ECO’s outreach to help homeowners achieve conservation. Project Green Light works with local churches so their members can become better stewards of creation. By participating in workshops and home energy inspections, congregations of faith can take substantial steps towards lowering their carbon footprint and demonstrating to other residents how to become better stewards of our natural heritage.

Certificate
Welcome Letter
Documents
Brochure
Do It Now
Enrollment Form
Unitarian Universalist
New Creation Church

First Congregational Church
Immaculate Conception
Trinity Presbyterian Church
Record Your Utility Bills
Inspectors
House Energy Inspections
Enrollment Information
Wasting Energy
Project Green Light Trinity PowerPoint
Project Green Light UUGathering PowerPoint

GREEN IDEAS FOR A SUSTAINABLE GREEN DOWNTOWN

1) What does being Green really mean?

• the focus of this discussion will be how a business community turns from brown to green
• being green includes both how the business is run, how it sources its products and services, the building envelope and what it does with its waste
• want to dispel the notion that being green means higher overhead, greater expense with little in return
• being green will not only have a dramatic effect on costs of operations, make an impact being a better steward of this precious place (which is presumably why the customer/tourist is here), but will also help market the business or downtown community

2)    Taking Some Big Green Steps

I – Making the business more energy efficient

• energy audit (George on WRP and possible savings)
• typical steps businesses can take (owner or lessee) and anticipated savings (windows, insulation, doorways, lighting, HVAC systems)
• larger Green possibilities using renewal energy

II – Sourcing products from local/regional community

• Buying local from local artisans, vendors

III – Minimizing packaging- talking with distributors about how packaging could be eliminated or reduced

IV – Limiting bags- Create Downtown shopping bag, ask everyone if they need a bag before offering one

V – Recycling: Establishing a Pooled arrangement on Mixed Paper and Cardboard

• Audit paper/cardboard use and create a cooperative agreement to share the costs

VI – Encourage walking rather than driving

3) Resources To Take Action

• ECO is happy to be a resource to help the downtown community take steps in any of these areas
• Contact WRP to schedule energy audits
• Contact the Green Building Council on steps that can be taken and resource available toward greater energy efficiency
• Participate in the Green Workshops at BRCC

3) Certification and Awards for Excellence

ECO is beginning a GREEN CHESTNUT AWARD to local businesses who have taken the biggest steps towards lowering their energy footprint and becoming good stewards

A point system will be established to help provide guidance on steps businesses can take towards making progress

Mintel has forecasted that green products will experience 19% growth through 2012. (Ask retailers to name other product categories they carry that are poised to experience 20% growth over the next few years.)

According to a recent poll conducted by the Global Strategy Group, 87 percent of consumers are more likely to buy products from a retailer that is committed to environmentally sound practices. (This is an old report, I think, and I can’t track it down from the source, Global Strategy Group. Just a bunch of sites that cite it. Use at your discretion.)

Roughly 34 percent of American consumers indicate they are more likely to buy environmentally responsible products today, and another 44 percent indicate their environmental shopping habits have not changed as a result of the economy.  Eight percent say they are less likely to buy.  This is according to the results of the 2009 Cone Consumer Environmental Survey. (you have to sign up online to see the study — I did and am attaching the .pdf here. Good stats about “green attitudes” of shoppers despite economy.)

And 4 out of 5 people say they are still buying green products and services today – which sometimes cost more – even in the midst of a U.S. recession, according to a study commissioned by Green Seal and EnviroMedia Social Marketing.

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ENERGY CONSERVATION HELP FOR BUSINESS Prepared by ECO for Downtown Hendersonville, Inc.

Identify Major Energy Users – typical percentages

Retail                Restaurant          Office

HVAC               51%                  23%                  40%

Lighting             31%                  15%                  29%

Hot Water          7%                    11%                  9%

Food Pep           3%                    45%                  5%

Other                 8%                    6%                    15%

Benchmark Energy Use – typical energy per square foot

Retail                Restaurant          Office

Electricity and fuel           78,000               248,000             95,000     BTUs per Sq. ft.

No Cost

1.         Turn it off if it not being used

$1 reduction in utility cost is $1 increase in profit

Reducing 100 watts for 4 hours/day saves about $1 per month

2.         Only heat and cool enough for comfort and turn back during closed hours

(Do women bring a sweater to your business in the summer?)

Typical  % savings for winter nighttime settings

60 F                  55 F                  50 F

10%                  20%                  30%

3.         Use a fan instead of AC when outside air is cool (but not too humid).

Low Cost

• Seal air leaks around windows and doors
• If heating ducts are in unheated attic or crawl space, then old duct tape or gaps can waste as much as 20% of heat. (Seal with metal tape or mastic – not duct tape.)
• Change lighting fixtures to more efficient or add light/motion sensors.

