Posted at 01:30 PM in Air Quality, Energy , Food , Garden | Permalink
Must watch - fully scientific based solution for transition to 100 percent clean energy!
Posted at 12:39 PM in Automobiles, Climate Change, Community Resiliency , Energy , Environmental Issues, Government, Green Building , Investing & Finance, Renewable Energy, Water | Permalink
The Passive House Academy from Brooklyn, NY is offering Certified Passive House Consultant & Designer Course!
This seven-day course is aimed at ALL Building Professionals including Architects, Engineers, Contractors and Builders.
Posted at 09:05 AM in Architecture, Education, Energy , Green Building | Permalink
The central Connecticut area will soon be home to a
new form of transportation that looks to revolutionize the way Connecticut residents commute. Projected to be finished in early 2015, Connecticut Fastrak will administer a swift ride for those who choose to utilize public transportation to get to their destination of choice. Stretching all the way from Waterbury to Hartford, this contemporary system will make travel in the area more convenient for all, and likely boost local economies with more folks having an opportunity to explore areas of the state they might not have had the chance to previously. CT Fastrak is a form of Transit Oriented Development (TOD), which is described by the CT DOT as, “A strategy to increase economic competitiveness through improved quality of life, reduced traffic congestion, lower transportation costs for households, improved air quality, reduced costs for providing city services, and growth management.”
On July 17th, CT Greenscene was invited to see what progress had been made on the Fastrak. Led by CT DOT’s Mike Sanders, we began in downtown Hartford, passing by many of the stations (Flatbush Ave., Sigourney St.) that are under construction. As you can see from the following photos, they are very modern looking and would appear to be quite comfortable. Having the opportunity to get out and walk around at a few of the stations was incredible. Simply seeing the signs with the map of stops, where the ticketing kiosks would be, and even the benches, helped me envision what the what this project is aiming to look like.
Continue reading "CT GreenScene Invited to Sneak Peak into CT Fastrak " »
Posted at 11:14 AM in Air Quality, Automobiles, Community Resiliency , Energy , Environmental Issues, Transportation, Travel | Permalink
WHAT: “What is Passive House Design?” by Tomas O’Leary
WHERE: The Mercy Center, 167 Neck Rd., Madison, Ct 06443
WHEN: Wednesday, June 18th, 5:30 -7:30 pm
HOW: Register by contacting: [email protected]
FOR: For those interested in learning more about high performance buildings and homes, including architects, designers, contractors & building tradespersons and anyone in the general community with a passion for energy responsible design and building.
The presentation is also accredited by the American Institute of Architects and offers attending AIA members (1) continuing education unit (CEU).
Photo caption/credit/copyright is: P. Campus AIA
Posted at 02:50 PM in Architecture, Energy , Events, Green Building | Permalink
Tags: American Institute of Architects , madison, passive house, The Mercy Center, Tomas O’Leary
Who: People's Action for Clean Energy (PACE)
What: The 2700 square foot passive solar house includes a 5.5 kW solar electric system, solar hot water panels and tank, radiant floor heating and hydronic baseboards, a stunning Tulikivi masonry stove and energy recovery ventilator, LED lighting, Energy Star appliances with condensing clothes dryer, Mitsubishi air to air heat pumps and triple pane windows.
Great care was taken in the construction using prefabricated wall panels, double stud wall construction, insulated concrete form foundation, salvaged stone for outside walls, concrete floors with acid-free eco-stain and water-based sealer, and natural materials are used throughout the house.
When: July 12th, any time between 12 noon and 3pm
Where: Sandisfield, MA
For tour information, call 860 693 4813
For tickets ($15), call 860 623 5487
After the tour visitors are invited to swim in a nearby freshwater lake or bring their canoe or kayak to another uninhabited beautiful lake and/or take a guided hike to a secret small uninhabited lake.
At 7 PM that evening the Sandisfield Arts Center will be the site of a gourmet dinner including wine and prepared by a well-known chef. It will be followed by a concert showcasing magnificent music and professional voices singing arias, duets and trios from well-known operas.
Non-refundable tickets and maps for the tour and outdoor activities can be purchased by going online to www.pace-cleanenergy.org and click on Events. Tour tickets may also be ordered by sending $15 per person to PACE, Donna Grant, 128 Melrose Rd., Broad Brook, Connecticut, 06016 or email:[email protected]. Information should include the ticketholder's phone number, address, and email address.
To order $25 tickets for the gourmet dinner and live concert at the charming nearby Sandisfield Arts Center go online to www.sandisfieldartscenter.org
Posted at 02:41 PM in Architecture, Energy , Events, Family & Parenting, Green Building , Real Estate, Renewable Energy | Permalink
Tags: eco house, Energy Star, LED, People's Action for Clean Energy (PACE), radiant floor heating, sandisfield, solar
Who: The Essex Land Trust and Robert Rocks
What: Robert Rocks will present on the historical evolution of our landscapes from forests to field, and back to forests. He will speak about the great die-offs of elm/chestnuts/hemlocks, and help us envision how climate change, invasive species, and land use practices will determine our forests of the future.
When: May 13th at 7 p.m.
Where: The Essex Library
For more information on this event click here.
Posted at 03:12 PM in Conservation, Energy , Environmental Issues, People, Resources | Permalink
Tags: climate change, essex, forests, invasive species., The Essex Land Trust and Robert Rocks, trees
Who: Audubon Connecticut & Connecticut Green Building Council
Congressman Jim Himes
CT Fourth District
Bert Hunter
Chief Financial Officer
Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA)
Mark Robbins
Energy Committee Chair and Board Member
Connecticut Green Building Council (CTGBC)
Stewart J. Hudson
Executive Director
Audubon Connecticut
What: Looking for solutions to the climate crisis? Join us for an exciting discussion of the issues and solutions to carbon pollution that save money and help save the planet, including one of the most important breakthroughs in green building design and operation—a new approach to financing clean energy investments through state and federal green banks.
