Defending the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) In New Hampshire

Clean Air-Cool Planet offered the following testimony before the New Hampshire Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on April 19, 2012. 

Testimony before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on HB 1490 – relative to New Hampshire’s regional greenhouse gas initiative cap and trade program for controlling carbon dioxide emissions.

April 19, 2012 Roger Stephenson, Clean Air-Cool Planet, 100 Market Street Suite 204 Portsmouth NH 03801

Mr. Chairman thank you for this privilege to testify before your committee.  My name is Roger Stephenson and I am the vice president for Clean Air-Cool Planet, an organization headquartered in New Hampshire since our founding in 2000. Clean Air Cool Planet is supported through contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations.

In 2009 the NH PUC awarded Clean Air Cool Planet a $400,000 grant to develop the Municipal Energy Assistance Project.  Using the grant we hired 8 temporary energy project assistants who lived in 8 regions of the state.  We offered services to municipalities through a simple application process and the Municipal Energy Assistance Project was soon oversubscribed.  The Municipal Energy Assistance Project worked with 48 towns in every senate district in the state to conduct a systematic inventory of energy used for municipal buildings, transportation and street lighting over the course of one year.  Under the PUC RGGI grant we also retained two consulting firms who serviced towns over the course of 12 months.  One firm conducted building energy audits in each of the 48 municipalities in cooperation with selectmen and energy committees, and one executed energy-focused regulatory audits to help 6 communities understand where current local regulations or zoning ordinances might conflict with energy goals in their master plans.

Results of the Municipal Energy Assistance Project

Analysis of the baseline inventory data reveals that the municipalities spent over $9 million on municipal energy annually.  The average annual energy expenditure for the municipalities was $192,656. Our baseline inventories show that the average cost per household to pay for municipal energy use ranged from $50 to over $200 per year.  In contracts, the cost of RGGI-related carbon pollutions allowances per household is estimated to be less than $9 per year. At the projects conclusion we conducted a survey to capture feedback from client towns in order to inform future approaches with municipalities regarding energy assistance People were asked to evaluate the services received through the program in terms of quality and impact, to evaluate the importance of types of additional technical assistance that might best serve their municipality, and to share any suggestions for improvement.

Key Findings of Survey

• People had a high expectation that their participation in the MEAP program will lead to energy conservation projects;
• Hands-on assistance is  very important to completing the baseline inventory and subsequent inventories;
• For those who have been guided through a first energy inventory, the likelihood exists for completing follow-up inventories without assistance especially in towns with strong relationships between selectmen and functioning local energy committees;
• MEAP is having a positive impact on municipal energy management;
• A la carte energy-related technical assistance is welcome and necessary

We asked for examples of local energy projects, or how towns planned to use the results of the energy inventories and audits.  The actions and projects are as diverse as the NH towns themselves:

• Power purchase agreement
• Lighting upgrade Demand-response projects through utility programs
• Municipal building energy audits
• Municipal building retrofit planning
• PV System installation on a municipal building
• Streetlight reduction or upgrade projects
• Evaluation of municipal ordinances and tax policies in light of energy conservation goals
• Landfill gas-to-energy project
• Pellet boiler project
• CFL collection and recycling program
• No-idling awareness program
• Biomass heating plant for school
• Indoor efficiency upgrades (occupancy sensors, thermostats, etc)

The Municipal Energy Assistance Project is one example of how RGGI proceeds might be used over time to assist local communities measure and manage their energy use.  Whether Clean Air-Cool Planet or someone else continues the Municipal Energy Assistance Project is immaterial.  In fact, we envision a future scenario in which New Hampshire’s community colleges might conduct annual energy inventories for towns in their regions, and incorporate elements of the Municipal Energy Assistance Project into their curricula, and help energy committees continue to grow into trusted advisors to their local elected officials. But none of this is possible if HB 1490 is passed.

Clean Air-Cool Planet opposes HB 1490 for four main reasons:

1. HB 1490 converts the present market-based program into a regulatory program.
2. HB 1490 eliminates any funding that can be used to help secure NH’s energy future.
3. HB 1490 grows government.
4. HB 1490 prevents taxpayers from supporting the greater good in New Hampshire.

