Your Resource Guide to Energy Savings
The American Recovery and Investment Act issued federal funding for energy efficiency upgrades and appliance rebates this week. Specifically, Illinois will recieve $12 million to provide residents with incentives and purchasing power for energy efficient products and appliances. Starting January 31, 2010 citizens will be able to upgrade water heaters, AC units and heaters for Energy Star products. Participants will receive point of purchase rebates to off set upgrade costs. During Earth Week April 16 – 25, 2010, point of purchase rebates will be made available on all Energy Star household appliances. Find an Energy Star retailer. Get in touch with COMED to schedule a pick to recycle you old appliance.
These purchases along with other more common energy efficiency improvements (roofing, insulation, HVAC) reward your stewardship with tax credits on your 2009 tax return. Click here tax forms and more
Energy efficiency is often on the minds of Chicagoans as we head face first into the dead of winter. Staying warm often comes at an expense that can leave many drowning in debt. The success of the Low Cost Weatherization and Education Program (LCWEP featured in the previous blog post) has demonstrated that there is a growing demand for energy efficiency among Chicagoans. Not only is energy efficiency kind to your wallet, it creates the opportunity to make a measureable impact on climate change. Take the $800 Savings Challenge and find out how much money and energy you could be saving
Another incentive for your energy stewardship is being offered through the Norther Illinois Energy Project. Northern Illinois Energy Project is asking citizens to complete a survey on Compact Florescent Light bulb use. Those that complete the survey are eligible to win a month’s electric bill PAID. Take a quick survey, register for their mailing list and you could be the lucky winner.
ENERGY ACTION OPPORTUNITIES IN CHICAGO
Southside Solar Power
There’s a little more sunshine on the south side these days. Or at least that what it seems like in West Pullman, which recently became the home of Chicago’s first large scale solar panel project. The City of Chicago, together with SunPower and Exelon, has dedicated 39 acres of the West Pullman Industrial Redevelopment Area for the installation of 32,800 solar panels, and the result will produce10 megawatts of clean energy. The effort is projected to divert “approximately 31.2 million pounds of greenhouse gas emissions annually” according to the Exelon press release. Check out the feature on Chicago Tonight.
Climate Cycle
If you are interested in learning more about local action to bring clean and efficient energy to Chicago- you may be interested in what is going on with Climate Cycle. Climate Cycle is a local non-profit that is working with Chicago Public Schools to education students about alternative energy and its impact on climate change. Climate Cycle takes this new-found knowledge to the next level by then assisting schools install solar panels. Panels have been installed on 1 school thus far and there are plans to complete 5 more in 2010. You can support this effort by joining the Solar Schools Ride on May 16, 2010. Find out how you and your team can ride into the sunset at the Team Captain meeting on January 28th from 6pm-7:30pm REI Chicago 1460 N. Halstead
Green Tech University Spring 2010 Schedule
The Chicago Center for Green Technology’s Green Tech U program has been developed in response to the increasing demand for educational resources in green technology in Chicago. Green Tech U programs provide an opportunity to meet like-minded people, expand professional networks and increase knowledge of sustainability, green building and public policy. All Green Tech U seminars are available to any interested individuals throughout the year.
REGISTRATION:
Advance registration is required for all Green Tech U seminars. You may register by calling (312) 746-9642, or email your desired class and contact information to greentech@cityofchicago.org with “Green Tech U” as the subject line.
COST:
Unless otherwise specified in the program description, Green Tech U seminars are free to the public.
CERTIFICATES:
Green Tech U offers certificates in the following subject areas:
• Architecture
• Building and Construction Management
• Engineering
• Green Business
• Green Home and Garden
• Interior Design
To register for a certificate, participants must fill out a “Program Registration” form. Registrants must then complete six eligible seminars within a 12-month period; one of the six seminars must be the foundation course, “Ecology of Design.” Please sign-in before each seminar on the “Sign-In” form, specifying what certificate(s) you are pursuing.
Once the six seminars minimum has been met, attendees are responsible for completing the “Certificate Tracking and Application” form, and submitting it to a Green Building Resource Center staff member, emailing it to greentech@cityofchicago.org, or faxing it to (312) 746-9778. Please call (312) 746-9642 or e-mail for assistance.