When: TODAY ~ Tuesday, April 22nd ~ 2:00 pm
Where: Audubon Greenwich Kimberlin Center 613 Riversville Road, Greenwich, CT
Celebrate Earth Day with a Guided Trail Walk after the event!
Refreshments Will Be Served
Posted at 09:19 AM in Air Quality, Citizen Action, Conservation, Energy , Environmental Issues | Permalink
Tags: carbon pollution, clean energy, climate change, ct audubon, ct green building council, financing clean energy., greenwich ct, Jim Himes
Who: CT Energy Committee
What: Join Us for a Strategy Session to Support Legislation for Community Shared Solar in Connecticut.
The Problem: While the cost of renewable energy is now competitive with traditional power, the majority of Connecticut homeowners and businesses cannot access this affordable clean energy, because they do not have a suitable site for renewable energy on their own property.
The Solution: Enable all energy customers to participate in shared clean energy facilities and receive credit on their utility bill for their portion of the clean energy produced.
This bill:
At this strategy session we will discuss the bill's probable path, discuss key talking points and constituencies to reach, and plan together to ensure the success of this important legislation
Please write your legislator and the CT Energy Committee to support this legislation.
When: Wednesday, February 26, 7 PM
Where: Kroon Hall, Room G01,195 Prospect Street, New Haven, CT
For more information or to let us know you plan to attend please contact Kate Donnelly at [email protected]
Posted at 07:36 PM in Climate Change, Energy , Events | Permalink
Tags: CT green energy, CT solar, CT solar policy, CT solar projects, green living, renewable energy
What: Regional Biodiesel Industry Forum.
When: December 16th 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: University of Connecticut Storrs Campus, Rome Ballroom, Gilbert Road Extension, Mansfield, Conn.
About: The University of Connecticut and the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology Inc. will be hosting a forum on biodiesel fuels. The forum will include panel discussions from policymakers and top biodiesel producers on the latest innovations, applications, and potential future uses and benefits of biodiesel for the economy and the environment. The forum will also include a poster session, network opportunities with local biodiesel producers and distributors, and a tour of UConn's Center for Environmental Sciences and Engineering biofuels testing facility. General registration $50. Student registration $20.
Info: Register online.
What: Solarize Newtown is celebrating its first installation of residential solar panels, using the Solarize Connecticutsm approach to community solar adoption. The installation will take place on Saturday, November 9th, at the home of David Stout. Astrum Solar, the official installer for Solarize Newtown, will host the event.
Since Solarize Newtown launched in September, more than 70 Newtown homeowners have asked for solar home assessments to see if their homes would be a good fit for solar. The more residents who participate in the program, the more the price drops, with all residents receiving the lowest possible price for their installation no matter when they sign up for the program. In addition, if Newtown reaches 100 installations, Astrum Solar will donate $25,000 worth of solar panels for a Newtown civic building.
When: Saturday, November 9, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Where: Stout Residence – 9 Grand Place – Newtown, CT
Contact: Chelsey Saatkamp, [email protected] or 212-576-2700
More information about Solarize Newtown, including upcoming workshops, can be found by visiting www.solarizect.com/Newtown. For additional information on Solarize Connecticut or Solarize Newtown, contact Chelsey Saatkamp as shown above.
Posted at 11:49 AM in Architecture, Energy , Organizations, Renewable Energy | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Tags: ct events, newtown, renewable energy, solar energy, solarize newtown
Posted at 02:26 PM in Architecture, Energy , Events, Organizations, Renewable Energy | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
Tags: CT events, energy efficiency, PACE, passive house, sierra club, solar, Tesla., westport
by Heather Burns
I first met Peter Fusaro, owner, Preferred Builders at a Fairfield County GreenDrinks event that I organized. As we chatted, I remember thinking that Peter wasn't your typical building guy. Unlike many, he was interested in and committed to figuring out how the built environment relates to creating sustainable and resilient communities.
Like most eco-entrepreneurs, Peter is wired to persist until he is successful. And as a winner of the CT Zero Energy Challenge, he's well on his way. The Zero Energy Challenge is Connecticut's premier competition to build homes that consume almost no energy. Homes that produce energy on-site. Homes with cleaner air. Advanced designs and integrated systems that are changing the way we think about residential construction.
Posted at 12:27 PM in Air Quality, Architecture, At Home, Conservation, Energy , Home & Garden, Interior Design, Renewable Energy | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
Tags: ct clean energy, ct zero energy challenge, green building, peter fusaro, preferred builders
Who: Wolfworks Inc.
What: What's it like to live in a home that produces more energy than it uses? After a year living in the first certified Passive House in CT the Honig family in Harwinton is inviting you to come see their home and hear what its like to live there. Their home won the 2013 CT Net Zero Challenge and was described by Enoch Lenge of the CT Energy Efficiency Fund as, "the most efficient and highest performing house we've ever seen." While the energy savings are remarkable, this home is bright, open, and exc
eptionally comfortable without relying on complicated equipment, though it does make smart use of technology.
When: Saturday, October 5th. 10 AM - 2 PM
Where: Town Line Rd. New Hartford, CT.
FOLLOW DIRECTIONS TO TOWN LINE ROAD IN NEW HARTFORD
(GPS systems go to the wrong place if you use the actual address!)
