True Story: Healthy Rental Home

Duct before and after cleaning

My landlady is a saint. Or at least, she has me convinced she is.

As an employee of 4CORE I know the dangers of radon and dirty furnace ducts, and as the mother of a one-year-old, I want to minimize the risks of poor indoor air quality to my family.

So when I brought the scary results of two radon tests (one done in February, one in May) to my landlady and asked her what could be done, she didn't bat an eye. She called up a radon mitigation company and ordered the work on our basement to take place within a month.

Similarly a few months later, my husband noticed a nasty black residue inside our ducts and told our landlady. She ordered work from a company that specializes in duct cleaning, and had her home serviced, as well. Now both furnaces are working more quietly, efficiently, there is no burnt smell from dust settling in the system over the summer, and I'm betting our bills will be reduced, too.

Saint or Savvy?
Is our landlady really a saint, or is she savvy by maintaining the value of her rental investment? Is she protecting our family's health because she loves the way my daughter waves and smiles at her, or does she realize that:

Unhealthy Indoor Air Quality + Taking Action = Doing the Right Thing

I'm betting on a bit of both - the canned pears she gave us last week would indicate she is a caring person, but she also owns a large ranch, a home in Silverton, and three homes in Durango and maintains all of them with an eye for a bargain and frugal spending.

Rental Property Owners: Food for Thought
If you own rental property, the first thing that might cross your mind is "I don't want to know if it has radon or a dirty HVAC system, because then I'll have to fix it."

However, there is a movement afoot in our region to educate home buyers (you probably won't hang on to your rental forever), and home renters too, about the dangers of unsafe air quality.

Why not do the right thing now and maintain your rental investment by ensuring a safe, clean Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, and gain peace of mind by testing your rental (and home!) for radon. A healthy and efficient home helps to ensure comfort for the occupant and the budget!

About the Author

Teresa Shishim 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.

Teresa is the designated Community Energy Coordinator for Archuleta and San Juan Counties.

Standby Energy

At 4CORE our first path to improving our efficiency is through reduction of the resources that we use. Sometimes it can be water or gas.  But one of the most effective ways to reduce our carbon footprint is to reduce our use of standby power, or vampire watts. Many are not aware of the amount of energy that is lost just through charging our cellular phone and other devices that help us with our regular routine. Examples include coffee makers, fridge/freezers, CD  andDVD  players, and game consoles. These can equate to about 10% of your average electric bill. About 1% of the U.S. ‘s CO2 emissions were from stand-by power. That’s about 16000 pounds a year.

Wattage chart by Responsible Energy

The allotted items listed by Responsible Energy you can save an annual $65-100 and over 1,000 pounds of CO2 emissions per year. In the United Kingdom the average power bill  is $136 and a reduction of 10% sounds pretty good right? By utilizing current methods of standby energy containment we can reduce those bills! Some say that it takes an hour a day to make sure all standby items in the house are turned off but a lot of people don’t have an hour to dedicate to un-plugging all of our appliances- and most of us wouldn’t know how to tell if a product like a TV even consumes energy while idle. There are many solutions to this issue such as smart outlets, which will cut the power supply to product if it is fully charged, or just not being used (check out this review for smart outlet options). Also by using ENERGY STAR rated products you can pick the product that has the lowest standby consumptions.

Electric hot water heaters can be the largest culprit of standby energy due to the need to keep water warm. It is possible to reduce the number of times a day the heater kicks on. A timer that shuts off the water for the time you are not in the house is good way to save on gas or electric water heaters.

Many governments have implemented some voluntary and mandatory guidelines to reduce electronics that require standby power to one watt power consumption in stand-by mode. California was the first to establish a mandatory law for electronics with a standby mode to be a low wattage. An example is the creation of a law- selling of TV’s with a standby wattage of more than 3 watts is illegal. This significantly reduces CO2 emissions. In the U.S. we have an ENERGY STAR designation from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which a surprising amount of people haven’t heard of. These items were designed by all you’re favorite companies like Sony and Samsung, but they are rated energy savers, and will be a better investment in the long run through energy saved on your bills. Find more ways to save at Energy.gov.

Follow this EPA link to find more tips and tricks on reducing standby energy use.

At 4CORE we have all our computers on power strips, and we turn off lights, printers, and copiers at night.
What do you do to reduce your plug load?

About the Author

Brian Catanese was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He has studied at Kent state University and Fort Lewis college and will receive a degree in environmental studies at the end this upcoming year. He is an avid mountain biker, skier, fisherman, and hiker. He chose this internship because 4CORE is improving our way of life through energy efficient practices.

HomeRx Energy Efficient Lending Option

Easy steps for getting a local loan

First National Bank of Durango is excited to partner with 4CORE to provide financing for your energy improvements. HomeRx loans through First National Bank of Durango have a great interest rate and the Bank's loan origination fee is waived (up to $125.00).

