Hello friends of the Cambridge Energy Alliance!

Spring seems to be here early this year – take time during spring cleaning to get a free home energy audit available for homeowners, renters and landlords. There are also free business energy audits, so let your favorite business know how they can go green.

Events coming up include a Landlord Workshop this weekend on Saturday, March 3rd and Live Better Porter Square Volunteer Training on Saturday, March 3rd.

Volunteer opportunities include Phone Bank for Efficient Apartments, Tuesday, February 28th.
We hope to see you there!

Best wishes,
Meghan Shaw

Outreach Director
Cambridge Energy Alliance

In this edition…

• Events
• News
• Resources
• Stay Connected to Cambridge Energy Alliance
• Calling All Bloggers!

Recent Events with the Cambridge Energy Alliance

Phone Bank for Efficient Apartments
Volunteer Opportunity Tuesday, February 28th
5:30pm-8:30pm
City Hall Annex
344 Broadway, Cambridge
5 minute walk from Central Square
CEA and a handful of partners are organizing a workshop to explain to landlords how making their buildings more energy efficient that would help them reduce water bills, tenant turnover, etc.
Bringing energy efficiency to apartments is a great way to reduce our impact on the planet and help many struggling students and low-income residents lower their energy bills.
Help us get a lot of landlords there by calling them to invite them to the workshop.
We’ll provide free chai and green tea, muffins & lollipops. Take home some free energy efficiency goodies.
Please sign up to help!
———-

Live Better Porter SquareLead a Neighborhood to Greatness!
Saturday, March 3rd
1:00 – 4:00pm
Main Library – Beech Room
449 Broadway, Cambridge
Live Better Porter Square is a brand new pilot project to make Porter Square and its neighborhoods a better place for residents and businesses. We are recruiting Neighborhood Captains who are interested in promoting community involvement and highlighting Porter Square as a model for the rest of the city in terms of thinking locally.
Over the next four months Neighborhood Captains will work in the Porter Square area to help neighbors boost the local economy by lowering their energy bills through energy efficiency and renewable energy, so more money stays in our local economy.
Want to get involved and learn more, sign up!
———-
Landlord Profitability Workshop
Water bills high? Hefty common-area bills?
Bed bugs, rats, or mice? Too much garbage?
Saturday, March 3rd
9:00 – 12:00pm
MIT Student Center
84 Massachusetss Ave, Cambridge
Free Workshop. Lunch by Whole Foods. Only 100 spaces.
Reducing Water Bills
Tackling Common Area Electricity Bills
Reducing Tenant Turnover
Vermin, Mold, and Smoke
and more topics…
Get paid to install solar!
Register for email alerts when water use spikes!
Sponsored by Cambridge Energy Alliance, HEET and Sustainable Business Network
Register today!

News!

Cambridge
$2000 for Solar Hot Water

Cambridge Energy Alliance, with the City of Cambridge, is proud to announce that we have funds available to help people install solar hot water heaters on their home or business. Solar hot water systems provide an easy and low cost way to create hot water sustainably. Solar hot water systems can heat water for laundry, bathing and washing dishes, and can often provide 50 percent to 75 percent of a household or businesses total hot water needs – reducing you utility bills and carbon footprint.

Cambridge Solar Hot Water Grants cannot be processed until you complete the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center Program.

Start the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center application process as soon as possible.

Applications for the Cambridge Solar Hot Water Grant must be received by November 19, 2012.

Massachusetts
We’re #1! We’re #1!
In 2011, Massachusetts outranked California as the #1 energy efficiency state! Our clean economy is growing too – according to the 2011 Massachusetts Clean Energy Industry Report 4,909 clean energy firms and 64,310 clean energy jobs were created, with a 6.7% industry growth rate in this past year alone. Clean energy investments are paying off. Energy and Environment Secretary Rick Sullivan reports that the state’s investment of $2 billion has led to consumer savings of $6 billion.

NSTAR Merger an Historic Win for Cape Wind, Clean Energy

Governor Patrick announced an agreement with NSTAR allowing their merger with Northeast Utilities (NEU) to move forward and providing a rate freeze for ratepayers for the next four years. Most importantly, the announcement also represents an historic win for Cape Wind, allowing it to move forward as the first off-shore wind farm in the United States.

Under the agreement, NSTAR would purchase 27.5% of Cape Wind’s energy. In addition to the 50% of Cape Wind energy earlier contracted by National Grid, the NStar contract allows Cape Wind to now finance the development of 100 off-shore turbines. Cape Wind has already received all state and federal permits required to begin construction.