Posted at 03:36 PM in Architecture, Energy , Events, Green Building , Interior Design, Real Estate, Renewable Energy | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
Tags: energy, events, green architecture, net zero challenge, new hartford, passive house, solar energy, wolfworks
What: We hope you can make the time to visit another unique Net Zero Home this Sunday afternoon. Last year Wolfworks designed and built the home that won the 2012 CT Net Zero Challenge. We're back this year with a new home in Farmington that will produce more energy than it uses on an annual basis! We call this a Net Zero Home. This is a special chance to see how we apply Passive House design principles to achieve this remarkable performance. Come inside and take a look around before we close up the walls. See and experience the difference.
When: Sunday 9/22 from 12-3 PM - Rain or Shine!
Where: 17 Metacomet Rd. Farmington, CT. 06030
More information online about the presentations, tours and what you'll learn at the house.
Posted at 01:46 PM in Architecture, Energy , Events, Green Building , Renewable Energy | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
Tags: ct net zero challenge, events, farmington, green building, house design., wolfworks
13 April 2013
$15.00 per Person
Canton, MA
People's Action for Clean Energy (PACE) is sponsoring a tour that will introduce the public to the latest trends in solar power. This tour will feature two seminars, where experts in the field will talk about how implementing solar panels can help everyone to live cleaner, healthier lives. There will be a presentation on how the solar panels will be able to charge electric vehicles enough that they will be able to handle an 18 mile commute before the fuel from the gas tank even needs to take over. Owners of these electric vehicles will also be available to share their real experiences with these cars. Later, guests will be able to see how entire houses can be customized to reduce energy costs both to the environment and to the family budget. Also, guests will see the incredible opportunity for cost shaving that can be captured by encouraging their entire community to go green. Registration for this tour is required and is non-refundable and it costs a mere $15.
Register Here: http://www.pace-cleanenergy.org/site/webtickets/tour20130413
For More Information: http://www.pace-cleanenergy.org/resources/includestatic?url=..%2Faction_files%2Fhouse_tour_20130413.html
Posted at 11:41 AM in Architecture, At Home, Automobiles, Education, Energy , Events, Green Building , Home & Garden, Organizations, People, Renewable Energy, Travel | Permalink | Comments (9) | TrackBack (0)
Tags: Canton, Clean Energy, CT, Electric Cars, PACE, Tour
First Place winner
Harwinton
residents, Paul and Diane Honig, teamed up with builder Wolfworks,
Inc., to design and construct a ‘Passive House’ that ensures remarkably
low energy demand, something that is aligned with the goals of the Zero
Energy Challenge. The Passive House design means
that a building takes the greatest advantage of available “gains” while
minimizing energy “losses.” The resulting energy balance provides the
home with exceptional comfort and health, simplified operation and
dramatically lower operating costs.
The home also had the lowest Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index by implementing measures including: windows that captured solar energy, rigorous sealing of all potential sources of air leakage, reduced thermal bridging to help remediate any problems with insulation, the installation of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), and more. These measures earned the top spot for the Honigs and Wolfworks, Inc.
“Investing the extra money up front to build a more sustainable house was worth it,” said Paul Honig, “By taking advantage of incentives and rebates offered through the Residential New Construction program, administered by CL&P, we were able to offset those upfront costs considerably.”
Second Place winner
Peter
Fusaro of Preferred Builders Inc. saw the ZEC as a way to bring his
idea of a high-performance house to life. After tearing down the
original structure at a home in Old Greenwich and recycling its old
materials, Fusaro and his team rebuilt the home from the
ground up, installing only top-of-the-line energy efficient products.
“I have been in the building industry for more than 25 years and have become more energy efficient in the way I design, build and live every day,” Fusaro said. “After construction was complete, our home in Old Greenwich received six energy and environmental certifications, which I am extremely proud of.”
To achieve these certifications, a number of energy-efficient features were added to the home including high-efficiency tank-less hot water heaters, air conditioning units and a natural gas boiler. The garage features an electric vehicle charging station, and the home is equipped with a sophisticated circuit breaker that connects to the Internet and can show a homeowner just how much energy is being used at any given time. Learn more about “The Performance House” in Old Greenwich by clicking here.
Continue reading "The Results Are In: Winners of 3rd Annual CT Zero Energy Challenge Announced" »
Posted at 02:18 PM in Air Quality, Architecture, Energy , Green Building | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Tags: BPC Green Builders, ct zero energy challenge, energize connecticut, green building ct, greenwich, high-performance house, Inc., LEED certified building ct, new fairfield, performance builders, peter fusaro, Wolfworks, zec, zero energy connecticut
April 4th, 2013
FREE, Registration Required
Central Connecticut State University
New Britain, Connecticut
The CCSU Global Environmental Sustainability Action Coalition invites the public to learn and to teach one another about the actions that we, as human beings, must take to ensure that we live in such a way that we are able to satisfy our needs while ensuring that our children and grandchildren will be able to satisfy their own. The symposium will offer 3 classes, two performances, a panel discussion, a tour, and an optional attendance at the town meeting, as well as opening and closing notes from distinguished professionals in sustainability. This event is FREE: anyone can register online to show up. *Exhibitor tables are still open.
Schedule
9:45-10:00 AM: Symposium opening and welcome with Dr. Charles Button and Dr. Jack Miller (tentative) at Alumni Hall
10:00-10:45: Transportation, Migration, and Sustainability in Four Worlds Alumni Hall
Dr. John Kelmelis expands upon a possibility raised by the United States National Intelligence Council when they published Global Trends 2030: Alternative World. This work explores four very possible future worlds. Dr. Kelmelis will explain what each of these worlds might mean for our future as well as what strategies we might use to make the most of each circumstance at the local, regional, national, and global levels.
