HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 23, 2002 PresentationApril 19, 2002
MERIDIAN CiTY COUNCIL MEETING
APPLICANT
April 23, 2002
ITEM NO.
REQUEST Presentation by Ken Baker and Sue Siefferd regarding the Energy Audit
America / U.S. Department of Energy
AGENCY
CITY CLERK:
CITY ENGINEER:
CITY PLANNING DIRECTOR:
CITY AI-rORNEY
CITY POLICE DEPT:
CITY FIRE DEPT:
CITY BUILDING DEPT:
CITY WATER DEPT:
CITY SEWER DEPT:
MERIDIAN SCHOOL DISTRICT:
MERIDIAN POST OFFICE:
ADA COUNTY HIGHWAY DISTRICT:
SANITARY SERVICE COMPANY
CENTRAL DISTRICT HEALTH:
NAMPA MERIDIAN IRRIGATION:
SEI-rLERS IRRIGATION:
IDAHO POWER:
US WEST:
INTERMOUNTAIN GAS:
BUREAU OF RECLAMATION:
OTHER:
Contacted:
COMMENTS
See Attached
Date: Phone:
Materials presented at public meetings shall become property of the City of Meridian.
for Rebuild
i buil America
U.5. Dept. of Energy
PROGRAlVl OVERVIEW
What is Rebuild America?
Rebuild America is a network of community partnerships - made up of municipalities, state
agencies, schools and universities, nonprofit organizations, and businesses - that save money by
reducing building energy consumption. Today, over 400 Rebuild America partnerships are active
across the country.
Partnerships tailor programs to local needs, choosing which buildings to renovate, the
technologies to use and how much energy to save. Rebuild America partnerships mobilize the
local partners and resources they'll need to launch an effective program to improve buildings and
save energy. The national Rebuild America program supports them with on-site assistance
backed by a network of technical and business experts and resource materials. While improving
existing buildings has been Rebuild America's core activity, partnerships today also are involved
in renewable technologies, new construction, green buildings, city lighting, alternatively fueled
vehicles and other activities.
Rebuild America is about empowering communities to save money, promote growthl create jobs,
reduce energy waste and protect the environment by investing in energy-efficient buildings.
When did Rebuild America get started?
In 1994, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) created Rebuild America as a voluntary,
community-centric, partnership-based program to help communities reduce energy waste.
Why Rebuild America?
Rebuild America strives to build awareness among community leaders about the high price
communities pay for inefficient buildings - and how wasted energy dollars can be redirected to
pay for building improvements instead. At the heart of the program is the commitment of local
communities to invest in their future by investing in energy efficiency. Rebuild America
provides the framework, guidance mad resources to help make it happen.
What are Rebuild America's Results-to-Date?
· DOE's $44 million investment in Rebuild America has resulted in energy savings of $120
million per year.
· Energy-efficient measures have been implemented in more than 400 million square feet of
space - an area equivalent to 7,280 football fields or 186 Empire State Buildings.
· Total cost savings are estimated at $263 million - enough to provide power to almost
200,000 U.S. homes for a year or 25 office buildings the size of the Pentagon.
· Partnerships are saving 8.2 trillion Btus annually - equal to the amount of energy contained
in 36 miles of coal-filled raikoad cars.
· Every $1 spent on the Rebuild America program has yielded $19.02 in annual energy savings
and $12.32 in private energy-efficient investments.
What are Rebuild America partnersh.ips?
Rebuild America partnerships are typically spearheaded by municipalities, state governments,
community and economic development agencies, schools and universities, and public housing
authorities.
The partnerships recruit "partners" from their own communities - energy service companies,
lenders, chambers of commerce, manufacturers, nonprofit organizations and others - to
contribute expertise and resources to help the partnership facilitate energy-efficient building
retrofits.
On a broad level, the partnerships:
· Establish goals such as how many buildings and the type of buildings to retrofit and target
energy and dollars savings
· Develop and implement an action plan for achieving goals
· Arrange financing of building improvements
· Conduct energy audits of targeted buildings
· Commission building retrofits, and
· Track building energy performance before and after a retrofit project.
How are Rebuild America partnerships formed?
DOE Rebuild America representatives, in regional offices across the country, work at the state
and local levels to initiate new partnerships. Some state energy offices develop umbrella
partnerships that help establish additional partners at the community-level across the state. Other
local partnerships, led by city governments, nonprofits or school districts, for example, form of
their own accord and share information with neighboring communities that, in mm, begin their
own Rebuild America partnerships.
How do you join Rebuild America?
For information about participating in Rebuild America contact the Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy Clearinghouse at 1-800-363-3732. Information is also available on the
Internet: www.rebuild.org
Rebuild America in Partnership with
ENERGY STAR® for Small Business
Small businesses cpmprise more than half the
U.S. economy, so it is no surprise that small firms
account for over half the commercial sector's
energy use. In fact, most local firms, including
franchises, are "small businesses."
To provide energy-efficiency technical support for
individual small businesses in communities across
the United States, Rebuild America turns to one
of its Strategic Partners, ENERGY STAR®. The
ENERGY STAR program has two basic parts. First,
the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)and the
U.S. Environmental Protection AgenCy (EPA) work
with manufacturers who voluntarily meet energy-
efficiency performance standards to earn the
ENERGY STAR label on equipment and appliances.
This helps consumers make informed purchases.
Second, complementing Rebuild America's
community approach, ENERGY STAR for small
business provides free information, technical
support and public recognition of individual
small businesses.
What resources are available to Rebuild
America representatives?
ENERGY STAR for small business provides an
award-winning Web site at www. energystar. 9ov
and a toll-free hotline at 1-888-STAR YES where
small businesses can 9et help with calculations
and assistance in developin9 energy-savin9
business strategies from ENERGY STAR engineers.
Other resources include:
· Informational brochures for small businesses
· Special Web pages for restaurants, home-
based firms, grocers, retailers, Iodgin9
and others
· "Success stories" of actual energy upgrades
· National awards for small businesses
· Online directory of financing, products and
services featuring Rebuild America Business
Partners
· Zip-code based "store finder" for ENERGY STAR
labeled products
· Free 100-page guide, "Putting Energy into
Profits" (produced in collaboration with Rebuild
America and Main Street)
· Toll-free calls to ENERGY STAR engineers
ENERGY STAR
Snapshots
· Thomas Mott Bed &
Breakfast in Albur9, VT decided energy efficiency
would be a good business investment. The year
before the upgrade, the inn spent $9,400 on
electricity. Afterwards, the annual electricity bill
was $1,370.
The owners of the old farmhouse-turned-inn
installed insulation in wall spaces, a state-of-the-
art boiler, new windows and lights, and switched
the kitchen from electric to gas. The inn also
planted trees around the building, providing
shade and substantially lowering cooling costs in
the summer. The lodge not only saves money
and is more attractive, but it receives high marks
from its customers for its increased comfort.
· Energy-efficiency upgrades implemented by
Community Mercantile in Lawrence, KS have
resulted in yearly savings of about $55,000 and
714,000 kWh. The improvements have also
avoided more than 1 million pounds of CO:
emissions. Owner Andy Lewis says, "1 was
frankly amazed at the quality of savings, and
how that translated into coal not being burned
and COz and sulfur not being released into the
atmosphere."
The upgrade included high-efficiency HVAC
units, programmable thermostats, a new white,
reflective roof, added insulation, T-8 fluorescent
lamps with solid-state ballasts, Iow-E insulated
windows, refrigerated case covers, "tankless"
water heaters, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs)
and light-emitting diode (LED) exit signs.
Lewis says, "With a little creativity and
commitment, changes can be made to greatly
enhance the quality and efficiency of any
business." (continued)
Rebuild America
U.5. Dept. of Energy
Money Isn't All You're Saving
ENERGY STAR wdl recognize Rebuild America
commdr;i~ies on its Web site that submit the
bes{ ~r~all business success stories and will
pub~;~iZe.nationa{ award winners through
media advisories to local radio, television and
newspapers.
Success stories and annual awards cite the
energy and dollars saved, and the.pollution .
prevented by small business upsides. Such
stories raise awareness and enc?r.~a,ge others
to tap into the benefits of the Rebuild America-
.... E~EAGY .STAR strategic partnership:.-.--~
2'
Small businesses can routinely cut~bnergy costs
bYabout 30 perc, ent, and with a well;designecj
upgrade, a small~lSuslness can r, eap:~e~ '~enef ts
immed ate Y. Month-by-month, th~Efl'e~gy
savings will pay for the new equipment with no
net increase in costs. Efficient equipment
"pays its own way" by reducing energy
consumption.
12 Simple Surefire Energy-Savers
1. Turn off lights and equipment when
not in use
2. Buy ENERGY STAR labeled products
3. Install lighting occupant sensors in
appropriate locations
4. Adjust lighting to actual needs by using
free daylightin9
5. Tune-up HVAC system with an annual
maintenance contract
6. Regularly change or clean HVAC filters
7. Install a programmable HVAC thermostat
8. Replace incandescent light bulbs with CFLs
wherever appropriate
9. Install LED exit signs
10. Control direct sun through windows
11. Use fans
12. Plug air leaks with weatherstripping and
caulking
Rebuild America representatives can help small
businesses understand that dollars spent on
wasted energy can be used instead to finance
efficient new equipment. With manufacturers
focused on earnin9 the ENERGY STAR label,
product improvements and innovations make it
easy to save money and prevent pollution.
Working together, F~ebuild America and ENERGY
STAR can help small businesses find financing and
Business Partners with the products and services
ENERGY STAR Snapshots
· Spaan's Cookie Company office building was
built in the early 1900s in the historic town of
Gait, CA. The Spaan family has owned the firm
since 1895. While protecting their history and
architecture, Spaan's implemented a major
lighting retrofit (internal and external), new
HVAC controls, insulation, flooring and windows.
Annual savings of more than $2,300 are
projected, with the 30,570 kwh saved
preventing 38,000 pounds of CO2 emissions.
Sharon Spaan says, "A very clear benefit is the
example of what can be done to bring an old
building up to date and make it efficient, while
maintaining the historical presence."
· Jose O'Shea's Ca£~ and Cantina in Lakewood,
CO has installed energy-efficient lighting, an
efficient HVAC system and improved insulation.
The results can be seen and felt by the
restaurant's customers, and the employees
particularly appreciate the improved restaurant
comfort and appearance. Jose O'Shea's
General Manager Jim Burns estimates savings
of about $11,000 annually on their energy bill.
The 157,000 kWh saved will prevent about
200,000 pounds of CO2 emissions annually.
Now Burns is cooking up more ideas for energy
savings and comfort improvements.
to improve their lighting, office equipment,
heating/air-conditioning systems and building
shell resulting in energy savings, improved
employee productivity and customer comfort.
The "asset value" of the facility can even be
enhanced by the right energy-efficiency
upgrade.
How can Rebuild America representatives
tap the support available from ENERGY STAR for
small business?
Just call toll-free 1-888-STAR YES and ask for
"smail business tech support" or send an e-mail
with your specific request from the Web site at
www. energystar, gov indicating you are a Rebuild
America representative. An ENERGY STAR
representative will send support materials and
call to discuss your needs.
Rebuild America in PartnershiPiwith
ENERGY STARe for CongregationS
Om
America's congregations are the living
embodiment of ou'r religious freedom,
traditions of tolerance and diversity of faiths.
In surveys, nearly 70 percent of Americans say
they are highly influenced by their faith each
day. Congregation members are community
leaders who also own businesses and homes.
Many faith-based organizations themselves
have significant property holdings - including
buildings that could benefit from energy-
saving measures. Add to this that most faiths
teach stewardship of financial and natural
resources, and it is easy to see why Rebuild
America cares about the energy efficiency of
faith-based organizations.
