Burton Takes a Stand for the Planet

ISSUE 58 • November 2019 - January 2020 ★ SUSTAINABLE HOLIDAYS & WINTER IN THE NORTHEAST ★ FREE! SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS FOR VT, NH, MA, NY, ME and Beyond R S! EA Y 10

Energy Independence, Energy Efficiency, Sustainable Living and MORE! www.greenenergytimes.org | 802.439.6675 Green Gifts for the Holidays Jessie Haas

One of the ways to trim your carbon footprint is to buy less—but is that any fun during the holidays? This isn’t Lent! Can’t we say ‘I love you to the moon and back’ while still loving the planet? Well, sure, and here are a few ideas. Farm-Way in Bradford VT, a solar-powered emporium of everything country, sells clothing and gear from Patagonia, a highly ethical company. Another Farm-Way option could be a solar-powered lantern. These inflatable lights can charge up on a window sill and act as an emergency light, Burton Team rider Danny Davis in flashlight, or just a gentle way to illuminate Donna Carpenter (L), co-CEO of Burton, joined in Stowe, Vermont. Credit: Blotto Photo. early-morning coffee making. Some brands, such the climate strike in the UK. Photo courtesy of Burton. as the Luci Light, donate lanterns to people in developing nations for each light bought here, so this is a double gift. Also, in the spirit of the season of darkness, BURTON TAKES A STAND FOR THE PLANET George Harvey how about a box of LED lightbulbs to help a It might be fair to say that Burton Snowboards (Burton) is Burton has firsthand knowledge of climate change. It has loved-one transition their household in a sus- the leader in its field, worldwide. Jake Burton Carpenter, one already been having a serious impact on the winter sports tainable direction? Be sure to include a colored of the first developers of the snowboard itself, founded the business. A recent press release said, “There are clear signs string. Not just for Christmas trees, these make company in his barn in Londonderry, Vermont, in 1977. Today, of climate change seen through the lens of a snowboarder – festive night lights and add a welcome twinkle to it is still a Vermont company, though it moved to Burlington extreme weather, decreased snow accumulation, and melting the house. and has grown a bit. It has approximately 400 employees in the glaciers are among them. In the northeast U.S., the number Need something in a bottle? Choices from Burlington area, a total of 650 in the United States, and about of days with snow cover has decreased by one to two weeks Appalachian Gap, the solar-powered distiller of 1,000 globally. In addition to the headquarters in Burlington, since 1970.” The change reduces activity and sales, especially fine spirits, including Mythic Gin and there are offices in Austria, Japan, Australia, Canada, and China. in Burton’s home state of Vermont. Ridgeline Whiskey. The bottles and Cont’d on p.20 Cont’d on p.23

An Ecological Reformation IN THIS ISSUE: Roy Morrison, author Business and is to restore the health of the biosphere while building a prosperous and Electric Pickups on the Rise p.5 pollution as just ecological civilization that will long endure. usual have This is not utopianism. It is a matter of politics, economics, eco-technol- NY Community Solar pp.12-13 unleashed a ogy, the nurturance of both freedom and community and therefore justice rapidly wors- and fairness as a common human right and responsibility. It is a task conso- Li Battery Storage Safety p.16 ening global nant with economic growth in accord with ecological market rules and the ecological crisis. pursuit of social and ecological justice. Biomass Controversy p.18 We must choose Business and markets and politics are leading us to the brink of ecologi- quickly be- cal catastrophe. Now is the time for business and markets and politics to tween accept- lead us instead to a just and sustainable ecological future. Holiday Sustainability pp. 20-21 ing the dire consequences of Sustainability DIY Home Improvements pp.28-29 global climate Sustainability is more than renewable energy and a quick global transfor- disruption, or mation from fossil fuels and nuclear power. This is necessary and desper- Recycling Know-How p.38 the embrace of ately needed. But, by itself, 100% renewable energy is not sufficient. a global eco- Sustainability is life and ecosphere responding to all influences and logical reformation. co-evolving in a matter that maximizes the prospects for all life, not for At bottom, an ecological reformation is expressed any particular species. Sustainability is the process that has allowed life to Please recycle or by two themes that will define the ecological turn of withstand periodic mass extinctions and once again thrive. civilization. First is the pursuit of sustainability. Sec- What is different as the mass extinction of the Anthropocene unfolds is share this publication ond is making economic growth result in ecological that it has been both unleashed by humanity, and must be remedied by when finished improvement. That is our central challenge. The goal humanity. Humanity has become a self-conscious participant Cont’d on p.19