HB 1490 changes the present market-based program into a regulatory program. Presently, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative is market-based, with allowances to pollute sold at auction at prices determined by supply and demand. New Hampshire adopted the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, HB 1434, in 2008, to be part of a Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regional cap-and-trade market to purchase and sell allowances for emissions from area power plants.  New Hampshire emissions allowances are sold at quarterly auctions and the proceeds fund the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction (GHGER) Fund. HB1490 removes the allowance pricing and gives allowances away for free.  Moreover, HB 1490 levies a fine on polluters and thereby introduces new regulations at a time when legislators are seeking to eliminate regulations.

HB 1490 eliminates any funding that can be used to help secure NH’s energy future. HB1490 eliminates $45 million over five years that could be applied to town and school assistance to reduce energy costs and the associated energy cost burden shared by taxpayers.  Small businesses will no longer benefit.

HB 1490 grows government. Under HB 1490, any proceeds resulting from regulatory action and fines are to be directed to the Department of Environmental Services. How do small businesses and taxpayers benefit under this scenario? Growing government is not the answer.

HB 1490 prevents New Hampshire citizens from supporting the greater good in New Hampshire. The consequence of HB 1490 is that NH citizens and businesses will continue to pay into the RGGI system, but our money will be swept into the RGGI programs in other Northeastern states  — and forever unavailable to New Hampshire. The PUC has managed a funding program broadly written in the original law, and they have done so rigorously.

In conclusion, HB1490 is fundamentally misguided.  Energy security for New Hampshire is a long haul, we will not achieve it overnight, and the pursuit of energy security should not be guided by pendular swings of policy shaped by ideology.     The issue should not be whether to repeal RGGI, but what to do with the money. Clean Air-Cool Planet welcomes the opportunity to assist members of this committee, other policy makers and the PUC in discussions on the effective use of RGGI proceeds to benefit taxpayers, or help New Hampshire businesses remain competitive in the face of ever rising energy prices, or both.

Out with the OLD and in with the NEW: Single-Stream Recycling Begins in Farmington, CT

By Liz Dolphin, Assistant Town Planner, Town of Farmington, CT

Education is the first step in a successful recycling program, and thanks to a grant from Clean Air-Cool Planet’s Community Catalyst Fund, the Town of Farmington, CT is off to a great start as it enters the new era of single-stream recycling.  The Community Catalyst Fund grant enabled the Farmington Green Efforts Committee to prepare and mail out a newsletter to all residents about recycling in general and single-stream recycling specifically.  To provide even further outreach, the newsletter is posted on the Town’s web site.

The residents received the newsletter a month in advance of the delivery of their new 95-gallon single-stream recycling carts.  The newsletter answered common questions that the Town has received over the years about recycling in general and provided details about the upcoming single-stream recycling program.  Our Committee’s goal was that through strong outreach and education about recycling before the single-stream program begins, we could increase the participation rate even further by getting people to think a little harder about what they can recycle from their household. 

The program is in its first few weeks, but participation is high.  Each recycling day neighborhoods are lined with the new bright blue recycling carts.  We are anxious to see the first reports to see what our recycling rates are with the new program. Single-stream recycling has proven to increase recycling rates, and we are confident that Farmington will follow that trend.  Thank you to the Community Catalyst Fund for getting us off to a great start!

A Busy Year for Spencer-Van Etten Middle School’s Greenhouse Program

By Brenda J. Anderson, Spencer-Van Etten Middle School

The 7^th and 8^th grade students in my Greenhouse Program (GHP) at Spencer-Van Etten (S-VE) Middle School in Spencer, NY, plan big .  The students in this hands-on integrated elective continued their work from previous years of promoting Green Education in their building, district and community in a variety of exciting ways. 

Much of their planning and work focused on promoting the 2^nd Annual Green Week, March 14^th -18^th, 2011 in both the elementary and middle school buildings.  Students in all grades PreK-8 participated in trivia contests, lessons, recycling initiatives with www.terracycle.net and a recycling audit.  Eighth grade math students used data from previous waste audits to calculate the amount of waste that S-VE school district diverts from the landfill each year by composting and recycling (102,000 pounds annually!) while eighth grade science students studied the ecology of the compost pile, grew fresh mushrooms and prepared a class luncheon fit for a king.  The week culminated in a spectacular presentation about environmental issues by presenter Glenn Colton at both the elementary and middle levels.

