Simple ways to save energy and utility costs

Simple ways to save energy and utility costs

1. Use power strips. With today’s technology we have got more than lights to worry about. At least when you turn a light off, it is off. Not so with your TV, your computer, you’re VCR, fax, copier, stereo and dozens of other appliances. (You can use a gadget called Kill-a-watt to check out you usage – it costs about $25)

Check it out. Wait until your laptop is shut down and check it out. Lights still on, right? And check out the power adapter. Maybe it's warm? That's because it's still using electricity. It's called phantom power, but on your electric bill, it's definitely real -- a few bucks a year per plug. If you have as many electronic gadgets as I do, that adds up fast. To save that money -- and the environment -- use power strips, and turn them off when you're not using what's plugged into them. Utilize energy saving power supplies. Fax/Copy machines, computer and monitors that power down automatically.

2. Buy fluorescent bulbs. (The incandescent is going to be outlawed in the near future) If you have tried fluorescent bulbs before and hated them, it's time to try again. They are also available for flood/spot lights. They are not the huge, clunky, and slow-to-turn-on, like they used to be. The newest ones -- twisted like a soft-serve ice cream cone -- turn on instantly and cast a warm light. Yes, they're more expensive (around $2-$5 each), but they use about a quarter of the electricity of a traditional incandescent bulb and last 10 times as long, so they end up saving you a ton of money.

Replacing just six incandescent bulbs will cut your annual carbon dioxide emissions by 600 pounds and trim your electric bill by as much as $35 each year. Install occupancy sensors indoor and or photocell for outside lighting; utilize solar/photovoltaic light fixtures and or LED for exterior lighting.

3. Buy 'green' energy. Almost every utility company now offers alternative sources of energy -- and some of it is green. (Your local utility will continue to bill you for the power. It will also charge you a per-kilowatt-hour fee for delivering the power. So be sure that when you compare prices, you are comparing the cost of the green power with what your utility is charging for supplying conventional power, not for delivering it.) Many power companies are mandated, to offer clean, emission-free electricity from several different providers. Signing up is a breeze. Our electricity now comes from wind and hydroelectric, and it costs us just a penny or two more per kilowatt hour than traditional power. (Check various economic tariffs available to you by the utility company).

4. Put plastic on your windows and caulk and putty. It can cost a fortune to replace old, leaky windows. But you can save significant amounts of heating oil much less expensively each winter with a simple clear-plastic-and-sticky-tape window insulation kit. If your windows, like mine, are too big for the standard sizes, get a patio door kit.

Once up, the insulation is almost invisible. For a small fraction of the cost of new windows, it will save you about half the energy that new windows would. For even greater savings, buy a programmable thermostat -- and program it. Surprisingly, about two thirds of the people who buy programmable thermostats never actually use the feature. Install ceiling fans. Outside the windows you can install awning or plant trees.

5. Buy polyester. Yes, really. A recent study by some Cambridge University scientists found that -- over their respective lives -- a polyester blouse uses about 45% of the energy of a cotton T-shirt.

True, the study makes some assumptions that may not apply to you: that you drip-dry the blouse and tumble-dry and iron the T-shirt, for instance. But the point is that the obvious environmental choice may not be the best one. Polyester takes a lot more energy than cotton to manufacture, but much less to maintain. When thinking about a product's environmental footprint, you need to look at its entire life cycle, from manufacture to disposal.

6. Put up a clothesline. To drip-dry all that polyester -- and your cotton, too -- try taking a page out of your grandmother's book and hang it on the line. Air-dried fabrics smell wonderful -- and those fresh breezes help to discourage wrinkles.

If you don't have a lot of outdoor space, get an umbrella dryer, which folds up when not in use. You'll save yourself about $85 a year -- and keep more than 1,500 pounds of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.

7. Start a compost heap. Disposing of garbage -- whether by dumping it in landfills or by recycling it --

Takes energy. You can save that energy, and feed your garden, by using it for compost instead. No room in your garden? Or no garden at all? Get a worm composter; it will turn your kitchen scraps and shredded newspapers into rich, dark soil that your houseplants will love. (And no, they don't smell.)

8. Wrap your water heater. Americans spend $18 billion a year to heat water, and some simple measures could save about two-thirds of that cost.

You can cut the amount of fuel you use to heat the water (and save about $30 a year) by insulating your water heater with a simple jacket (available at most hardware stores for around $20). To save further, think about ways of using less hot water: fixing leaks, installing efficient showerheads, washing your clothes in cold water. When replacing water heater, use tankless system – you save energy and calcification of the pipes.

9. Dam your toilet. If you're concerned about the environment, you need to worry about cold water, too, since water itself is becoming an increasingly scarce resource.

Americans are water hogs; we use about 100 gallons a day each. And roughly one-third of that goes straight down the toilet. A toilet dam, which stops some of the water from leaving the tank when you flush, can cut that by as much as 20%, but it's a specialty product.

A more readily available product is called a "tank bank" -- a glorified plastic bottle with a valve that keeps some of the water in your tank from going out when you flush. The goal is to save water by preventing the tank from emptying completely each time you flush. You can even use an old plastic bottle from your recycling bin. Cost: $0. Utilize rainwater and shower waste water to water your lawn.

10. Buy antiques. Any time you buy a used product instead of a new one (especially from a local seller), you're making sure one less product has to be manufactured, packaged and shipped, with all the emissions those processes cause. In most cases, you'll save money as well.

Most manufacturers sell refurbished appliances that work as well as the new ones and cost a lot less. Some even come with the same warranty as a new one. For furniture, try Craigslist. For clothes, check out your local vintage shops. Chances are you'll not just save money, and the earth -- you'll get something with more style, too.