11:00-11:45: Panel Discussion: Electric Cars and Alternative Vehicles Alumni Hall
The president of the New England Electric Auto Association (Dave Oliveria), an environmental writer and speaker (Jim Motavalli), the Senior Associates Autos Editor for Consumer Reports (Eric Evarts), and a natural gas car owner (Joe Booth) all come together in one place to talk about the real value that hybrid, extended hybrid, and electric vehicles hold. This is a special opportunity to discover what users and reviewers genuinely think about these alternative vehicles.
12:00-1:45 (*with second free registration): Water Wars Performance and Lunch Alumni Hall
While you enjoy your lunch, the Sonia Plumb Dance Company will be performing Water Wars. This is an emotionally charged piece of art that exposes the very important and very tenuous relationship that human beings have with one of our primary sources of life: water.
Posted at 03:46 PM in Air Quality, Architecture, Arts, At Home, At Work, Automobiles, Citizen Action, Corporate Social Responsibility, Education, Energy , Environmental Issues, Events, Government, Green Building , Healthcare, Organizations, People, Renewable Energy, Resources, Schools, Transportation | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0)
Tags: Central Connecticut State University, Connecticut, Connecticut State Universities, Exhibits, Free, Free Green Events, Green Connecticut, Green Events, New Britain CT, Sustainability, Sustainability Events, Town Hall
Posted at 02:46 PM in Energy , Environmental Issues | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)
Tags: American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, energy efficient, state rankings
by Stephen Meno
This week marks an important victory for protecting Connecticut’s environment. Gov. Malloy, along with all New England governors, signed an agreement that will facilitate the development of local solar and wind energy production. New England states will now have a much easier time signing long-term clean energy production contracts. The Sierra Club is hoping that this agreement will be used to replace five Connecticut coal plants (such as the Bridgeport Harbor Station), which the 2010 Clean Air Task Force says is responsible for over 500 asthma attacks and 31 deaths each year.
Not only is this a great step forward for the environment, this initiative will help stimulate the economy by creating jobs. Gov. Malloy’s declaration is especially good news because it would partially compensate for the immense damage that would be caused by Mitt Romney’s promise to end all subsidies to wind energy production if he gets elected.
Continue reading "New England Governors Agree on Solar, Wind, and Tar sands" »
Posted at 08:00 AM in Energy | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)
If you go to the pump with any regularity, you've probably noticed the high price of gassing up. But with the recession, there was not only a decrease in gas and oil usage but a rush to find an alternative so as not to rely on foreign sources. Thanks to horizontal drilling and "fracking," North American sources have been tapped into that can make the future look bright--for gas and oil companies, that is.
In a post by The New York Times today, the idea of having plentiful supplies of domestic oil and gas could far outweigh the environmental costs. (Think gas and oil leaking into water supplies à la the documentary Gasland.) As with the economic downturn, there was a sudden push to reserve energy, ride bikes, or even change lightbulbs to CFLs to save some cash. But when jobs start to return as does spending, going green goes right out the door.
See an excerpt below.
Fuel to Burn: Now What?
By JAD MOUAWAD
Published: April 10, 2012Cheaper fuel produced domestically could reduce the cost of shipping and manufacturing, trim heating and cooling bills, improve the auto market and provide tens of thousands of new jobs.
It might also pose new environmental challenges, both predictable and unforeseen, by damping enthusiasm for clean forms of energy and derailing efforts to wean the nation from its wasteful energy habits.
But for Americans battered by rising gasoline prices, frustrated by the dependence on foreign oil, skeptical of the benefits or practicality of renewable fuels and afraid of nuclear power, the appeal of plentiful domestic oil and gas could far outweigh the costs.
Just a few years ago, the dominant theme in discussions about energy was of declining production and the fear of running out of oil. Even today, political tensions in the Middle East, particularly in the Persian Gulf, have fanned fears of supply disruptions that are keeping prices high.
But a new boom in energy production in recent years has upended these expectations in record time. High energy prices led to a wave of successful oil and gas exploration in North America, including in fields that were deemed uneconomical only a few years ago. Using techniques like horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing, oil companies are tapping into deeply buried reserves in shale rocks and in the ocean’s depths.
To read more, click here.
Image courtesy of NYTimes.com.
Posted at 12:29 PM in Energy | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)
Posted at 09:59 AM in Energy , Events, Green Building | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)
Tags: green building ct, pace, passive solar, People’s Action for Clean Energy, solar ct
by Dr. Amy Wiesner
In light of the devastating earthquakes and tsunami in Japan, and the damage done to the nuclear power plant in the affected area, it seems important to have as many facts as possible regarding the consequences of the nuclear plant’s breakdown.
Nuclear energy was first discovered just before World War II, when scientists experimented with splitting atoms to create large amounts of energy, or fission. Initially in the US, this new technology was solely used in a military capacity, but after the war, continuing experimentation was accomplished via the Atomic Energy Commission to find nonviolent uses of nuclear energy, including using it for electricity. The first nuclear energy plant in the US became operational in 1957 and more plant construction quickly followed.
Posted at 01:25 PM in Energy , Healthcare | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
Tags: Atomic Energy Commission, Chernobyl, clean energy, earthquake, Japan, Nuclear Age Peace Foundation, nuclear energy, radioactive, Three Mile Island, tsunami
Humans weren't meant to hibernate: do something fun and productive this winter and take a green course for homeowners at Naugatuck Valley Community College, sponosred by Union Savings Bank.