A SolAr This edition of Green Energy Times is brought to you, in part, from the generosity of these sponsors: G.E.T. IT! Powered ComPAny Bringing G.E.T. to NY State EEN ENERGY T MES www.nyses.org GR... be energy independent! ™ GREEN ENERGY TIMES (G.E.T.) TABLE OF CONTENTS 1749 Wright’s Mountain Road • Bradford, VT 05033 Going Green On a Budget t/f: 802.439.6675 • [email protected] G.E.T.’s COMMUNICATIONS TEAM: Jessie Haas NEWS AND HAPPENINGS ...... 3 Publisher/Editor/Production ...... Nancy Rae Mallery We can’t all afford SUN DAY CAMPAIGN REPORT...... 3 a heat pump, EV, General Factotum ...... George Harvey or solar panels, but TROUBLE FOR NATURAL GAS...... 3 Coordinating Director...... Michelle Harrison we can still cut our TRANSPORTATION ...... 4-6 Copy Editor ...... Ray Brewster, Susanna Lewis carbon footprints TRANSPORTATION CLIMATE INITIATIVE...... 4 Recreational Editor ...... Roger Lohr and save money A huge special thank you to all of our contributing writers! at the same time, ELECTRIC PICK-UP TRUCKS ON THE RISE ...... 4 Tim Ashe, Dr. Alan K. Betts, John Bos, Ken Bossong, Randy through changing a AUTOMAKERS FORSAKE THE FUTURE...... 5 Bryan, Michael Canavan, Danielle Ferguson, David Fried, Ben few habits. Goldberg, David Green, Jessie Haas, George Harvey, Henry Nega-watts (the ARE WE THE CANCER OR PARASITE?...... 6 Herndon, James Kaplan, David Keefe, Evan Lawrence, Roger electricity we don’t SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAICS (PV)...... 7-13 Lohr, Nancy Rae Mallery, Marc Morgan, Michele Morris, Roy use) are the clean- Morrison, Richard Perez, Larry Plesent, Carl Pope, Karl Rabago, est and greenest, COMMUNITY IMPACT INVESTORS...... 7 Jeff Rubin, Georgena Terry, Barbara Whitchurch and there are many BURTON SNOWBOARD GOES SOLAR...... 8 Ad Design/Layout ...... Nancy Rae Mallery, PJ Fischer affordable ways to Printing ...... Valley News W. Lebanon, NH using 100% recycled cut electricity use. Image: www.ccPixs.com GUILDFORD C.C. CARBON NEUTRAL ...... 9 paper & eco-friendly EPA approved environmentally-safe inks Change lightbulbs NHSEA HISTORY...... 10 Advertising Team: to LEDs. Turn them off when leaving a ing. Let’s make idling the new smoking, SOLARIZE KEARSARGE...... 11 ...... Nancy Rae Mallery, Bradford, VT 802.439.6675 room. Don’t let the computer go into something dirty and vaguely shame- [email protected] ‘sleep’ mode; turn it off instead. Use a ful that a lot of us used to do but don’t CLIFTON PARK, NY COMMUNITY SOLAR...... 12 ...... Michelle Harrison, Londonderry, NH 603.437.0167 “smart strip” that can be turned off to anymore. Check your phone before you [email protected] prevent appliance vampires from sucking start your car. Phone off, car on. Car off, GRID-TIED SOLAR WITH BATTERY BACK-UP..13 ...... Don Smallwood, So. Hero, VT 802.373.3309 up energy while not in use. phone on. FULTON PARK COMMUNITY SOLAR...... 13 [email protected] Using a clothes dryer uses ten times Driving smarter can save a lot of energy. Distribution: Sally Bellew, Larry Chase, Johnny Hinrichs, the energy that washing does, and is very Go the speed limit or less. Brake and ac- INCENTIVES ...... 14-15 Hippo Distribution, Manchester, NH, Daniel Hoviss, George Law- hard on clothing. Hang clothes to dry; celerate gently, as if there’s an egg under RENEWABLE ENERGY...... 16-17 ton, Rosalyn Moore, our New York Team: Joanne Coons, Steve spot-clean instead of washing a whole the pedals. Make sure tires are properly Ellsworth, Wyldon Fishman, Bob Freeston, Peter Hudiburg, BATTERY STORAGE SAFETY...... 16 David Kupras, Joan Rech; Russ Lanoie, Alan Phenix, Marty Phil- garment; spritz stale-smelling items with inflated. Take your snow tires off when brick, Larry Plesant, George Plumb, Alisha Scudder, Don Small- a vodka-water mix to freshen them; use they are not needed (which will happen!). RENEWABLE ELECTRIC GRID - RADICAL IDEA.17 wood, Sustainable Hanover, Wenda Luff, Don Smallwood, Eric a steamer to get out wrinkles. It all saves Flying is the biggest CO2 contribution Stevens, David Van Houten, Barb & Greg Whitchurch. energy and money, and keeps clothes most people make. We can try to at- BIOMASS CONTROVERSY...... 18 Hopefully we have not forgotten to mention anyone. It is your help that paves the way to a sustainable future. looking new longer. tend meetings by teleconferencing, and ENERGY AND STORAGE NEWS...... 18 For the electricity you do use, use the vacation close to home. (Again, we live in Please support our advertisers. They make G.E.T. happen! renewable energy checkoff available the Northeast. It’s amazing here!) Many BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL ...... 18-19 ABOUT G.E.T. from your utility on your power bill. The people who can’t cut out air travel buy MARKET VALUE FOR GREEN HOMES ...... 18 cost increase is slight, and supports local carbon offsets. 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Eliminating waste in home heating is words, it is not something that is already TRIM YOUR WASTE LINE...... 21 G.E.T. is published bi-monthly, Jan., Mar., May, Jul., Sept. & Nov., equally important. Retrofitting an old happening without help from offsets. by NRM Advertising Company. It is free and available through- HEATING & COOLING ...... 