EE Tips for Back to School

It's that time of year again! Colleges and preK-12 schools are opening their doors for another year of teaching and learning. Most of you - whether you’re a student, teacher or parent - will have an emptier home over the next 9-10 months. An emptier home provides endless opportunities to lower that energy bill! Here are some energy-saving tips that I follow as well as others from energyinyourlife.com:

1.       Adjusting the thermostat

• Turn off the thermostat completely, or...
• Turn up the thermostat to 78 degrees or higher when using AC
• Turn down the thermostat to 68 degrees or lower when using heat
• Change the temperature remotely using a programmable thermostat and your smartphone

2.       Making lunches

• Take out all the food you’ll use from the fridge at once - opening it multiple times uses an exorbitant amount of unnecessary energy
• Use reusable lunch bags or boxes with insulating sides to keep things cold and reusable sandwich and snack containers to minimize waste
•  Bring a cold lunch to avoid using a microwave
• Fill up a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated. I like CamelBaks

3.       Unplugging electronics – gaming consoles, computers and rarely used kitchen appliances can use a lot of        power when off but still plugged in, so save some energy and unplug!

4.       Closing blinds

• AC works a lot harder to keep your home cool when hot sunlight is pouring in
• Get some insulating shades to keep your home even cooler

5.       Getting an audit

• PG&E offers various energy auditing services to make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck
• energy.gov provides some other energy audit tips and opportunities

6.       Dressing appropriately – it’s still pretty warm out now, but it’ll cool down soon and if your school is air         conditioned, be prepared and wear layers!

7.       Going to and from school efficiently – walk or bike if you can, and carpool if you need a lift.

Photo Source: http://www.ecosmartworld.com/

Happy first day of school everyone! Have a safe, healthy and happy year. Learn lots!

Warning! Warning! APCD issues Air Alert

The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District has issued an Air Alert for Monday, August 19th through Wednesday, August 21st. 

What is an Air Alert?

'An Air Alert is a notification that the Valley is currently experiencing conditions that may lead to exceeding a health-based ozone (smog) standard. Air Alerts are issued Valley-wide. In addition to the negative effects on our health, ozone exceedances can also result in monetary penalties to the Valley. This would impose severe financial burdens on Valley businesses and, ultimately, our residents.When an Air Alert is called by the Air District, Valley residents and businesses are advised to put into place measures that reduce vehicle use.'

How can you help?

• Carpool
• Utilize other modes of transportation such as riding mass transit, walking, or bicycling
• Bundle your errands
• Don't let your car idle - turn it off when waiting for an extended period of time!

The SJVCEO fully supports efforts to keep the San Joaquin Valley and its

residents safe and healthy. Employees at Professional Exchange, the association management company which houses the SJVCEO, are doing their part by eating lunch in the office break room instead of using their vehicles to look for food elsewhere. Great job!

Statewide LG EE Best Practices Coordinator: Weekly Update Vol. VIII, Issue II

For those of you who know who Pat Stoner is you likely are on his email distribution list and receive this update each week.  We are grateful that Pat has agreed to allow our little blog to re-post his weekly update.  If you have an interest in the happenings of energy efficiency and local government throughout California this is the update for you! If you love the information here, but want more in depth features be sure to check out Pat's quarterly newsletter, CURRENTS.  

August 14, 2013 Weekly Update: CPUC workshop on EE financing; Multi-family tenant engement; SEEC presentations; SF PUC seeks EE consultant

Workshop on EE Financing Pilots August 16

To all parties and interested persons:   Attached is the agenda for the workshop to be held on Friday August 16, 2013 at 10:00a.m. in hearing Room E. An hour long lunch break will be called around noon, and the workshop will end no later than 4:00 p.m.

As “Joint Utilities,” Southern California Gas Company and San Diego Gas & Electric Company submitted Comments on the Proposed Decision proposing an implementation plan for the EE Financing Pilots which they developed in consultation with CAEATFA and HBC. I view the resulting implementation plan as having significant weight because the PD envisions SoCalGas and CAEATFA as the implementing entities.  

Therefore, it will serve as the organizational underpinning of the workshop. That does not mean all of the Joint Utilities’  proposals will be adopted in the final decision, but the workshop will focus on understanding the proposal and how other proposed changes to the PD could affect implementation due to timing, cost, or other factors. The agenda identifies several issues from the Comments which could have a direct impact on the pilot program implementation plan, and which will be discussed individually.

The workshop is not the place  to introduce new evidence, make speeches, or to re-argue policy positions. The function is to clarify the projects and pin down implementation costs and schedule through questions and answers. As a result, the parties should be better able to focus their Reply Comments in terms of implementation as well as policy.