11. Insulate your attic and your HVAC ducts, Install attic fans, humidifiers, dehumidifiers and ERV – Energy Recovery Ventilation (it brings in fresh air and takes out stale polluted air from indoors)

12.  Many utilities and governmental agencies offer incentives, rebates, tax credits and financing for implementing energy efficiency and conservation (some offer free CFL light-bulbs and energy audits). Take advantage of those programs.

Take the pledge now to conserve energy:

Take the pledge now to conserve energy:


For my transportation, I pledge to...
take public transportation to work or school instead of driving at least 1 day a week
carpool to work or school at least 1 day a week
replace at least 5 miles of driving with biking or walking per week
inflate car tires properly, use recommended motor oil and keep car well tuned
buy fuel efficient vehicle (30 mpg)


At home, I pledge to...
turn off lights and appliances when not in use
use computer sleep mode at home and office, turn off computer at night
open the dishwasher and air dry dishes instead of using the hot air dry cycle, run only full loads
dry laundry on a clothesline
wash clothes on warm cycle, wash only full loads
turn down your hot water heater to 120F
shorten showers by a few minutes to conserve hot water
lower your thermostat by 1F during the winter season
adjust thermostat when you leave the house (10F down in winter, 10F up in summer)
keep up with basic furnace maintenance- have it professionally tuned and cleaned, replace air filters regularly
cook more efficiently- cover pots, use a pressure cooker when appropriate, keep burners clean, cook several dishes at a time in the oven, use microwave to heat food
keep drapes or blinds closed at night in winter and during the day in the summer to reduce heating and cooling needs
clean refrigerator coil every 4-6 months
replace at least 3 incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs
install faucet aerators in sinks to reduce hot water use
install low-flow shower heads to conserve hot water
insulate 4 ft of hot water pipes closest to hot water heater
insulate all hot water pipes
caulk and weatherstrip all your doors and windows
have a professional seal your heating ducts to reduce loss of heated air
install programmable thermostat
replace old inefficient dishwasher (over 10 years old) with an Energy Star model
replace old inefficient refrigerator (over 10 years old) with an Energy Star model
replace old inefficient clothes washing machine (over 10 years old) with an Energy Star model
improve your home's insulation
replace old furnace with efficient Energy Star model
install a solar hot water heater
eat one less beef meal per week

World will be forced to conserve energy this time

World will be forced to conserve energy this time

 

This time it is different. True, this is an oil shock akin to those that struck the world economy in the 1970s, for the price of oil -- even allowing for inflation -- is now a lot higher than it was at the 1979 peak. Those shocks pushed the world economy into two recessions, in the mid- 1970s and the early 1980s, and helped drive inflation into double digits in most of the developed world. Unemployment soared as interest rates were raised to try to curb inflation. But then the oil price fell back again as new fields came into production and countries made a start on conserving oil.
So will the surge in the oil price have similar consequences this time? It is a tough judgment because we don't know how high oil will go, but it looks likely that this oil shock will have a less damaging impact than in the 1970s. However, since the price is unlikely to fall back as far, it will have a more lasting impact on our way of life.
Since oil is the largest single source of global energy, larger than natural gas or coal, and far larger than nuclear or renewables, a rising oil price pushes up the price of everything, including food. That squeezes living standards still further.
As a result some countries may well be pushed into recession. There is a good chance that will happen in the US and maybe here in the United Kingdom, though in both instances the prime culprit would be the end of the housing booms. The surge in the oil price just happens to come at a very bad time. But even if this does happen there are a number of reasons to suppose that the world will continue to carry on growing, despite the pressure from oil.
One, of course, is the size of China in the world economy. Last year for the first time it added more demand for oil to the world than the United States. Demand from India, Russia and other large economies is strong too.
The high oil price speeds up the shift of power from the "old" developed world to the "new."
Another is that inflation, while rising, is far lower than it was in the 1970s or indeed the 1980s. So there is much less need to crunch it down with high interest rates.
Still another is that the world is much better at conserving energy than it was 30 years ago. We use roughly half as much energy to produce a unit of GDP now than in the 1970s. But if we can probably cope better, we should not expect cheap energy to return for two main reasons. One is that demand from China, India and other fast-growing economies will remain strong: their growth will offset their efforts to conserve energy. The other is that there is no longer spare capacity; some geologists believe we may be close to peak oil production. Whether that proves right or not, there is certainly no easy oil to find and while alternatives such as biofuels are being developed they will take years to make a material difference.
In a way, though, this is good news. This time the world will be forced to continue its efforts to conserve energy. The market will drive us to reduce our carbon emissions. Many would say: about time too.

Small businesses conserve energy to curb costs

Small businesses conserve energy to curb costs

That means lights out at nighttime and fryers off during off-peak hours

NEW YORK - The lights go out at night after the last wash at Jim Whitmore's five coin laundries — no longer does he use a fully lit store as advertising. And at Todd Waldemar's Wing Zone store, he's shutting down some of the fryers during off-peak times.

Small business owners are getting pinched by the soaring prices of oil, gasoline and other fuels, eating into their profits as they gas up vehicles, heat and cool their premises and run machinery. Often, they turn to commonsense solutions to save energy and money.

For example, no longer flooding a store with light at nighttime.

"We used to use it as a way to advertise our stores — people drive by at night and would see clean stores," said Whitmore, whose laundries are in the Boston area. He said his energy costs have gone up 10 percent to 15 percent in the last year.