From solar thermal to green building to sustainable landscaping to weatherization and ruuse solutions that will save you money--a multitude of interesting, inspiring and informative courses run from January to April. To register, call 203-575-8029 or email Ann Travers [email protected].
Solar Thermal for Homeowners your geothermal system
CRN 2747 • Danbury Center, 2 Sat., 1/8 & 1/15,
9 am - 12 pm, Rm: CL3
Instructor: Peter Governale
Is solar thermal energy a viable option for your home? Join us to learn basic solar energy principles, what it takes to install solar assisted hot water system, principal operating dynamics. Bring your own energy bills to calculate the cost effectiveness and return on investment for your home.
Geothermal for Homeowners
CRN 2748 • Danbury Center, 2 Sat., 1/22 & 1/29,
9 am - 12 pm, Rm: CL3, Instructor: Peter Governale
Why do nations such as Germany and Sweden have 97% of all new buildings space conditioned by geothermal? And why does the Iowa Board of Education mandate geothermal for its schools? Did you know that in 1993, the Environmental Protection Agency proclaimed “Geothermal heating and cooling is the most cost effective space conditioning system there is?” Join us to learn the fundamental principles of how geothermal energy works: practical applications for homes, businesses and schools; return on investment, cost effectiveness and life cycle fundamentals of installation procedures; technical principals of geothermal; what to look for in a contractor; available tax credits and state rebates; how making your home more energy efficient plays a role in designing your geothermal system.
Solar PV for Homeowners
CRN 2749 • Danbury Center, Thu., 2/10, 7 – 9 pm,
Rm: CL1, Instructor: Thomas Thompson
Learn about the many benefits and cost savings of implementing a solar photovoltaic system in your home. This course will provide information about Connecticut’s financial incentive programs for homeowners and the environmental impacts of PV installations.
Continue reading "NVCC Offers Green Courses for Homeowners - FREE" »
Posted at 05:25 PM in Energy , Events | Permalink | Comments (10) | TrackBack (0)
by Anne Maertens
If your New Year’s resolution is to shrink your carbon footprint or if you just want to save money on your utility bills, you may be able to significantly reduce your energy use and get money for doing it.
The federal government has extended the energy efficiency tax credit, commonly known as 25C, through 2011, but there have been a few changes. The credit now equals 10 percent of your efficiency upgrade costs up to $500, and some efficiency upgrades have credit caps. For example, the maximum credit for ENERGY STAR windows is now $200.
In addition to the federal tax credit, there are a bunch of incentives from the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund that you can use to help achieve your energy saving goals. For example, ductless heat pumps are eligible for a rebate of up to $1,000, and efficient hot water heaters are eligible for a $300 rebate.
The Fund also provides several financing solutions including zero-interest loans ranging from $7,000 to $20,000 and 2.99 percent interest loans ranging from $2,500 to $6,999. To find out if you qualify for the loan, you’ll need an energy assessment of your home.
If you’d like to know what an energy auditor might recommend for your home, check out EnergySavvy’s free online energy assessment, which will give you a list of recommendations on how to make your home more efficient. EnergySavvy also provides a list of the energy efficiency incentives available in Connecticut.
Posted at 08:00 AM in Energy | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
Tags: 25C, carbon footprint, Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund, energy audit, energy efficiency tax credit, Energy Savvy, incentives
By Chitra Esther Chelladurai
Supply and demand go hand in hand. And, so it is with oil and coal. Long considered the bane of any self-respecting environmentalist’s existence, some experts believe that the days of cheap coal and oil are numbered. Many countries are looking at a cap time of 2020; some estimates are as early as next year.
According to the Environmental News Network, after the peak, production will decline because supplies are being depleted and no new sources are to be found. For peak oil, the rate of production will come to an end when maximum extraction is reached. After that, production is expected to decline. Predictions vary as to when we will reach our peak. But one thing is clear: The peak will come at some point.
Posted at 08:00 AM in Energy | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Tags: alternative energy, biodiversity, biomass, coal, geothermal, hydropower, mining operations, noise pollution, nuclear power, peak oil, soil erosion, solar, water contamination, wind turbines
by Angela Hotaling
Last Tuesday, at the GreenGov Symposium at George Washington University the Obama Administration announced its decision to use solar panels and a solar hot water heater in the White House. This decision has generated a lot of media attention. John M. Broder, of the New York Times Green blog said in his October 5th post that “The announcement is part of a broader administration push to promote renewable energy and reduce emissions of climate altering gases produced by fossil fuels.”
Just a month ago Bill McKibben of 350.org attempted to convince the Obama Administration to reinstall President Carter’s solar panels. Broder mentions that McKibben’s feelings toward the decision are all positive, Broder says, “He is thrilled that the White House has finally seen the light.” It is an interesting choice of words considering the rays of sun that will soon heat parts of the White House Residence.
Posted at 08:00 AM in Energy | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBack (0)
Tags: 350.org, Council of Environmental Quality, energy crisis, fossil fuels, George Washington University, GreenGov Symposium, President Carter, President Obama, renewable energy, solar energy, solar panels, sustainable energy
by Heather Burns
Returning from a trip to Washington, DC to meet with legislators and understand more about the mission of the American Business Council, led me to realize the influence that public policy has - particularly on ushering in and ensuring which innovative ideas rise to the top and take hold. Take this one for example: solar roadways that end our addiction to fossil fuels and pay for themselves. Is it really that simple, or do we need to consider whether our fossil fuel addiction could be replaced by a lithium addiction. Techy experts, please weigh in...