NSTAR has also agreed to fully support the intent of the Green Communities Act (GCA) passed in 2008, calling on utilities to increase their purchase of renewable energy and increase their customers’ energy efficiency.
Beyond Cape Wind, NSTAR will provide ratepayers a 50-50% split of anticipated savings from the merger, resulting in a one-time $21 million credit to ratepayers. The agreement will also protect Massachusetts workers should NEU seek to move jobs to Connecticut.
“This is a win-win-win,” said George Bachrach, President of ELM. “The Governor, Secretary Sullivan and their team deserve great credit for negotiating a critical settlement that protects ratepayers, protects the workforce and insures the Commonwealth’s national leadership in renewable energy with Cape Wind.

To read more on this historic development, please go here.

Resources

Business Discounts for LEDs

LED’s are twice as efficient at CFL’s, last up to 10 times longer and do not contain mercury. They can be a great way to cut down energy bills and be more environmentally friendly. LED’s are available at your local hardware store.

If you have a commercial energy bill, Energy Federation Incorporated is selling LED’s for as little as $5! The bulbs normally cost $50 to $100 each. Order through EFI and they range in cost from $13 down to $5 plus the cost of shipping. Whether you own a business or just work at one, check out the incentives.

To order contact Steve Lavelle
Energy Federation Incorporated
(800) 876-0660 ext. 4437
Cell: (508) 439-0208
www.efi.org/wholesale

Free CFLs for ALL
Pill Hardware is running a special on CFL’s (while supplies last)
One free CFL – Every Saturday
10am-3pm

Free CFL’s to any non-profit (packs of 10, 20, and 50)

Energy Advisor
If you live or work in Cambridge and have questions related to the energy assessment/audit process, energy efficient home and business renovations, or changes you can make in your own life to save energy, you can contact the Cambridge Energy Advisor. Whether you have already had an assessment/audit or are considering how you should proceed, Cambridge Energy Alliance is eager to answer your questions and help you navigate the process.

Stay Connected to Cambridge Energy Alliance

Stay up to date on Cambridge Energy Alliance events and other environmental activities around the city by checking out our Calendar or follow our Blog to learn more about local, statewide and national news related to energy and the environment.

Calling All Bloggers!

The Cambridge Energy Alliance’s Energy 2.0 blog is looking for new contributors. Do you like to follow local environmental happenings? Are you interested in writing about Cambridge, Boston, and even national energy news? Do you already have a blog that you’d like to cross-post with CEA? Contact us at work@cambridgeenergyalliance.org with the subject “Blog” if you are interested in being a part of the Energy 2.0 blog.

• Residential Financing
• Business Financing
• Financing Options for Affordable Housing Properties
• Summary of all Financing Information

In this edition…

• Summer Energy Saving Tips
• Pick Up Energy Efficiency at Cambridge Farmer’s Markets
• Who likes to Read?
• The Cambridge Energy Alliance is Moving!
• Partnering with Faith Communities
• Environmental Trivia Nights
• Small Business Canvass
• A/C Swap

Summer Energy Saving Tips

Summer is finally here and it’s an important time to be saving energy.

Try to hold off turning on the air conditioner; instead, use ceiling fans to keep the air circulating, shut the blinds and windows tight during the hottest parts of the day, and open them up at night to let the cool air in.

If you do use the A/C, install an Energy Star rated air conditioner, preferably on the north side of the house or in a shaded spot. Set a programmable thermostat to 78°F when you’re home and warmer when you are out of the house, and you’ll be a champion energy saver.

Another great way to save energy – grilling! Fire up your outdoor grill on summer afternoons. It’s a great way to enjoy some family time while keeping your house cool!

Postpone laundry and dishwashing until nighttime to prevent extra heat being added to your home. Go old-fashioned and try using a clothesline to dry clothes. The summer sun will dry your clothes crisp in no time and make you feel good about using the oldest renewable energy source known to man. Take cooler showers and reduce the temperature of your water heater thermostat to 120°F.

Make good use of the warm weather by walking or biking whenever possible. It’s a great way to exercise. Use public transportation to travel long distances so you don’t have to waste time and energy trying to find parking! If you are heading out on that big road trip, try to carpool and keep your car running in optimum condition.

Pick Up Energy Efficiency at Cambridge Farmer’s Markets

Keep an eye out for the Cambridge Energy Alliance tables at your local farmer’s market this summer! Farmer’s markets help the environment and boost the local economy, so take the next step and sign up for a free home energy assessment while you’re stocking up on fresh produce.

Who likes to Read?

Does your book club need a fresh focus? Are you looking for ways to get a group talking about conservation and other green topics?

Let us know and we’ll get you started with a Cambridge Energy Alliance book club. We’re sponsoring book clubs across the city this summer and fall. Whether you’re environmentally inclined, enjoy the great outdoors, or just enjoy thought-provoking reads, keep your eyes and ears peeled for our upcoming CEA Green Book Clubs.

If you’re interested in hosting your own, email outreach@CambridgeEnergyAlliance.org.

The Cambridge Energy Alliance is Moving!

Starting in July, Cambridge Energy Alliance has a new home at the City of Cambridge. As you may know, CEA was created as a non-profit entity sponsored by the Kendall Foundation and the City of Cambridge in 2007 with the goal of stimulating large-scale energy efficiency and renewable energy activities in all sectors of the community.