Small businesses have had to become creative and smarter to cut energy costs. Companies that do a lot of deliveries as part of their business — florists, for example — have been reducing the number of delivery runs they make each day. They're also using mapping software to find the shortest routes, and making sure vans and trucks are filled as much as possible to capacity.

Many that consume a lot of energy buy contracts ahead of time to get oil or natural gas at a set price. And many business owners invest in more energy-efficient machinery or switch their heating systems to wood or other alternative fuels from oil or natural gas.

Whitmore is in the process of replacing his washers and dryers, and is searching for machines that will use less energy and water, reducing his costs over the long term. He sees a side benefit of going greener: By advertising that his laundries are more environmentally friendly.

"Hopefully some of it will flow to the bottom line and help pay for the new equipment," he said.

At Ranch Rudolf, a resort in Traverse City, Mich., owner Sid Hamill has replaced most of his heating system with a wood-burning furnace. He estimates it's saving him between $10,000 and $12,000 a year in fuel costs.

Since his business is located on 195 acres of land, he cuts most of the wood he burns from his own trees.

"The wood works well for me," Hamill said, and estimated that the new heating system "basically has paid for itself."

He's still using some regular fuel, but is hoping that fairly soon he'll be able to switch the entire property to wood-burning energy.

Rising energy costs are forcing some companies to shorten their operating hours — a sacrifice in particular for restaurants that pride themselves on being open 24/7.

Phil Greifeld, chief executive officer of the Huddle House restaurant chain, said the company is allowing its less-profitable franchisees to close at midnight, although Huddle House has advertised itself as "always open, always fresh, 24 hours a day."

"There was a lot of internal debate about it, but it's a good thing we did that in terms of helping people to control their costs," Greifeld said. The result: Those restaurants that are closing at midnight are making more money.

Other steps Atlanta-based Huddle House is taking include reconfiguring its seating arrangements, to allow restaurants to accommodate more customers and increase their volume. The company, which has 440 restaurants in 17 states, is also working with equipment manufacturers on burners that turn the gas on when a pan is placed on the stove and turn it off when a pan is removed.

"It really does add up" in saving money on energy, Greifeld said, and added about cutting costs, "it's something you have to work on day in and day out."

While businesses try to cut costs as much as possible, most are ultimately forced to pass some of the higher energy prices on to customers. Delivery charges are going up, manufacturers are repricing their goods and restaurants are raising their menu prices. Generally, small business owners say their customers understand — energy prices are going up for them as well.

Waldemar uses independent delivery drivers for his Norfolk, Va., Wing Zone stores, and they're asking for more money per trip. "Eventually, it's passed on to the consumer, because that's how it works," he said.

But Waldemar is also contending with rising fuel costs for cooking the chicken wings and other food he sells, plus higher electricity prices. He estimates that his propane costs alone have risen 30 percent to 40 percent over the past year.

So, one solution is to turn off unused fryers during down times.

"There's only so much I can do," Waldemar said.

He's also looking at more fuel-efficient equipment as he plans to expand. He has two stores now, and plans to open one more in January and another in March.

Raising prices isn't easy, though, for many small business owners, because of the competition they face. Whitmore noted that his pricing is expressed in minutes — the number of minutes a customer gets of dryer time per quarter. He can cut the drying time only so much before customers, who tend to be lower-income and not able to pay much more, might go elsewhere.

"We're in a competitive market, and our competitors are not always eager to play ball," he said.

More businesses embrace greener commuting

More businesses embrace greener commuting

Employee incentives sometimes include free bikes or monthly prizes

High gas prices and the ongoing concern for the environment have prompted an increasing number of environmentally sensitive businesses to focus attention outside of the workplace and on those carpool lanes, bike lanes and even sidewalks.

Many businesses are now encouraging and rewarding employees who use alternate forms of transportation to get to and from work. For some companies, it means paying the daily fares and footing the bill for mass transit for their employees. Other companies are rewarding carpoolers with prizes such as gift cards to local businesses.

While carpooling has attracted fewer than 8 percent of the nation's daily commuters, vanpooling has emerged as another option, with companies hiring vans, designating a driver (or rotating drivers) and giving commuters the opportunity to relax en route to the office. According to the Santa Barbara County Van Pools in Southern California, riders pay anywhere from $100 to $175 per month, depending on the distance to and from the destination, which typically beats paying for gas. In some cases, companies are setting up their own vanpools, such as those used by Safeco Insurance, which offers incentives to employees who use any of the 80 active vanpools that are set up throughout the country.

Biking to and from the office is also gaining popularity: "We give out a bicycle to everyone who has worked at the company for at least one year," says Bryan Simpson of New Belgium Beer in Fort Collins, Colo. The environmentally driven brewery, which runs on the power of wind turbines, has seen more employees biking than your average brewery and even hosts a philanthropic bike festival called the Tour de Fat, which celebrates bicycling as a viable form of transportation.

Encouraging 'greener' commuting
Joshua Scott Onysko, founder and CEO of Boulder, Colo.-based Pangea Organics, who also gives mass transit passes to employees, sat down with his staffers to determine what else could be done to encourage "greener" commuting. "We found that a lot of people would bike to work but needed a place to change and dry off," explains Onysko. "We responded by turning 500 square feet of our facility into lockers and showers for employees biking to work."

For those who are not avid bikers, there's always another basic, earth-friendly alternative. "I walk to my office every day," says Kelly LaPlante, founder of Kelly LaPlante Organic Design in Venice, Calif. "In fact, everybody who works for us, more than part time, is within walking distance. We prefer people who live close to us who can walk to work. It helps us decrease our carbon footprint," says LaPlante, adding that the company certainly wouldn't turn anybody away who is talented just because they're not living nearby.

