wasted because of inefficient building practices. Ensuring proper insulation in your home can make you more comfortable, save money and reduce the burden our limited energy resources. Here are a few things that you should know about insulation.

How Insulation works

Heat naturally travels from warm to cold space through conduction, convection and radiation. In winter, heat moves from our living spaces to wherever it is colder, typically outdoors. This lost heat must be replaced by a heating system to maintain comfort. In the summer, heat moves from outdoors in and must then be removed by an air conditioner. Insulating decreases the heating and cooling that is needed by providing an effective resistance to the natural flow of heat. This thermal resistance is known as the R-value. The R-values vary widely depending on the type of material, its thickness and density. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

Types of Insulation

Blanket or Batt insulation is traditionally made of mineral fibers or rock wool, but are now available in cotton, sheep’s wool and hemp. They are available in a variety of widths and are available with or without vapor retardant facing. Because of its availability and ease of installation, blanket insulation is a great choice for the homeowner.

Loose Fill insulation is typically made from cellulose (recycled paper), fiberglass or rock wool. These loose fibers are blown into walls and attics using pneumatic equipment, usually by professionals. Loose fill can be packed in to existing walls and irregularly shapes areas, making it an excellent option for retrofits on older homes.

Foam insulation is sprayed in liquid form using special equipment by professionals. This insulation comes in open or closed cell varieties. Open cell foam allows water vapor to pass through, but has a lower R-value. Closed cell foam is a better choice when space is limited.

Rigid insulation is made from plastic foams and is molded into board forms. Rigid foam is often used on foundation walls.

Insulation Fun Facts

• Insulation reduces average home heating and cooling costs by around 20%. [1]
• Insulation currently in place in U.S. buildings reduces the amount of carbon dioxide by 780 million tons each year. [2] This is the equivalent to the electricity use of over 90 million homes for one year [3] 
• For every Brittish Thermal Unit (Btu) consumed in the production of insulation, 12 Btus are saved each year by the use of insulation. [4]
• All insulation products installed in U.S. buildings save consumers about 12 quadrillion Btus annually, or about 42% of the energy that would have been consumed with no insulation in place. [5]
• This is the equivalent of 40 million Btus or 7 barrels of oil per person per year. [6] This is the equivalent of 28 barrels of oil saved by each U.S. family of four per year. 
• Energy efficiency through insulation is the simplest and most cost effective way to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.  [7]

---

[1]  “Insulating Your Home: Save Energy and Money,” Better Homes and Gardens (Better Homes and Gardens Home Information System, 1995), p.1

[2]  Green and Competitive: The Energy, Environmental and Economic Benefits of Fiber Glass and Mineral Wool Insulation Products. Energy Conservation Management, Inc; The Alliance to Save Energy; Barakat & Chamberlin, Inc., June 1996.

[3] EPA Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator – www.epagov/cleanenergy/energy-resources/calculator.html

[4] Green and Competitive Report: Energy Conservation Management, June 1996

[5]  Green and Competitive Report: Energy Conservation Management, June 1996

[6] EPA Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator – www.epagov/cleanenergy/energy-resources/calculator.html

[7] A Cost Curve for Green House Gas Reduction, The McKinsey Quarterly 2007, Number 1.

About the Author
Tim DeLuca is Weatherization Inspector for 4CORE, is native of the planet earth and has been living in Colorado on and off since 1995. After studying Business at the University of Cincinnati, he moved to Fort Collins, were he studied Fine Arts and Design at Colorado State University. He then began to pursue his love and fascination with carpentry, construction, design, engineering, and energy efficient building techniques. Most recently, Tim was the Crew Leader for a group of Weatherization Installation Technicians through an apprentice program offered in partnership with Americorps, the Southwest Conservation Corps and 4CORE. After one successful year, he was hired on as an Inspector at 4CORE. In his spare time, Tim enjoys spending lots of time with his family, preferably outdoors.

Grand Prize Winner of HomeRx Energy Efficiency Makeover Contest

4CORE is proud to announce the grand prize winner of the HomeRx Energy Efficiency Makeover Contest. Launched in May 2012, the HomeRx Energy Makeover Contest has now awarded three local families with home energy efficiency improvements to enhance comfort and reduce energy consumption.