Parties will have priority in asking questions, but some public or stakeholder questions will be allowed, as time permits.

Melanie M. Darling

Administrative Law Judge

California Public Utilities Commission

505 Van Ness Ave.

San Francisco, CA 94102-3298

(415) 703-1461

Webinar: Tenant Engagement in the Multi-Family Setting

Behavior is the missing link in energy efficiency. Our best efforts to legislate and design energy efficient multifamily buildings are contingent on a third piece: tenant engagement. Tenants are not always aware of the way their energy use can contribute to the scale of energy saving potential. This webinar, offered by California Multi-Family New Homes, will address ways in which stakeholders can work with tenants to achieve anticipated energy efficiency.

Day: Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Where: WEBINAR
Register Here

SEEC Forum Presentations Available

The presentations, meeting notes, and videos from the 4th Annual Statewide Energy Efficiency Best Practices Forum held in Sacramento, CA are now available online!

Please use the following link to access these exciting resources:  http://www.lgc.org/events/seec/forum2013_agenda.html

Notes and PowerPoints from the Pacific Gas and Electric Company Local Government Partner Meeting as well the Statewide Local Government Partner Meeting are also available. Please use the following link to access these resources: http://www.lgc.org/SEEC/partnership_meetings.html

If you have any questions or comments about these resources please contact Jenny Woods at jwoods@lgc.org or (916) 448-1198 ext. 324.

San Francisco Public Utilities Commission RFP for Energy Efficiency Consulting Services          The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Power Enterprise released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for energy efficiency consultant services. The Energy Efficiency Services group is seeking up to 4 teams of consultants for services totaling $9.5 million over 5 years. The work targets San Francisco municipal facilities. See the link for more details.

Also, please visit my website: www.EECoordinator.info

Statewide LG EE Best Practices Coordinator: Weekly Update Vol. VIII, Issue I

For those of you who know who Pat Stoner is you likely are on his email distribution list and receive this update each week.  We are grateful that Pat has agreed to allow our little blog to re-post his weekly update.  If you have an interest in the happenings of energy efficiency and local government throughout California this is the update for you! If you love the information here, but want more in depth features be sure to check out Pat's quarterly newsletter, CURRENTS.  

August 7, 2013 Weekly Update: EM&V Plan Available; Sustainability Best Practice Framework Updated; New IDSM Fact Sheet; Net-Zero Energy Summit

EM&V Plan Available

The CPUC's Energy Division and Investor Owned Utilities have released the updated 2013-2014 Funding Cycle Energy Division-Investor Owned Utility Energy Efficiency Evaluation, Measurement and Verification Plan. The Plan creates a high level blueprint to guide evaluation and study of the $2 billion 2013-2014 portfolio of energy efficiency programs. You can access the plan at http://www.energydataweb.com/cpuc/home.aspx.

ILG's Sustainability Best Practice Framework Updated

The Institute for Local Government has released its first comprehensive update of the Sustainability Best Practice Framework since its initial release in 2008. The framework offers new and practical ideas on how local agencies can save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in ten categories, including ideas about how to engage the public and promote individual and community action.

New Fact Sheet: Huntington Beach's Integrated Demand Side Management Program

An Integrated Demand Side Management (IDSM) audit, which looked at energy efficiency, conservation, demand response and renewables, paired with AB 32 strategic planning goals, created an opportunity to adapt and integrate the full suite of IDSM tools in City operations. To download the fact sheet, visit: www.EECoordinator.info/best-practices/

Net-Zero Energy Summit in Irvine, October 8-10

 The Net-Zero Energy Home Coalition will be hosting the Net-Zero North American Leadership Summit from October 8-10 in Irvine, California, in conjunction with the US Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2013.

Also, please visit my website: www.EECoordinator.info

EVENT: Learn About Anaerobic Digesters

https://surveymonkey.com/s/CleanEnergyAug2013

Keeping Up With the Joneses

I wonder what life would be like if friends’ Facebook statuses looked less like ‘OMG Little Timmy used the potty for the first time today!’ and more like ‘Heck yes! Saved a few bucks this month by swapping out some light bulbs!’? One can dream, right? {Courtney Kalashian, I see you smiling.} Well, for those who choose to opt for a little friendly competition while tracking their own home energy usage this is a real possibility according to this article.  A company called Opower uses behavioral psychology tactics with its software in order to encourage energy efficiency. We all likely know what we could and should be doing to save energy, but let’s get real, that twenty minute steamy shower is much better than a quick three minute rinse in arctic cold water. But wait, what’s that? Your BFF is saving how much per month on her utility bill and that adds up to how much per year? ‘OMG she’s like totally going to think she’s better than me. I can do better than that!’ Nothing like a little peer pressure.