To provide energy-efficiency technical support
for individual congregations in communities
across the United States, Rebuild America
turns to one of its Strategic Partners, ENERGY
STAR®. The ENERGY STAR program has two basic
parts. First, the U.S. Department of Energy
(DOE) and the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) work with manufacturers who
voluntarily meet energy-efficiency performance
standards to earn the ENERGY STAR label on
equipment and appliances. The label helps
consumers make informed purchases.
Second, complementing Rebuild America's
community approach, ENERGY STAR for
congregations provides free information,
technical support and public recognition of the
achievements of individual faith-based
organizations in Rebuild America partnerships.
What resources are available to Rebuild
America representatives?
ENERGY STAR for congregations provides an
award-winning Web site at www. energystar, gov
and a toll-free hotline at 1-888 STAR YES where
faith-based organizations can 9et help with
calculations and energy-savin9 strategies from
ENERGY STAR engineers.
Other resources include:
· Informational brochures for congregations
· Special Web pages for congregations,
residences and small businesses
ENERGY STAR
Snapshots
· Congregation Beth
EI-Keser Israel (BEKI) in New Haven, CT began
lightit~g upgrades in 1999 in its 33,000 square-
foot facility. Recently, BEKI replaced a 40-year-
old air conditioning unit. The new unit will save
more than $6,000 annually and its annual
payment will be less than repair bills for the old
unit. The 36,000 kWh saved will prevent about
62,000 pounds of CO2 emissions annually.
According to Rabbi Jon-Jay Tilsen, "Energy
conservation and environmental concern are
deeply held religious values in Conservative
Judaism."
· Covington Seventh-Day Adventist Church in
Taylor Mill, KY is a 4,800 square-foot facility with
an adjoining elementary school of about 13,500
square feet. The church has upgraded to a new
high efficiency HVAC system, added ceiling fans,
installed programmable thermostats, light-
emitting diode (LED) exit signs and emergency
lighting. The annual savings of more than $2,700
are from 21,740 kWh saved, which prevents
about 48,000 pounds of CO2 emissions annually.
Adam Palmer, building committee chair, says,
"Doubters in the congregation became
convinced once the real financial and
environmental benefits were realized."
· "Success stories" of actual upgrades
· National awards for congregations
· Online directory of financin9, products and
services featurin9 Rebuild America Business
Partners
· Zip-code based "store finder" for ENERGY STAR
labeled products
· Free 100-page guide book, 'Puttin9 Energy
into Stewardship"
· Toll-free calls to ENERGY STAR engineers
(continued)
I~l~uil~l ^rr~ric, a
U..~. Dept. of Ener~Jy
Money Isn't All You're Saving
ENERGY STAR w~ -ognize on its Web site
Rebuild America communities that submit the
best congregation success stories and will
publicize national award winners in media
advisories to local radio, television and
newspapers.
Success stories and awards cite the energy and
dollars saved, and the pollution prevented by a
congregation's upgrades. Such stories raise
awareness and encourage others to tap into
the benefits of the Rebuild America-ENERGY
STAR strategic partnership.
Congregations can cut energy costs by about
30 percent, and with a well-designed efficiency
upgrade, they can benefit almost immediately.
Month-by-month, the savings on energy will
pay for the new equipment with no net
increase in monthly costs. Efficient equipment
"pays its own way" with waste reduction.
12 Simple Surefire Energy-Savers
1. Turn off lights and equipment not in use
2. Buy ENERGY STAR labeled products
3. Install lightin9 occupant sensors in
appropriate locations
4. Adjust lightin9 to actual needs by usin9 free
daylightin9
5. Tune-up HVAC system with an annual
maintenance contract
6. Regularly change or clean HVAC filters
7. Install a programmable HVAC thermostat
8. Replace incandescent light bulbs with
compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) wherever
appropriate
9. Install LED exit signs
10. Control direct sun through windows
11. Use fans
12. Caulk and weatherstrip air leaks
Rebuild America representatives can help
congregations understand that dollars spent on
wasted energy can be used to finance efficient
new equipment. With manufacturers focused
on earnin9 the ENERGY STAR label, product
improvements and innovations make it easy to
save money and prevent pollution.
Working together, Rebuild America and ENERGY
STAR can help congregations find financing and
Business Partners with the products and services
to improve their lightin9, heating/air-conditionin9
systems, office equipment and buildin9 shell
resultin9 in energy savings, improved employee
productivity and member comfort. The "asset
value" of the facility can even be enhanced by
the right energy-efficiency upgrade.
ENERr~.i .~TAR Snapshots
· Bethesda lutheran in Ames, IA has upgraded
the efficiency of its 3S,000 square-foot church
and is saving about $5,000 annually. The 71,500
kWh saved will prevent about 100,300 pounds
of CO2 emissions each year. Lloyd Lockhart,
Bethesda Lutheran's business administrator, says,
"The rooms are more comfortable, lighting in
the halls is good, and our gas and electric bills
are lower."
Bethesda Lutheran achieved the savings by
repladn9 incandescent lamps with CFLs and
installin9 computer controls to regulate the
temperature of only occupied rooms. The church
purchased new energy-efficient freezers for the
food pantry and kitchen, and installed new storm
windows over the stained 9lass windows.
· St. Elizabeth of Hungary, a 19,800 square-
foot church in Wyandotte, MI, upgraded to an
efficient boiler, replaced all incandescent lamps
with halogen lamps and installed an efficient
air-conditioning system and water-saving toilets.
The congregation has saved $11,000 a year in
utilities, and the 114,300 kWh saved will prevent
about 227,200 pounds of CO2 emissions
annually. St. Elizabeth's also plans to install
solar shingles on the rectory 9ara9e roof for a
photovoltaic system to provide solar heated
hot water.
· Sikh Religious Temple in Palatine, IL has
completed a new energy-efficient addition with
the voluntary assistance of National Engineering
Services, Inc. The temple added water-saving
faucets, photo-controls, occupancy sensors for
lighting and a high-efficiency HVAC system.
The temple installed CFLs and high-intensity
metal halide fixtures, resUlting in $720 monthly
savings (12 percent annually) from utility and
maintenance cost reductions.
How can Rebuild America representatives tap
the support available from ENERGY STAR for
congregations?
Just call toll-free 1-888 STAR YES and ask for
"congregations tech support" or send an e-mail
with your specific request from the Web site at
www. energystar, gov indicating you are a Rebuild
America representative. ENERGY STAR will send
support materials and call to discuss your needs.
Rebuild America:
Improving Communities by Saving Energy
Rebuild America is a network of hUndreds of community-based
partnerships across the nation that are dedicated to saving energy,
improving building performance, easing air pollution through reduced
energy demand, and enhancing the quality of life through energy efficiency and
renewable energy technologies. Created by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)in 1994, Rebuild
America serves as a tool for community revitalization and job creation in many U.S. communities.
Rebuild America partnerships are led by municipalities, state agencies, nonprofit organizations,
businesses, schools and universities that are committed to investing in energy-saving building
improvements and redirecting those savings to more productive uses.
This network of partnerships helps communities
adopt more environmentally and economically
sound practices by encouraging smarter energy
use in buildings. Rebuild America helps
communities identify, prioritize and solve energy-
related problems. Partnerships strive to:
· Reduce energy costs in buildings
· Take the smart path to retrofitting existing
· buildings
· Preserve and upgrade historic buildings while
improving energy efficiency
· Build energy efficiency into new facilities
· Tap into renewable energy technologies to
save energy
· Promote energy education in schools
· Encourage the use of alternatively fueled
vehicles
What do Rebuild America partnerships do?
· Establish goals
- Determine how many buildings and what type
of buildings to retrofit
- Estimate investment needed for
improvements and energy and cost savings
· Develop and implement an action plan for
achieving goals
· Conduct energy audits on targeted buildings
· Arrange financing for building improvements
- Commission building retrofits
· Track building energy performance before and
after retrofitting
Rebuild America partnerships target these
market sectors for building improvements and
environmentally sound practices:
· K-12 Schools
· Local and State Government
· Colleges and Universities
· Public and Affordable Housing
· Commercial
Partnership Support
Rebuild America partnerships are further
supported by Business Partners, Strategic
Partners and the DOE national laboratories.
Business Partners are providers of energy-saving
products and services that help partnerships
meet their energy-saving goals. Rebuild America
is also strengthened by its links to its Strategic
Partners, typically national organizations whose
memberships share common ground with market
sectors served by Rebuild America. Through its
collaboration with Rebuild America, Strategic
Partners are better equipped to address energy-
related issues that impact their constituents.
DOE national laboratories provide valuable
assistance to partnerships in the form of on-site
visits, technical support, software, guidebooks
and other resources.
How can I find out more about Rebuild America?
For information about participating in Rebuild
America, contact the DOE Energy Efficiency
and Renewable Energy Clearinghouse at
1-800-363-3732. Information is also available on
the Web: wwvv. rebuild, or9.
Rebuild America
U.5.' DeFt,. of Energy
Rebuild ' merica's EnergySmart Scnools:
Helping Schools Make Smart Choices
About Energy
EnergySmart Sch'ools is part of Rebuild America, a U.S. Department of
Energy (DOE) program that focuses on improving communities
nationwide through energy efficiency. For more about the overall Rebuild
America program, see reverse side of this page.
In many school districts, energy costs are second only to salaries. Energy costs exceed the cost of
supplies and books. Nationally, K-12 schools spend more than $5 billion annually on energy and,
according to DOE, at least 25 percent of that could be saved through smarter energy management.
Energy improvements could reduce school energy costs by over $1.5 billion each year.
Rebuild America's EnergySmart Schools build
partnerships with K-12 Schools to:
· Raise awareness of the operational and
instructional benefits of making smart choices
about energy
· Act as a catalyst to leverage public and private
resources to develop and support schools that
incorporate energy-smart building designs and
improvements as well as energy education
· Provide technical assistance, products and
services for energy solutions
· Encourage energy efficiency and renewable
energy practices in the K-12 academic setting
to cultivate future decision-makers
Why be an EnergySmart School?
· To use the physical environment of the
school as a "lab" for student learning about
energy use.
· To get schools to implement energy-saving
strategies that save money, help children learn
about energy, and that create improved
teaching and learning environments.
· To teach students the importance of energy
conservation and efficiency through hands-on
lessons.
· To involve students, parents; teachers and the
community in energy-saving efforts.
· To help the environment by adopting energy-
efficient practices that reduce energy
consumption and the impacts and pollutants
that power production generates.
· To explore renewable energy technologies and
alternatively fueled transportation options
· To become advocates for implementing
energy-efficiency strategies.
How can I get involved in Rebuild America's
EnergySmart Schools?
Contact the DOE Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy Clearinghouse (EREC) at
1-800:353-3732. EREC can provide you with
information and put you in contact with your
state representatives for:
· Technical information about improving the
energy efficiency of your school
· Guidelines for designing energy-efficient
schools
· EnergySmart Schools resources and materials
for educators, parents and students
The opportunity to build an energy smart
generation is here. EnergySmart Schools is
working to ensure that those who make decisions
about energy use in schools have the
understanding and tools they need to make wise
choices about creating better teaching and
learning environments.
EnergySmart Schools use energy wisely to
reap rewards that last for generations.
· More money for teaching and learning
· Better environments for educating students
· Increased understanding of energy issues
For more information, visit the Rebuild America
Web site at www. ret~uild, or9 and click on
EnergySmart Schools.
the
Buildings for
21st Century
Rebuil l America
Rebuild Treasure Valley Idaho
Over the past 2 1/2 years, Idaho has developed
a successful State Rebuild America program
with mo~e than 15 community partnerships,
including the state's two largest school dis-
tricts, the first and third largest universities, the
state's most populous county and second and
fourth largest cities. The partnership's quick
success is due in large part to its personal con-
viction for capturing resource and energy say-
ings within a community. During this time,
Idaho has made significant positive changes
and hopes to continue the trend with their new
program.