4CORE’s selection committee chose La Plata County homeowner Emily Lloyd as the grand prize winner for the contest. Lloyd will receive a free comprehensive energy audit by WeatherCo to identify potential energy savings and other areas of improvement. Insulation is provided by ProBuild and air sealing services will be provided by 4CORE. The Grand Prize is valued at $1,500.

“My daughter and I were fortunate enough to receive assistance from the Regional Housing Alliance to purchase our town home, but our electric baseboard heat costs over $300 in the coldest winter months,” said Emily. “We are really looking forward to having our home 'made over' with energy saving, bill-deducing solutions.”

The HomeRx Energy Makeover Contest was created to help raise awareness of 4CORE’s energy efficiency programs. 4CORE provides resources for homeowners to save money on rising utility bills, while addressing common health and safety risks for occupants. In addition to providing certified weatherization services, 4CORE helps local residents reduce the use of natural resources, save energy and costs, and enjoy a better quality of life.

“4CORE’s programs and activities have directly helped residents save thousands each year in utility bills,” said Gregg Dubit, Executive Director of 4CORE. “The HomeRx Makeover Contest is an extension of our commitment to promote and maintain a vibrant, resilient and thriving community through expanded programs and partnerships.”

4CORE would like to thank its partners and supporters of the HomeRx Makeover Contest, including WeatherCo, ProBuild, Treehouse Communications, Energy Check LLC, 810 Pixels, Annadel Building Solutions LLC, and Verified Green.

For additional information, please contact 4CORE at info@fourcore.org or (970) 259-1916.

First Winner of HomeRx Energy Makeover Contest

4CORE is proud to announce the first winner from the HomeRx Energy Makeover Contest.

4CORE’s selection committee chose Betty and Larry Bewley as third prize winners for the contest, featuring a free walk-through assessment by Verified Green to identify potential energy savings and other areas of improvement, as well as insulation from ProBuild and air sealing services, valued at $650.

“We are thrilled to have been selected as the third prize winner,” said Larry Bewley from Ignacio. “Energy efficiency and saving money are important issues for us, and we’re especially interested in reducing our utility bills for the coming winter.” 

Second prize for the HomeRx contest will be announced in late August, and the winner will receive a comprehensive assessment by Energy Check, air sealing services, and ProBuild insulation, valued at $950.

Finally, the grand prize winner will be announced on September 29^th at the Durango Farmer’s Market and will receive a comprehensive energy audit, insulation, and weatherization services from WeatherCo, valued at $1,500.

There is still time to register for the HomeRx Contest.

Launched in May 2012, the HomeRx Energy Makeover Contest was designed to help raise awareness of 4CORE’s new HomeRx program. The HomeRx program is a fee-based program for La Plata County homeowners interested in saving energy and lowering their utility bills. HomeRx provides opportunities and resources for homeowners to save money on rising utility bills, while addressing common health and safety risks for occupants.

4CORE will administer the fee-based HomeRx program by working with local contractors to identify areas for improvement based on individual needs, including air and gas leaks, furnace and appliance replacement, and other energy saving measures.

4CORE would also like to thank its partners and supporters of the HomeRx Makeover Contest, including WeatherCo, ProBuild, Treehouse Communications, Energy Check LLC, Annadel Building Solutions LLC, and Verified Green. For additional information, please contact 4CORE at info@fourcore.org or (970)259-1916.

Por Dia Daycare Improvements on MLK Day

The Four Corners Office for Resource Efficiency 4CORE) is teaming up with Southwest Conservation Corps (SCC), AmeriCorps, and Empire Electric Association to enhance energy efficiency at the Por Dia Daycare facility in Cortez on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at 2 PM.

The organizations will provide free weatherization services to increase safety and comfort for school children, while decreasing energy bills at the facility. Parents and the public are invited to learn more about how to decrease energy use, save money on utility costs, and make their own homes safer.

4CORE completed an initial assessment of the Por Dia school building and is facilitating work to be completed by SCC as a day of service for the MLK holiday. 4CORE and SCC will provide a tour of weatherization improvements between 2pm and 4pm, including insulation, air sealing, lighting, safety, infrared camera use, and easy ways to upgrade at home.