Along with providing incentives and amenities for bike riders and walkers, it behooves a company to initiate alternative commuting. With that in mind, RideSpring, a Santa Cruz, Calif., company that matches commuters online offers rewards to individuals for their "greener" commuting efforts. "The most popular place to organize a carpool is at work, but very few companies have a system in place to help people find matches," says RideSpring founder Paul T. McGrath.

With that in mind, RideSpring sets up specific password-protected Web sites for companies where employees can post and find ride information and subsequently win individual monthly prizes, such as $300 toward REI purchases or $400 toward Apple goodies, simply by using alternative means of commuting. In addition, RideSpring compiles trip-reduction statistics on a daily basis so that business owners can evaluate the effectiveness of their programs.

"[RideSpring uses] a formula that essentially gives us the number of commuting miles saved, gas saved and reduction of CO2 emissions. This allows us to tell our employees how much they are helping the environment so that they can continue to use the RideSpring program," explains Mark Parnes, assistant general counsel and green team member at the Palo Alto, Calif., office of the law firm Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati. The firm has seen a positive response to its RideSpring incentive program.

Transportation alternativesTo get started with a green commuting program, companies can do their own workplace commuting evaluations. "Companies can do workplace transportation audits to look at what infrastructure and policies are in place now and see where changes can be made to help develop green commuting action plans," says Jessie Klassen, coordinator of workplace transportation for Resource Conservation Manitoba, a nonprofit center for applied sustainability based in Manitoba, Canada.

According to Klassen, who helps businesses develop such green commuting plans, one of the principal reasons that commuters shy away from greener modes of transportation is the inconvenience of not having accessibility to a car during the day.

This problem is being addressed by Zipcar, which merged with Flexcar in October 2007. The company provides low-emission, fuel-efficient vehicles that can be conveniently parked near any business and ready for whoever is signed up and holds an access card. Companies that sign up can have employee rules in place for using the "instant car" for which they are charged an hourly rate, which includes gas, insurance and maintenance. Such easy access to a car can provide peace of mind for those employees who are uncomfortable about not having an available vehicle in case of an emergency, such as a call from their child's school.

Slowly but surely, companies are making efforts to entice their workforce to make the switch to alternative transportation. Even communities are jumping on board. For example, Boulder, Colo., features the annual Bike to Work Day Business Challenge, pitting businesses in different size categories against one another to see who can have the most employees pedal their way to work. Meanwhile, in Central Oklahoma, there is also a Bike to Work Day; in Santa Barbara, Calif., there's Bike to Work Week; and according to the League of American Bicyclists, May is National Bike Month, with biking events scheduled in various states throughout the month.

Solutions for Summer Heat

Keep cool and save on your electric bills at the same time.

 

Keeping Your Cool

Save money, energy and the sweat of your brow with these basic steps to battle the summer swelter.

Block the sun. If you're installing new windows, your best defense against sun is heat-reflecting or low-emissivity windows. These windows contain a thin film sealed inside double-pane glass to slow heat absorption in summer and heat loss in winter.

Install film on existing windows. One type of film -- a window tint -- absorbs solar radiation; the other -- a reflective film -- reflects the sun's rays and is more transparent than the window tint. Install the type best suited to the climate in which you live. Films are left on windows year-round. Both should last at least 10 years.

Insulate your attic. If you live in a climate where summers are hot and winters are mild, also consider installing a radiant barrier -- a layer of foil to deflect radiant heat. Radiant barriers, however, do not replace the need for other insulation.

Attach awnings. Buy ready-made fabric or aluminum awnings, or build wood awnings that complement your house. Install awnings on east-, south-, and west-facing windows.

Mount outside sunscreens. Block the sun by covering windows that receive direct sunlight with screenings of bamboo, wood, fiberglass, or polypropylene.

Hang light-color interior shades. Reflect the sun with shades made with a shiny outer surface. Some fabric shades are backed by light-reflective materials.

Install a whole-house fan. If the humidity in your area isn't too uncomfortable, mount a whole-house fan in the ceiling just below the attic. These fans draw in cool air through open windows at night and push out hot air through attic vents.

Cross-ventilate. Exhaust air any time the temperature outside is cooler than it is inside. Make sure air can come in one open window and leave freely through another.

Add operative skylights. Hot air rises, so let it out at the top of the room through a new skylight. You can buy skylights with tinted glass to cut down on solar heat gain.

Update your older windows

Windows can add a lot to a home's character. But if they're old and worn, they can also add to your heating and cooling bills.
From Better Homes and Gardens

In older houses, faulty windows can account for a third of the total heat loss in winter and as much as 75 percent of interior heat gain in summer. Look for the following telltale signs that a window has lost its effectiveness:

• Stand inside your house on a windy day with a lit candle near the window's operative edge. If the flame flickers or goes out, your weather stripping might be damaged.
• During the winter, if a window develops ice buildup or a frosty glaze on the interior of the pane, the ventilation in your home may not be adequate. Another possibility is that your window may not be providing enough insulation value, a situation that can make your heating bills soar.
• If you need to prop open your window with a book or a stick, the window may have lost its functionality.
• Sit near your window. If you feel cold air coming in during the winter or warm air during the summer, your windows have little insulation value. This means you're paying more to heat and cool your house to compensate for the exterior air entering your home.
• Do your windows get fogged with condensation? If so, you may have a seal failure and need to replace the glazing or the entire window.

In some cases, replacing broken panes and tending to loose or missing weather stripping may buy some time. If your windows are old and ill-fitting, however, you need more than stopgaps. (Read more about securing windows.)