Use Local Resources

Environmental and Conservation Organization, ECO

121 Third Avenue West, Hendersonville NC 28791

Phone 828-692-0385  Web:   www.eco-wng.org

Promotes and recognizes conservation efforts, network of conservation experts

Waste Reduction Partners, Land-of-Sky Regional Council
339 New Leicester Hwy, Suite 140, Asheville, NC 28806
Phone: (828) 251-6622    Fax: (828) 251-6353

Email: wrp@landofsky.org Web: http://www.landofsky.org/wrp

• Self assessment energy audit checklist can be downloaded at :

http://landofsky.org/wrp/PDFs/Assessments/33454%20Energy%20Guide%201208.pdf

• For a no cost energy reduction assessments contact Russ Jordan, Energy Program Manager
  828-251-7477 Asheville (Monday, Wednesday), 828-863-2917 Tryon
  russjordan.wrp@windstream.net

Western North Carolina Green Building Council

PO Box 17026, Asheville, NC 28816

Phone 828-254-1995        E mail: info@wncgbc.org Web: www.wncgbc.org

Business directory and short courses.

Blue Ridge Community College

Small Business Center, Gary Heisey, Director (828) 694-1779

http://www.blueridge.edu/business_person/sbc/index.php

WORKSHOPS:

Duke Energy

http://www.duke-energy.com/north-carolina-business.asp

Smart $aver™ Incentive program rewards businesses for installing energy efficient equipment. Web site has application forms with rebate incentives for:

• Lighting
• Heating & Cooling Equipment
• Chillers & Thermal Storage
• Process Equipment
• Foodservice Equipment
• Motor/Pump/Variable Frequency Drives

Tax Credits

DSIRE (Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency) is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives and policies that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. http://www.dsireusa.org/

ENERGY USE INDEX

How to calculate

1.  Determine total energy use for each utility

2.  Determine total energy use for each utility

CELEBRATE EARTH DAY’S 40TH ANNIVERSARY WITH ECO

This year, ECO will celebrate Earth Day’s big day with a festival featuring music, children’s programs, community gardening, tree planting, water quality testing, electric cars, workshops, student films and a benefit concert all at Blue Ridge Community College in Flat Rock on Saturday, April 24th. Stay tuned for more details.

2009 Program:

EXHIBITORS

Advanced Thermal Solutions Back Home Magazine

828-693-3334                                                              828-696-3838

gotsun.com                                                                    backhomemagazine.com

Solar, photovoltaic, radiant heat                             Sustainable, self-reliant living

Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Destination Center Blue Ridge Community College

828-698-2546                                                              828-694-1700

nps.gov/blri                                                                  blueridge.cc.nc.us

LEED Certified Building                                           Associate & certificate programs

Conservation Pros FLS Energy, Inc

828-281-7466                                                              828-669-5070

conservationpros.com                                                flsenergy.com

Energy conservation for existing buildings       Solar Energy

Environmental and Conservation Organization Ken Gaylord Architects

828-692-0385                                                              828-698-3310

eco-wnc.org                                                                   310southmain.com

Environmental advocacy org sponsoring expo  Hendersonville green buildings

Henderson County Schools Hendersonville Tree Board

henderson.k12.nc.us                                                   828-697-3000

Global Warming Task Force Four Seasons Sierra Committee

savetheearthnc.org                                                                        828-694-3738

Educational group on climate Change                                    Environmental education

Stillwater Construction, Inc.                                                      Henderson County Habitat for Humanity

828-674-6833                                                              828-694-0340

stillwaterconstructioninc.com                                                   habitat-hvl.org

Energy & resource efficient construction             Affordable housing-healthy built homes

McNutt Service Group Southern Energy & Environment Expo

828-693-0933                                                              828-696-3877

mcnuttservicegroup.com                                           seeexpo.com

Furnace, heat pumps, & AC                                       August 21-23 WNC Agricultural Center

Sundance Power Systems New Life Journal Magazine

828-645-2080                                                              828-251-9289

sundancepower.com                                                    newlifejournal.com

Renewable energy systems                                       healing, green homes, sustainable living

Think Green Building Jones’ Breath Easy

901-489-1701                                                              828-685-8460

thinkgreenbuilding.com                                           Clean air & water products

WNC Energy

828-236-9236

encenergy.com

Air Krete insulation & weatherization

Presented by:

Southern Energy & Environment Expo, McNutt Service Group, Conservation Pros, FLS Energy, Ken Gaylord, Stillwater Construction, Back Home Magazine, Architect/310 South Main Condominiums, Advanced Thermal Solutions, Home Energy Partners, Hendersonville Tree Board, Sundance Power Systems, Mike’s on Main, Three Chopt Sandwich Shop, Rick Bayless, Narnia Studios, Blue Water Seafood Market Co., The Biltmore Estate, and Linda Patterson

SPEAKERS

11:00   KEYNOTE: Our New Energy Policies and You

Steve Smith: Executive Director: Southern Alliance for Clean Energy.  Dr. Stephen A. Smith has been executive director of Southern Alliance for Clean Energy since 1993.  Dr. Smith’s experience, knowledge and expertise on regional energy issues has permitted him opportunities to testify before the Great Smoky Mountain Congressional Caucus; the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Public Works and Transportation and the Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight; and several state public service commissions.