In 1995, the Urban Land Institute was asked to
assemble an advisory services panel on growth
management strategies for the Treasure Valley,
Idaho, region. Through the panel's and Boise
Mayor Brent Cole's recommendation, local gov-
ernments in the Treasure Valley met for the first
time in June 1997, as the Treasure Valley
Institute.
tainability within the Treasure Valley. The
development of two key partnerships, Ada
County and the City of Caldwell, located in
Canyon County, bordering Ada County, has
built momentum within the Valley and offers
further potential for new partnerships within
the seven other valley communities.
The Treasure Va/leg encompasstng Ada and Canyon
Counties, is working together to enhance the economic
and environmental sustainability of the region.
The Treasure Vafley Partnership
Agreement
In June 1997, a platform for partnership devel-
opment and program implementation was
composed and signed as the Treasure Valley
Partnership (TVP). The TVP partnership com-
mitted to working together to balance land use,
transportation, economic development and
environmental protection goals. The goal of the
project is to enhance economic development,
community well-being and environmental sus-
PARTNERSHIP FACTS:
· Targeted Buildings:
City and county buildings, school facilities, college
and university buildings
· Total Square Footage:
Over 9 million square feet
· Pollution Prevention:
COz-~z6 million lbs, SOz-E83,4m lbs, NOx-E5,9oo
lbs. in emission reductions
The focus of the Rebuild Treasure Valley Idaho
project is the conservation of energy and more
efficient use of existing buildings and their sup-
porting resources. Through this new approach,
a win-win scenario will be developed to enhance
the local and regional environment by imple-
menting performance contracting, allowing
Treasure Valley Community Partnership to move
beyond their largest barrier--lack of funds for
building improvements.
· Estimated Cost Savings:
Potential for ~13 million of private investment in
municipal, school and college/university
buildings, and the potential t'or ~;3~ million of
present value energy savings. Each energy
dollar saved circulates throughout the
community an average of [o times
OFFICE OF BUll.DING TECHNOL, OGY, STATE ~.ND COPIPIUNITY PROGR~,HS
ENERGY EFFICIENCY ~,ND RENEW~.tBI.E ENERGY · U.'S. DEP~,RTHENT OF ENERGY
BUll,DING
How TVP Will Work
This project will seek to utilize performance con-
tracting to retrofit over 9 million square feet of
municipal, K-12 schools, and college and univer-
sity buildings in the Treasure Valley area over a
tWo-year period. The first year will focus on
implementing a municipal program, an effort to
establish Rebuild Idaho partnerships within the
nine TVP cities and counties and beginning a
process of performance contracting, in the sec-
ond year, a committee of mayors and county
commissioners from the partnership will directly
market the program to Treasure Valley K-12
school districts and universities.
Each community, school district, and college and
university will develop a five-year energy and
resource use action plan as Rebuild Idaho part-
nerships. These plans will contain a shared set
of efficiency principles and long-term sustainable
actions that will add value to existing cooperative
efforts and create a greater sense of regional
cohesion and community.
Current expenditures for water and energy in
Valley municipal, K-12 and college/university
buildings exceed $18 million annually. A sub-
stantial 20-30 percent of these dollars could be
saved and put to other uses such as new cur-
riculum, improved building air quality and build-
ing infrastructure maintenance.
The Potential to Shine
There is great potential for this partnership to
affect the quality of life for a large percentage (35
percent) of Idaho's population. The quality of the
municipal, K-12 schools, college and university
buildings will be greatly enhanced, benefiting
those who work and study within them.
To date, Rebuild America grants have exceeded
expectations. Goals and objectives from the
most recent Rebuild Idaho work were achieved
within the first year of the two-year grant cycle.
Rebuild Idaho's staff has continued to develop
model approaches to community partnership
development, already establishing tWo commu-
nity partnerships consisting of county, city and
Ada Coun~ Commbsioners stand in front of the new
cou~house, currently under construction.
school district partners. There is no doubt that
this new program will continue to make Idaho a
leader.
TO LEARN MORE AeOUT TIlE TREASURE VALLEY PARTNERSIIlP, COIITACT:
Sue Seifert, Program Lead
Idaho Department of Water Resources-Energy Division
1301 N, Orchard Street · Boise, ID · 83706
Phone: (208) 327-7973; Fax: (208) 327-7866
Email: sseifert@idwr, state.id.us
Visit the Rebuild America Web site at: www. rebuild.org
Or call the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Clearinghouse at: 1-800-DOE-3732
Janua~ 2001
· ~ Business News ?uDiishing Co. ii, LLL;
ENERGY MANAGEMENT FOR THE COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL
Rebuild America:
)artnersnips -or ne -uture
DOE provides technical assistance to end users needing assistance
BY DANIEL SZE
In 1995, the U.S.
Department of Energy
(DOE) created Rebuild
America--a voluntary,
community partnership-
based program--to help com-
munities reduce energy waste.
The program is part of the
President's Climate Change
Action Plan. Today, 380
Rebuild America partnerships
across the country'are com-
mitted to improving their
communities through energy-
efficiency and renewable ener-
gy technologies.
Rebuild America is a net-
work of community partner-
ships -- made up of municipal-
ities, state agencies, schools
and universities, nonprofit
organizations, and businesses
-- that save money by reduc-
ing energy consumption in
buildings. Through Rebuild
America. hundreds of commu-
nities and businesses are sav-
ing energy dollars and rein-
vesting in the community by
creating jobs and performing
building energy retrofits.
Rebuild America partnerships
nationwide tailor programs to
Rebuild America is a network
of community partnerships--
made up of municipalities,
state agencies, schools and
universities, nonprofit
organizations, and businesses--
that save money by
reducing energy consumption
in buildings.
local needs, choosing which
buildings to renovate, the tech-
nologies to use, and how much
energy to save. These efforts
help protect the environment
by significantly reducing the
amount of pollutants released
in the air. Rebuild America
partnerships in 53 U.S. states
and territories have completed
or committed to building
retrofits representing 715 mil-
lion square feet (ft:).
Avoiding Energy Waste
The United States wastes
$[2 billion every year due to
inefficient and outdated build-
ing energy technologies. Such
waste can be readily avoided
today given the building tech-
nology available. Rebuild
America strives to build
awareness among community
leaders about the high price
communities pay for ineffi-
cient buildings--and how
wasted energy dollars can be
redirected to pay for building
improvements instead.
Rebuild America informs peo-
ple about the relationship
between building efficiency
and demand for fossil fuels. In
addition, Rebuild America
helps communities realize eco-
nomic development through
job creation by investing in
energy-efficient buildings.
The heart of the Rebuild
America program, its commu-
nity-based partnerships,
receives important support
from strategic and business
partners. This triad creates a
dynamic that serves to
strengthen partnerships and
keep the program growing in
new directions.
Rebuild America partner-
ships are typically spearhead-
ed by a community champion
who serves as the driver of the
fledgling partnership. The
champion recruits partners
from the community--energy
service companies, utilities,
government agencies, lenders,
chambers of commerce, manu-
facturers, nonprofit organiza-
tions, and others--who can
contribute expertise and
resources to help the partner-
ship implement energy-effi-
ciency building retrofits and
incorporate renewable energy
technologies.
Rebuild America strategic
partners are national associa-
tions and organizations that
help promote energy-efficien-
cy and renewable technologies
to their members and foster a
better understanding of the
energy issues that these groups
face. Strategic partners cur-
rently serve audiences in K-12
schools, colleges and universi-
ties, state energy offices, ener-
gy service companies, public
housing, and state legislatures.
Through combined communi-
cations and service programs,
Rebuild America and its
strategic partners will develop
and deliver useful resources to
partnerships.
Rebuild America business
partners include providers of
products, services, financing,
information, research, training,
assistance, and consulting serv-
ices that serve the energy-effi-
ciency sector. The business
partners provide services that
benefit community partner-
ships and expand the market
for energy-efficient products,
practices, and services.
Rebuild America partner-
Partnership
Portland (OR) Partners for
Energy Efficiency
Wisconsin Energy Initiative-2
Re'build Boston Energy Initiative
Seattle City Light
Rebuild Colorado
1500 Days: Central Ohio
Energy Efficiency Project
Rebuild Duke University Facilities
Energy Works, MO
Rebuild Webster City, IA
Idaho State University
Energy Retrofits to Date
[~ (millions)]
63.9
Energy Retrofits Goal
[~ (millions)]
26.9
39.8
19.5
15.7
9.6
6.1
9.9
30.7
15.3
17.5
10
3.25
2.75
2
1.3
3.25
56.5
3.5
1.5
ships save money by reducing
energy in buildings that can be
grouped into the following cat-
egories or market sectors: local
and state government, com-
mercial buildings, public/multi-
family housing, K-12 schools,
and colleges and universities.
Increasingly, Rebuild America
is working with Native
pal and state governments
presents enormous opportuni-
ties and challenges. Energy
costs--for operating offices,
schools, libraries, colleges, pub-
lic housing, medical facilities,
police stations, fire stations,
correctional facilities, airports,
and other facilities--represent
5% to 7% of local and state
Sixty-six Rebuild America
partnerships are working to make
a difference in the public and
assisted housing sector through
energy efficiency.
American tribes to save ener-
gy on reservations and put the
dollars saved to productive
uses.
Local and State
Government Buildings
In the U.S., the more than
16 billion ftz of building space
under the purview of munici-
government annual expendi-
tures. Fixed-site energy costs in
state and local governments
total about $30 billion annual-
ly, and electricity costs account
for nearly 75% of energy
expenses. Improved energy
efficiency can achieve conser-
vative savings of 10%, or $3
billion, annually with a total
investment of between $13 bil-
lion and $20 billion. Dozens of
Rebuild America partnerships
are aiming higher with goals of
achieving energy savings of 20
to 30% in local and state gov-
ernment buildings.
Over 120 Rebuild America
partnerships are led by the
mayor or town manager's
office and benefit from the
existing local government
infrastructure and resources.
More than 40 Rebuild
America partnerships are
operated by state govern-
ments-typically under the
auspices of the state energy
office--with many serving as
umbrella partnerships that
support other local partner-
ships throughout the state. By
implementing energy improve-
ments to municipal and state
government buildings, Rebuild
America partnerships are
helping to reduce government
operating expenses, resulting
in savings that can benefit the
taxpayers. One strategic part-
ner, the National Association
of State Energy Officials, is
helping Rebuild America part-
nerships understand the impli-
cations of public benefits
charges in the restructured
Rising to the P' dio Challenge
The focus of Rebuild Presidio, a Rebuild
America partnership, is on improving 800 build-
ings at the Presidio, a former military-base-
turned-National-Park that occupies 1480 acres of
prime real estate surrounded by the San
Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Today, the
Presidio is a national park that is home to eodan-
gered birds and insects as well as a growing
number of residential and commercial tenants
who are rehabilitating the former military build-
ings. Over 470 of the Presidio's buildings are his-
toric, some dating back to
1860.
When the Presidio was
transitioning from a military
base to a national park, Cyane
Dandridge, executive director
of Strategic Energy
Innovations, saw an opportu-
nity to help shape an energy- .
efficient future for the proper- --- ~
ty by launching a Rebuild -5 '~
America partnership. ?~
Founded in 1998, Rebuild t'
Presidio is jointly led by a Cyane
nonprofit organization, the
Presidio Alliance, and the government
agency/owner that manages the Presidio, the
Presidio Trust. The Alliance has no authority to
perform building improvements; its role is to
motivate the Presidio Trust, the tenants, and the
public, to adopt green building practices in ren-
ovating buildings on site.