Replacement window options
Wood is the choice of most homeowners. Wood is strong, insulates well, and has natural appeal and a warm look. It needs exterior maintenance, and interior surfaces can be painted, stained, or finished any number of ways.


Vinyl windows do not need to be painted or stained—a plus on the exterior. They offer good insulation value and strength, making them a viable alternative to wood.


Aluminum windows have a stronger frame but poorer insulation than wood or vinyl. They're fine in areas with a mild climate, and are also used for commercial applications.


Fiberglass combines the higher strength and stability of aluminum with the insulating properties of wood and vinyl. Fewer options are available at this time, as fiberglass is just beginning to show up in the window market.


Combination windows are available with wood on the interior and vinyl or aluminum on the exterior, combining the look of wood with a low-maintenance exterior material. This is known as "cladding" (as in vinyl-clad or aluminum-clad). (Read more about window shopping.)


Features to consider
Energy efficiency. Almost any good-quality window available today incorporates two pieces of glass with a sealed airspace between then as a buffer between indoors and out. Some windows are even triple-paned. You may have the option of argon gas instead of air between the glass to further the window's insulating abilities. Most window manufacturers also offer such options as low-E glass, which reflects heat and screens out the sun's rays.


Design. Windows are available in shapes ranging from quarter rounds to ovals. Consider an arrangement of smaller windows instead of one large one, or vice versa.


Ease of installation. The easiest type of replacement window is a frame-within-a-frame design that can be installed in an existing frame without disturbing walls or trimwork. Some are sold in kit form, complete with hardware, for standard sizes. If your original windows have divided lights or panes, look for multipane replacements or snap-in grilles that match glass dividers on the old units as closely as possible. If your windowsills are rotting or damaged, however, you'll need to replace the old frame as well.


Ease of maintenance. Weather-resistant materials will reduce your regular maintenance; vinyl or aluminum-clad exteriors need no painting. For ease of cleaning, choose windows that tilt in or open from the side. Many double-hung windows now come with tilting sashes so both interior and exterior glass surfaces can be cleaned from inside the house.


Function. Tempered glass is required by code for certain applications, such as glass doors and some window installations with low sill height. For more extreme conditions, such as coastal environments, consider laminated impact-resistant glass designed to withstand hurricane-force winds and the impact of airborne debris.


Hardware. Some manufacturers offer improved hardware for crank-out windows such as casements and awnings -- specifically, collapsible or low-profile handles that don't interfere with blinds or other window coverings. Others offer a variety of style options for latches and locks. To be safe, ask about these and any other convenience features before the units end up in your walls. Also, try the hardware in the showroom. Does the window lock, unlock, and open easily? This test gives you a feel for the window's usability and its overall quality as well.


Cost guidelines
Broadly, vinyl and wood are the least expensive, fiberglass costs more, and clad windows are even more. That said, a general price range for an average size (30-inch by 48-inch) window is $100 to $200, which will be higher in urban areas.


More features—like tilting versions and higher E-ratings—increase the cost, although sometimes as the price and quality increase, more options are included. Differences in the up-front purchase price of a window may eventually be offset by other factors. Energy efficiency and a no-maintenance exterior will offset the up-front cost difference over time. Second, installation and labor costs could actually be higher for an "economy-grade" all-wood window, if you factor in charges for painting, and how much sooner you may have to replace it than a window made from more durable material.


One way to keep your window costs from rising is to avoid special orders. Try to work with standard sizes from a manufacturer, and select from the standard styles and features that your local retailer stocks.

Green Team Goals & Action

Green Team Goals & Action

Conservation is the primary objective of the Green Team and is only possible due to the on-going support of those who work to save our resources, whether it be financially, environmentally or economically.

The Green Team's mission has been to assist our organization become environmentally responsible in every aspect of its operation. The Green Team's two basic goals are to educate the community about environmental issues in order to reduce the company's environmental impacts and to support changes in "green-related" activities and policies. This will be an ongoing process and will require the cooperation of everyone in our community. Only by changing traditional behavior and attitudes can we accomplish significant and lasting improvements.

We should focus on the four environmental R's, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle & Renew.

Distribute copies of the goals and implementation plans for both the Green Building Division and the Infrastructure and Employee Awareness Division to clarify those goals.

The short term goal of the Green Committee to “prepare a proposal that all facilities equipment replacement and renovation projects be LEED certified.

A resolution to the Green Committee to take steps to:

       • Immediately implement energy and utility conservation in all facilities

• Not only encompass green building – other green methods

• Take as many actions as prudent to reduce Greenhouse Gasses

• Develop target goals

• Oversee progress and provide corporate outreach for action plans

• Immediately adopt and proclaim a policy that Windsor facilities become a Green Facility over a period of time.

Creation of incentives such and benefits for  people pursuing green building and hoped to pursue incentives for other endeavors that were in step with the goals of the committee. 

Distributing an energy conservation pamphlet to inform and educate the employees and community.