In April, the Board of Education (BOE) and community members were given an opportunity to look into the endeavors of the GHP during a community expo prior to a BOE meeting.  Students shared initiatives in composting, recycling, reductions in plastic bag usage and raising money for their program through “upcycling” with Terracycle.  Students shared a composting DVD and spoke to members of the media about their successes.

In May, the 8^th grade class and some 7^th graders in the GHP took a trip to Cornell University for a series of workshops on water and soil quality, recycling and hydrofracking.  Students had opportunities to speak with community leaders in their fields and learn about related jobs.  The field trip ended at Aman Farm in Candor where S-VE sends all of its compostable waste.  Students learned about the farm firsthand, including how their lunch room waste is turned into usable compost and methane gas for electricity production.  Following the field trip, students in the GHP began editing video footage taken during the trip.  Their video, while still in production, intends to educate the larger community about the composting process from lunch pail waste to completed compost. 

Our final community educational endeavor, Party at the Pond, took place on June 4^th, 2011.  Students from Green Teams in both the elementary and middle buildings spent the day teaching community members about the dangers of plastic bags with an educational flyer and DVD.  Participants that visited the booth were able to create canvas grocery shopping bags to take home and use on their next visit to the store.  Students also helped booth visitors plant seeds using the compost collected from our own cafeteria waste and recycled yogurt cups. 

While GHP students are wrapping up the year, they are also busy planning events for the 2011-12 season.  Plans are underway for a trip to a local recycling center and to Ithaca College to see green buildings and college campuses in action.  Students who attend will be turn-key trainers for other students when they return from their buildings.  Several community workshops are also in the planning stages, including one to teach community members how to compost with worms.  Students also wish to create an environmental calendar for community distribution.

A heart-felt thank you goes out to the Community Catalyst Fund from the students and community of Spencer-Van Etten.  Your generous monetary contributions are helping to make all of our Green Dreams come true!

Ahead of the Curve: Watervliet, NY Adopts a Cutting-Edge Climate Action Plan

 By Mayor Mike Manning, Watervliet, NY

I’m happy to report that the Watervliet, NY, City Council has adopted a Climate Action Plan (CAP). The Plan, made possible by a $2,500 grant from the Community Catalyst Fund, creates a framework for increasing the effectiveness of the Watervliet Sustainability Working Group (WSWG) by monitoring and evaluating the city’s efforts at minimizing greenhouse gas emissions.

 WSWG was founded in 2009 to advise the city on further developing sustainable and practical strategies that can help Watervliet take strides toward diminishing its impact on the environment. I believe the group, which contains both city staff and community members, can serve as a forum for input that can lead to citywide improvements.

Climate change is not a problem Watervliet can solve alone, but, as the Watervliet Climate Action Plan indicates, we certainly plan to do our part by reducing our carbon footprint. While we believe we can trim our greenhouse gas emissions by 10% below our 2008 levels by the year 2014, our goal is to slash them by 20%. Given rising energy and waste management costs, this is the time for us to act.

We’ve taken great strides toward making our city more green by doubling recycling collection using single-stream recycling, engaging a performance contractor for city operations, installing a solar PV panel at Hudson Shores Park and doubling the generation of hydro-electric power from the city’s municipal reservoir. Going forward, the WSWG plans to develop a program to use anaerobic digestion to break down organic waste and supply a source of renewable energy while reducing the emission of landfill gas.

“I applaud Mayor Manning and the City of Watervliet for being so far ahead of the curve,” says Jim Yienger, Principal of Climate Action Associates LLC, Watervliet’s sustainability consultant. “Anaerobic digestion isn’t even on the radar for most other cities and yet Watervliet is on the cusp of becoming the first community in the Northeast to implement this promising new method of processing and recycling organic waste locally. As a professional and Watervliet resident, I’m proud to have played a role in this innovative effort.”

Community Catalyst Fund Supports Municipal Green Team Development in Westchester County Villages

By Dani Glaser, Green Team Spirit

“To hit the climate challenge ahead of us we need to make changes now.  Our village governments need to set an example for our communities, and this change starts from within. Our village green teams will help change the culture, and this training will help us do that.”


