California Center for Sustainable Energy

From the Director's Desk
Sustainability – There’s Still a Long Road Ahead

Looking at recent newspapers and TV reports, it’s gratifying that CCSE is credited as one of three reasons why San Diego is now California’s number one solar city. We didn’t say it, but the Environmental California Research & Policy Center did in their report “California’s Solar Cities: Leading the Way to a Clean Energy Future.” Read more.

Sustainability Fair Promotes Greener Lifestyles
Free, two-day event focuses on more sustainable homes and businesses

Hundreds of San Diegans attended Sustainability Fair 2008, featuring displays, exhibits and workshops.

Learn how to live a greener, more eco-friendly lifestyle at CCSE’s 2nd annual Sustainability Fair, a free, two-day event set for Thursday, Aug. 6, and Sunday, Aug. 9. On Thursday, Aug. 6, the Sustainability Fair is geared toward small businesses, nonprofit organizations and commercial companies that want to know more about renewable technologies, ways to save on energy costs and how to integrate green products, services and practices into the workplace. Displays and exhibits are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Read more.

San Diego No. 1 California Solar City
CCSE Cited as Major Contributor at Press Conference Where Solar Map Unveiled

Mayor Jerry Sanders speaking at the solar city press conference.

TV news crews and newspaper journalists gathered at San Diego’s Environment Services offices in Kearny Mesa on July 16 as Mayor Jerry Sanders announced a report ranking San Diego as the number one solar city in California. Read more.

Going Green for Affordable Housing
Experts Help Developers and Advocates Focus on Energy Efficiency and Solar Applications

CCSE Program Manager Jeremy Hutman speaking at the Greening San Diego’s Affordable Housing workshop.

More than 100 affordable housing developers, housing advocates and green contractors from throughout San Diego County gathered at CCSE on July 16 for a day-long conference on adopting solar energy and energy efficiency for low-income housing. Read more.

Inside This Issue:

From the Director's Desk: Sustainability – There’s Still a Long Road Ahead

Sustainability Fair Promotes Greener Lifestyles

San Diego No. 1 California Solar City

Going Green for Affordable Housing

Fighting Climate Change with Economics

Community Energy Action Heroes

Event Calendar

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.

SUSTAINABILITY FAIR - Commercial EXPO
Date: Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009

SUSTAINABILITY FAIR - Residential EXPO
Date: Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009

Solar Water Heating Basics For Homeowners
Date: Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009

Lighting Options - Change Now Or Later?
Date: Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2009

Solar Shade Workshop
Date: Thursday, Aug. 20, 2009

Basic Electricity (NEW DATE)
Date: Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2009

Straw Bale Construction And Beyond
Date: Thursday, Aug. 27, 2009

Employee Spotlight

Terry Clapham
Distributed Generation Manager
California Solar Initiative

Terry Clapham is the distributed generation manager for the California Center for Sustainable Energy (CCSE). He is responsible for the administration of the Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) and the Multiple Affordable Solar Housing (MASH) program, as well as the residential, nonresidential and thermal (solar water heating) programs under the California Solar Initiative (CSI). Read more.

Greening Your World^SM Monthly Tip

Greener Wash Day –
Many people assume that hotter wash water gives them extra cleaning power for their laundry, but in most cases cold water is just as effective. Yes, hot water is needed for some oily stains and other pesky things, but cold water detergents are made to dissolve and do their cleaning at lower temperatures. Switching your washer’s temperature setting from hot to warm can cut energy use in half. Using the cold cycle reduces energy use even more. Remember, unless your hot water is boiling, it’s not going to sanitize anything. Best of all, clothes will last longer and hold their color better when you turn down the heat.

Notable Quotable

"Achieving sustainable development is perhaps one of the most difficult and one of the most pressing goals we face. It requires on the part of all of us commitment, action, partnerships and, sometimes, sacrifices of our traditional life patterns and personal interests."

- Mostafa Tolba, former executive director of the UN Environmental Program

Stand For Less

Help us STAND FOR LESS. So that everyone can enjoy life more.

At this very moment, San Diego is setting an example for the rest of the nation. Our utilities, corporations, residents and state agencies are coming together in an effort to use less water, consume less energy, drive less miles and create less trash by recycling.

Now we would like you to join us and STAND FOR LESS too.

By going to standforless.com and signing up, you can help this landmark movement grow, so that San Diego can take these important steps at this critical time.

We are committed to this great cause. We are united in its purpose. And we are excited about what it means for our city. Please take a few minutes today and join us at www.standforless.com.

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Energy Connection is a monthly e-newsletter of the California Center for Sustainable Energy.

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