Dandridge, a Rebuild America program repre-
sentative, saw great potential for optimizing the
Presidio's future with a well planned and coordi-
nated program. It is now up to Leanne Hoadley,
executive director of the Presidio Alliance and
June Barnard of the Trust to persevere and sup-
port the vision as the energy champions and
implementers of energy-efficiency initiatives.
Dandridge has served as a mentor, guiding
the partnership through its formative stage and
around a number of obstacles in close coordina-
tion with Hoadley and Barnard. Hoadley moti-
vates tenants to comply with energy-efficient
and green building practices, while Barnard
motivates the Trust to comply with the same
practices for their buildings and provides sup-
port and guidance to tenants retrofitting build-
ings. One challenge facing the partnership is the
fact that historic buildings in California are not
required to comply with the state energy-effi-
ciency code. To overcome this, Rebuild Presidio
helped develop the Green Building Guidelines to
incorporate into its lease agreement with com-
mercial tenants. To strengthen this stance,
Rebuild Presidio has also embarked on an edu-
cational and awareness campaign to help
ensure that prime tenants pass the guidelines on
to sub-tenants.
Dandridge has organized Rebuild America
peer forums at the Presidio to help Rebuild
Presidio keep its focus and benefit from the
exchange of ideas and solutions for proceeding
with energy-efficiency projects. This better
equipped Rebuild Presidio partners to define
their direction and
Oandridge
actions, ultimately lead-
ing to greater success.
"It helps them to see that
they are not alone in their
pursuit of community
improvement, but part of
a national Rebuild
America movement,"
says Dandridge.
In October 2000,
Hoadley and Dandridge
organized an Energy
Challenge of Presidio
tenants, Rebuild America
representatives, energy service providers, and
historic preservationists to form energy teams,
review tenant facilities, and recommend build-
ing-related energy improvements. The Energy
Challenge wilt also explore the possibilit7 of ten-
ant participation in aggregate-buying arrange-
merits to purchase lighting equipment, HVAC
equipment, and other supplies. As a separate
effort, Oandridge helped to arrange a volume
purchase of compact fluorescent lamps through
a Pacific Gas & Electric program only available to
multi-unit dwellings.
Rebuild Presidio also stepped up to the plate
to address the issue of having all the Presidio
buildings operating off a single utility meter, mak-
lng it impossible to track energy consumption by
individual tenant. The partnership has helped
arranged the installation of individual metering
for 68 tenants who will be able to access their
energy consumption data via the Internet.
Hoadley credits Dandridge for helping the
partnership keep its focus and maneuver around
obstacles to elicit tenant buy-in to energy-effi-
cient building practices. "It's helped to make us
stronger and more effective," Hoadley says.
"She held our hand and now we hold the hands
of our tenants."
For further information, email Cyane
Dandridge at cyane@hooked.net or Leanne
Hoadley at leannehoadley@hotmail.com.
utilities marketplace.
Commercial Buildings
Rebuild America partner-
ships seek opportunities to save
money by reducing energy con-
sumption in commercial pri-
vate sector buildings, including
office buildings, retail establish-
ments, hospitals, community
centers, hotels, casinos, and
other types of buildings. Sixty-
five percent of commercial
buildings in this count~ were
built before 1.979; many are
prime candidates for energy-
efficiency improvements. In
1997, commercial buildings
accounted for about 16% of
total energy consumption in the
U.S., and building owners paid
about $100 billion for electrici-
ty. natural gas, fuel oil, and dis-
trict heat, according to the
Energy Information
Administration. These energy
costs could be reduced by an
estimated 30% with the instal-
lation of appropriate energy-
efficienc.v measures.
Rebuild America partner-
ships are reaching out to build-
ing owners, property managers,
and businesses to help them
achieve greater efficiencies in
the lighting, space heating, cool-
ing, and water heating expenses
that today account for over
60% of total commercial ener-
gy use. Partnerships perform
energy audits on commercial
buildings and provide building
owners with reports detailing
recommended improvements,
associated costs, and often,
financing options. Some are
prepared to implement or man-
age the installation of energy-
efficiency improvements. Many
businesses in the energy-effi-
ciency sector have teamed with
Rebuild America partnerships
to implement energy retrofits
in commercial buildings. When
building owners invest in ener-
gy-efficient buildings, jobs are
often created, communities are
enhanced, and the local econo-
my gets a boost.
Public/Multifamily Housing
Dozens of Rebuild America
partnerships are working to
make a difference in the public
It Takes an £ ,ergy Champion
In the Rebuild America program, dedicated individuals who "cham-
pion the cause"to implement energy-efficiency improvements in build-
ings are known as energy champions. As the engines that drive the
energy retrofitting of buildings, energy champions face a number of
challenges in getting a retrofit project off the ground.
Glen Kizer, president of the Foundation for Energy Efficiency and
leader of a Rebuild America partnership known as 1500 Oays: The
Central Ohio Energy Efficiency Project, has Solid experience in nurtur-
ing energy champions to implement energy improvements in restau-
rants, corporate offices, theaters, school systems, colleges, and a
prison.
An energy champion in his own right, Kizer has worked tirelessly in
both the public and private sector to facilitate the use of energy-effi-
ciency measures and renewable technology. "You must have a person
on the other side of the boundary," Kizer says. "An insider who will help
advance the effort. You educate that one person, and they will open the
door for you. You don't need to educate a team starting out, but you
need that one key individual to understand what you are trying to do."
Kizer advocates installing photovoltaic (PV) solar panel arrays in
schools to serve as a supplemental energy source and as an edoca-
tional tool for students. In his efforts to hold sway with school district
decision-makers, he has discovered that arranging peer-to-peer con-
tacts can help win advocates for energy-efficiency retrofits and
groom energy champions. When trying to sell a school district on a PV
panel array, Kizer has found that school board presidents will listen to
other school board presidents who have "been there," superintend-
ents will listen to other superintendents, and so on. Those who have
already bought into the P¥ concept present a compelling example for
their peers and, in effect, "sell" the project, he says.
Kizer says an energy champion does not have to necessarily remain
in the loop throughout the whole process, but must be successful in
advancing the proposal to the decision-maker at the next level. "You
need someone willing to make the call and pass it on," he says. "You're
like a spider building a web. Ask more people to join in. It's the people
you don't invite who may become enemies of the project later."
Getting an energy-efficiency project approved in the private sector
is a less arduous task, Kizer says. The point about saving dollars by saw
lng energy is reason enough for many to make energy-efficiency
improvements, Kizer says. "The facilities managers have their eye on
the bottom line," he says. "They are happy to have the tools."
Partnership leader Glen Kizer, center, poses with Longfellow Elementary
School Principal Steve Petercsak, left, and Fred Blosser, superintendent of
the Canton City Schools next to a solar array at Longfellow Elementary
School in Westerville, OH.
Kizer is working with Ashland Chemical at their 1 million ft' corporate
campus in Hilliard, OH, on a Rebuild America Partnership Award cere-
mony this spring to celebrate their energy-efficient retrofits. Ashland,
which is saving about $300,000 per year on energy expenses, intro-
duced lighting upgrades, occupancy sensors, HVAC improvements, and
a cogeneration system. "Ashland has one of the most environmentally
friendly buildings in Ohio," says Kizer. "They are also great mentors. If
another company isn't sure that a large retrofit project is a good idea, I
send them to Ashland Chemical, and they do the convincing peer to
peer,"
What motivates Kizer to motivate energy champions?
"People believe these issues come down to a choice between the
environment and jobs--but it's not true. There are ten different ways to
go, and many of the approaches allow for both jobs and reduced envi-
ronmental impacts. The key is to do the analysis and then make the
decisions that are energy smart. It is my job to get my targets to agree
to do the analysis. The rest is easy."
For more information, email Glen Kizer at gkizer@century surety, cum
and affordable multi-family
housing sector through energy
efficiency. Many buildings in
this sector have outdated, inef-
ficient heating, cooling, and
lighting systems; energy
upgrades can yield substantial
savings. Increasingly, partner-
ships active in downtown revi-
talization and redevelopment
efforts are including neighbor-
ing public and assisted housing
developments [n their plans.
Nationwide, nearly 5 million
multifamily and single-family
housing units are subsidized by
the U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban
Development, so the potential
for improvement is significant.
When energy-efficiency
improvements are implement-
ed in multifamily buildings in
the public and assisted housing
sector, the entire neighborhood
benefits in terms of community
improvement and job creation,
and families benefit from more
comfortable and affordable liv-
ing environments. CommUnity
investment in energy efficiency
is a revitalization tool that can
bring hope to many downtown
areas that have been in decline
for decades. The National
Association of Housing and
Redevelopment Officials, a
leading housing and communi-
ty development advocate for
adequate housing and viable
communities for both low- and
moderate-income groups, has
become a strategic partner of
Rebuild America to assist local
housing authority partners with
resource and implementation
issues.
K-12 Schools
Improving energy efficiency
in the nation's K-12 schools
will not only result in energy
savings, but may also free up
funds to pay for books, com-
puters, and teachers. The U.S.
has 112,000 K-12 schools, both
Over the next seven years, we will need to build
5000 new schools just to keep pace with our growing
student population. We need nearly half of these
schools within the next three years.
public and private. Our schools
are aging: the a~erage school
building is 42 years old.
Seventy-three percent of our
public schools were built
before 1970. The Department
of Energy estimates that the
nation spends $6 billion each
year on energy costs for
schools--about 25% more
than necessary.
A 1995 Government
Accounting Office report says
it would cost $112 billion to put
the nation's schools in good
repair. Those costs are signifi-
cantly higher today. Over the
next seven years, we will need
to build 5000 new schools just
to keep pace with our growing
student population. We need
nearly half of these schools
within the next three years.
Rebuild America partner-
ships are committed to per-
forming energy retrofits on
schools representing roughly 95
million ft2. Rebuild America
has impacted more than 1,000
schools across the nation.
School districts across the
country are taking steps to
reduce energy consumption by
upgrading equipment and
employing energy-efficient
strategies. Rebuild America's
EnergySmart Schools cam-
paign is committed to helping
schools design and construct
buildings that provide better
learning environments, employ
green or sustainable building
practices, and teach kids about
smart energy use. Numerous
Rebuild America partnerships
are introducing photovoltaic
solar arrays to schools to help
them meet their energy needs
cost effectively and to serve as
a teaching tool for students.
Colleges and Universities
The potential for saving
money through energy-effi-
ciency improvements to cam-
pus buildings of the nation's
4000 higher education institu-
tions is substantial. U.S. cam-
puses collectively have more
than 280,000 buildings totaling
4 billion ft: and spend $18 bil-
lion each year on facilities
operations, maintenance, and
construction. Budgets for ener-
gy costs exceed $7 billion and
account for 25 to 40% of oper-
ating budgets. The need for
improvements is great, given
that the median age of build-
ings in this sector is 28 years. A
recent survey shows that col-
leges and universities have
deferred more than $26 billion
in maintenance needs.
Rebuild America partner-
ships are engaged in improving
facilities in the higher educa-
tion sector. As the hub of inno-
vation and progress for many
communities, colleges and uni-
versities participating in
Rebuild America can serve as
important community role
models. Many have energy
professionals on their facilities
management team who take a
well-considered and compre,
hensive approach to energy
management that includes
building energy auditing,
design of energy improve-
ments, construction manage-
ment. metering and monitor-
ing, data analysis and report-
ing. and project financing.
Some partnerships have made
a significant impact on operat-
ing expenses by implementing
campus-wide lighting improve-
ments and upgrading and
replacing mechanical equip-
ment and controls. The facility
improvements achieved are
contributing to keeping these
campuses strong and vibrant to
serve the students of the future.
