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.

DOE Challenge Home Training Opportunity Coming to Durango

Training on Net Zero Ready Homes Comes to Durango on May 9th

The Colorado Green Building Guild, a trade organization focused on advancing the craft of sustainable building in Colorado, announces a new partnership with the Department of Energy (DOE) to provide dynamic content on the business, marketing, and technical strategies to successfully build net zero-energy ready homes in today’s housing market.

This builder-focused training session features multiple modules covering the business advantages of high performance building, marketing to consumers, advanced building system design strategies and specifications, and gaining recognition through the DOE Challenge Home Program.  This 3 ½ hour course is eligible for AIA CEUs.

“Anyone in the building sector interested in new construction projects should attend,” says Cori Andreatta, Training Coordinator at 4CORE. “These trainings will help position contractors ahead of the curve and give them a marketing edge as we see the building sector start to pick up,” adds Andreatta.

The Guild is collaborating with 4CORE to bring the training to Durango on May 9th, 1:00 to 4:30 pm in the Community Room at Pine River Valley Bank located at 1701 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301. Guild  members can attend for $25 and non members for $50.  Rates go up $25 the week of the event.

For more information on rates, the specifics of the DOE Challenge Home trainings, and other trainings to be held across the state, visit www.coloradogreenbuildingguild.org.

To register for the event visit www.fourcore.org/Contractors/SustainableBuilding.aspx.

About the Guild

The Colorado Green Building Guild is an association of building professionals dedicated to promoting healthier, resource-efficient homes and workplaces. Since 2004 the non-profit organization has grown to over 600 members. The Guild strives to advance the craft of green building, support members' environmentally responsible

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.

Progress in 2011

Amazing infographics from our past Intern Lily Oswald!

Picture This: Saving Energy in Images

4CORE wishes you and yours a happy and prosperous 2012!

Compare incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescent lights

Thick walls and south facing windows make this home easy to heat in the winter and cool in the summer

LED track lighting- efficient and beautiful!

A programmable thermostat set at a reasonable temperature

Intern Anne Pesata educates booth visitors at the Pagosa Home and Ranch Show

Solar PV and hot water provide electricity and hot water to a Durango home

A weatherization crew member blowing insulation into an attic. Photo by Stephen Eginoire.

Community Energy Coordinator Heather Wyatt at the 4CORE Open House. Photo by Stephen Eginoire.

The 4CORE Board of Directors, wishing you a safe and resource efficient 2012! Photo by Stephen Eginoire.

Weatherization Fashion Show

Gregg Dubit, Program Manager of 4CORE's Weatherization Assistance Program, recently presented at the Green Business Roundtable on December 8th, where he educated well over 50 local community members and business owners on "The Art of Weatherization," an informative and very entertaining presentation.

Here are just a few of helpful tips and energy efficiency measures from Gregg's presentation:

• Heating: One very easy and efficient upgrade is to wrap your water heater in a blanket, reducing heat loss.
• Insulation: This one is very import. Find out your County-wide R-value recommendation to ensure the best heat retention in your home. Also, learn about the associated State rebates to save money in your energy efficient upgrade.
• Lighting: Replace all older light fixtures, like incandescent light bulbs, with more energy efficient compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL) and reap the benefits of doing so with energy savings of 50-75%.
• Heating: An easy thing to do is to check your furnace filter, it could be dirty and blocking up to 50% of air intake, causing it to possibly short cycle or simply not operate at full potentially and efficiently.

Not only was Gregg's presentation informative, but entertaining. In concluding the overview of weatherization, Gregg arrived at two true or false questions, which were predominately answered as true from the crowd:

* Fuel prices are rising and this trend will continue to rise

* Conservation is becoming more fashionable than consumption

And considering these two points to be true, Gregg concluded: "there should be Weatherization Fashion Shows." Here is the first ever fashion show highlighting current trends in energy efficiency:

  

Beyond fashionable, investing in your home energy savings is just simply smart. Contact 4CORE now for more details, programs, rebates and incentives.

Also check out The Governor's Energy Office (GEO), at RechargeColorado, who has made it easier for Coloradans to redeem more than $10 million in energy efficiency and renewable energy rebates still available across the state. Although there has been great demand for rebates, millions of dollars still remain available for: 

ENERGY STAR Appliances:

• Gas Condensing Furnaces (Up to $500)
• Insulation and Air Sealing (Up to $600)
• Duct Sealing (Up to $150)
• Energy Audits (Up to $100)
• Energy Monitors (Up to $100)
• Renewable Energy technologies

The GEO "urges Coloradans to take advantage of the rebates before funds are exhausted and winter drives up heating bills."

Rebates are available for the following appliances:

• Refrigerators ($50 without recycling, $100 with proof of recycling)
• Clothes Washers ($75)
• High Performance Gas Storage Water Heaters ($200)
• Dishwashers ($50)
• Gas Boilers ($400) 

Rebates will be available until funds run out. To check if rebates are still available, check out the "$$ countdown" at RechargeColorado.com and click on the "Learn More button" under Appliance Rebates.