"This is a great opportunity for our school,” said Amy Long, owner of Por Dia Preschool. “With rising utility costs and several heating sources in our preschool, I think weatherization will really make a difference in keeping our children warm, safe, and comfortable, at an affordable rate for us. I also believe our families and community will benefit greatly from the educational session 4CORE is going to provide on saving energy in their homes."

4CORE administers the Weatherization Assistance Program, which is a 34-year old Department of Energy program that strives to increase the quality, safety and energy efficiency of residential, low-income housing through improving energy performance. SCC, through AmeriCorps funding, is one of the main contractors performing services within the program.

"We are excited to celebrate MLK Day by helping to improve the building performance of this school," said Gregg Dubit, 4CORE Director. "The more we can motivate younger generations and their families to save energy, the more households can benefit from saving money to put toward other family expenses."

“Our crew and staff are excited to use the weatherization skills they’ve learned through this program to benefit a school, “said Kevin Heiner, SCC, Program Director.  “AmeriCorps service days present some great opportunities to get out in the community, and we are looking forward to working at Por Dia.”

Por Dia is located at 1515 South Oak Street in Cortez. All participants will be asked to sign-in and sign a release, as this is a childcare facility. For more information, please contact Sandhya Tillotson at 970-259-1916 x115 or wx@fourcore.org.

About Por Dia: Por Dia Preschool and Learning Center is a private childcare facility licensed by the State of Colorado for 50 children ages 2 ½ years through elementary school (12 years), and for 10 children age 1 to 2 ½. They provide dependable, safe care for children while parents are working or pursuing other interests. Por Dia’s purpose is to provide a service to the community and parents by providing full day care service, preschool and pre-kindergarten programs, including Head Start/Colorado Preschool Program, and a summer day camp for all children.

About 4CORE: The Four Corners Office for Resource Efficiency (4CORE) is a non-profit organization that advances resource efficiency by facilitating coalition-building, implementing education and outreach, and providing resource efficiency services. 4CORE’s vision: 4CORE, Southwest Colorado’s resource conservation hub, inspires communities to become resilient. 4CORE benefits from the generosity of its partners: the Governor’s Energy Office, Empire Electric Association, La Plata County, Town of Ignacio, La Plata Electric Association, the City of Durango, the City of Cortez, and many event sponsors. More information can be found at www.fourcore.org.

About Southwest Conservation Corps: The Southwest Conservation Corps (SCC), founded as a non-profit agency in 1998, provides young women and men with structured, safe and challenging service and educational opportunities through projects that promote personal growth, the development of social skills, and an ethic of natural resource stewardship.  SCC’s strengths lie not only in its service project accomplishments, but also in its ability to provide a viable work force to the region while offering exceptional educational and engaging opportunities to participants. The SCC weatherization apprentice crew providing weatherization services is funded by a National Operating grant from AmeriCorps. 

About AmeriCorps:  AmeriCorps is Clean Energy is an initiative of the AmeriCorps Environmental Stewardship Affinity Group. The group is comprised of AmeriCorps programs across the country whose service is dedicated to environmental projects. One of the groups’ objectives is to promote National Service as an effective resource to meet environmental needs.

Weatherization- More than Comfort, Safety, and Saving Money

Sherry Cuthbertson is a recent weatherization client in La Plata County. She is a single woman who has health issues that prevent her from being employed. She read in the local paper and was also told by her social worker about the Weatherization Assistance Program. She made a call to 4CORE and was approved to have her home weatherized. It took about one month from her initial contact (she was out of town) for the work to be initiated. She described the service as being “really fast!” between the first evaluations, repairs commencing the following week, and job completion in two and a half days.

Sherry resides in an older mobile home which is in overall good condition; however, upon the initial audit, it had many areas in need of improvement, which the weatherization crew could provide. The roof had been replaced 2 years ago but the leaks had compromised the indoor ceiling, and there were indoor air quality issues caused by the hot water vent pipe that was not connected properly. “It was a miracle they came”, she stated. Sherry has been on supplemental oxygen for a year and a half due to health concerns, and she did not have a carbon monoxide detector or a functional smoke alarm. There was evidence of carbon monoxide leaking from her furnace, and the weatherization crew rectified the situation.