The Association of Higher
Education Facilities Officers
has become a strategic partner
of Rebuild America in an
effort to provide guidance and
resources to its members and
to strengthen the program's
education market sectors, eun
About the author: Daniel Sze is
National Program Manager of
Rebuild America. For more
information about Rebuil.d
America, visit www. rebuild.org
or contact the Energy Efficiency
and Renewable Energy Clearing-
house at 1-800-363-3732.
U.S. Department of~Energy.. OffiCe o~ Energy Efficiency and Renewable~Ene
January -Fe. br.,u..arY 2002
UNH Bolsters
Energy
Leadership
Early December marked a milestone in
the energy-efficient efforts of the
University of New I-Iampshire (UNH),
as a leader in building energy
performance joined forces with Rebuild
America. This alliance is unique because
of the level of information sharing that is
bound to occur, benefiting colleges and
un/versifies, as well as other
partnerships, across the country.
Making smart energy decisions for 25
years, UNH, located in Durham, ranks in
the top 5 percent of energy-efficient
research universities in the country,
based on dam analyzed by the U.S.
Department of Energy's Oak Ridge
National Laboratory. Even with this
ranking, reported in Higher Education
Continued on page 11
INSIDE
3 View from DC
4 Garman Speaks on US Energy Policy
5 Solutions: Window uPgrades
proVide Ene~g~j"i~'~i~i~ ~ ,:,.. ,,{.
6 Technology- Refle~tive RoOfs Save.
Energy and MoneYi::i
8'
10 Budding ~en~ Solves .~mb!ems
~w~th .Ener~-~aent Sol~ons
: .~ :,'.,..5~~~~
www. rebuild. Org · DOE/EE-0259 ........
Portland Pushes Ahead with
New Fuel Technologies
The historic Portland Building will be modernized with an
efficiency sweep that will shut down lights throughout the
building at the same time every evening.
The City of Portland and
the Portland Partners for
Energy F. ffidency (P:EO are
paving the way for American
cities to aggressively explore
cleaner and less expensive
sources of fuel for city
projects. With several active
projects throughout the city, a
case could be made that
Portland is fast becoming the
most energy-efficient city in
America.
7 p.m. - Lights Out
One major project underway
is the installation of a light sweep control in the famous, dmvntown Portland Building.
The city is installing new controls in the government office building that will
automatically shut off the lights every evening after employees have left for the day.
Controls will be put in floors 2 through 15. The technology already was tested on one
floor and showed a 29 percent reduction in lighting energy use.
The project will cost $70,000 to complete, but Portland General Electric is working
with the City of Portland to offer a $26,000 rebate to help with costs. The city is
funding the remaining $44,000, with the investment projected to pay for itself in only
1.2 years. The project was completed in December, and energy savings are expected
tO be about 500,000-kWh per year.
The Portland Building, designed by Michael Graves in 1980, resides on a 200-
square-foot city block and has been hailed as an icon of the post-modern movement
among American architects. It was seen as both innovative and controversial when it
was completed 21 years ago, and over time the building has become a defining
feature of Portland.
Taking Rebuild America to the Streets
Energy-efficient efforts are moving outside Portland's buildings to the city streets.
Portland energy management officials are busy making traffic lights throughout the city
energy efficient by replacing traditional incandescent lights with highly efficient light
emitting diode (LED) lamps. Portland officials had tested this technology befbre, but
until recently LED lamps were cost prohibitive given the low electric rates in the
Northwest. Now, LED prices have dropped, just as electricity prices have risen, and
utilities are offehng worthwhile incentives to convert to the more efficient technology.
The project is moving quickly, thanks in part to the city's option to lease LED lamps
rather than purchase them. The approach allows a leasing subsidiary of Washington
Continued on page 7
w
School Energy Officials Share at
EnergySmart Schools Roundtable
Collaborating on energy-e~cient issues in education at the November
EnergySmart Schools Roundtable.
November's EnergySmart Schools Roundtable, hosted by
the National Association of Counties, provided the setting for
industry and organizational representatives to discuss
educational tools, information pathways, and how to integrate
efforts to improve EnergySmart Schools.
Energy efficiency leaders, architects, teachers and
policymakers sat down on November 15 to find common
ground in their quest to provide comfortable learning
environments for students and faculty, while boosting the
energy efficiency of educational buildings across the country.
"We want to give people a campaign that's customizable,"
one attendee said, exPlaining that energy information tailored
to its recipients is far more beneficial than general material.
Rebuild America EnergySmart Schools is dedicated to
improving energy efficiency in K-12 schools. Through hands-
on leaming exercises in the classroom and energy retrofits on
facilities, schools save money, lower pollution and educate a
new generation on the benefits of efficient energy use.
The roundtable served as a forum for representatives from
various groups involved in schools and energy education or
energy-saving improvements to convene and share ideas.
Representatives from the National School Board Association,
Project learning Tree, Association of School Business
Officials, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as
well as EnergySmart Schools, among other groups, attended
the roundtable. Nornm Dulin of the Growth Factor and
EnergySmart Schools Coordinator Blanche Sheinkopf
presided over the meeting.
A primary focus of the discussion was how various parties
could share knowledge and disseminate information more
effectively. Organizations like the Alliance to Save Energy,
which runs the Green Schools program, and Project Learning
Tree, host of theme-based workshops in all 50 states, offered
to share information on their projects and educational tools.
Some members suggested that a Web site with customized
information from all these groups through a single portal -
like EnergySmart Schools - would be helpful.
Roundtable participants also discussed some of their less
successful efforts at information sharing and provided
suggestions for improvement. Several architects pointed to
efforts in Pennsylvania, Georgia and Virginia to standardize
school building design that were hampered by poor
information sharing. Representatives from EPA emphasized
the need to integrate indoor air quality requirements for
schools into discussions on energy efficiency to "bring a
more holistic view of the school" into decision-making.
For more information on EnergySmart Schools and the
roundtable, contact Blanche Sbeinkopf at 321- 779-3 76 or
bsheinkopf~energo,sm~rtschools, net.
Snap Shot
Jeff BrOwn has worked with
Rebuild America for over five
wridng in 1995 and most recently
enlisting as sales and customer
service manager in 1998. Jeff Brown
Vital Statistics
Lives in Spring Hope, NC, with wife, Kristen, 'an auditor
with the North Carolina Department of Revenue. Has four
children - three daughters and one son. Kelly is a senior at
the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Lindsey is a
junior at Southern Nash High School; Ryan is in fifth grade;
and Matthew attends preschool.
How long have you been working with
Rebuild America ?
I've been active in Rebuild America at the state and
national level since 1995. In 1995, I wrote the first Rebuild
America Special Projects Grant for North Carolina while I
was the buildings and community program manager for the
North Carolina Department of Commerce, Energy Division.
From 1995 to 1997 I managed the implementation of North
Carolina's Rebuild America activities, incorporating $800,000
worth of oil overcharge funding to support the development
and expansion of 17 Rebuild America Community
Partnerships.
In 1997, I joined Aspen Systems Corporation as a national
Rebuild America program representative. And in 1998, I
began managing Rebuild America's national sales and
customer service activities.
Continued on page 10
~1~ U.S. Deoartment of Enerav
With New Rebuild
Michigan Now All
States are Partnerships
As Rebuild ,Mnerica
surpasses the 400th
partnership mark. the
state of Michigan
holds a celebration of
its own - launching
the first Rebuild
,~erica parmership in
the state and
becoming the last state
in the union to join
the U.S. Department
of Energy (DOE)
program.
Rebuild Michigan will encourage the development of
community energy projects thcoughout the state. The state
partnership will look for one or two communities with strong
civic ties among businesses and neighborhoods, as well as some
experience in energy efficiency'. But ultimately decisions on
retrofits and financing will be made at the local level.
· 'The type of building retrofits will depend largely on what the
community feels they need," says Kelly Launder, Rebuild
Michigan program coordinator.
Michigan officially ended its streak as the only state in the
U.S. without a Rebuild America program by signing up at the
state level. Launder says that the slate applied for DOE support
in Rebuild America's Ftrst year but was not chosen. The state
tried again in 2001 and received that assistance.
"The DOE Chicago Regional Support Office was instrumental
in encouraging our 2001 application .... it was always in our
minds to reapply, but other priorities and program needs
intervened," says Launder.
AccOrding to a bulletin announcing its launch, "The primary
focus of Rebuild Michigan is to reduce energy' use in
commercial, institutional and multifamily buildings. However,
each community will determine its own needs and may decide
to include other components, such as developing renewable
ene~oy and the use of alternative transportation fuels."
Rebuild Michigan has yet to decide on an organizational
structure for the partnership, Launder says. But they plan to
launch a pilot-scale program "to see what works best for
Michigan communities," she explains.
"in the meantime, we will talk with people who have more
Rebuild America experience than we do to explore options and
to build a model for success here," Launder says.
For more infi)rmation on Rebuild Michigan, contact Program
Coordinator Kelly Launder at klaund@michigan.gov.
With a new year Upon us, it's time to take a look back
at our achievements, identify areas for improvement and
look~ to the challengeS'and the promise of 2002. Here are
a few of the Rebuild America highlights of 2001:
In cities - Two major cities formed Rebuild America
partnerships in the latter Part of the Year. The City of
Houston and the City of Denver are on board with
progressive plans for using energy-saving measures as a
catalyst for community improvement. '.
In schools-~ Rebuild America continues tO make :i .
· hea;fiway' ~' efforts tO improve th~ lea~g and teaching
environment through energy-efficient improv~ements.
Fairfax .County 1)ublic SchOOls Distfi~, .V.A,' the largest
i. ~fea~ in'its 'iCh°°bTc,,~r0riiia s ~ CO~m C°sta
i:i~'.Un'!fled 'Sch°0! ~a pi~tnerstfip begafi.'re~fitting
,-'~;<- t~b--miacUe'ich~l ~ii:ori~ to'deinbnstrate' eii~rgy-
:' :::'~efficien~'iechniSi0~i"wiih'i{dp'frrrn 8vet i0 BUSiness '
In small towns - Ford City, PA, a town that suffered
economically with the closing of a glass manufacturing
plant in the early 1990Si is on the rebound with help
from Rebuild America. The Ford City parmership is
incorporating energy-effident technologies in its efforts to
redevelop the site of the abandoned plant and create
incubator office space to attract new businesses to the
waterfront site. (See the September/October 2001 issue
of Partner &~date for more &mils.)
In public housing - Stark Metropolitan Homing
Authority, a partner of Rebuild Ohio, serves as an
example of how pamnerships can improve housing for
'seniors. Stark's redevelopment of low-income, senior
housing in Canton, OH, included an extensive retrofit
and installation of a geothermal heating and cooling
system. (See the November/December 2001 issue of
Partner Update for more details.)
On campuses- The University of New Hampshire
(UNH), a'parmer of Rebuild New Hampshire, was
formaLly recognized in December. Its energy:efficient
practices are an integral part of campus life, involving
administrators, maintenance personnel, faculty and
students. (See page I of this issue for more on UNH.)
In energy education, GetSmart About Energy, an
interactive CD-ROM for teachers and students, was
introduced. The program contains energy activities
aligned with .National Science Foundation standards.
' . . ', Continued on'page 7
U.S. DePartment Of Energy
Garman Highlights President's Energy Plan,
Focuses on Energy Efficiency
Assistant Secretary for
Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy
David Garman
Focusing on energy efficiency,
Assistant Secretary for Energy
Efficiency and Renewable Energy
David Gannan detailed the
president's plan for ensuring the
nation's energy security. Garman
delivered his mid-November address
to a gathering of professionals,
students, government workers and
other interested parties.
Garman spoke at the National
Building Museum, explaining that it
serves as an example for the future.
He said the structure blends classic architecture with 21st
century energy efficiency and building performance.