Posted at 08:05 PM in Automobiles, Energy , Transportation | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
Tags: american sustainable business council, energy, ev, lithium, pv, solar road ways, sun, sustainable mobility
Continue reading "Good News: Americans Are Using Less Energy" »
Posted at 10:25 AM in Energy , Renewable Energy | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
Tags: A.J. Simon, carbon emissions, energy use, geothermal, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, renewable energy, solar power, wind power
Posted at 01:44 PM in Energy | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0)
Tags: energy conservation, energy tips, U.S. Department of Energy, water conservation
Posted at 08:00 AM in Energy | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Tags: Amazon.com, biogas, cow manure, dairy farms, energy, Google, Microsoft, power source, Yahoo
by Susan Torres
An aspiring grown-up who loves all things concerning the environment, media, sports, current events, traveling, absurdity and general hilarity, Susan is living in and loving New York City. Having graduated from Northeastern University last May with a bachelor's degree in journalism and minoring in political science and history, she is currently proofreading for a translation services company and doing some freelance writing work on the side.
Posted at 08:00 AM in Energy , Environmental Issues, Renewable Energy | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
Tags: Cape Cod, Cape Wind, Mayor Thomas M. Menino, Nantucket, offshore wind farm, renewable energy, Senator Ted Kennedy, wind turbines
As you may have heard these days, energy efficiency is in. President Obama has stressed the sexiness of efficient buildings and billions have been dedicated through various programs to help homeowners and businesses save energy (and of course dollars) through efficiency upgrades. Some programs may even have catchy names such as Cash for Caulkers. But when it comes down to it, many people are still left scratching their heads wondering where to go or what it all means to them. Many are unaware of how to take advantage of the various programs and what is involved when you decide to pick up that phone. As a proponent of energy efficiency, and an owner of a relatively inefficient home, I recently decided to walk the talk and give one of the many programs a shot. I received an audit, not from the IRS but from Connecticut Home Energy Solutions for a home energy audit.
A quick little background: The term "negawatt", coined in 1989 by Amory Lovins of the Rocky Mountain Institute, refers to a unit of saved energy. "Producing" negawatts (and their sister in fossil fuels, negatherms) is the intention of a home energy audit. Everybody benefits: The homeowner reduces costs; the utilities and regional community add power "capacity"; The grid stabilizes and reduces the need for an additional plant or distribution capacity. It's a win-win.
The Connecticut Home Energy Solutions (CT HES) is sponsored by the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund, a partnership formed by the State's major utility companies and funded by a small surcharge on each customers electric and natural gas bills. The CT HES is a subsidized energy audit, approximately $750 in value, made available to qualified homeowners for a modest fee of $75. In a Fairfield Minuteman article dated February 17th regarding Rep. Kim Fawcett recieving an energy audit, I decided to give the provider, Green Star Insulation of Brookfield, CT, a call. They quickly got back to me and after asking a few questions about my house (age, type, size, heating & cooling types, etc), they scheduled my appointment. And with a special little nugget: Fairfield, CT, using Recovery Act funds, was subsidizing the full $75 cost!
Posted at 08:00 AM in Energy , Home & Garden | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)
Tags: CFLs, CFM, Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund, Connecticut Home Energy Solutions, energy efficiency, energy upgrade, Green Star Insulation, home energy audit, negatherms, negawatt, Rocky Mountain Institute
Posted at 12:55 PM in Air Quality, Automobiles, Education, Energy , Environmental Issues, Schools, Transportation | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBack (0)
Tags: Azure Dynamics, CitiBus, diesel, Fairfield University, fuel cell, hybrid bus, hydrogen, IC Bus, Inc., Kentucky Clean Fuels Coalition, Kentucky school district, Navistar, New York Metropolitan Transit Authority, Trek Bicycle Store, University of South Carolina, Wyoming school distrcit
Posted at 09:35 AM in Energy , Environmental Issues, Home & Garden | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
Tags: Alliance to Save Energy, carbon dioxide, carbon emissions, Connecticut Clean Energy Fund, CT Clean Energy Options, Furnace and Boiler Replacement Rebate Program, greenhouse gas, heating and cooling, The Center for REsource Conservation, The U.S. Department of Energy
Posted at 12:22 PM in Energy , Environmental Issues, Transportation | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
Tags: biodegradable, carbon footprint, carbon neutral, carbon offset program, Continental Airlines, Eco-Skies, energy conservation, greenRocks Inn, low-VOC, Marriott International, recycling, reforestation, renewable energy, Stockholm Environment Institute, Sustainable Travel International, travel, United Airlines
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Tags: 1366 Technologies, cost effective, Department of Energy, Ely Sachs, Long Island Power Authority , solar, solar energy, solar panels
Posted at 08:00 AM in Energy , Organic, Renewable Energy | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Tags: Anaba Winery, Domaine Carneros, Eileen Crane, energy efficiency, Gary Heck, John Sweazey, Korbel, Mendocino Wine Company, organic champagne, organic grapes, Parducci Winery, post-consumer material, Rodney Strong Winery, solar power, sustainable farming, Tom Klein, wind turbine
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Tags: biofuel, Bretton Woods Mountain, Cannon Mountain, Cranmore Mountain, energy conscious, green skiing, Jiminy Peak, Loon Mountain, Mad River Glen, New England, recycling program, Shawnee Peak, ski resorts, storm water runoff, Stowe Mountain Resort, Sugarloaf USA, Sunday River, wind turbine
by Anneli C. Olila, Editor-in-Chief of Boston GreenScene / Principal of Olila Documents & Communication Strategies
In my recent discussion of green job hunting myths, I argued against the mystique surrounding the green job industry and the psychological and other barriers this presents to those hoping to transition into a green career. Responses from readers ranged from disbelief, to hesitant hope, to specific questions regarding qualifications and resources. In this article, I start to provide some data that may be useful to readers in understanding the projected growth of the green job market and where they might fit in.