– Mayor Peter Swiderski, Village of Hastings-on-Hudson 

 “The Green Team initiative is a great example of the action that can be taken at local levels of government to improve energy efficiency and savings, which is not only good for the environment and our quality of life, but good for business too. It is also another example of how the villages are working more closely together to share services and opportunities to lower the cost of government and benefit taxpayers.”

– Mayor Hartley Connett, Village of Dobbs Ferry

Green Team Spirit was contracted by the Villages of Dobbs Ferry and Hastings-on-Hudson, NY to develop municipal Green Team programs for internal government operations.  Generous funding for this work derives from grants awarded to the Village of Dobbs Ferry and the Village of Hastings-on-Hudson from Clean Air-Cool Planet’s Community Catalyst Fund. The grant supported training and assistance to municipal employees in the critical areas of leadership development, goal setting, identification of resource-conservation opportunities, and communication.  The program is further intended to serve as a role model for residents, local businesses and neighboring municipalities.

The program kicked off on March 1, 2011 at Dobbs Ferry Village Hall where Mayor Connett of Dobbs Ferry, Mayor Swiderski of Hastings-on-Hudson and 18 Village leaders attended a Green Team Leadership Training session led by Dani Glaser of Green Team Spirit.  Over the course of three months, the Green Teams met on a regular basis, identifying clear goals and began working on prioritized projects.  They assigned leadership roles to keep the teams organized and on track for future growth.  Roles include:

• Green Team Coordinator – point person responsible for (intra) Green Team communications (meeting calendar, goal tracking, etc.).
• Green Team Secretary – responsible for taking minutes at meetings.
• Municipal Liaison – responsible for communicating with neighboring Green Teams to share ideas and resources

Initial Areas of Focus in Hastings-on-Hudson

Waste & Recycling

• Green Team members conducted a manual waste audit at the Municipal Building, Library and Recreation Center.  The results will serve as a benchmark for waste reduction goals.
• Volunteers stenciled the Green Team logo and the words “Recycling” and “Trash” on the bins outside of the library and municipal buildings.
• Green Team members met with the owner of the janitorial service contractor and staff to make sure that all waste remained properly source separated on route to its destination.  Of note, this service uses all green cleaning products.

Paper

Paper saving practices and switching to electronic forms of communication were well underway before the Green Team started. Knowing that there is always room for improvement, the Green Team embarked on the following paper saving initiatives:

• Paper Audit – Counted the reams of paper purchased in FY10/11 (June to May) by the Village and associated costs as a benchmark for improvement. 
• A decision was made to switch to 100% recycled copy paper for FY11/12.  The cost increase was minimal and paper saving practices help to offset the cost of this initiative that is very beneficial to the environment.
• Set printer default to double-sided for printers, village-wide where feasible. 
• Electronic board packets – Village board, Planning board and Zoning board packets will transition from paper to electronic, as is feasible beginning in June 2011.
• Paper towels – New, efficient towel dispensers that dispense one (small) hand towel at a time will replace the inefficient dispensers that “pull out” multiple tri-fold towels and waste a great deal of paper, resulting in paper savings and cost savings. The Green Team is evaluating high efficiency hand dryers as well.
• Payroll System – The Green Team plans to explore ways to minimize paper in the payroll system by encouraging direct deposit and exploring the feasibility of emailing pay stubs.  They will coordinate with Dobbs Ferry, which has this process underway.

Communication

• The Green Team is working on obtaining a complete email list of all staff for electronic distribution of staff newsletters, rather than printed communications.  Green Team updates and tips are planned as part of the content.
• Signage with the new Green Team logo will be posted increasingly in areas for behavioral reminders.

Energy

Information about the most energy- and cost-efficient way to manage computers will be communicated to staff. 

 Initial Areas of Focus in Dobbs Ferry

 Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy

• Working on getting new HVAC and lighting systems for the Library, with efficient room controls and sensors.
• Lighting fixtures in Village Hall are being replaced to make it more energy efficient.  
• A bid for solar PV panels was approved by the Village board on June 14^th, to be placed atop the Library and DPW buildings.
• LED streetlights are being re-bid with broader specifications.