Opower works with utility companies to automatically pull your energy usage data so that you can see where you stand in relation to your friends, similar homes, and efficient homes. It also provides energy saving tips so you can reach those savings goals. You can sign up using your Facebook account by visiting Opower’s site here. For my competitive and curious friends who have PG&E they are a participating utility. Who’s in?

EE Tip from Fig: Do NOT do this

Fig says, “While I can’t resist the lure of the cool air and an empty shelf, you most definitely should NOT linger with the refrigerator door open.” 

According to The Daily Green, the less time that fridge door stays open the better. In fact, you could save 7 percent on operating costs.

{Fig also says, "You need to go grocery shopping, mom!"}

CURRENTS: An Energy Newsletter for Local Governments | Summer 2013 Edition

CURRENTS is a publication by Pat Stoner, the Statewide Local Government Energy Efficiency Best Practices Coordinator.  Pat has been writing and distributing CURRENTS: An Energy Newsletter for Local Governments since 1998.  We thank Pat for allowing us to post his newsletter on our blog.  To subscribe to CURRENTS, email Patrick Stoner (slgeebpc@lgc.org). 

Please visit the Statewide Coordinator web site at: www.EECoordinator.info

Energy Efficiencies In Five Rural Communities In Five Days

Congressman Jim Costa, Fresno County Supervisor Phil Larson, Mendota Mayor Robert Silva, and officials from Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), the Fresno County Economic Development Corporation (EDC), Richard Heath and Associates (RHA), and the Center for Irrigation Technology’s Advanced Pumping Efficiency Program were on hand to kick off a week long campaign of energy efficiency upgrades to the western Fresno County rural communities of Mendota, Kerman, Firebaugh, San Joaquin, Coalinga and Huron last August. The campaign was dubbed ‘Five Cities, Five Days.” read more...

Sonoma County Community Choice Aggregation

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors voted to implement Sonoma Clean Power. This program will focus on providing a cleaner power mix for Sonoma County customers. The Board's decision means that this service will be made available to about 100,000 customers in the unincorporated areas of the county. read more...

How Benchmarking Makes Cities Smarter

By Caroline Keicher Program Manager, Building Energy Performance Policy, The Institute for Market Transformation

2013 looks like it will be a banner year for building energy benchmarking and disclosure policies. With Philadelphia’s policy adoption closing out 2012 on a high note, Minneapolis got us started strong in January of 2013—becoming the seventh U.S. city, and the first in the Midwest, to pass a policy requiring transparency of energy performance in large commercial buildings. read more...

ACEEE Report: Assisting Home Buyers With Increased Energy Use Information

What if people could have access to a piece of valuable information that they don’t currently receive about the house they are considering for purchase? What if this could happen with very little bureaucracy and limited program implementation costs? Sound appealing? read more...

Trading New Development For Water Savings In Napa

The City of Napa has a medium-sized water system of about 25,000 connections. Its Water Demand Mitigation (Water Offset) requirement for new development has historically been known as the ‘Toilet Retrofit Program,’ because the water savings were achieved by replacing older 3.5+ gallon-per-flush (gpf) toilets with 1.6 gpf ultra-low-flush toilets (ULFTs). Several years ago, that replacement toilet specification changed to EPA WaterSense-labeled 1.28 gpf high-efficiency toilets (HETs). read more...

Optimizing Municipal Facility Performance: Retrocommissioning Program Toolkit For Local Governments

By The California Sustainability Alliance

In its Long Term Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) established a strategic framework for helping local governments advance sustainability within their jurisdictions. The Plan calls for local governments to influence the community, leverage local authority and lead by example by improving resource efficiency, reducing carbon emissions and cutting energy bills in their own facilities. read more...

Solar Energy Resource Guide

The Northern California Solar Energy Association (NorCal Solar) released its 9th edition Solar Energy Resource Guide (SERG) last July. This highly-regarded publication is a primer on just about all things solar, written and reviewed by experts. read more...

Zero Net Energy For Policymakers & Local Governments

Are you pursuing zero net energy (ZNE) buildings, goals or policies in your jurisdiction?Do you need information, tools and other resources to help?

Connect with public sector leaders in Sacramento on July 16th for a Zero Net Energy (ZNE) Leadership meeting to share experiences and learn about tools and resources to achieve ZNE. read more...

Upcoming Events

The following list of upcoming events may be of interested to you. read more...