"It makes sense to meld our best technology with the
past," he added.
His speech discussed the U.S. Department of Energy's
(DOE) vision for the future. He said emerging technology
will enable the U.S. to substantially trim its energy use, while
avoiding current pollution loads.
Garman highlighted President George Bush's National
Energy Policy which contains a series of recommendations
for securing our nation's energy supply. The president and
DOE envision homeowners selling electricity back to the
grid, generating power with wind turbines or solar shingles,
vehicles running on fuel cells, and melding information
technology with architectural and building technology. This
will ensure building operations run in a "transparent,
seamless manner," critical to the nation's energy security.
More than half of the plan's 105 recommendations focus
on energy efficiency and the use of renewable fuels, he
continued. Energy-efficient renovation and construction
efforts supported by Rebuild America and Building America
will help secure our energy supply,, protect the environment
and begin the cultural shift, Garman said.
Noting that industrial and commercial buildings consume
the greatest amount of energy in the US, and that buildings
are directly and indirectly responsible for one-third of carbon
dioxide emissions, Garman emphasized that citizens, business
and govemmem can preserve the nation's energy security
and reduce pollution by improving building performance.
He continued that energy education is vital, because
builders usually only examine first costs - or the cost of
construction - yet rarely the costs after the building is sold.
"They're not paying the bills," Garman said, as he explained
that programs, like Rebuild America and Building America ,
are working to change that mindsec
ceremony to celebrate its o ~...'i/.'.~These offices'were the'
Second of three busin~es 'tO~x;~;int0 the rebated ::..~'~.5:..':5
· .~, ,,.'q' ? <~i:i';Y:5,vY'-4:.~",~:;:;~,~.: ~:,%,,~5b.;~:.~:~'5.~?.5,' 5,~73 ,'.' 7,~.~i,~;..,[(:~)',z:~- .'~',,,....
aEyJ. nooneo wRrel'lOUSe."-":'< :'*"' ' .... "[-'~' ' '" : ......... -
At the ceremony, Upt6wn Shelby Ass°ciatiori' Board of ~he Uptown &e/by ASSo~'ietlon - lead plrtner ;f Rebuild Shelby -
Directors ~ Mike ~ said,.."In ,every town, holds a ribbon cutting ceremony for their new highly energy-efficient
' offices that were Uptown Shelby revitalization effort.
there are th~e wh6:~' ~nd' ~tk, but mo~mre am those
· -~ .......... ~ -;,, c.;-'..,.,v~q;~ ~ ..... ~ ~, .:,.: :
~who dre;/m;'tilk' ant at.-..,.'~",';':'.7:!.`:? %': ...... : ';'":~ ..... " '"'-"
. . , ......... -'.z- .? .... ~'~;.~ .... . . ' ..:..-
· :.:~ ,(iSi: Rcbuil.d...S,h..elby, :.1~ bY:. ~Ted_' ,~Al~~,' .e~. ~e ~Ct,o..r'.~ ~--;.15.i .~ge.d. ~e. ~nt~ :O,gn of the .,,ia¥op5 so ,that, dead
· , :'a' t t/6 UiSi°°,h-i'Sl/ert~'~ti3'fi?~"tur/i~d;).r,5 ~ iht6:'" 'sPiiae;. sud/.'~'is dOseis and bathro0.~ ~;m.on the exposed
. ~/eality.' Ren%afi°n '6t' i ievi~rea/~vacani~ 'alloWed ":~ Sidi/' o1' the b(iilding,"pm'Viding'a cushi0h o1' insulation The
1'~r lighting chs~geot~ts, healing; ventilatiOn ano...c~g . building also.has a cool roof painted white and a vestibule,
.system Upgrades,.insulltion and W~them-trippiiigiTh~ proje~ which acts as'an air 18ck. " ' Continued on page
· - '!:--'??.; .?~::):,.,. &;: ,.: .."-. ~ _:,-:- '.: '?~;,'' ..'.-'' ::'
' '.'..* :.. '~:r:i. > . - ,'-%'%', - ..x:, -'",~.' :-
U.S.' Oeoar~m~n* ~f I~n~rnv
Window Upgrades Provide Energy Benefits to
New and Existing Construction
TRACO, a leading
manufacturer of energy-
efficient aluminum and
vinyl windows and doors,
ioined Rebuild America in
April 2001. TRACO
provides expertise to all
Rebuild America sectors
with a strong base in the
K-12 market. Experts from
TRACO visit pro}ect sites
and discuss individual
school needs with school
boards, principals, teachers
and facility managers.
Recently, TRACO undertook the challenge of restoring and
replacing windows in the Empire State Building and the Statue
of Liberty. Its officials faced the task of searching for energy-
efficient solutions while respecting the historic integrity of the
landmark buildings, last May, TRACO also served as an
official sponsor for the Rebuild America's Energy Treasure
Hunt Program in Northern California's We~t Contra Costa
Unified School District.
Partner Update spoke with Tony Bartorillo, architectural
services manager and main Business Partner contact, about
trends in retrofitting, working with historic buildings, and why
partnerships should consider window upgrades when striving
for energy efficiency.
Question: What are the most important
trends in the retrofit market?
As material and construction costs increase for new
construction projects, it becomes more affordable and cost
effective to renovate existing buildings. There is an abundance
of buildings available for renovation. For instance, many
schools were built for baby boomers. Later generations are
smaller and require less school space. These properties
provide an excellent source of assisted living facilities, senior
housing and even office space. Not only are these properties
available at a very competitive price, the renovations are
typically minimal and, therefore, cost effective. A renovation
project also shrinks construction time allowing for quick
occupancy.
Q: Is energy efficiency top-of-mind for today's
customers?
Energy efficiency is a major factor in product selection.
Heightened awareness frequently comes from accessibility of
information through the Intemet. For example, a few years
ago, Low-E glass was considered a little known, additional
cost that didn't provide much value Today, Low-E glass is
standard glazing for many manufacturers. It also is required
to meet fedentl, state and local ener~' codes.
(3: You have done extensive work with the
Statue of Liberty and the Empire State
building. What were some of the challenges
in tackling these projects?
TRACO is ve~' proud of our selection as window
manufacturer for the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State
Building. These projects posed many challenges. Did you
know that the Statue of Liberty is the most recognized
structure in the world? Well, it is, and that made our job
tricky. We had to maintain the statue's aesthetics while
developing material for renovation.
The tn'st challenge was that the windows were
manufactured from solid bronze. Plus the windows were
varying sizes, shapes, angles and curvatures. A template had
to be made for each individual opening, with each solid
bronze window handcrafted to fit its opening. As an added
feature, the new windows pivot to the interior. This allows
the exterior of the windows to be cleaned from inside the
statue's crown.
The Empire State Building also had special requirements.
TRACO had to design a window product that would
withstand the stringent design
pressures of a 102-story
building. After scraping
through many layers and years
of paint, we realized that the
original windows were
actually red. We had to stay
true to the original color. The
new windows also have a tilt
feature that allows for safe
and inexpensive cleaning from
inside the building.
Q: How does working on historic buildings
differ from retrofitting more modern
structures?
When working on historic buildings, we have to
coordinate closely with the National Park Service, Historic
Preservation Society and many state, county and local
historical societies. Each project is unique and governed by
different set of rules and guidelines. Producing a window
and pane system that maintains sightlines, profiles, muntin
configurations and overall aesthetics is difficult.
Continued on page
U.S. Department of Energy 5
TECHNOLOGY ~h !~?!!i~! '~'"'~ ---, . --~ ,....-- .~!:~,~:':'~,~-';4' .,.~
Reflective Roofs Save Energy and Money:
Recent Studies and New Financial Incentives
Bolster Use of CoOl Roofs
J ,, _...52 ;.-- .~.~'~
A cool roofing s~em, like this one on an ~zona high school,
is a durable, a~ra~ive and energy~dent t~hnolog~
~e ~ have lek ~e effe~ o~ ~rk vem~ ]i~t do~g on
a su~y su~er ~y. ~e~use ~rk co]om re~e~ less sol~
ene~, we ~ow a haw blue s~ is hot and a pale ye~ow
top is cool ~e same p~ciples govern roof tem~ms.
R~fle~ive rooting ~ste~ are b~d on ~e s~ple p~dple
· at iight~olored roo~ matemls ~e for a c~] roo~ by
mfl~g more of ~e sun's ~ys. ~ of w~ch ~lates to
ener~ co~e~adon and cos~ ~v~gs. Recent successes
cool tool tec~olo~, ~du~g sm~es by ~e U.S.
Depa~em o~ ~er~ (DOD, U,S. ~n~o~en~l Prote~on
Agen~ (~P~) and re~ofit-~cendve pro~ ~ C~o~,
po~t [o ~temst ~ [~m~m~m~onffo~g r~g wste~.
S~dies by ~e Flod~ Sol~ ~er~ Center and ~e ~PA
co~ ~at mfle~ve r~s made of poi~yl cHofi&
member, or o~er s~e-ply ~te~is, ~ reduce
con~do~g u~ cos~ by as mu~ ~ 50 percent. ~d
cool~g de.nd dung p~k houm can ~ de~eased by 10
percent to 15 pemem, redu~g de.nd on ~e
~d. Accord~g to ~e ~A, $~ b~on ~ spent a~u~y
· e U~ted S~:es to a~ con.don bu~gs, w~ ~
17 percent of ~ ele~ct~ gene~ted ~ ~e U.S. each year.
Sarnafii's EnergySrnart® White Reflective Roof
Provides Bright Savings
A recent DOE and EPA study, conducted by the Heat
Island Group at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory,
shows that white reflective roofs substantially cut summertime
air-conditioning energy use and costs. Specifically, the study
looked at the savings and power-demand associated with a
Samaf'fl Energy'Smart* reflective roof, retrofitted on a large
retail store in Austin, TX.
The new roof reduced the average summertime roof
temperature of the store from 168°F to 126°E Peak air-
conditioning demand fell by 35-1dlowatts - a 14 percent drop
that translates 'into monthly savings of $490. With an 11
percent decrease in total air conditioner energy use, this
100,000-square-foot building is expected to save about
$65,000 over the life of the roof.
California Incentives Draw Businesses to Use
Cool Roofs
The State of California is the first to offer cash rebates for
companies to replace dark roof'mg surfaces with highly
reflective surfaces, such as single-ply vinyl roof membranes.
The incentives, offered through the Califomia Energy
Commission Cool Roof Retrofit Program, apply to iow-slope
roofs on non-residential or multi-family buildings that are
mechanically cooled in the summer. The program offers
financial incentives to replace dark roofs reflecting less than
30 percent of sunlight with non-metallic cool roofs reflecting
at least 65 percent.
While the incentives save money up front, the most
significant savings come in reduced energy consumption over
years of use. According to the California Energy Commission,
cool roofs reduce peak electricity demand, the "heat island"
effect and air pollution, as well as improve building comfort
For mom information on cool roof technology, contact Bill
Miller with Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Buildings
Technology Cent~ at 865-5743013, visit
hltp://wum~.ornl.gov/roofs+walls/facts/RadiationControl, htm,
or contact Peter D'Antonio with Sarnafil Inc, at 800-576-2358.
· ' i Continued from page 4" ::' :: ? :? ~.... ': 1573::!:~ ?~:i).'i'!::' · :5 :' :':: ...A&4~aciation has brought attentlon:to. Rebuild Shelby and the
:.142:::,~!0 spite of.the ener~.:i~.~?...~jjnuch~jbf.the ms:de, of.~¢~:3receiv'ed, technical s~pport from.~.build America and the ",,..