Encourage employees”

1.     Turn off lights in unused areas

2.     Turn off water when not in use

3.     Notify facilities engineer of any water leaks

4.     Close exterior doors to maintain HVAC efficiency

5.     Keep shades and drapes closed to maintain room temperature

6.   At night open vents and windows to bring in fresh air
7 Conserve Water

YJay Draiman, Director of Utilities & Sustainability

LANDSCAPING FOR ENERGY CONSERVATION

LANDSCAPING FOR ENERGY CONSERVATION
William C. Welch
Extension Landscape Horticulturist
Texas Agricultural Extension Service
Although it is not possible to control temperature, wind and other weather elements, certain landscape practices can modify the climate in and around homes significantly. By placing trees, shrubs, vines and landscape structures properly, the homeowner can reduce the energy required to keep homes and surrounding areas comfortable during winter and summer. If the landscaping is well done, one receives the added benefits of beauty and increased real estate values. A well planned landscape is one of the best investments a homeowner can make. Protection From the Sun Trees. Trees can reduce summer temperatures significantly. Shading the roof of a house from the afternoon sun by large trees can reduce temperatures inside the home by as much as 8 to 10 degrees F. Deciduous trees (those that lose their leaves in winter) provide summer shade, then drop their leaves in the fall, which allows the warmth of the sun to filter through their bare branches in winter and help warm the home. If a home can be situated to take advantage of shade from existing trees on south and west exposures, energy expended to cool the house can be reduced considerable.
To shade the roof or a wall of a one-story home, trees which will reach a medium to large size should be selected and placed 15 to 20 feet from the side or 12 to 15 feet from the corner of the structure. To be most effective, the canopy of the tree should extend over the roof. Smaller trees such as crape myrtles and redbuds can be planted closer to the house and used for shading walls and window areas. Since they are deciduous, they will provide shade during the summer and allow light and sun to penetrate during the winter season.

Another way to reduce energy consumption with trees and shrubs is to provide shade for the outside portion of a split system air conditioner. A study by the American Refrigeration Institute shows that shading of this type can reduce the temperature inside the home as much as 3 degrees F. However, shrubs planted near the compressor should not obstruct the air flow or access for needed service. In addition to reducing energy consumption, screening outdoor air conditioning equipment with plantings enhances the esthetic value of the home.
Espaliers and Vines. In addition to shading roof areas, plants can protect walls from heat and cold. Vines, shrubs and certain trees can be used as espaliers (plants trained to grow flat against walls). The foliage cover insulates the wall against summer heat and cold winter winds. Trees, shrubs and vines can be highly effective in reducing noise and dust pollution also.
There are several ways to support plants against walls. Some vines such as English Ivy have specialized roots that cling to masonry or wooden surfaces. However, this can harm wooden surfaces since it hastens the decomposition of the wood and provides protection for termites and other insects. Vines that do not cling usually twine and must have support. This can be provided by trellises placed on or close to the house. A third way to support shrubs and vines on a wall is to place mortar nails in the joints between the brick and tie plant stems securely with plant ties or similar material.
Windows as well as walls may be shaded by vines on trellises. Deciduous vines such as Boston Ivy and wisteria will allow the sun to penetrate during the winter. If a quick effect is desired, annual vines such as morning glories and moon vines can be planted economically from seed in early spring and usually will provide the needed shade in time for the hottest summer weather.
Overhead Structures. Arbors and slatted wooden overhead structures can be effective either attached or adjacent to the home or farther out in the landscape. If adjacent to the home, they provide the bonus of shading walls and windows, thus reducing heat and glare and providing cool, restful sitting and viewing areas.
If wooden structures are used, the 1 or 2 inch strips of treated pine, redwood, cedar or other long-lasting wood are usually spaced 1 to 1 1/2 inches apart. This spacing provides adequate shade while allowing the air to circulate freely. If vines are used as a partial or complete cover, the structure is referred to as an arbor. Grape arbors, once as common as patios are today, can serve as attractive, practical additions to the landscape. Muscadines are excellent for arbors since they require little or no spraying for insects and disease problems and are attractive plants which produce tasty fruit. Wisteria, Carolina jessamine and grapes are other popular choices which are well adapted to most of the state.
Groundcovers. The temperature a few inches above turf or other groundcover plants is frequently 12 degrees to 15 degrees F. lower than above asphalt or concrete surfaces. By using turf and groundcover plants between homes and paved areas such as drives and walks, summer temperatures can be reduced. Consult your county Extension agent or local nurseryman for recommendations on adapted groundcovers and turf species in your area. Protection From the Wind
Although living windbreaks have been utilized for many years, their value has increased with the advent of higher fuel costs. Winter winds in Texas usually blow from the north or northwest and accelerate the rate of air exchange between a house and the outdoor environment. Savings up to 23 percent have been recorded in comparing completely exposed homes and a house landscaped to minimize air infiltration.
Summer winds normally blow from the south or southwest with generally positive effects on human comfort. Tall trees from the south and west can reduce the temperature while allowing breeze to pass beneath and through the foliage canopy.
Planning Windbreaks. Windbreaks obstruct and redirect the flow of wind. AS wind strikes an obstruction it can move over, around or through it. The extent of protection on the leeward side is related to the height and length of the windbreak. Impenetrable windbreaks create a strong vacuum on the protected or leeward side which reduces the protection. Windbreaks composed of living plants allow some of the wind to penetrate which makes them more effective. The effective zone of protection for a living windbreak is approximately thirty times its height although maximum protection occurs in a range of 5 to 7 times the height of the planting. Therefore, if planning a windbreak 25 feet tall, it should be located 125 to 175 feet (5 to 7 times 25 feet) from the house to be most effective.
The following criteria are helpful in planning an effective windbreak:
1.The optimum foliage density for the windward side is about 60 percent.
2.Windbreaks are most effective when they extend to the ground.
3.The width of the planting is important as it relates to penetrability. For most evergreen plants, two or three rows are sufficient but if deciduous materials are being used, four or five rows may be necessary. Rows should be staggered.
4.Windbreaks work most efficiently when the length is 11.5 times greater than the mature width.
5.The height of species within the width of the windbreak should be varied to create rough windbreak edges.

