Energy
Energy Efficiency
Since 1996 Humboldt County’s energy usage has risen 51 percent, more than six times the state’s average, according to PG&E.
We hear it everywhere, read it on countless products, try to distinguish its different ratings systems, but what is energy efficiency?
Here are a couple definitions the Humboldt Green Building Program has gathered for you.
Energy Efficiency (EE) encompasses all changes that result in a reduction in the energy used for a given energy service (heating, lighting…) or level of activity. This reduction in the energy consumption is not necessarily associated to technical changes, since it can also result from a better organization and management or improved economic efficiency in the sector (e.g. overall gains of productivity).
This definition of energy efficiency is provided by the World Energy Council (WEC) http://www.worldenergy.org/wec-geis
Energy efficiency is simply the process of doing more with less. The goal is to accomplish the same tasks and functions as before while using less energy.
The Center for Sustainable Energy, states , it is usually best to approach energy efficiency measures according to the appropriate site or building system. In addition, the greatest savings and performance are obtained through an integrated design process (particularly for new construction). Common areas of focus include: More can be read by copying the link below.
The Department of Energy has put together a great guide and resource page for citizens trying to save energy and in turn save money.
If you are a homeowner click on this link, then scroll down and on the right it reads informational resources; then click on money saving and energy efficient tips. This will send you to a page with great resources, and located on the left side of the page you will find all facets and tips to save home energy and money. The page also has a downloadable or printable packet, which is a great resource.
http://www.eere.energy.gov/topics/homes.html
During Design: In industrialized countries, buildings are estimated to be responsible for one-third to one-half of total energy use. A good energy system will meet the needs of the occupants while minimizing the impact on the environment. This can be done by following the four main steps to a building’s energy system design process.
1. Begin by assessing human functional and physiological needs. In this step it is important to consider the user’s schedules and comfort needs. Doing this will help keep the HVAC system from being drastically oversized.
2. Assess the local climate. Using local climate information in conjunction with building site design and client’s needs, the energy system can integrate as much passive solar, heating, or cooling as possible.
3. Assess the local renewable energy resources. Do your best to meet the energy demands of the building with renewable resources first. Do not discount the importance of day-lighting and its energy reduction potential.
4. Design the building’s energy systems. During the designing of the energy system remember to use integrated design strategies and high-efficiency technologies whenever possible.
During Construction: It is extremely important when designing and planning a building to remember that there is an extremely large amount of embodied energy in materials. Be sure to choose materials that are resource efficient and to implement the most energy efficient equipment and systems into the building.
During Occupancy: Be sure to use compact fluorescent light bulbs instead of the old incandescent. They are about 70% more efficient and last up to 10 times longer. They can be switched out for free through Redwood Coast Energy Authority’s residential SWEEPS program. Call 707-269-1700 to find out more.
· Install a programmable thermostat to keep your house comfortable and save on energy costs.
· Insulate your water heater tank for extra savings. It can reduce standby heat losses of 25-40%. For more information and directions check out the U.S. Department of Energy’s website at
http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/water_heating/index.cfm/mytopic=13070.
·SmartMeters are now a universal feature of PG&E’s service in Humboldt County. SmartMeters can be a useful tool in determining a when a building is using the most energy and can help uncover what some of those energy sinks are.
You can learn more about SmartMeters at: http://www.pge.com/smartmeter/ or calling PG&E directly at (866) 743-0263.
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Kill-A-Watt. You can come check out a Kill-A-Watt from Redwood Coast Energy Authority Energy Resource Center to help monitor how much energy each individual appliance uses.
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Power strips. Utilize power strips where appropriate. They often remind us to turn off everything in a room when not in use.
·Timers. It is often helpful to set timers on certain appliance to reduce energy usage and cost. You can set your refrigerator to go off between 11:30PM and 5:00AM
·Come check out the Solar Pathfinder from Redwood Coast Energy Authorities Energy Lending Library (located at 517 5th Street, Eureka). This is a free tool that can help you determine the availability and best placement for solar energy on your site. More information about the Solar Pathfinder can be found at http://www.solarpathfinder.com/
Remodels and Rebates
For tips on energy savings refer to the above section for some more easy projects that can save both money and energy!
·Energy efficiency financing. The California Energy Commission offers loans on a first come first serve basis until March 2012 for energy efficiency projects. Loans need to be repaid within 15 years using the energy savings received. More information can be found at: http://www.energy.ca.gov/efficiency/financing/index.html
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Windows. The one stop shop for window information. This website offers guidance on how to choose energy efficient windows, standards and policies concerning windows, and even has tax incentive information all in one place. Also see our window page for educational information about the terms you’ll need to know about when purchusing and rating windows.
http://www.efficientwindows.org/index.cfm
·Replace older appliances with more energy efficient ones. PG&E will pay $35 for a refrigerator and $25 for an old air conditioner…plus they will come pick it up for you! Redwood Community Action Agency will replace your refrigerator for you if it is a model that is 1993 or older. Call them at 707-444-3831 Extension 201.
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Insulation.
According to PG&E: Insulating your attic and walls can help reduce your energy costs and make your home more comfortable. You can get a $150 rebate from PG&E for 1,000 square feet of qualifying attic insulation, and $500 back for 1,000 square feet of qualifying wall insulation. For more information on insulation, how it works, and rebate incentives go to…
http://www.pge.com/myhome/saveenergymoney/rebates/remodeling/insulation/
·HVAC. Heating and cooling costs are a significant amount of a building’s energy budget. PG&E offers rebates on energy efficient heating and cooling systems:
Central Natural Gas Furnace
Variable Speed Motor Air Handler System
Whole House Fan
Duct Sealing Incentive
· http://www.regreenprogram.org/
The ReGreen program is a great resource for remodel information. It allows you to choose the project, the topic, and the stage of construction to get helpful tips and examples of case studies including these ideas.
· This website offers tips on how to re-model and go “green” at the same time. There are tips and videos on how to do some of the re-models yourself, and other information about jobs that may require a contractor to complete the job for you.
http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/pac_ctnt/text/0,2595,HPRO_20196_38468,00.html
If you are looking for more specific information on the building, remodeling, or maintenance of any other room or product feel free to contact Plan It Green (707) 826-0665), stop by to explore the variety of resources available for check out (for free!) at Redwood Coast Energy Authority, or check out the Additional Resources section of this website! Redwood Coast Energy Authority also has a green building section on their website that may be able to help.
You can find it by following this link: http://redwoodenergy.org/programs/humboldt-green-building-program.