Over the past four years CEA has done a lot of very innovative and important work, especially in the residential and small commercial sectors, but the original business model – which would enable CEA to become economically self-sustaining – has not worked out, in part due to the global recession limiting lending and financing.

Given the City of Cambridge’s long-standing and strong commitment to energy efficiency and renewable energy, Cambridge Energy Alliance will be continuing our work as part of the Community Development Department at 344 Broadway.

You can still find us at CambridgeEnergyAlliance.org and outreach@CambridgeEnergyAlliance.org.

Our new phone number is 617-349-LEAF.

Partnering with Faith Communities

GIVE (Green Interfaith Volunteer Engagement) has just launched in Cambridge. GIVE’s aim is to foster strong community involvement for all houses of worship and faith centers around environmental stewardship. Energy efficiency and green transportation can save your faith group and its members’ money while improving the environment.

GIVE will connect with a liaison in each congregation to discuss faith groups’ green goals and help carry out community-building activities that promote creation care.

Faith groups can host a weatherization barn-raising at their house of worship, leading to reduced energy bills and more comfortable facilities. After working with HEET, a Cambridge non-profit, St. Bartholomews’ barn-raising will save the church $486 per year as a result of an NSTAR energy assessment and energy efficiency improvements made by volunteers. St. Bartholomew’s is also planning on upgrading over 100 lights with the assistance of NSTAR rebates. They will receive a return on their investment the very first year, with an average savings of $6,000 annually in electricity costs.

Congregation members can challenge themselves to make their own home more efficient through no-cost home energy audits and generous utility rebates by working with the Cambridge Energy Alliance.

Lastly, during “Walk/Ride Days,” the last Friday of each month, patrons are encouraged to walk, bike, and carpool to services.

If you are part of any type of faith organization and would like to learn more about GIVE, please email outreach@CambridgeEnergyAlliance.org today with the subject line “GIVE.”

Environmental Trivia Nights

Who discovered the Greenhouse Effect? Which animals are the biggest methane gas emitters? CFL’s use how much less energy than regular light bulbs?

The Cambridge Energy Alliance is working to set up environmental trivia nights at local restaurants in Cambridge! Environmental trivia nights will feature a variety of questions concerning topics like recycling, energy efficiency, and famous environmentalists. You will be invited, but first we would love to know about some of your favorite places to do trivia.

Please send suggestions to Melissa at melissa.skubel@gmail.com.

Small Business Canvass

The Cambridge Energy Alliance has kicked off the summer with a canvass targeting small businesses in the city. With the help of a dedicated group of volunteers, we are scheduling appointments with business owners to let them know about various energy- and money-saving programs.

First and foremost we are getting the word out about how CEA can help businesses by making them aware of energy efficiency programs and assisting in navigating them. We will also promote NSTAR’s Direct Install Small Business Program, as well as partnerships with other environmental- and efficiency-related organizations.

Throughout the canvass we will introduce CEA as a resource for any business energy efficiency needs. Whether it is questions on efficiency-related events and programs, guidance through the process of financing efficiency upgrades, how to connect to other environmental organizations in the Boston area, general questions about efficiency, or how to sign up for a free audit; our staff will be happy to assist.

NSTAR’s Program offers a NO COST energy assessment from Prism Energy Services. The assessment points out mechanical fixes that businesses may invest in to save 15%–25% on monthly utility bills, improving the air quality and comfort of the business, taking part in a city-wide initiative to reduce overall energy demand, and position a business as environmentally conscious.

Are you a business owner who’d like help being more sustainable? Do you shop in Cambridge and know a business we should reach out to?

Email outreach@cambridgeenergyalliance.org and put “canvass” in the subject line, and we’ll get in touch.

A/C Swap

During the months of May through July, CEA’s Air Conditioner Swap program offered Cambridge residents $125 towards a new Energy Star rated A/C unit when an old, non-Energy Star unit is picked up by the Department of Public Works (DPW) and recycled in a responsible way.

We are happy to announce that, as of the writing of this newsletter, approximately 450 residents have received rebate vouchers through the program, with several more expected!

If you didn’t get the chance to participate in our A/C Swap, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has recently launched a new state-wide energy efficiency program. Households can receive a $150 rebate towards an eligible refrigerator replacement and a $50 rebate towards an air conditioner replacement. For more information, see the program website at http://massenergyrebates.com/.

Have a great summer, stay cool, and stay hydrated!

City Manager Robert W. Healy
Deputy City Manager Richard C. Rossi

City Council
Mayor David P. Maher
Vice Mayor Henrietta Davis
Councillor Leland Cheung
Councillor Marjorie C. Decker
Councillor Craig A. Kelley
Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves
Councillor Sam Seidel
Councillor E. Denise Simmons
Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr.