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From the Director's Desk
You're going to hear a lot about energy efficiency and home performance during 2011, not just from us at CCSE, but also from local municipalities, San Diego Gas & Electric and various energy-related businesses and contractors. That's because there are several federally funded and state-mandated programs rolling out now and over the next few months to help us reduce energy use, save on utility bills and curb greenhouse gas emissions. Those are truly wonderful goals, but I believe the best part of these efforts is that energy efficiency can make your home life more comfortable. Click here to continue reading. Last Chance to Nominate
There's only ONE day left to get your nominations submitted for CCSE's prestigious Energy All-Star Awards recognizing innovative and significant accomplishments in energy efficiency, energy conservation, renewable energy measures and greenhouse gas reduction during 2010. Do it today! Simply click here.
Join the New Exhibit Party
Cox Installs Fuel Cells
Cox Communications has completed construction of two fuel cells at its corporate headquarters in San Diego that will generate enough onsite power to reduce the company's dependence on the local power grid and decrease its carbon footprint. Totaling 800 kilowatts, the installations qualified for a $3.6 million Self-Generation Incentive Program award from CCSE. Click here to continue reading. CCSE on the Roof
Over a sunny weekend in January, a CCSE team volunteered to support a solar PV system installation in Vista, including (left to right) Engineer Jeremy Del Real, Program Assistant Jeremy Cox and Andrea Cook, climate change program manager. The installation was part of the CSI Single-Family Affordable Solar Housing ( SASH) program that provides PV systems to low-income families, along with the opportunity for individuals to receive hands-on solar training. Train the Trainers
Instructor Bob Cooley (at left) uses a mock roof to show how to properly install a solar water heating system during a train-the-trainer event at Cuyamaca College. CCSE is working with the college to teach faculty from community colleges in Southern California how to develop a solar program at their campus.
Motivating Energy Behaviors
When people learn the facts about energy efficiency and are aware of critical energy issues, such as rising costs, dependence on foreign oil, increasing greenhouse gases and the like, they will change their energy behaviors to help save money and the earth. Sound right? Well, as it turns out it isn't, and according to Social Psychologist Wesley Schultz, education and awareness alone will not bring about needed changes in energy use. But what will? Click here to continue reading. Get More Energy from the Sun
Residential solar systems for electricity and heating water are most often installed separately, competing for limited roof space and the greatest amount of exposure to sunlight. Some newer hybrid models are overcoming this situation by combining photovoltaic ( PV) and Solar Thermal technologies in an integrated system that uses the same surface area to capture untapped energy at prices comparable to stand-alone installations. Click here to continue reading.
Policy and Planning
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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. Introduction to Biomimicry - Biomimicry, Living Buildings, and Successful Thinking Reduce then Produce - The Energy Efficiency & Solar Series Solar Water Heating Basics for Homeowners AIA 2030 Commitment - Measuring Industry Progress Towards 2030 Solar for Homeowners 1 - Getting Started Solar Water Heating Contractor and Self-Installer Training Solar Technology Series Sustainable Landscaping 101 Realtor and Lender Series - The Power & Value of Green CSI Inspection Protocol Energy Upgrade California Orientation Workshop Solar for Homeowners 2 - Be a Smart Solar Customer
Signs of the Tide
Tom Gotfredson As a member of the CSI residential team, Tom Gotfredson interacts extensively with solar installers and their customers and works on database maintenance, tracking solar installations and managing incentive applications. Prior to joining CCSE, Tom was an energy management specialist at Greener Dawn, a Solana Beach firm specializing in residential and commercial energy and water efficiency advising and contractor training. He worked with building owners and staff to manage their properties' ENERGY STAR accounts in accordance with AB 1103 and LEED regulations. Tom also assisted in creating content for Greener Dawn's website and blog, as well as manuals, marketing materials and presentations focused on energy conservation through rebate and incentive programs. Tom has a B.A. degree in economics from Fordham University in New York. He is a LEED Accredited Professional..
During winter, take advantage of the sunlight we get by opening curtains on your south-facing windows during the day to allow sunshine to naturally heat your home. Then be sure to close them at dusk to reduce the chilling effects of cold nighttime windows.
“Energy efficiency is the fastest, cheapest, biggest and cleanest weapon we have for combating global warming. Every Kilowatt-hour of energy we save is a Kilowatt-hour we don't have to produce at a coal-fired, natural gas or nuclear power plant. This means less pollution entering our atmosphere and disrupting our climate.” - Frances Beinecke, president, National Resources Defense Council
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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