Selecting Species for Windbreaks. Some of the species appropriatefor windbreak plantings in various parts of Texas are:

Upper Panhandle of Texas Oriental Arborvitae (Thuja orientalis) Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) Austrian Pine (Pinus nigra) Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa) Scotch Pine (Pinus sylvestris) Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) North and West Texas Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) Rocky Mountain Juniper (Juniperus scopulorum) Aleppo Pine (Pinus halepensis) Oriental Arborvitae (Thuja orientalis) Arizona Cypress (Cupressus glabra) Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia)

Central and South Texas Arizona Cypress (Cupressus glabra) Elaeagnus (Elaeagnus pungens) Salt Cedar (Tamarix aphylla) Japanese or Tree Ligustrum (Ligustrum lucidum) Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) Rocky Mountain Juniper (Juniperus scopulorum) Yaupon (Ilex vomitoria) Oriental Arborvitae (Thuja orientalis)

Other Types of Windbreaks.
Still another way to moderate the temperature inside the home is to use rows of shrubs on the northwest side to protect it from cold winter winds as well as to direct summer breezes around it.
Good landscaping practices offer one of the most practical methods of reducing energy consumption in homes. When the homeowner considers the added benefits of increased real estate value and more attractive homes and communities, the investment becomes an even greater bargain.

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This material has been prepared for distribution in cooperation with the Department fo Energy and the Governor's Office of Energy Resources in support of the Texas Energy Conservation Program (Agriculture). Educational programs conducted by the Texas Agricultural Extension Service serve people of all ages regardless of socio-economic level, race, color, sex, religion or national orgin.
Cooperative Extension Work in Agriculture and Home Economics, The Texas A&M University System and the United States Department of Agriculture cooperating. Distributed in furtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8, 1914, as amended and June 30,1914.

Fall, late winter and early spring are ideal planting times since adequate moisture and cool weather can promote root growth before hot dry weather. Mulching the newly set out plants helps prevent excess moisture loss and heat gain. For additional information on transplanting and fertilizing woody plants, ask county Extension agents for Fact Sheets L 1037 How to Transplant Wood Plans and L-1097 Fertilizing Woody Ornamentals. In addition to traditional windbreaks, shrubs can also be used closer to the home for winter protection. This is more practical for small areas and subdivision lots where space does not allow the use of conventional windbreaks. For this type of protection, dense evergreen plants are most appropriate. They should be planted close enough to form a solid wall and far enough away from the house (about 4 to 5 feet minimum) to create a dead air space. This relatively still or dead air has much less cooling power than moving air which can decrease the loss of heat through the walls.

Saving Energy and Energy Conservation and Implementation

Saving Energy and Energy Conservation and Implementation

Some of the energy we can use is called renewable energy. These include solar, wind, geothermal and hydro. These types of energy are constantly being renewed or restored.

But many of the other forms of energy we use in our homes and cars are not being replenished. Fossil fuels took millions of years to create. They cannot be made over night.

And there are finite or limited amounts of these non-renewable energy sources. That means they cannot be renewed or replenished. Once they are gone they cannot be used again. So, we must all do our part in saving as much energy as we can.

In your home, you can save energy by turning off appliances, TVs and radios that are not being used, watched or listened to.

You can turn off lights when no one is in the room.

By putting insulation in walls and attics, we can reduce the amount of energy it takes to heat or cool our homes.

Insulating a home is like putting on a sweater or jacket when we're cold...instead of turning up the heat.

The outer layers trap the heat inside, keeping it nice and warm.

New space-age materials are being developed that insulate even better. This person's fingers are protected by Aerogel Insulation Material created by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The person cannot even feel the flame!

Recycling

To make all of our newspapers, aluminum cans, plastic bottles and other goods takes lots of energy.

Recycling these items -- grinding them up and reusing the material again -- uses less energy than it takes to make them from brand new, raw material.
So, we must all recycle as much as we can.
We can also save energy in our cars and trucks.
Make sure the tires are properly inflated.
A car that is tuned up, has clean air and oil filters, and is running right will use less gasoline.
Don't over-load a car. For every extra 100 pounds, you cut your mileage by one mile per gallon.
When your parents buy a new car, tell them to compare the fuel efficiency of different models and buy a car that gets higher miles per gallon.
You can also save energy in your work place or school.
Each week you can choose an energy monitor who will make sure energy is being used properly.
The energy monitor will turn off the lights during recess and after class.
You can make "Turn It Off" signs for hanging above the light switches to remind yourself.

WHAT ARE THE USES OF ENERGY?

Energy is defined as "the ability to do work." In this sense, examples of work include moving something,

lifting something, warming something, or lighting something. The following is an example of the

transformation of different types of energy into heat and power.

Oil burns to make heat -->

Heat boils water -->

Water turns to steam -->

Steam pressure turns a turbine -->

Turbine turns an electric generator -->

Generator produces electricity -->

Electricity powers light bulbs -->

Light bulbs give off light and heat

It is difficult to imagine spending an entire day without using energy. We use energy to light our cities and homes, to power machinery in factories, cook our food, play music, and operate televisions. In a home where electricity supplies all of the energy requirements, the average energy consumption is shown below:

Air conditioner and heater = 50%

Water heater = 20%

Lighting and small appliances = 10%

Refrigerator = 8%

Other = 5%

Ovens and stoves = 4%

Clothes dryer = 3%

Electricity is generated from both renewable and nonrenewable energy sources. These sources are defined below.

Renewable energy sources:

These sources are constantly renewed or restored and include wind (wind power), water (hydropower), sun (solar), vegetation (biomass), and internal heat of the earth (geothermal). About 9.0 percent of electricity in the U.S. is generated from renewable sources.