· ';~,~.f'~ b~mg remmns~~O~f~ were l&.ft:::;,~...'~--::,:~x-~:;, U.S; Depamnent of. _F4!ergy soak Ridge National Laboratory, '
::-:. intact, ~ were the p _last'.ei';.bi;ilding materials ~d as a ·' : · '
~eJb~'~.d?s.:rit?.bofi:.~.ttm. g!s Ng n~ for ;?.7:;;".:~°~.~.m°re.. t_n _f°nnati°n on RebuildSbelby; COntact Ted
.. and energy-efficaent eff0rl~.',-~g b~..ex~n.~ ple, ~.,:..4 '.~ .; :~ .: ~!~:~?-:. z: /-:~"~x:'·:-.:' ::: ,.:': 54i:: ;'.¥:.~.:: .. ,'.;, :. ':...'~::;..::':. :" .. :':-
Continued from page 1
Portland Pushes Ahead with New Fuel Technologies
A Portland street
light with
incandescent
bulbs in retrofitted
with high-
efficiency light
emi~ing diodes.
Mutual Bank to receive a 35 percent state business energy
tax credit. Through the lease ageement, the credit is shared
between the private and public sectors.
"Saving energy is nice, but it's always nice when you can
save money on the capital cost of the project too," says Curt
Nichols, Portland's energy manager and a 1999 Rebuild
America Energy Champion. Nichols, who was given the
Association of Professional Energy Managers' "Energy
Manager of the Year" award in 2000, is proud of the city's
accomplishments. "Based on projects completed as of last
summer, our energy projects .have saved the city - and our
taxpayers - more than $9 million," Nichols adds.
It will cost $2.2 million to retrofit more than 14,000 traffic
signal lamps throughout the city, but the savings are
projected to be 5,262,000-kWh annually. That's enough
electricity to power neady 440 typical Portland homes. At
current electric rates, it will save the city $368,000 per year.
Utility rebates from Pacific Gas and Electric and Pacific
Power equal $797,000, and the business energy mx credit
will net the city $522,000.
The traffic lighting project, which includes a retrofit of all
red and green traffic signal lights, flashing amber beacons
and light rail transit signals was completed in late 2001.
Timing is Everything
Future energy-efficient projects are already in the works.
The City of Pordand recently received notice from the
Climate Trust that its proposal for traffic signal optimization
has been approved. The city, the Oregon Department of
Transportation and Washington County created this joint
proposal.
Traffic signal optimization is a low-cost, effective way to
save fuel and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. This is
accomplished by evaluating the old equipment that controls
traffic signals to better facilitate traffic flow on major and
minor roadways.
The project will begin next year. Funding from the Climate
Trust will provide three quarters of the cost for 16-signal
optimization projects over five years.
Reduce, Renew
Reducing energy is a goal for Portland. However, the city
is working on renewable energy projects too. Portland is in
the process of adding four 30-kilowatt biogas-powered
microturbines at the city's primary wastewater treatment plant
to operate beside award-winning fuel cells. Both
environmentally, friendly technologies - the fuel cells and the
microturbines - will turn waste methane into electricity and
usable heat.
Portland also is planning to erect a wind turbine on
property near the Portland Intemational Airport. This will be
the first modem "urban windmill" in the Un/ted States. It will
generate power for city facilities on that property, and any
surplus power will be directed back to the electric grid
through a net metering agreement with the local electric
utility, Pacific Power.
The city is currently obtaining bids for solar-powered
parking pay stations. Pay stations are placed in the middle of
a block and will replace individual parking meters. The new
pay stations will provide additional payment options for
anyone parking in Portland, as well as eliminate the
maintenance problems associated with old, mechanical-style
parking meters. The pay stations also will provide a Nghiy
visible example of solar energy for Portland residents.
As a further commitment to reducing fossil fuel use, cutting
carbon dioxide gas emissions, and encouraging others to use
new, more efficient technologies, the city has ordered 30
Toyota Priuses to become part of the city's fleet. While this is
likely the largest single purchase in the Paciflc Northwest, it
is just the start of many hybrid electric vehicle purchases
Portland expects to make over the next few years.
The p,E: partnership was launched in 1996 and has
surpassed its parmership goals by over 64 percent. The
partnership has retrofitted more than 64-million square feet
of building space in the public and private sectors.
For more information on Portland partners for Energy
Efficiency contact Curt Nichols at curt~ci.portland, or. us.
Active Physics Puts a Friendly Face on
High School Science
Members of the
Rebuild America
community are teaming
up with the National
Science Foundation to
shore up support for a
new high school science
curriculum called Active Physics. The program is geared
toward ninth grade students and teaches them how to
uncover the physics of every day life.
Fifteen thousand students in Arkansas' Lit-de Rock School
District already benefit from the curriculum each year. The
school district, along with its partnership, Rebuild Little
Rock, is the fa-st to successfully integrate Active Physics into
its curriculum. Energy efficiency and building performance
are now an integral part of the district's science curriculum,
helping students understand the effects of science on their
daily activities and teaching them how science can improve
their environment. The program also encourages students
who fall behind, or aren't inspired, in science and
mathematics to take a physics class.
Students in Arkansas have actually learned to like physics,
thanks to Active Physics. A Little Rock student was quoted
in The Christian Science Monitor last winter saying, "I always
thought physics sounded evil, but anytt~g that makes you
think can't be bad. And it's a really fun class."
Rebuild America Lights Up the Classroom
Working with textbook company It's About Time, several
Rebuild America partnerships are helping to produce a
physics chapter titled Light up My Life. The chapter uses an
inquiry-based, or problem/solution, approach to physics
curricula. The chapter analyzes how school lighting works
and how it can be made more efficient. Students tackle a
variety of challenges that enable them to determine how
lighting is part of physics. For example, as part of the
course, students are instructed to "develop and present a
lamplighters plan for improvement of the existing
environment of your choosing." As part of the plan, students
analyze existing lighting-environment functions, energy
consumption and costs, and then decipher and propose an
on the findings.
Active Physics Is
Practical Science
City and local officials also
have hailed the program as a
means to get young people
enthused about science and
community issues. In addition
to learning about earth sciences
- like why sunsets glow orange
and what determines the force
of a tornado - according to
Barbara Pardue, executive
director of the Arkansas
Department of Economic Development, students learn
practical skills like how to build insulation, study its heat
consumption and detemzine where it's losing energy
The program is building support among a variety of
sources. Representatives from Rebuild America, the National
Science Foundation, It's About Time, Business Partners and
Little Rock School District met in Washington, DC in mid-
'November to discuss the future of Active Physics within the
Rebuild America program. Issues discussed included
strategies for implementing the Light Up My Life chapter,
incorporating the chapter into Rebuild America K-12
parmerships and recruiting new schools.
For more informatio, o, Active Physics, contact Kirk Bond
at I~'rk. bond@pnl.gov.
Seattle and Boston
Regional Peer Forums
a Success
Recently. Rebuild America partnership, program and
customer service representatives gathered on the East and
West coasts for regional peer fbn.~ms that highlighted team
building, parmership successes and challenges, and ne~v and
emerging technology.
The three-day Seattle Regional Peer Forum took Place in
November. Over 60 participants contributed to workshops
that focused on energy,' challenges and solutions for citY
management, K-12 schools and con'u-nercial buildings.
Cyane Dandridge, Rebuild America program
representative for Rebuild Presidio, and Sue Sieffert,
Rebuild Idaho lead, coordinated with Paul John.son and
Richard Putnam of the Seattle Regional Office to create a
unique meeting, moderating Panel discussions and
presentations from parmership leaders, Business Partners and
goverrmnent officials. Speakers like Mayor Garret Nancolas
of Calwell, ID, and Seattle City Councilman Riehurd Conlln
proved that local government officials are hearing and
responding to Rebuild America's efforts.
The high point of the meeting occurred on day two when
At the Boston Regional Peer Forum, customer service, state and partnership
representatives tackle community partnership challenges together.
attendees gathered in teams to develop step-by-step
approaches to addressing hypothetical energy problems. To
do tNs, individuals analyzed issues in their respective
challenge and consulted different stations hosted by energy
industry experts. The groups then reconvened to talk about
their findings. Challenges were issued in six categories:
affordable housing, schools, city energy management,
commercial buildings, small business and university
campuses. These activities were followed by sessions based
on actual challenges Rebuild America partnerships are facing
in schools, public housing and local government.
In early December, the Boston Regional Peer Forum
brought Northeast Rebuild America program representatives
and partnerships together in Nashua, NH, in a similar
fashion. The two-day forum incorporated team building,
Il ~ i. _
Rebuild America colleagues at the Seattle Regional Peer Forum included
(~ing in th~ front, from le~) Meli~~a Pode~a, Sue 5eife~, Cyane
Dandridg~, Hoather Mulligan, Paul Johnson, Glenn Sato, Ri~ard Putnam
pa~ersNp success stories and ch~lenges, and ~b~ation
on new and emergMg energy-efficient tec~ologies.
Boston Region T~m Leader G~g Davo~n toge~er wi~
Debo~ ~ and Cyane Dan~dge from Customer
Semice orgaMzed a ~e-up of sp~ers, sessio~ ~d
ne~or~g evenm. %e peer forum w= Mcked off by ~e
U~miW of N~ Hmps~e pa~e~Np launch event on
December 4, wNch &ew local television news coverage.
~nn ~~, d~e~or of ~e New Hamps~e
Govemofs O~ce of Ener~ and Co~u~ Se~ices, lauded
· e uMve~i~'s acNevement and emp~ized ~at ~ was
possible to gaM bo~ econo~c and env~omenml benefi~
~ough ener~f~cient practices. Wi~ ener~ savMgs of $4
~ion a~ually, L~ has been reducing ~ee~ouse
e~siom by 14,000 tons, she said. C~e R~nfd~,
~sismnt d~ector of ~e U.S. Depament of Ener~'s Boston
Regional Office, noted ~at ~ was "ready to be a leader"
M ener~ efficien~ and credited ~e t~eless effo~ of
Rebu~d New Hampsh~e Manager ~k Stone, a catalyst
be~d ~e ~ pa~ership, and Ma~a~ Manoogian for
· e~ s=ong leadership and suppo~ at ~e s~m level.
Customer Se~ice Team Leader Jeff Bro~ and ~ Ener~
Manager J~ Dombrosk joMed Stone M offe~g public
co~en~ about ~e universi~ and Rebu~d ~erica. (See
page 1 of tNs issue for more on ~.)
Program, state and customer se~ice representatives met on
· e F~st ~y of ~e forum to discuss ~e framework and
se~ices provided ~ough Rebuild ~efica. %e second day
fo~sed on Rebu~d ~erica's relationsNp with pa~ersNps.
Representatives of ~e Universi~ New Hampsh~e and Ci~
of N~ Haven, ~, pa~nerships presented the higNigh~ of
· e~ substantial ener~-saving Mitiatives. Forum a~endees
also gamed Msight ~to cu~ent ener~ secu~ and
tec~olo~ issues t~ough iMormation sessio~ given by
Desig~gh~ Conso~iu~W No~heast Ener~ Efficien~
Pa~ersNps, inc., the Conse~ation Law Foundation
and o~ers.
For more information on &e Searle R~ional Pe~ Fontm,
contact Richard Putnam at ~chard.putnamOee. d~.gov.
For more information on &e Boston Regional Pe~ Fom~m
contact Greg Davor~ at greg.davor~Oee, d~.gov.
U.S. Department of Energy
Building America
Solving Problems with
Energy Efficiency
A recent peer reviewed article from Building America
details how problem solving that focuses on improving
building energy efficiency leads to solutions that quickly and
inexpensively benefit consumers, manufacturers and society.
At issue were concems that many homes in the Southeast
United States had moisture accumulating in their
infrastructure. This moisture damaged wood parts, enabled
the growth of mold and softened wallboard. Building
America, a sister program of Rebuild America, investigated
the problem from an energy performance standpoint and
made a series of recommendations that corrected the
moisture problem.
