Ag Energy Workshop Summary

Hyro Turbine

Did you know that the Towaoc Canal in Montezuma County produces 11.5 megawatts annually? This is information presented at the Ag Energy Workshop on February 6th put on by Colorado State University (CSU) Research Center and 4CORE in Cortez at the Lewis-Arriola Community Center. The agenda included agricultural energy audits, solar power, micro-hydro power, and biodiesel which were broken down into understandable technologies. CSU brought in speakers specialized in each category, providing potential funding opportunities, applications and feasibility of each technology.

Michael Kostrzewa, who co-directs the new Center for Agricultural Energy for CSU spoke about the importance of agricultural energy assessments. He defined energy assessments as a “systematic way to review the energy consumption and costs associated with the equipment, operations, and culture at a facility". He referred to energy assessments as “the veggies of the meal with renewable energy being the dessert”. Mr. Kostrzewa emphasized, just as 4CORE does, that the first step towards energy efficiency is an energy evaluation, whether professional or done by you. To start to assess your own energy use, start with a baseline of your energy bills.

• Electric energy
• Peak electric demand
• Diesel (farm vehicles, farm equipment, other vehicles)
• Propane
• Natural Gas
• Pesticides
• Fertilizer

Although CSU is no longer funding agricultural energy assessments, they are providing financial support for irrigation pumping assessments. Contact Mr. Kostrzewa at (970) 491 – 7709 to learn more about agricultural energy and irrigation pumping assessments.

Solar
Kurt Jones, Chaffee and Park County Colorado State University Extension  Director, spoke about the benefits and drawbacks of solar thermal, photovoltaic, and passive solar design. He emphasized the care of the building structure that has potential for solar energy. If work would need to be done to the building within the next ten years, he suggested doing the work before installing a solar system, as well as any energy efficient upgrades. Completing the energy efficient upgrades before any renewable energy enters the equation is a benefit because the size of a system could be smaller if a building is operating as efficiently as possible. Find more information on the CSU website or contact Mr. Jones directly at 719-395-5493.

A tip for farmers in the winter: Paint the south facing side of the stock tank black to absorb the suns energy and keep ice from forming. 

Hydro Power
Hydro power is producing electricity with running water. There are a few initial questions to ask to determine if you have a good/economical site. First, what are the hydraulic conditions, or how is the water moving? What is the head or how much distance is between the starting point of the water flow to the end point? These starting and end points are often in the middle of the water way. Height decreases, such as water falls are good examples of this. Measure the distance between the top of the water fall where the grade evens out. Check the flow rate, or how fast the water is moving, and assess how long the water moving at that rate. Another point to assess is wildlife habitat. Would a turbine negatively affect fish or other wildlife habitat?

Once these basic questions are answered, it’s time to call in a professional. Colorado specifically has been designated with high potential for hydro power. There are many water ways winding throughout this state that are just waiting to be utilized.

Now all this made hydro power sound easy, but it’s not. Obtaining permits and jumping through all the right hoops can make this process arduous. There are funding opportunities that include feasibility and construction funding, and tax credits. If you think you have a good site for hydro power, contact Lindsay George at (970) 945 – 9686 with Applegate.

Biodiesel
Biodiesel is the byproduct of a byproduct. So a farmer grows some soy beans, harvests them, presses them, then uses the soy meal for his animals. The oil is left over from pressing them. That oil can be taken and converted into fuel for the farmers tractors. Biodiesel is better for the environment because it’s free of sulfates and has a lesser amount of nitrates then crude oil or petroleum. You can grow your own crops for biodiesel or you can gather the waste grease from restaurants.

Did you know you can “wash and dry” biodiesel? In fact, it’s necessary. It’s an important part of the process where water and biodiesel are put into the same container for at least 12 hours. When a successful wash has taken place the biodiesel will be at the top of the container, with the water at the bottom. If this separation hasn’t occurred you basically have soap. The drying process is letting that water be evaporated so you are only left with pure biodiesel. Find a more comprehensive description of the process here: http://www.make-biodiesel.org/.

4CORE and Colorado State University Extension and Research Centers have lots of information and are always willing to help guide you in the right direction when looking into renewable energy applications.

www.fourcore.org
http://www.ext.colostate.edu/index.html 

About the Author: 

Heather Wyatt recently received her Bachelor's Degree from Fort Lewis College in Psychology. She thoroughly enjoys people and is excited to see all the different ways the Weatherization Program will help others.  She has experience in managing small businesses and working with people from different backgrounds.  She enjoys watching movies and working in the yard on weekends.    

4CORE Announces Partnership with 1% for the Planet

4CORE is pleased to announce a new partnership with 1% for the Planet, an alliance of over 1,380 member companies in 43 countries that give one-percent of revenues to environmental causes.

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, 4CORE is now eligible to receive donations from 1% member companies, placing them among a diverse, global network of environmental organizations. 1% member businesses fuel this non-profit network through their annual contributions, which totaled over $22 million in 2010. Partnership with 1% greatly expands the potential pool of funding to which 4CORE can look to for support.

4CORE is dedicated to advancing resource efficiency and quality of life initiatives serving the five-county region of Southwest Colorado, including Archuleta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma and San Juan Counties. 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.

Over 2,300 non-profits worldwide are included in the 1% network, and over $70 million has been funneled to its nonprofit partners to date. “The intent of 1% for the Planet is to help fund these diverse environmental organizations so that collectively they can be a more powerful force in solving the world’s problems,” Yvon Chouinard, founder of 1% for the Planet.

