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.

State of Solar Energy in Southwest Colorado

Today is an exciting time for renewable energy worldwide and here in southwest Colorado. This newsletter will be one in a series that discusses what is happening in solar energy and how it affects us here in southwest Colorado.

Recently an industry trade group was formed. We call ourselves Southwest Solar Installers Association or SSIA. This group was formed by local solar installers with the goals of education and promotion of renewable energies, primarily focused on solar, in the four corners area.

Education

The educational aspects focus on teaching the public what solar can do for us, and where it is best used. Demonstrations at local events and locations, such as the Durango Discovery Museum, give kids and adults alike the chance to play with solar toys and electronics to better understand their uses and limitations. Please come to play, experiment, and ask lots of questions. Who knows, you may come up with some great ideas for how we can better use solar energy to help our planet.


The second aspect of our educational side is to work with and teach our policy makers how we can best use solar to meet our sustainability and economic goals. Collaborating with the Durango City Council, 4CORE, and La Plata Electric Association (LPEA), we are working to show the value our industry has for our local economy. In the past 2 years the solar industry has generated over $5 million dollars for our region, with almost 300 net metered customers in LPEA territory alone producing over 100 Megawatt Hours (MWH) annually.

Solar installations have economic impacts beyond just our companies and employees. Solar companies hire electricians, engineers, excavators, and roofers, to name a few. We buy lots of supplies locally, from wire and conduit to pipes and concrete. Most of the money from a solar installation is kept within the local economy, creating jobs and demand for goods and services.

A third component of SSIA education focuses on the continuing education of all installers. Whether that means more certifications, such as North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), or safety requirements from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), we strive to be better at what we do. Best installation practices are a key component to keeping a good name for our industry and we regularly share tips that may make things safer, more efficient, or more cost effective.

Promotion of Renewable Energy

The policy side of our group follows up with the education we try to share with policy makers. SSIA is focusing on how we can deploy more solar energy, in the most cost effective manner, to our regional grid. The companies within our group primarily install net metered photo voltaic (PV) systems for residential and small commercial applications. This means that the power produced is used at the same location where it is produced and excess electricity flows back onto the electric grid. We believe that this point of use production and consumption is one of the most effective uses of solar energy.

However, not everyone has the ability to install panels at their location. One possible solution is to install “community solar gardens.” This means a much larger solar array is tied into the grid in a suitable location so customers can buy the panels and the energy they produce. We are working to develop a policy with LPEA that meets their standards for what is often referred to as “virtual net metering”, meaning the production is at a different site than the usage meter of an LPEA member. Currently our member owned co-op does not have a policy that would allow for this, but we are confident that working together we can find a solution.

Another policy we would like to see implemented is the use of our local green energy funds to deploy more renewables. Currently, members of LPEA have been buying green energy blocks. This money can be used to buy more wind power from places like Wyoming, or can stay in a local renewable energy fund. This fund is has typically been used to install educational solar PV systems at our local schools. This is a great way to educate kids and teachers on the benefits of solar energy.

Another possible use of funds could be to augment the current renewable energy credit (REC) payments from Tri-State and boost local installation of more residential and commercial PV. This could help make southwest Colorado a leader in renewable energy while creating jobs and boosting the local economy. This policy would not cost the regular LPEA member anything as the funds are revolving and come from members that already buy “Green Blocks” for their homes or business.

These two policies would come at net zero cost to members or citizens and could easily double the amount of solar energy on our local grid within two years. SSIA is working on these and other issues to help deploy more renewable energy locally. After all, we have one of the best regions in the country for harvesting the power of the sun. Contact SSIA for more info.

Please voice your opinions regarding renewable energy, virtual net metering, and green energy funds to your local utility, as well as local, state and federal government representatives. The more our community gets involved in renewable energy the more independent and resilient our community will become.

Stay tuned to future Energy to Evolve Blogs and 4CORE newsletters for solar information about technology, costs and innovations, including how to use solar thermal systems for hot water and space heating. If you have any questions about solar please contact an SSIA member.

See you out in the sunshine!

About the Author

Derek has over 12 years of experience in the solar industry, beginning with a BS degree from St. Lawrence University in Environmental Science Philosophy. Working as a solar installer his senior year of school, he was able to install PV systems in cloudy upstate New York. After making his way to Durango, Derek continued his solar education and experience which led to the birth of SolarWorks in 2006.

Now, Derek has a beautiful wife Ginny and son Granite, and enjoys all that Colorado has to offer. He continues to learn and seek higher certifications, sitting for the NABCEP solar exams later this year. Derek is proud to serve the community and the environment, and wakes up with a smile every morning because the sun shines so much in Durango.

Resource Smart Business Program: Open for Business

The RSBP is a free, voluntary certification program that helps local businesses operate more efficiently. Businesses who participate will learn how to 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. The RSBP is a collaboration between  Fort Lewis College Environmental Center (FLCEC), Four Corners Office for Resource Efficiency (4CORE), Healthy Lifestyle La Plata (HLLP), Local First, La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) and SWConnect and is funded through a grant from the EPA that was awarded to La Plata County. The RSBP enables local businesses to participate in the program free of charge. A total of 30 businesses are expected to participate in the RSBP and become “Resource Smart” certified by the end of 2013. Current business participants include:

Pine River Bank in Bayfield,  KSUT Four Corners Public Radio in Ignacio,  Durango Natural Foods, Pediatric Associates of Durango,  Durango Coffee Company,  Task Masters,  Brown's Sport Shoe,

Animas Museum,  For the Birds LLC,  Gloss,  Linda's Local Food Cafe,  Backcountry Experience, and  Southern Ute Cultural Museum.