 Paper

• Paper Audit – Counted the reams of paper purchased in FY10/11 (June to May) by the Village and associated costs as a benchmark for improvement.
• Paper Policy – Paper guidelines for dissemination to staff are under review by the Green Team. Double-sided printing to be the default.
• Electronic Board packets — currently in use by Library board; in discussion with other boards (village, planning, building, zoning) on switching to electronic processes where feasible. 
• Electronic subscription to Village calendar – Beginning in May 2011, the quarterly Village calendar, formerly mailed to all residents, was taken on line and available via email subscription only; saving 20,000 pieces of paper/year plus eliminating the cost of printing and postage.
• Scanning – Village is in the process of scanning items such as permits, titles and residential building plans that will be available on-line.  State forms are increasingly scanned and filled out on line.
• Payroll – working toward the goal of 100% direct deposit and emailing pay stubs.
• Village invested in highly efficient system that saves time and money for purchasing, accounting and budgeting practices. 

 Green Cleaning

The Village put out a bid contract for cleaning services.  Service providers will continue to use green cleaning products already in practice.

 Waste & Recycling

• $10,000 was spent on new recycling bins and garbage cans for Cedar and Main Streets.
• Recycling program is expanding in the Village in accordance with the County’s new rules on recycling of plastics.
• Community clean up day for past 2 years, very successful.

 Next Steps

The Village Green Teams have accomplished a great deal in a short period of time.  They are well organized and will have ongoing access to information and tools from Green Team Spirit to continue their work toward a more sustainable government and community.  Dobbs Ferry and Hastings on Hudson join the Town of Cortlandt as the first three municipal Green Teams in Westchester County, leading an intra-municipal effort toward greener government.

Thousand Islands Young Leaders Organization Celebrates with Cleanup and Greenfest

By Alicia Dewey, Thousand Islands Young Leaders Organization

The Thousand Islands Young Leaders Organization (TIYLO) celebrated the 41^st anniversary of Earth Day with its annual Community Clean Up and “Green Fest” Saturday, April 30^th at the Cerow Recreation Park in Clayton, NY.  Similar to last year’s festivities, the focus was to offer a “green” forum to generate enthusiasm among community members to work together and to learn more about living in an environmentally-friendly way.

The Community Clean Up took place from 9am to 11am with groups of community volunteers being placed in “teams” and venturing out with group leaders to help make a difference by conducting cleanups at several sites in our local community. Approximately 65 community members of all ages participated in this cleanup event.  All volunteers returned to the Arena for a free “thank you” lunch.

Cleanup volunteers

The “Green Fest” Exhibition was held from 12 noon to 3 pm at the Arena complex and included exhibitors from the five principles of sustainability: eating locally, shopping locally, moving locally, powering locally and acting local.  There were demonstrations, information booths and local experts in their field providing insight on how to be more “green” in today’s society. The event also showcased a bottle-can drive, electronics drop off, and fun kid’s activities creating a family friendly and exciting day. Displaying their “green” ways were approximately 35 exhibitors including, Caskinette’s Lofink Ford Mercury demonstrating a hybrid car, Cross Island Farms, Homestead Field Farms, and Mid-River Farm displaying their locally grown and distributed food and milk products, as well as many other exhibitors ranging from Cabot Cheese to Waste Management.  Over 175 people attended the exhibition.

Visitors enjoy the exhibition

Due to last year’s event success, TIYLO also implemented even more new elements to engage the community.  New this year was an Upcycled Fashion Show, a Recycled Art Show and two speakers.

What is Upcycled Fashion?  It is most easily defined as taking apart clothes that are outdated or no longer fun and putting them back together in a way that makes them more valuable and fashionable.  All ages were encouraged to participate in this exciting event to express their creativity and raise awareness of the importance of upcycling.  Several pieces from local participants were highlighted, as well as fashions from Lanni Lantto, a professional upcycled designer from Michigan.

Upcycled fashions at the fashion show

Artists of all ages also participated in the Recycled Art Show/Contest.  The submissions varied drastically, from a milk carton cow to a working clock made from a tire rim, paper, a CD, and miscellaneous household products.  A People’s Choice award of $100 was given for the submission with the highest number of votes cast by patrons at the Green Fest event.