“4CORE’s goal for any proceeds resulting from 1% for the Planet is to enhance quality of life for residents in Southwest Colorado by saving energy and reducing costs,” stated Gregg Dubit, Executive Director with 4CORE.

“4CORE’s programs and activities have directly helped residents save thousands each year in utility bills, not to mention facilitating  thousands of dollars in energy rebates for homeowners. As a nonprofit, we rely on funding sources from partners like 1% for the Planet, and we look forward to partnering with such an esteemed environmental organization moving forward.”

2012 is a pivotal year for 4CORE and funding is critical with plans to further improve the quality of local environment, economy and community through expanded programs, continued education and leadership. Resource conservation is important for current and future generations, and energy efficiency education is essential to maintain vibrant, resilient and thriving communities.

About 1% for the Planet

Started in 2002 by Yvon Chouinard, founder and owner of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews, owner of Blue Ribbon Flies, 1% for the Planet is a growing global movement of over 1,350 member companies in 43 countries that donate one percent of their sales to environmental organizations worldwide. Each day, more than one new business joins the 1% for the Planet movement. As a network, the 1% community has become a frontrunner in funding the work of environmental groups around the world. To learn more about 1% go to: www.onepercentfortheplanet.org

Test, fix, save a life - National Radon Action Month

There is much that we all do, at least in part, to maintain our health.  Eat right, exercise, shop organic, "green" our homes.  However, one of the most important things you can do for your health is little known and seldom discussed.  Radon is the number two cause of lung cancer next to smoking (and the leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers). However, alarm bells are not going off as they should be for a health risk resulting in over 21,000 deaths annually. 

Watch this quick radon awareness video to hear of one man's personal struggle with radon-related lung cancer.

Possibly the lack of alarm and awareness about radon is because it is an invisible, colorless, odorless radioactive gas. It comes from the natural breakdown of uranium found in almost all soils.  Radon moves up through the ground and enters homes through cracks and other holes in the foundation, getting trapped in homes, leading to potentially dangerous levels.  The only way to know if you have radon in your home is to test.

This issue has not created a great deal of public outcry in our community, but it is not for a lack of effort.  Locally, Colorado State University Extension Office in conjunction with San Juan Basin Health Department has offered numerous radon awareness community presentations, giving out free kits to residents and sharing this map identifying radon levels in homes tested in the Durango/La Plata County region.

January is National Radon Action Month, and although we are well into the month, add this important item to the top of your New Year's resolution list.  Go to a presentation in your community, test your home, and know your number.  (For La Plata County, see this list of upcoming presentations.)

4CORE has applied for funding to become trained in radon testing and mitigation in order to better serve the clients whose homes we weatherize.  Together let's move this issue forward in our community, making it the high priority that it needs to be.

About the Author: Claire Ninde

After gaining valuable experience for five years in the for-profit world as Business Manager and Partner at a local public relations firm, Claire is thrilled to be back in the non-profit world as the Weatherization Leveraging Coordinator. Claire previously worked at two local non-profits and was involved in program administration, advocacy and fundraising.

Bringing your Business to the Top

Consider this- companies and agencies that are leaders in sustainability are leading stock performance by an average of 25%. Sustainability boosts brand integrity, reduces risk, and decreases costs. DuPont and NASCAR are examples of successful sustainability efforts, and here is why:

By using sustainable practices, these companies have a competitive advantage through brand enhancement and increased employee productivity. Workers feel good about working for a company that prioritizes their health and well-being, consumers feel good about buying from them because of their sustainable practices, their energy costs are decreased, and all of this increases their top line.

Read more here on DuPont and NASCAR's sustainability efforts. Also, DuPont's sustainability report.

Finally, the U.S. Army has achieved net zero at Fort Carson (in Colorado Springs, just over the mountains from us!). Shouldn't we all be marching to the same tune?


Stay tuned to 4CORE for information on the Resource Smart Business Program, coming soon to your business!

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.

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.

4CORE Hires Permanent Weatherization Program Manager

4CORE has permanently hired Kirk Coppinger as Weatherization Program Manager, starting December 5th. Coppinger is replacing Gregg Dubit, who was recently hired as 4CORE’s Executive Director. Coppinger was appointed Interim Program Manager on July 1st of this year, and prior to that was one of 4CORE’s Weatherization Inspectors.

“Kirk has eleven years of experience in managing large-scale commercial building projects and a solid foundation of knowledge in building science,” said Gregg Dubit. “He has proven his abilities by successfully assuring high-quality work on hundreds of weatherized units. His knowledge of the rigorous program requirements and existing relationships with subcontractors and our funders allows for a smooth transition.”

The Weatherization Program is a 34 year old Department of Energy program which strives to increase the quality, safety, and energy efficiency of residential, low income housing. Kirk has already proven to be a competent building science technician as well as a very responsible steward of this federally funded program.

"I will endeavor to meet and exceed expectations and hope to develop opportunities to keep the Weatherization program strong and viable for many years to come," said Coppinger. "I look forward to leading the 4CORE Weatherization team into 2012."

Coppinger's background is in commercial construction, including the Springs Hotel in Pagosa Springs and the Sky Ute Casino project.  He has been involved in heavily-themed exterior building skin projects including the Wynn and three Residences at MGM towers in Las Vegas, a new facility for the oldest dental school in the nation in Washington, DC, and the University of Maryland’s Comcast Basketball Arena.  Kirk is a native of the areafrom  Mancos, and enjoys getting out and camping with his family.