Easy steps:

1. Contact 4CORE regarding HomeRx program
2. Arrange for a Home Energy Audit through 4CORE- performed by nationally certified home energy auditors
3. Receive 4CORE HomeRx Detailed Home Prescription.
4. Complete 4CORE HomeRx Improvement Contract with 4CORE detailing work to be done and funds needed to complete work. Reimbursement of your cost of the audit can be included in the contract.
5. Apply for HomeRx loan with First National Bank of Durango. Loan amount can be up to the contracted amount. Provide First National Bank of Durango with copies of two (2)most recent pay stubs and/or two (2) most recent tax returns.
6. Upon loan approval and signing, the following disbursements will be made:  
   * Reimbursement to borrower for the cost of Home Energy Audit
   * Down payment of 20% issued to 4CORE.
7. Open HomeRx checking account with First National Bank of Durango. 
8. Hire contractors (must be from the 4CORE list of approved contractors) and schedule work to be completed.
9. Complete Final Inspection Report with 4CORE.
10. Request disbursement of final payment to 4CORE for further payment to subcontractors. 4CORE will complete all necessary lien waivers

First National Bank of Durango has other loan options available. You may want to consider a Home Equity loan or line of credit if your project includes other home improvements in addition to the energy efficiency needs.

Contact First National Bank of Durango loan officers for more information: 

Nicole Blake 382-5709

Barb Kinney 382-5787

Gary Roberts-Bayfield 382-5639

HomeRx 2nd Round Winner Announced

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

4CORE’s HomeRx selection committee chose Dale and Drea Shumate as second prize winners for the contest, featuring a free comprehensive energy audit by Energy Check LLC to identify potential energy savings and other areas of improvement, as well as insulation from ProBuild and air sealing services, valued at $950.

“We heat our home solely with electricity, which gets expensive in the winter,” said Drea from Durango. “This home energy makeover will help us identify what we can do to get costs under control and provide some of the tools we need for saving energy.”

The grand prize winner will be announced on September 29th 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 Grand prize. Sign up below:

Launched in May 2012, the HomeRx Energy Makeover Contest was designed to help raise awareness of 4CORE’s new HomeRx program, 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 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.

Resource Smart Business Program Invites Local Businesses to Become ‘Resource Smart Certified’

The Resource Smart Business Program (RSBP), a free, voluntary certification program that helps local businesses throughout La Plata County operate more efficiently, is currently seeking businesses interested in making positive changes to improve energy consumption, worksite wellness and overall sustainability in the workplace.

Participating businesses will be guided through a six-step certification process to identify potential areas for improvement, and will be provided with recommendations and education for business owners and employees. Businesses that complete the certification process and implement resource efficiency measures become ‘Resource Smart Certified‘ and receive recognition and promotion for their efforts, including a $1,000 rebate, positive media exposure, promotional materials, and more.

“Working with the RSBP pilot program has enabled us to make smart business decisions for the Coop that not only affect the bottom line, but also our employees, customers and the environment,” commented Joshua Jackson, manager of Durango Natural Foods.

“So far the program has enabled us to convert our refrigeration lighting from T-12 to LED, saving 7,688 KWh and $769 annually. We expect to see a return on this investment in just 24 months.”

In addition to helping local businesses reduce energy consumption to offset rising energy costs, the RSBP enables businesses to reduce operational costs, improve employee wellness, boost brand integrity, and increase profitability. Businesses receive a free comprehensive assessment, valued at $1,500, and recommendations based on individualized needs to improve energy efficiency, wellness for employees, and sustainable business development. The RSBP also provides a list of financial incentives and qualified local contractors to further assist businesses in implementing resource efficiency measures.

The RSBP is a collaboration between Fort Lewis College Environmental Center (FLC EC), Four Corners Office for Resource Efficiency (4CORE), Healthy Lifestyle La Plata (HLLP), Local First, La Plata Electric Association (LPEA), and SWConnect with funding provided by an EPA grant awarded to La Plata County in 2011. As a result, local businesses are able to participate in the RSBP free of charge. A total of 30 businesses are expected to participate and become ‘Resource Smart Certified’ by the end of 2013.

A number of local area businesses are already participating in the RSBP, including Pine River Valley Bank in Bayfield, KSUT Four Corners Public Radio in Ignacio, Durango Natural Foods, Pediatric Associates of Durango, Durango Coffee Company, Brown's Sport Shoe, Animas Museum, For the Birds LLC, Gloss, Linda's Local Food Cafe, Backcountry Experience, and Southern Ute Cultural Center & Museum.

“We’d like to thank current business participants for making our pilot program a huge success,” said Amanda Saunders, 4CORE Program Coordinator. “Our goal is to elevate the ‘Resource Smart Certification’ program to be recognized and regarded by all La Plata County businesses, employees and consumers as the most highly valued certification among the local business community.”