Anticipated and realized benefits for these businesses include:

• Free business assessments, valued at $1,500; 
• A $1000 rebate for implementing energy efficiency measures; 
• Reduced operations costs, which improves profit and cash flow; 
• Exposure to new markets and new customers; 
• Increased employee productivity; 
• Boosted brand integrity for competitive advantage;
• Positive media exposure and promotional materials; 
• Multiple levels of participation and recognition; 
• Access to ongoing support and education on sustainable business practices; and 
• Networking opportunities with other resource smart business participants.

The goal is to transition into a fee-for-service program after 30 businesses are served through the EPA grant. It is the RSBP’s vision to make the “resource smart” certification recognized and valued by all La Plata County businesses, employees, and consumers as the most highly valued certification for businesses.

To receive certification, business owners and employees will be required to complete a six-step certification process, which includes:

Orientation,  Assessment,  Recommendations,

Implementation,  Education, and  Third party recognition.

For businesses that want to implement recommended energy efficient measures, the RSBP website provides a list of qualified local contractors.

Currently, 4CORE coordinates the  program to ensure consistent scheduling, follow-up, and resources for businesses.

For information on how to apply and to learn more about the RSBP visit the website.

About the Author: 

Brent Walsh is the Sustainable Business Developer for the RSBP. Brent is from Denver, CO and graduated from Fort Lewis College in the spring of 2012 with a Major in International Business and a Minor in Spanish. While living a San Jose, Costa Rica for a year he took a sustainable development class and has wanted to work in the field of international sustainable business development ever since. Brent is responsible for developing the business plan for the Resource Smart Business Program. When not working Brent enjoys hanging out with his friends and family, music, hiking, skiing, snowboarding, and traveling.

Energy Audits: Science, Not Guesswork

Without an energy audit how does one decide where to put their efforts and resources in regard to energy efficiency? Many people feel that they need new windows, or new doors, or want solar panels. A professional energy audit takes the guess work out of where in your home or business energy improvements should be made. The modern energy audit utilizes state-of- the-art testing equipment like infrared camera thermography, blower door air pressure testing with very sensitive pressure testing manometers, and combustion analyzers to hone in on where energy efficiencies are lacking.

Our national testing laboratories, Oakridge Tennessee, Lawrence Berkley, California, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, in Golden Colorado, have developed very sophisticated testing techniques coupled with massive data sets to build complex algorithms that accurately predict the energy savings associated with common upgrades like new windows, additional insualtion in the attic or walls, as well as furnace or boiler upgrades. Today's professional energy auditors are nationally certified and, through training, have developed an understanding of the home as a system. These computer modeling software applications now accurately predict the energy savings of proposed improvements. 

Don't just guess where to invest your hard earned dollars. Rather, hire a professional to analyze and model your home. Then make smart investments in your home or busineses energy management. Return on investment should be your guide and a smart energy investment will pay you back for years to come.

4CORE encourages our community members to make these smart energy efficiency choices. There is a multiplier effect which takes your investment in efficiency further: When you save on your utility burden these dollars are proven to stay in the community.

Don't wait for higher utility prices, get an energy audit now. Begin by learning more about 4CORE's new HomeRx Program, which escorts you through the auditing process, or find an auditor on the 4CORE webpage.


About the Author: 
Gregg Dubit, 4CORE Executive Director Born and raised in the Washington D.C. area Gregg has been in Southwest Colorado for over 20 years. Greggs’ previous experience includes Commercial energy auditing, Residential Services Network training and certification, residential general contracting, residential real estate inspection services, high school math and science teacher, former ski patroller, and aged outward bound instructor. Gregg has certifications as a BPI Building Analyst, RESNET Commercial Energy Management, Lead Safe Renovator, as well as in 2009 International Residential Code Compliance and OSHA 10. In addition, Gregg is an avid dog musher, proud father of Lydia and Hayden, and happily married to Gretchen.

Lend Me an Upgrade!

Local Loans Available for Energy Upgrades  

  

There's a new, simple way for home and business owners in Southwest Colorado to make energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades to their homes and offices. Region 9 Economic Development District andFirst National Bank are partnering with the Colorado Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) to bring loan options for energy upgrades to our area. CHFA's Green Colorado Credit Reserve helps lending institutions offer loans for energy upgrades by incentivizing local lending institutions with a "reserve account" that offers them some protection in the event that a borrower defaults on a loan.

This is allowing businesses and homeowners to take out low-interest loans in order to reduce their energy bills allowing them to pay back the loan more quickly. This summer, make energy upgrades your home or business and take advantage of this new loan program! For more information, contact 4CORE, or the lending institutions below:

Business Energy Upgrade Loan
Ed Morlan
Region 9 Economic Development District
970-247-9621
email Ed

Home Energy Upgrade Loan
Kathy Burgess
First National Bank of Durango
970-247-3020
email Kathy

Potential Energy Tour in 2012 Call for Nominations

4CORE is researching the possibility of holding the Energy Tour in 2012 and reaching out for home or business nominations to be on the tour.

The Energy Tour would be held on Saturday, September 29th. We are looking for 4 - 5 (homes/businesses) to showcase energy efficiency, renewables and/or other resource efficient design. 

 All homes or businesses must:  

• have at least two energy features (renewable or efficiency)
• be available for show by owner and renewable/efficiency installer on Saturday, September 29th, 
• be located within 5 miles of Durango City Limits,
• have adequate parking for 5-8 vehicles at a time, and
• not be for sale during the tour.

Nominate Now!

Please nominate a property by Thursday, June 21st to ensure your nomination is reviewed.

Interested in Sponsoring this year's potential tour?

Benefits include logo placement on tour maps, posters and internet communications, as well as name placement on mailed invitations, radio interviews, and other spoken announcements.

Contact 4CORE for details