What Do We Mean by 'the Green Job Market is Growing'?
According to the United States President's Council of Economic Advisers (CEA), green jobs are everywhere, and the growth of the green job market is anticipated to continue to outstrip the growth of other markets. In its July 2009 report, the CEA cited data compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) showing projected growth in environmentally-related occupations to be 38% more than all other occupations combined by 2016. This is depicted in the following figure, reproduced from page 8 of their report:
To put this into perspective, it is worth noting that the occupations
they considered were actually in a fairly limited range. Specifically,
the BLS projections drawn from in the CEA report are based on data for
the following occupations only:
Continue reading "Green Job Growth: What is it? Where is it?" »
Posted at 03:49 PM in At Work, Energy , Government, Green Building , Renewable Energy | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)
Tags: anneli olila, bls, bureau of labor statistics, cea, council of economic advisers, economic projections, environmental occupations, Global Insight, green jobs, olila documents and communication strategies
To read other articles on this site about renewable energy, click here.
Image courtesy of the California Department of Fish and Game.
Posted at 11:04 AM in Energy , Renewable Energy | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
Tags: clean energy, electricity, renewable energy, solar energy, wind power
Posted at 11:46 AM in Architecture, Energy , Environmental Issues, Green Building , Home & Garden | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
Tags: 2030 Challenge, Barry Katz, carbon footprint, Edward Mazria, enterprise resource planning, Environmental Sustainability Dashboard, Green Footstep, Greener Path, greenhouse gas emissions, Michael Bendewald, Microsoft, Rocky Mountain Institute, Victor Olgyay
The New York Times has an editorial from yesterday's edition about Cape Wind.
"After eight years of arduous state and federal environmental reviews,
the promoters of Cape Wind, a wind energy project off the Massachusetts
coast, had every reason to believe that they were home free. Then the
Wampanoag tribes asked the Interior Department to declare all of
Nantucket Sound, where the 130 wind turbines would be built, a
“traditional cultural property” and, they hoped, block construction.
Tribal officials say their culture requires them to greet the sunrise each day and that this ritual requires unobstructed views. Their claim should be rejected by the responsible federal and state officials. Another round of bureaucratic reviews would drag out an approval process that has gone on much too long and give opponents time to find some other way to derail the effort..."
To read more of the story from The New York Times, click here.
To read an earlier article on this site about the not-in-my-backyard attitude about wind turbines including Cape Wind, click here.
Image courtesy of DustNetworks.com
Posted at 07:38 AM in Energy , Renewable Energy | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Tags: Alliance to Protect Nantucket Sound, Cape Wind, Ken Salazar, Minerals Management Service, Nantucket Sound, traditional cultural property, Wampanoag Tribe, wind turbines
Via Debra Caviness
Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced the state is dedicating $4 million in federal stimulus funds to help homeowners and businesses pay for the installation of solar-powered hot water heating systems, an investment that will lower utility bills and promote the use of alternative fuels.
“I am proud of Connecticut’s leadership in promoting and using greener, cleaner technology,” Governor Rell said. “This incentive will help hundreds of families and businesses make the switch to renewable energy by saving them money on installation costs and ultimately their hot water bills. It would also be a much-needed boost in business for those who sell and install these systems.”
The new Solar Thermal Incentive Program is part of the comprehensive State Energy Plan that has qualified for $38 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). The broad-based plan includes programs that:Posted at 12:41 PM in At Home, At Work, Energy , Government, Renewable Energy, Water | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack (0)
Tags: CCEF, clean energy ct, Connecticut Clean Energy Fund, ct green business, ct green living, federal stimulus ct, governor jodi rell, Lisa Dondy, renewable energy ct, solar hot water incentives, Solar Thermal Incentive Program
by Eileen Weber
For every car ride, bus trip, or vacation par avion, we expel greenhouse gases from fossil fuels into the air. We are heavily dependent on foreign oil. We still use coal as a source of power. We have irreparably changed our climate as a result.
But according to a Washington Post article dated October 20, 2008, there are some companies that are trying to make a difference. Alternative fuels such as ethanol derived from corn or diesel derived from algae are taking center stage.
But fuels based on crops like corn have their own environmental price tag. The farming process of those “macro-crops” uses fossil fuels to get the job done.
Companies like Florida-based PetroAlgae are working hard to find a sustainable solution to the problem. They produce “micro-crops” of algae that are broken down into a fuel source and a protein base. The product can be used to fire up a 747 or it can be extracted as a protein filler for animal feed. And who knows? Rich in amino acids, you may find these protein isolates in your next strawberry smoothie some day.
The crops are environmentally safe and sustainable. They are grown in raised pools with no toxic run-off. Almost all of the water that is used to irrigate the crops is recycled for the next crop. Nothing goes to waste.
According to the PetroAlgae web site, algae-based fuel is functionally identical to fossil fuels. And since the algae micro-crops consume twice their body weight in CO2, they’re carbon neutral as well.
Posted at 08:46 AM in Energy , Renewable Energy | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Tags: algae, biofuel, biotechnology, carbon neutral, diesel, Exxon Mobil, fossil fuels, greenhouse gas emissions, micro-crops, PetroAlgae, renewable energy
by Eileen Weber
There has been great debate over the effects of global warming, how carbon emissions play a role, and even if it really exists at all.