Sherry’s natural gas forced air furnace was replaced with a more energy efficient one, and both her water heater and furnace were repaired with emphasis on proper venting and safety provisions. The ceiling was structurally re-supported and insulating “burrito” blankets (pictured above) were placed in her crawlspace next to the skirting to insulate the home from convective air loss. “I know my ceiling is not going to fail, and I think the “burritos” will really help with insulation,” Sherry stated. She said the crew explained every step fully, and admitted the roof was a real challenge. “They were so nice!” She was very pleased that the crew completed their job while leaving her home vacuumed, clean, and in the original condition as when they began the work.

Sherry has recommended the service to others. “The crew is working on a friend’s house now. This was nothing but a blessing. It made me feel so humble. It was a pleasant experience, and they were kind. I was so pleased, and I would recommend this to everyone!” She does not know yet what a difference these services will make in her utility bills, but she is hoping for a warmer winter and is very grateful. “They even asked if I wanted them to repaint!” Although she is struggling to get by, she described the free weatherization as “a little ray of sunshine” coming in to her life.

Weatherization provides protection of a building from the elements and helps reduce energy consumption while optimizing energy efficiency. Building energy usage in the United States contributes greatly to air pollutants and energy waste. The US Department of Energy (DOE) Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), created in 1976, provides assistance to low income families to reduce their home’s energy usage and improve their comfort level and safety. Four Corner’s Office for Resource Efficiency (4CORE) is the WAP source for the five county area  in Southwest Colorado. Not only does this assist our residents by improving their health and safety, it also helps reduce our country’s dependence on foreign oil, and  ultimately, air pollution.


About the Author:

Beverly McAllister has volunteered and worked for 4CORE since May 2010, as an Intern for both the Office and the Weatherization Services. After having been a resident of the region for 30 years and raising her three children here, she considers it her home. Her interests include skiing, camping, music, and many artistic pursuits.

Greening the Holiday

As the frenzied holiday season approaches, 4CORE offers this advice to reduce your impact on our environment (and your pocketbook):

LED Holiday Lights
You can get a rebate from LPEA when you purchase LED lights. Rebates include $2 for a 49-bulb string or less and $4 for a 50-bulb string or more.

These lights use 90% less energy than regular lights. These lights last longer and burn cooler than other kinds of lights, reducing the risk of fire.

Give your time, not "stuff"
We are often tempted to buy things for people that we don't know they will like or appreciate. Instead of using lots of extra paper to wrap a box containing something that might be cast aside or returned, pledge to spend a chunk of time with your friends or relatives, either doing a "chore" or favor for them, or setting a date for lunch or a walk.

Also, consider helping an elderly or disabled friend or relative fill out an application and gather documents to qualify for up to $6500 FREE weatherization upgrades to their home. Check here to see if they might qualify.

Energy Improvements as a Gift
Help pay for part of these energy improvements and the person who receives your gift may be eligible for a tax credit for the non-gift portion (contact your tax adviser). Find incentive information in your area through the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Energy (DSIRE).

• Replace home appliances with an Energy Star model. Talk about gifts that keep on giving- these appliances use less energy and water, decreasing utility bills to make this gift last.
• Insulate a home to make it cozy and energy efficient. Your loved ones may also be eligible for a rebate through Insulate Colorado (if they live in Colorado).

Smaller Stuffers
If your budget is not ready for a larger gift, consider the following items you can install together:

• CFL light bulbs
• Laundry line
• Weather stripping
• Low-flow shower heads
  

The Gift of Green Power
Pledge to purchase green blocks of power for the year.

LPEA's green power is just $0.80 per month for clients in La Plata and Archuleta Counties. For $9.60 you could provide your loved-one with green power for 2010!

Empire Electric Association's Green Power Program is available for clients in Montezuma and Dolores Counties. Blocks are $0.40/month.

Contribute to Energy Savings Programs
For someone who has everything, make a donation to the Local Clean Energy Fund or 4CORE's Program Support Fund in their name.

• Local Clean Energy Fund donations go directly back into the community via rebates and free or reduced fee services
• Program Support Fund supports 4CORE's education, outreach, and operations

Think Local
Consider buying the Local First Coupon Book as gifts. If you don't live in the Durango area, research a coupon book for your local region. Shopping locally saves energy through decreased shipping, and supporting businesses creates jobs, generates tax revenue, and contributes to community life.

For more great ideas, see the following websites:

Eartheasy.com

Time.com

Newsweek.com

Gifts for Kids

Have a "Slow" Holiday