Attendees this year benefited from being engaged by our speakers this year who presented information/demonstrations on eating locally and on greening your business.  Dave Cook, of the Development Authority of the North Country (DANC) presented on “How to Foster a Workplace Environment of Sustainability & Environmental Consciousness”.  Boo Wells, of The Farm House Kitchen, presented a cooking demonstration and discussed the importance of eating locally and growing your own food.  In addition, Matt Lambert of Jefferson Community College’s EverGREEN Committee discussed “Outdoor Sports & Recreation and the Sustainability Connection”.

This Community Cleanup and Green Fest event was sponsored with the support from the Community Catalyst Fund, as well as special support from the Town ofClayton and Waste Management.

Growing Environmental Literacy in Connecticut

By Laurel Kohl, Energy Education Specialist, Institute for Sustainable Energy at Eastern Connecticut State University

Connecticut Outdoor and Environmental Educators (COEEA) received a $1200 grant from the Community Catalyst Fund in December 2010. That money has helped to present viewings of Mother Nature’s Child to more than 200 individuals to date, with 23 showings scheduled. Additional viewings will be held throughout the year. The film is a presentation and discussion point about the value of nature as a classroom for children, and how little today’s kids get outside to enjoy that resource. With the film viewing COEEA facilitators discuss the Connecticut Environmental Literacy Plan (ELP), and how all citizens can support educating through nature.

A bookmark we distributed at screenings to raise awareness of the ELP.

The ELP outlines how Connecticut’s schools, businesses and communities have a part in educating our citizens to be environmentally literate. The Community Catalyst Grant has helped COEEA to share the plan with Connecticut residents. Film viewings are based in community libraries, partnering with science centers, nature centers and other organizations. To date 39 organizations and many individuals have logged on to sign on as supporters.

COEEA is very thankful for the support of the Community Catalyst Grant to help make the ELP grow in Connecticut.

Why My City is Cool

By Jim Rutala, Chair, Linwood (NJ) Environmental Commission

Achieved bronze Sustainable Jersey Certification.  Linwood, NJ,  is part of an elite group of 67 municipalities that have achieved the prestigious Sustainable Jersey certification. Municipalities that earn the certification are considered by their peers, by state government, and by the experts and civic organizations in New Jersey, to be among the leading municipalities in the State.

2008 New Jersey Clean Communities Award – The Linwood Environmental Commission was awarded an achievement award from the New Jersey Clean Communities Program for the continuing the annual Patcong Creek Clean Up Effort.

2008 Environmental Stewardship – On May 19, 2008, Linwood was recognized for its voluntary and proactive measures than to go beyond compliance in an effort to improve the environment and ensure a sustainable future.

In 2006 the Linwood Environmental Commission was awarded an achievement award from the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions (ANJEC) for Protecting Linwood’s Resources and Promoting Sustainability. 

Milestone 1:  Linwood City Council established a Green Team to further the City’s efforts to be a leader in sustainability.

Milestone 2: The Green Team has held numerous public meetings to gain input on future efforts.  The Green Team includes representatives from the business community, schools, City Council, Environmental Commission, Planning Board, and Shade Tree Commission.  The Green Team also participates in the City’s Country Fair distributing information regarding sustainability.

Milestone 3: The Mayor has signed the Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement.

Milestone 4: The City has adopted a wind ordinance, constructed a City Arboretum, and the High School has installed solar and an anemometer to study the potential for wind power.

The city Arboretum

Milestone 5: The City is completing an energy audit for all of its buildings and making energy efficiency upgrades using ARRA funding support.  The City is applying for grant funds to develop a Complete Streets Plan and plans to adopt a Complete Streets Policy.  The City is also pursuing the purchase of one of the last undeveloped wooded areas in the City to create a greenway along the Patcong Creek and to extend the bike path.

You Can’t Manage What You Don’t Measure: Sag Harbor’s Energy Use Inventory

 By Sumner Pingree, 725 Green

Since 2007, 725 Green has been dedicated to providing voluntary action, education and local leadership to promote and assist the municipality of Sag Harbor, New York in becoming a more sustainable community.  We have engaged residents and village officials in numerous initiatives focused on waste reduction, transportation, energy efficiency, stormwater pollution and open space protection. 