According to this article in today’s Washington Post, the East Coast may see rising sea levels as a result of melting polar ice caps. Climate change experts say “rising seas are one of the most tangible consequences of a changing climate.”
The U.S. and China have been dancing around each other in a global warming game of chicken. According to this article published in The New York Times on June 7, 2009, the “clock is ticking” between the two countries to resolve issues before the summit in Copenhagen later this year.
In this article dated May 29, 2009 from the Los Angeles Times, global warming doesn’t affect everyone the same. There are more oil refineries and power plants in low-income neighborhoods. How cities and towns handle carbon emissions may effect the people who live in those areas.
But there are still some who are disbelievers. Take this article from the Memphis Flyer dated June 2, 2009 in which two signs from Burger King chains between Mississippi and Tennessee claim “Global Warming Is Baloney”. Keep in mind that the signs also indicate the Drive-thru is 24 hours and they accept Visa. Just in case you were wondering.
Photo courtesy of Vanity Fair via Treehugger.com
Posted at 11:57 AM in Energy , Environmental Issues | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Tags: Burger King, carbon emissions, climate change, global warming, greenhouse gases, low-income neighborhoods, polar ice caps, rising sea levels, the U.S. and China
By ANGELA CHARLTON Associated Press Writer After several years with a relatively low profile
under President George W. Bush, the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency "is back on the job," EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson told The
Associated Press on Thursday during a trip to Paris. What the
EPA does domestically this year will be watched closely overseas.
Nations worldwide are working toward a major meeting in Copenhagen in
December aimed at producing a new global climate pact. The U.S.
position on curbing its own pollution and helping poor countries adapt
to global warming is seen as key to any new pact. Jackson was
in Paris for international talks on how rich governments can include
global climate concerns in overall development aid. She
dismissed worries that economic downturn was cutting into aid
commitments or investment in new energy resources. She said the United
States should take the lead on clean energy technology, recession or
no.
Continue reading "EPA chief: US should take lead on clean energy" »
Posted at 09:46 PM in Energy , Environmental Issues, Renewable Energy | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Tags: clean energy, climate, EPA, global warming, pollution
by Eileen Weber
There’s great controversy these days about the economy. Is this a recession? Are we on the cusp of another depression? Or are things about to bounce back?
Whether we like it or not, the state of the economy has a direct impact on the environment. When consumers have money to burn, they don’t think about being eco-conscious. But when money is tight, however, suddenly reduce-reuse-recycle sounds like a novel concept.
Last Thursday evening, Robert Costanza, the Gund Professor of Ecological Economics at the University of Vermont and director of the University's Gund Institute for Ecological Economics, gave a lecture at the Aloysius P. Kelley Center at Fairfield University. His main point was illustrating global recession as an opportunity to create a sustainable and desirable future. There are many environmental and economic benefits that healthy ecosystems can provide our society.
“This is an opportunity to reassess where we are,” said Costanza. “This is not just about the immediate past or the immediate future. We need to take a much longer look at civilization for sustainability. We need to understand the past better in order to make things more sustainable in the future.”
Costanza quoted Charles Darwin, the 19th century English naturalist best known for his theories on natural selection, when he said, “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.”
Posted at 07:04 PM in Energy , Environmental Issues | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
Tags: depression, economically sustainable, economy, Fairfield University, Jared Diamond, recession, Robert Costanza, Thomas L. Friedman, University of Vermont
by Eileen Weber
Ever wonder what your T-shirt is made of or how far it traveled? Have you considered how much water your washing machine uses? Did you know that using a gas mower for one hour pollutes the air as much as driving a car for 20 miles?
We have all heard the green mantra: Reduce-Reuse-Recycle. But the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History wants you to “Rethink” as well. In their Sustainable Choices temporary exhibit, they illustrate all the simple, little things we can do every day to make a difference in how we affect the environment.
"This is a very practical exhibit that tells you how you as a family can change what you do in your daily life to live more sustainably," said Jane Pickering, the museum’s deputy director in a press release from the university’s Office of Public Affairs dated April 1st. "The big-picture discussions and ongoing research are very important, but this exhibit brings it down to individual action."
The exhibit, which opened on March 28th and runs until August 23rd, is geared toward younger school-age children. The kids can have hands-on interaction riding a bike, sorting recyclables, or switching lights on and off.
Posted at 03:58 PM in Energy , Environmental Issues | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Tags: biofuel, carpooling, composting, electricity, energy, Energy Star, greenhouse gas emissions, Jane Pickering, reduce-reuse-recycle, solar energy, sustainability, water usge, win power, Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History
by Eileen Weber
I certainly don’t have to tell you that the economy is bleak. We hear it every day in the news. More Americans are waiting and hoping for the economic downturn to smile in the other direction.
But the environment is one industry that continues to grow despite what happens on Wall Street. If it’s green, it’s growing. President Barack Obama has even carved out a nice section of his stimulus package to incorporate green jobs. With that kind of support, the trend may only continue.
In a New York Times article dated March 23rd, Heather Burns-DeMelo, the Executive Director of the Connecticut Alliance for Sustainable Enterprise and the Editor for this web site, said we should expect to see an increase in “green collar jobs” with the boost in environmental training and education.
Continue reading "Putting the Green Back into the Economy" »
Posted at 04:02 PM in Energy , Environmental Issues, Renewable Energy | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Tags: case, clean energy, connectictut alliance for sustainable enterprise, environmental industry, green business ct, green collar jobs, heather burns-demelo, job loss, renewable energy, sustainable business ct, Union of Concerned Scientists
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