There are a number of pressing issues in front of us from the global warming- and the loss of polar ice, to the local-protecting our mountain air and the recent coal ash disaster.  Battles on Capitol Hill include debating our renewable energy policies and a climate bill that will set industry standards.  Citizens in NC are in the forefront of much of these battles and can have a lot of influence on how the debate gets resolved.

1:00     Appalachian Energy/Vanir Energy: Matthew Clark of Vanir Energy.  Matt has been with Vanir/Appalachian Energy since 2005.  He specializes in HVAC.  In addition to acting as construction manager, he is involved with sales and consulting.

Mr. Clark will discuss the world’s largest solar installation they are building at the Fletcher Business Park and how solar is a dynamic part of the future of America’s new green energy infrastructure that creates jobs and protects the planet.

2:00     The ABC’s of ECO Green: Ned Doyle: Southern Energy & Environment Expo.  Ned has been active in sustainable energy and environmental issues for over 30 years, providing presentations and workshops nationwide on topics ranging from composting to wind power.

The ABC’s are “Agriculture, Buildings and Cars”, and there are many positive, affordable options for everyone to take action. What can you do personally and for your community to make it Earth Day every day?  What investments can be made in these difficult times that profit you, and your community?  A lively presentation and discussion about the available options that make sense for ‘green’ action and your budget.

EXHIBITS AND ACTIVITIES

Car Exhibit

An exhibit of alternative fuel vehicles will include those powered by electricity, compressed natural gas, clean diesel fuel, biodiesel, propane, and ethanol. A plug-in hybrid will be on display.

Student Energy Projects

(Including Hendersonville Middle School and Apple Valley Elementary School)  View local students’ work on environmental projects from homemade solar panels, to evaluating car energy efficiency and creating recycled paper from kudzu, see the efforts made by the younger generations to be more aware of the environmental challenges that lie ahead.

Green Vendor Exhibits

Learn about the wealth of green businesses in WNC that can help you make your home more energy efficient as well as local organizations dedicated to protecting our local environment. (A full list of the exhibitors is on the back cover.)

WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

10:15   Furnace/Heat Pump Systems: The Other Inconvenient Truth

Rick Bayless, McNutt Service Group.  Home energy inspections can help turn an energy wasting home to one humming with energy efficiency.  Learn more at this workshop.

12:00   Ampmobile® Conversions, LLC

Mike and Paula Moore convert various gasoline vehicles to electric vehicles.  Learn the nuts and bolts of this conversion plus the long range outlook for electric vehicles.

12:45 It Ain’t Rocket Science-It’s Building Science!

Carl Donovan, Conservation Pros. Explore ways to increase the comfort, safety and efficiency of your existing home and learn about the new incentive program that makes it a classic no-brainer.

1:30 Applied Solar Energy-Home Electricity and Home Hot Water.

Tomas Koenig, Advanced Thermal Solutions:  A workshop focusing on basic components essential to a solar system providing hot water, heating, cooling or electricity for home applications-what size is best for you and how to choose a system that will fit your needs.

Who we are:

This committee promotes energy conservation and renewable energy through public policy, planned events and organized actions.

What we do:

• Education – The need for renewables and conservation promoted through publications in local media, forums, alerts on local policy issues, and ECO’s web site and blog.

• Earth Day Energy Expo – On a Saturday, near the traditional Earth Day (April 22), ECO coordinates an Energy Expo at Blue Ridge Community College in Flat Rock.  The event is intended to educate the public on current energy issues, both globally and locally.  Over 200 people attended the Expo held on Saturday, April 25, 2009. The event included: 20 commercial and organization exhibits including about 30 student projects, 6 alternate fuel vehicles, and Steve Smith of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy was Keynote Speaker.  Additionally 4 workshops and other lectures were held.  2010 is the 40^th Anniversary of Earth Day and ECO is gearing up for a big celebration.  Stay tuned.

• Green Home Tour – The Second Green Home Tour was a self-guided tour of the finest green homes in the region that was held on August 22, 2009.  The tour featured homes in Henderson and Buncombe counties that showcased the highest level of green technology that work in concert with nature. Many of the homes featured solar installations, radiant heating, water conservation measures and native gardens.

• Project Green Light - ECO’s outreach to help homeowners achieve conservation.  Project Green Light works with local churches so their members can become better stewards of creation.  By participating in workshops and home energy inspections, congregations of faith can take substantial steps towards lowering their carbon footprint and demonstrating to other residents how to become better stewards of our natural heritage.

• Downtown Hendersonville Going Green – ECO’s in coordination with Downtown Hendersonville Inc. and Waste Reduction Partners (WRP) is working with downtown Hendersonville businesses to improve conservation.

You can make a difference!

The Energy Committee meets the second Thursday of every month at 4:00 pm at the ECO office.