In July, 2010, with the collaboration of the region’s Group for the East End, 725 Green received grant support from the Community Catalyst Fund to undertake an Energy Use Inventory & Baseline study of Sag Harbor’s municipal operations.  The impetus for this initiative was a community workshop, “Clean Energy Opportunities for Sag Harbor”, held in April, 2010 and sponsored by 725 Green and Clean Air-Cool Planet.  On July 7, 2010, the Sag Harbor Village Board passed a resolution in support of an updated analysis of energy use as proposed by 725 Green.

Sag Harbor Municipal Hall, built 1846.

With critical funding provided by the Community Catalyst Fund, the Sag Harbor project commenced with the hiring of a part-time project intern, Daniel Hewes, an Environmental Studies major at Northeastern University.  Daniel’s assembly of all primary data required by the Small Town Carbon Calculator (STOCC) program was completed in September, 2010.  Outstanding assistance was provided throughout by the Sag Harbor Village Clerk’s office.  In December 2010, the project team completed STOCC data input, describing baseline energy costs and emissions for more than 10 separate municipal facilities and departments for the period of July 2009 to June 2010.

We’re very excited to have the opportunity to build on the foundation provided by the completed inventory.  Over the next several months, the project team will carry out some next steps, including comparing our STOCC inventory with the findings of the 2007 energy audit conducted by the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA); presenting the Energy Use Inventory & Baseline Report to the Sag Harbor Village Board; and establishing a temporary Working Group to develop “Best Building Practices Guidelines” to promote standards of design and construction that improve environmental, health and productivity performance.  These standards will be applicable to all new construction and major renovation projects requiring local permitting and approvals.

Greening New York’s Hudson Valley

By Melissa Everett, PhD, Sustainable Hudson Valley  

The Hudson Valley Ten Percent Challenge is a regional invitation to cut your carbon footprint 10% and get 10% of “your” people involved.  Initiated by Sustainable Hudson Valley, the Challenge has been piloted with the communities of Red Hook and Warwick, New York, in preparation for regional scale-up.  The Ten Percent Challenge invites communities to stretch in pursuit of a meaningful goal.  Red Hook was chosen – and chose to step up – because it is a cohesive, active community that has already passed EnergyStar building guidelines, conducted a greenhouse gas emissions inventory, and funded a number of solar installations on public buildings.  A Community Catalyst Fund mini-grant allowed us to engage AmeriCorps member Laura Priscott as Outreach Coordinator for our pilot activity in Red Hook, sharply increasing our people-power at a critical time in the campaign.

Rather than aiming for a dramatic single launch event, we introduced the campaign to the community in stages.   We began by setting the bar of expectations high with a July symposium at Bard College, “Defying Conventional Wisdom: Engaging Communities in Energy Efficiency Initiatives.”  Presentations on the psychology of community change were combined with reports from model towns and villages in Connecticut as well as New York.  The Town Supervisor, School Superintendent, and Economic Development Committee Chair invested their time in this session.  Next, in August, we won two days of youth-power in the form of an AmeriCorps service project, deploying 20 young people into the community to table and knock on doors explaining the Challenge.  September’s community festival, Hardscrabble Day, saw 150 townspeople sign up for the Challenge.  This was followed by the formal launch October 10 (10/10/10), with ten events including a composting workshop, tree planting, clothing swap, and 10K race. 

Creative community events attract attention and help people to feel part of a campaign like this.  But by themselves, they do not foster the level of commitment and sustained action needed to reach Red Hook’s goals.  We finished 2010 with Ten Days of Commitment in early December, encouraging the creation of Personal Energy Plans with incentives as diverse as restaurant and hardware store discounts, and a raffled pair of green sneakers, the new signature fashion for the Challenge.  By the end of the week, Red Hook had logged over 300 commitments to use 10% less energy – well on the way to the year-long goal of 1,000.

In all these activities, Laura was our community presence, multi-tasking in graphic design, sponsor solicitation, tabling, media outreach, and newsletter production, all with a sense of energy, composure, and commitment.  Laura’s final presentation to the Student Conservation Association’s AmeriCorps program (view it at Recognition%20Ceremony%20PPT%20LMP[1]) shows the quality and sophistication of her participation, thanks to the support of the Community Catalyst Fund.