"Rather than install something else to try and fix the
problem or, worse, ignore it altogether, the team examined
the buildings' energy performance, found flaws and ftxed
them," Building America's George James says.
The focus of the investigation by the Building America
Industrlali~ed Housing Partnership (BAIHP), and led by
the Florida Solar Energy Center, was 25 manufactured homes
debilitated by moisture. These Housing and Urban
Development-code (HUD) homes were built in a factory and
transported to their present location.
Researchers with BAIHP conducted several intensive field
tests that revealed pertinent information. The BAIHP team
found the moisture problem did not stand alone. It was
partially caused by the inadequate design of heating,
ventilating, and air conditioning systems, and other aspects
of the homes. In many homes the air conditioning thermostat
w~ set below ~e e~efior dew po~t temperature, ak-
con~fio~g syste~ were ove~ized, and unbalanced a~
pr~sures e~ted across and wi~ ~e building envelope. ~e
homes also were located ~ hot, hued states, had ventilation
syste~ ~al ~ere el&er not ~ use or broken, and crawl
spaces ~at were ~adequately dm~ed or ventilated.
To solve ~e moisture problem, B~HP reco~ended
keep~g ~e ~side temperature above ~e exxefior dew po~t,
tightly seal~g duc~ork and ~mll~g properly sized
equipment. Action was token, and at le~t one H~-code
home ~nufa~rer and a B~HP pa~er repo~ed "no
moisture vapor related failures on new homes" last year. The
reco~en~fio~ also save ~ousan~ ~ ener~ cos~ for
co~umers and caU-back cos~ for ~e ~nufacmrer. Most
~teres~gly, it cost ~e fa~o~ at most S10 per home to
~co~o~te ~e B~HP suggestions.
~. Submto ~ wi~ ~e Flofi~ Solar Ener~ Center
sMred ~is experience wi~ ~sismnt Secrem~ of Ener~
Efficienw ~d Renewable Ener~ David Ga~an dung
Ga~n's November ad,ess at &e National Bufld~g
Museu~ November. (Please see page 4 of this issue for ~i1
coverage of Ga~n's speech.) ~e B~ ~vesfiga~on is an
e~mple of how ~prov~g ~e efficienW of bufld~gs can save
money ~d ener~ by el~at~g o~er visible and u~oreseen
problems.
In 1999, the Flo~ So~r Enc~ Ca~t~ w~ com~titive~y
chos~ to lead B~ in i~ goal to '~ &e n~nt(actured
bo~ng indmt~ ~ fost~ng technolo~-~ed inno~tiom &at
~1l imreme ~ ~c~ &rough a ~st~ ~gine~ng of
&e who~ ho~e." Caval~ Ho~, C~ Ho~, F~e~d
Ho~, Palm Har~r Hom~ a~ South~ E~ Hom~,
wb~e bo~ ~ &e foc~ of the instigation, are B~
team ~.
For more infom~tion, contact ~e Ja~ at
g~eja~&ee.d~.gov.
Continued from page 2
Snap Shot
How did you get into this line of work?
After receiving my undergraduate degree in Business
Admires' tmtion and Economics from Campbell University,
I worked for a large, international, forest-products
manufaCtUring company. In 1980, I moved on to regional
management of a national, retail food chain, and in 1985 I
joined the North Carolina Department of Commerce,
Energy Division.
Being a licensed building contractor at the time, I had
knowledge of, and interest in, how buildings performed, as
well as how they are built. I wanted to be in an environment
where I could acquire even more knowledge. And of all the
programs I worked with in the Energy Division, I saw
Rebuild America as the perfect platform for communities to
find solutions to their energy' problems.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your
work?
Working with an extremely dedicated team and successfully
interacting with people on the local level who are acting on
their desire to improve their community. There is an end
product that has dear economic and societal benefits.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Coach soccer, work our land, be with my family.
What is your dream job?
Teaching high school political science or social studies and
coaching the United States Women's National Soccer Team.
What is your dream vacation?
A month in a bungalow over a quiet lagoon in Tahiti with
no telephone, cell phone or laptop.
Continued from page 5
Window Upgrades Provide Energy Benefits to New and
Existing Construct/on
Historic muntins, for example, are typically three-quarters
to seven-eighths of an inch wide. It is nearly impossible to
maintain such a narrow muntin profile and incorporate
modern insulating glass, which is twice, as heavy as the
original single glazing. Other factors, such as structural
performance and egress requirements, also need to be
addressed. Overall, historic projects require attention to detail
that needs to be developed on an individual, per-job basis.
O: How long does it take to benefit
monetarily from an investment in new
windows?
The payback period for fenestration products is a very
important factor. Window replacement can be perceived as
an expensive aspect of an overall renovation project, with a
lengthy payback period. Often this can defer window
replacement, with the money allocated for windows
sometimes spent elsewhere within the project for quicker
paybacks.
Windows are a big-ticket item, which can account for a
liberal amount of any project's budget. But the upfront
investment is worth it, because the payback is typically far
more substantial in terms of annual savings. Let's say new
energy-efficient windows in a school reduce heating and
cooling costs by $30,000 annually, with a payback period of
12 years. This may appear to be a lengthy return on the
original investment. However, after 12 years, the school will
have $30,000 available each year for other projects.
For more in~brmation on ugndow retrofits, ~sit
t~ww. traco.com, or contact To%v Bartorillo at 724- 776-7080 or
tony. bartorillo@traco.com.
· ,~;~L.~z,..~.~!.,.. ~:, ~. ..-,~.~,:,~i~o,~.:4~;~,:~::~.~!~i~ff: ~: -.,~ ~ ..... .r.~ ..~ ~ ~. ~ ..... ,~. < ~-~ ....
~ ' ~-- ~.a~ - _ [ [ ~a,/~::~ ~e ~ ~aor h~ ~ 'con~uo~' ~we n~er let
~~ [ h~ m~ d~g ~a co~g new~b~gs. ~
~~~ ~ ~ w~ to 1~ ~m Rebuild ~ a~ut new ~d
'~~?~ ~ eme~g opemfiom ~d ~Mte~ce pr~edu~ to e~re
~: '"-~ ~ ~e cmpus' m~g ~ one of ~e most e~oent
res~rch
= .?'" ~ ~ ~ .... . ·
~~~.~-~~ ~ . . ~ ,~' =um~om ~ound. ~e um, em,~ also ho~ to ~on be
~~~";~ r able to mo~tor ~d =~ ener~ me ~d ~v~ ~ order to
~~'~::: fred flaws, iden~ solu~o~ to
~o~ ~11 co~ ~em ~d d~ment best
Energy Performance Indicatom, a Rebuild America/
Assodation of Highey Education Facilities Officers report,
campus leaders realized the potential for learning from and
providing insight on successes to Rebuild America.
'q~he University of New Hampshire is a terrific example of
an energy-efficient university campus .... Rebuild America is
pleased to help UNH increase its efficiency even beyond
where it is now," said Mike MacDomald of Oak Ridge
National Laboratory.
UNH has incorporated energy-smart measures into the
design and operation of campus buildings over the course of
four decades. Through a series of building retrofits and
educational programs, the university has haved $4 million
annually in energy costs compared to the national average.
Efforts included lighting change°uts, reVamped building
control systems and new motors, and educating maintenance
and operations staff, students and faculty on energy
efficiency.
The driver behind this cut in i~nergy COnsumption is
actually two-fold - upper-le~,e! <ampu~ Offi .chls who are
keenly aware of energ3; effici~cy~!and its': benefits; 'and an
aggressive program in operation for. decades. Assistance from
practices.
UNH decided that joining
- ~ Rebuild America would boost the
school's ability to procure
information on energy efficiency
and disseminate what it has
learned. Rather than reinvent the
wheel, the campus chose to tap
into the vast information and
education bank that Rebuild
America offers its parmerships.
Infommtion pathways are
Thompson Hall
already in the works. The New
Hampshire Go3emor's Office of Energy and Community
Services is active in UNH activities, and Dombrosk hopes
that this parmership resembles a two-direction highway in
the-exchange of information and anecdotes.
"Leaming, improving, sharing: These are the things I hope
the RebUild America parmership brings, helping UNH
maintain its high energy-efficiency ranking," Dombrosk'
For more. informat¥on on UNH's commitment to energy
efficiency, visit www. energy, unh.edu. ~ ~ ' ....
'; ", ':'~ ~" '~"'/ "/'~-' ::" :':" '; .... ' ~,i:5~ ".: .:L
: '.~::d "-:~".:'~.U"' p ': - -
..:' :. ' U.S. De rt ntof Energy
February
7-8 ~aluation Modeling for Project F'mance
Marriott West Loop, Houston, TX
www. inf(wastinc, co~. advpfO202_agenda2.htm
10.13 National Association of Regulatory Utility
Commi~e, siollers W'mter Committee Meetings
Hyatt Regency Washington on .Capitol Hill,
~,~slfington, DC ~.~it
u~zc zv. na ruc. org/Meetings/winter/2OO2 /index. htm.
11-13 National Association of State Energy Officials
2002 Energy Outlook Conference
Westin Grand, Washington, DC
l~sit www. naseo.org/events/outlook/default, htm.
13 Rebuild America and Southern c~llforllia
Edison' Energy Technology Sellli~al'
Irwindale, CA '
Contact Doug Avery at da veryOlbl~ov
26 Rebuild America and Lawrence Berkeley
National Laboratory Lighting Best .Practices
8-11 TechAdva~tag~:2002
Dallas Convention Center, Dallas; TX
7~sit ~vw. techadvantage, org.
19-21 Electric Power 2002 Conference & E~hlhition
America Center, St. Louis MO
Wait www. electHcpotterexpo.com.
27-28 GLOBALCON 2002
Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia, PA
Wait wum~.aeecente~.org/Shows.
New Partnerships
· Montgomery County, OH
· Elmira City School District, NY
· City of Quincy Community Redevelopment Agency, FL
· Central State University, OH
· University of Cincinnati, OH
· Rebuild Denver: A Sustainability Initiative, CO
· Nampa School District, ID
· Boise State University, ID
· Heschong Mahone Grou p, CA
· Virginia Beach City Public Schools, VA
NEW! America Help Line 202-466-7868
To submit news-or st°ry jdeaS,~ Contact:
Maureen O'Brien, 202-466-7391, or email '~
mobrien@pcgPr.'com ": - -" -:~.~ ..... ' ":": :.- ':"~:~"~.'~-'::' :~
Marketing and Communications
Check Us Out:
Rebuild America is a
network of partnerships -
focused on communities -
IP~uil~/~11~rica that save money by saving
energy. These voluntary partnerships choose to
improve the quality of life in their communities
through energy efficiency. Rebuild America
suppo~s them with customized assistance
backed by technical and business experts and
resources.
Published bimonthly by the U.S. Department
of Energy to report on Rebuild America
activities, Partner Update now incorporates
news from Buildin9 America and High
Performance Buildings, energy-efficient
initiatives of the Office of Buildin9 Technology,
State and Community Programs.
-a.;at,,,~ .~'_T_I ,~,,,$ High
/~[!{1(~[~:~ Performance
Department of Energy ~ Pi U I L O I N G S
www. rebuild, org or ?-800-DOF'-3732
_' ':' '-'. "~ ~ ""~'--:i.:i:..' ' '.,. ':- - ' i ).i'i'~ i:4 '~-- -' ·- '.:--'
.-.'
REBUILD AMERICA - : ~ U.S; DEPARTMENT OF
Office OF Building Technology, ~i: :'
: State and Communit~ Programs:.
"U.S. Department of Energy ..... - -"
1000 Independence AVenue, SW.
Washington, DC 20585-0121