A LESSon in Greening Your Cleaning Routine

Burlap dress - see, I'm not that crazy.

Less is more. 

While I have yet to start wearing only burlap sacks, I have applied this rule to pretty much every area of my life, including my cleaning routine. Being ‘green’ to me often translates to using less. It means less chemicals in my food, makeup, shampoo, toothpaste, lotion, deodorant, countertop cleaner, laundry, dish soap…you get the idea. Fewer chemicals in all of these items not only mean fewer chemicals in my body, but also fewer chemicals in the air from the products themselves and the processes to make them. Simpler, more natural solutions often also mean energy savings because they do not require complex production methods. 

While you may be apprehensive to make the switch when it comes to something like your deodorant (although, you really shouldn’t be scared – I live by THIS product), start by swapping out your cleaning products for a natural, safe, and healthy home environment. Contrary to popular belief, in order for your home to be squeaky clean it doesn’t have to smell like bleach and suffocate you.  A quick online search for natural cleaning products will reveal the ‘magic’ ingredient I like to use in all of my homemade concoctions: vinegar. In fact, I found a website completely dedicated to the many uses of it. I have used vinegar solutions to clean everything from my windows and counters to my skin. One of the best parts about vinegar? It’s CHEAP.

Something I recently learned is that you can also use it to clean your washing machine! Clean the cleaning machine? Absolutely. Think of it how you do the lint trap in your dryer. Regular maintenance of your machines will help with functionality and {energy} efficiency. Follow these cleaning instructions from one of my guilty pleasure websites - Apartment Therapy.

Photo sources:

latimesblog.com

shannahhayley.blogspot.com

Solar And Water: A Growing Combination

*Editor's Note: I was cleaning out the SJVCEO blog archives last week and came across this draft post authored by the one and only Sandy Nax!  Going by the date of the draft I can only figure that Sandy had worked on this prior to his departure from SJVCEO in May 2012 and never had a chance to hit the 'publish' button. So, Sandy I hope you don't mind our using your words one more time!  -CBK

Many people equate solar power with rooftops, and that's true. More property owners - commercial and residential - are installing solar panels over their heads to cut power bills and carbon footprint. Check out what Toys 'R' Us is doing in New Jersey.

But solar energy is popping up all over the place. In backpacks. With the military in Afghanistan. On parking structures and as window coverings. And, increasingly, on or around water.

Solar is appearing at wastewater treatment plants, vineyard irrigation ponds and in settling ponds at gravel mines. There is even research into getting solar power from the ocean.

This New York Times story, which I read in the San Jose Mercury News, notes that solar panels are sitting atop pontoons at Far Niente in Wine Country. It quotes a winery official saying that vineyards are expensive real estate, and placing a solar array on the pond means no vines are removed.

Solar energy systems also are gaining a following at wastewater treatment plants here in the San Joaquin Valley, where power bills run high in the blazing summer.

The cities of Tulare and Madera use solar at their plants. Learn more about those projects here and here. Water transfer is expensive, and solar can help cut costs. We keep hearing that more cities are considering following suit. This Sign on San Diego story has more on how solar works at such plants.

Opportunities for solar will become even greater as technology improves, costs decrease and it becomes more mainstream. Water-related solar increases those possibilities even more.

Sandy's now in Sacramento working for the California Department of Toxic Substances Control and still managing to write...a lot.  Seriously, Google it! 

Photo of solar on pond at Far Niente Winery by winebusiness.com

Wax on, wax off

Photo source: Thomas Hawk, flickr

The current layer of dust enveloping my cute white Jetta had me thinking that I’m in serious need of a car wash. I used to live on the coast and recognize the importance of regular washings to protect the paint and keep that windshield clean. Living back in Fresno is a similar story but instead of salt water I battle pollen. Growing up I used to love washing the car with my dad in our front yard, but equally fun was going to Red Carpet Car Wash and trying to spot our station wagon through all the soap suds as the cars passed through the tunnel. It’s the little things, right?

Photo source: autos.aol.com

While I love most things DIY, zipping over to the car wash is much easier these days since there are drive through options at most gas stations. I was also happy to discover that this method is much greener than doing it yourself at home. Hosing down your car at home can use up to 140 gallons of water whereas commercial car washes use an average of 45 gallons per car. In addition, commercial car washes are required by law to drain their wastewater into sewers ensuring that the water plus soap (read: chemicals) gets treated properly. We all (should) know by now that water use means energy use, so leave it to the pros (unless you’re a big spender and want to install one of these babies), save water, save energy, and save an afternoon for a different DIY project.