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From the Director's Desk:
This is a wonderful time of the year – holiday cheer, New Year celebrations, old things ending and new beginnings. With all of the hustle and bustle, however, it’s easy to overlook our normal sustainable and green practices while we answer the urge to splurge. Read more.
Sixth Annual SANDEE Awards
As the nation turns toward developing new energy strategies, San Diego’s sustainable energy leaders are guiding the way. If you know of a local business, organization, government agency, homeowner or individual deserving recognition for their sustainable energy practices, you can nominate them for CCSE’s sixth annual SANDEE (San Diego Excellence in Energy) Awards. Read more.
Green Jobs for Women Roundtable
"Energy efficiency is hot and sizzling” was the quote of the day as nearly 100 women gathered at CCSE’s Energy Resource Center for the green jobs for women roundtable in November. In industries that were once typically dominated by male engineers, architects, facility managers, installers and builders, there are now opportunities for women as these job fields go green, according to Irene Stillings, CCSE executive director. She recalled a time when the only professional jobs available to women were in the fields of teaching, nursing and dental hygiene, but pointed out that those days are “thankfully gone.” Read more.
Make Way for Solar Water Heating
California is stepping up its commitment to solar technologies with the announcement by the Public Utilities Commission in November of a proposed Solar Thermal rebate program as part of the statewide California Solar Initiative ( CSI). Approval is expected at the commission’s December 17 public meeting. Read more.
Clean Vehicle Rebates on Tap
The state has chosen CCSE as project administrators for a new zero-emission and plug-in hybrid vehicle rebate program set to launch in spring 2010. Details about eligible vehicles, rebate amounts, online applications and supporting documents will be available on the CCSE website in February. Read more.
Volunteers Key to CCSE’s Success
"We couldn’t have done it without you” was the repeating theme during Volunteer Appreciation Night at CCSE as several dozen staff and volunteers gathered in the Energy Resource Center for an evening of fun and socializing on Nov. 19. The dinner event recognized the efforts of more than 60 individuals who support CCSE by volunteering to assist with administrative services, help at special events, provide information to the public and perform other activities that facilitate CCSE’s programs. Executive Director Irene Stillings hosted the event and told the volunteers that these are good times for promoting sustainability and CCSE and that she is “delighted you are marching with us.” Read more.
Community Energy Action Hero
The City of Encinitas Civic Center received the international Renewable Energy Project of the Year award for an innovative hybrid cooling system from the Association of Energy Engineers at an awards banquet held Nov. 4 in Washington, D.C. CCSE awarded Encinitas a 2008 SANDEE award for the civic center project that replaced rooftop HVAC units with fewer air handlers served by a small central plant, off-peak ice storage and an advanced energy management system. The ice-cooling system is part of the city's $3.5 million energy improvements project, which incorporates solar PV and qualifies for rebates and incentives from the California Solar Initiative and local utilities.
Policy and Planning
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From the Director's Desk: Go for the Four F’s Green Jobs for Women Roundtable Make Way for Solar Water Heating
Did you know CCSE offers free, ongoing workshops on energy efficiency, solar energy, green building, transportation and climate change? Register now! Click on the links below or call (866) SDENERGY. Solar Water Heating Basics for Homeowners Optimizing Daylighting Strategies Solar Water Heating Contractor and Self-Installer Training Solar Shade Workshop
Mike Bigelow, LEED AP* Mike Bigelow is a member of the energy engineering team at CCSE with an emphasis on serving clients in need of energy audits and retrofits. He is responsible for assisting in the development and implementation of energy programs, including incentivized energy-saving projects for large commercial, military, public or private schools and local governments. Read more.
TREE – Real or Fake? When it comes to Christmas trees, which is more sustainable: real or fake? The answer depends on your perspective. You have three basic choices and some alternatives. Artificial - Probably worse initially because of its plastic chemicals, but the effect on the environment, spread over years, makes them a decent long-term choice. Drawbacks: no one can say for sure the chemicals are safe, and any plastic tree will eventually end up in a landfill – for a long time. Cut Tree – Mostly grown on land that wouldn’t be used for any other crop, and during the trees’ 6-8 years growth, they give off oxygen and sequester carbon dioxide. Drawbacks: lots of pesticides, and although discarded trees can be used for mulch, not all refuse collectors are prepared to do so. Living Tree – Possibly the best choice from an environmental point of view. Drawbacks: good chance it will not survive the indoor exposure, and if it does, you will only be able to drag it into the house for a couple of years. If you plant it, it may outgrow your yard quickly. Alternatives – Rent a Christmas tree, buy a recycled-material fake tree or decorate a large house plant. Now if we could only do something about that delightful, wasteful wrapping paper!
To find out about our green jobs. Current openings:
“Christmas isn't a season. It's a feeling.” - Edna Ferber, novelist and playwright, 1887-1968
Help us STAND FOR LESS. So that everyone can enjoy life more. Please take a few minutes today and join us at www.standforless.com.
Energy Connection is a monthly e-newsletter of the California Center for Sustainable Energy. We value your feedback. To submit comments, questions or suggestions, please click here. |
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