Nonrenewable energy sources:

These are natural resources that cannot be replenished (fossil fuels such as oil, gas, and coal). About 71.5 percent of electricity in the U.S. is generated from nonrenewable sources.

In addition to renewable and nonrenewable energy sources, about 19.5 percent of electric power in the U.S. is generated by nuclear power plants. However, operating such plants poses significant nuclear waste disposal problems; consequently, there are no current plans to build more. Most electricity in the United States is generated by burning nonrenewable fossil fuels and there is a limited amount of these energy sources.

WHY IS ENERGY CONSERVATION IMPORTANT?

Because of the limited amount of nonrenewable energy sources on Earth, it is important to conserve our current supply or to use renewable sources so that our natural resources will be available for future generations.

Energy conservation is also important because consumption of nonrenewable sources impacts the environment. Specifically, our use of fossil fuels contributes to air and water pollution. For example, carbon dioxide is produced when oil, coal, and gas combust in power stations, heating systems, and car engines.

Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere acts as a transparent blanket, that contributes to the global warming of the earth, or "greenhouse effect." It is possible that this warming trend could significantly alter our weather. Possible impacts include a threat to human health, environmental impacts such as rising sea levels that can damage coastal areas, and major changes in vegetation growth patterns that could cause some plant and animal species to become extinct.

Sulfur dioxide is also emitted into the air when coal is burned. The sulfur dioxide reacts with water and oxygen in the clouds to form precipitation known as "acid rain." Acid rain can kill fish and trees and damage limestone buildings and statues.

You can help solve these global problems. In the U.S., the average family's energy use generates over 11,200 pounds of air pollutants each year. Therefore, every unit (or kilowatt) of electricity conserved reduces the environmental impact of energy use.

HOW YOU CAN Reduce Energy consumption – THIS WILL HELP YOU?

The following four concepts can help you evaluate your household energy use and identify ways to conserve energy. These concepts will significantly reduce a family utility bill and other energy costs over 1 year.

Changing What You Use

U Walk, ride a bicycle, or use mass transit instead of driving; automobile emissions account for about 60 percent of air pollution in our cities.

U Install compact fluorescent light bulbs that use less energy and last 10 times longer than

incandescent light bulbs.

U Air-dry your clothes on a laundry line instead of using a clothes dryer.

U Install a programmable thermostat that automatically adjusts the temperature when you are in bed or away.

U Buy energy-efficient appliances. There are standard energy use tags attached to most new

appliances that can help you determine which appliance will be the most efficient. These

appliances may be more costly, but your utility bill savings will quickly make up for the extra cost.

Changing What You Do

U Set the thermostat to 68 °F in winter when you're home and down to 55° F when you go to bed or are away (programmable thermostats can do this automatically).

U Insulate the ceiling, walls, and floor of your home.

U Plant a tree next to a window for shade to reduce the need for air conditioning.

U Recycle items such as newspaper, aluminum cans, and plastic bottles; recycling these items

requires less energy than producing them from brand new, raw materials.

U Wash clothes in cold water and only in full loads.

U Use energy-saving settings on washing machines, dishwashers, and clothes dryers.

Improving Your Housekeeping

U Turn down the water heater thermostat to 120° F.

U Turn off lights when leaving a room.

U Close heating vents and close doors to unused rooms.

U Close drapes and windows during sunny summer days and after sunset in cooler weather.

U Stop air leaks around windows and doors with caulk or weather stripping. Air leaks can rob your house of heat in the winter or make it too humid in the summer. As much as 40 percent of your heating and cooling costs can be due to air leaks.

U Clean or change air filters on your air heating system in the winter and on air conditioning units in the summer so that they work more efficiently.

Educating Yourself and Others

U evaluate energy efficiency in your house. (See DOE Website)

U Share knowledge and ideas with family, friends, and neighbors.

WHY IS ENERGY CONSERVATION IMPORTANT?

Energy conservation helps endure resources for the future and also helps prevent pollution.

U know that if we continue to consume nonrenewable sources at an increasing rate, these sources

will be depleted.

U know that not only are we depleting our nonrenewable sources, but that use of fossil fuels has

negative environmental impacts, such as global warming and acid rain.

TESTING THE THEORY OF ENERGY CONSERVATION IS IMPORTANT?

Materials Needed: Two thermometers, two plastic bags (one large and one small), and twist ties

Activity:

U Lay one thermometer inside the small bag.

U Inflate the bag by blowing into it, then close the end with the twist tie.

U Put the inflated bag inside the larger plastic bag.

U Inflate the large bag with air and close the end with the twist tie.

U Place the bag in direct sunlight, and lay the second thermometer next to the bag.

U Observe the temperature reading of both thermometers after 30 minutes.

U Explain to the public that the temperature reading inside the bag should be higher because the

double layer of air inside the bag acts as a greenhouse, just like the atmosphere around the earth.

U Explain to the public that both layers of air allow radiant energy from the sun to enter, and this radiation energy is absorbed and trapped when it is reflected back from the earth. As a result, the temperature near the earth increases, as it does in a greenhouse. Similarly, in this demonstration, when sunlight enters the outer bag (or the earth's atmosphere), the inner bag (or gases in the atmosphere such as carbon dioxide) absorbs and reradiates the heat back toward the

thermometer (or earth), thereby raising the temperature. This situation represents global warming.

U Emphasize to the public that as more gases are released into the atmosphere through the use

of fossil fuels, the more heat is absorbed and trapped in our atmosphere.