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

REAPing our Resources Wisely

What is going on with the Resource and Energy Action Plan (REAP)? Though grant funding is now spent, 4CORE is working hard to implement projects and programs that address the goals of this comprehensive document (goals are listed at the bottom of this article). We're using the programs that we have already initiated to leverage REAP activities.

How do 4CORE programs relate to these goals? Read on to learn more...

Home Prescription Program (HomeRx):

REAP Goals # 2, 3 and 4: This program essentially provides weatherization services for those who don't qualify for the low-income Weatherization Assistance Program. Program participants initiate the process with an energy audit, which helps home owners recognize energy efficiency improvements needed to reduce energy use. As an added bonus, 4CORE works with clients to find ways to finance the recommended improvements, or prescriptions. 

4CORE is off and running with two HomeRx audits under our belt and a lot more in the que. We're still taking registrations for our HomeRx Makeover Contest too!

Resource Smart Business Program (RSBP):

REAP Goals # 2, 3 and 4: The RSBP is a free, voluntary certification program that helps local businesses operate more efficiently. Businesses who participate will assess their energy consumption, worksite wellness and overall sustainability. Businesses that make positive changes will then become “Resource Smart Certified” and receive recognition and promotion for their efforts. To date, three La Plata County businesses have participated in the pilot program and nine more participants for the next stage have been accepted. The RSBP is a collaboration between Fort Lewis College Environmental Center, Four Corners Office for Resource Efficiency (4CORE), Healthy Lifestyle La Plata, Local First, La Plata Electric Association and SWConnect. Learn more at resourcesmartbusiness.com

Southwest Solar Transformation Initiative (SSTI): 

REAP Goal #1, 4 and 7: 4CORE is working with staff from Optony to create a Solar Roadmap for our region. Several regional municipalities are participating to facilitate the development of solar opportunities. The purpose of  creating a Solar Roadmap is to drive solar market maturity via significant improvements in 5 key areas: Permitting, Interconnection, Net Metering, Planning and Zoning, and Financing. More about SSTI here.

Sustainable Building Education Program (SBEP):

REAP Goals # 2, 3, 4 and 7: This program seeks to educate and train building industry professionals, home buyers, and owners about the value of building homes with energy efficiency and renewables in mind, and best practices used to do it. Though grant funding has run out for this program, 4CORE is working to attract program sponsors to keep this program alive and well. For information on how to sponsor, contact Cori at 970-259-1916 ext. 111.

4CORE Information Hub:

REAP Goals # 2, 3, 4 and 7: Everyday, 4CORE provides information to people to inspire our community to be resource-savvy.  We offer training opportunities, provide weatherization services, and share energy saving information throughout Southwest Colorado because resource conservation saves energy and money by helping individuals, families and businesses thrive.

Finally, 4CORE remains active with coordinators from around the state who are now being lead by the Alliance for Sustainable Colorado to link sustainability efforts within and among different regions in Colorado. The Colorado Sustainability Collaborative is comprised of both urban and rural groups, focused on one or more sustainability issues. The long term vision is to implement comprehensive sustainability plans in each region which then fold up into a statewide effort. Joining forces with these other groups allows us to share our experience and use that of others to help implement our energy action plan here locally.

For more information on the REAP, or to get involved, contact us via email, or call us at 970- 259-1916.

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REAP S.M.A.R.T. Goals (specific, measureable, agreed-upon, realistic, and timely):

S.M.A.R.T Goal Priority #1: Create a prioritized list of recommendations to promote renewable energy (RE) development in conjunction with conventional energy in the five-county region for residential, commercial, industrial and municipal interests by June 30^th, 2012.

S.M.A.R.T Goal  Priority #2: Assist building owners in recognizing energy efficiency (EE) improvements needed to reduce energy use in residential and commercial buildings by at least 25% in all five counties by 2012.

S.M.A.R.T Goal Priority #3: Beginning in 2013, 10% of homes sold per year will have energy audits; 5% of homes sold per year would implement recommended upgrades.

S.M.A.R.T. Goal Priority #4: Increase community awareness (10% of the population per year beginning in 2012) of the importance and benefits of existing and future resource and energy conservation mechanisms, EE/RE ideas, models, and available services. Emphasize collaboration between all sectors.

S.M.A.R.T Goal Priority #5: Work with the Transit Coordinating Council and the existing Southwest Colorado Regional Transit Feasibility Study to implement action items which increase the availability and usage of mass transit in our region.

S.M.A.R.T Goal Priority #6: Foster the development of a regional resource recovery system by 2015.

S.M.A.R.T Goal Priority #7:Incentivize RE and EE in new building construction by working with the city/county building departments in all five counties to encourage a reduction in RE and EE building permit costs by October 2012.

S.M.A.R.T Goal Priority #8: Develop a collaborative mechanism for working with public lands sectors and management by April 30, 2012 in order to accomplish REAP goals.

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.