22-23 out 90% of VT & 80% of NH: the Upper Valley-St J. down to Brat- house can be costly, but don’t assume you Most experts agree that we will not tleboro, Windsor-Ludlow, Barre-Montpelier-Burlington, Stowe, can’t afford it. My neighbor got a new resolve global warming without a world- WOOD HEAT & CARBON DRAWDOWN...... 22-23 Mooretown-Waitsfield, Morrisville, Hardwick, Danville, NEK, frigerator, a pellet stove, and free weath- wide movement. All around us are people Grand Isle, Woodstock-Rutland-Bennington; NH: Woodsville- erization this summer through Southeast who care deeply about this issue. We BUILDING & ENERGY EFFICIENCY.... 24-32 Hanover-W. 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THE SUN DAY CAMPAIGN NEWS FERC’S Latest “Infrastructure” Report MAJOR CHANGES IN ITS THREE-YEAR FORECAST ✓ No New Coal Capacity; Net Reduction in Fossil Fuels; Significant Decline for Nuclear Power ✓ Net New Wind and Solar Capacity More Than Doubles Natural Gas Ken Bossong According to a review by the SUN renewable sources would also increase: new coal plants over the next three years [1] In FERC’s “Energy Infrastructure Update for Feb- DAY Campaign of data released in the hydropower by 1,282 MW, biomass by will be zero because none are under ruary 2019,” a table entitled “Proposed Generation beginning of November - belatedly - by 333 MW, and geothermal by 280 MW. construction. In fact, if FERC’s latest pro- Additions and Retirements by March 2022” included the Federal Energy Regulatory Com- Collectively, they would add 47,411 MW jections prove accurate, in three years, two columns: “High Probability Additions” and mission (FERC), the agency has once over the next three years. That is signifi- coal’s share of the nation’s total available “Retirements.” However, FERC’s “Energy Infrastruc- again revised its three-year forecast for cantly more than double the projected installed generating capacity would drop ture Update for August 2019”changed this table to “Generation Capacity Additions and Retirements changes in the U.S. electrical generat- growth in natural gas generating capac- from 21.37% today to 19.14% three years (September 2019 - August 2022” and replaced the ing capacity mix. Sharp declines are ity. In fact, net new wind capacity alone hence. earlier columns with “Proposed Additions Under foreseen for fossil fuels and nuclear is greater than that of natural gas. Meanwhile, renewable energy sources Construction” and “Proposed Retirements.” FERC power while renewable energy (e.g., While earlier FERC data had docu- will continue to expand. They would adds that “Under Construction” includes units that biomass, geothermal, hydropower, mented this general trend, the agency’s provide nearly one-quarter (i.e., 24.80%) have started site preparation or construction. It also solar, wind) is forecast to experience latest numbers seem to be particularly of the nation’s total available installed includes units that are in the testing phase. The SUN even stronger growth than previously noteworthy because a modification generating capacity [2] by August 2022 DAY Campaign is interpreting FERC’s new format, projected. in how FERC now presents its data, (compared to 21.69% today) with wind while comparable to the earlier one, to be a more FERC’s latest monthly “Energy compared to six months earlier, suggests alone accounting for over a tenth accurate forecast of likely additions and retirements. Infrastructure Update” report (with changes in the nation’s energy mix may (10.29%) and utility-scale solar at 4.63%. [2] Capacity is not the same as actual genera- data through August 31, 2019) indi- be accelerating. [1] [3] The balance will be provided by hy- tion. Capacity factors for nuclear power and fossil cates that “proposed additions under Specifically, FERC’s most recent three- dropower (8.23%), biomass (1.32%), and fuels tend to be higher than those for most renew- construction” and “proposed retire- year forecast for net new generating geothermal (0.33%). ables. For the first eight months of 2019, the U.S. ments” combined could result in a net capacity by wind is 3,099 MW higher “FERC’s latest three-year projections Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that renewables accounted for almost 18.5% of the decrease in the generating capacity of than a comparable forecast in its “Energy continue to underscore the dramatic nation’s total electrical generation - that is, some- fossil fuels (i.e., coal, natural gas, oil) Infrastructure Report for February 2019” changes taking place in the nation’s what less than their share of installed generating as well as a net decline of nearly five while that for utility-scale solar has electrical generating mix,” noted Ken capacity (almost 21.7%) for the same period. Con- percent (4.56%) in nuclear capacity by grown by 5,809 MW. Including hydro- Bossong, executive director of the SUN versely, coal’s share of generating capacity in the August 2022. Meanwhile, led by wind power, biomass, and geothermal, the DAY Campaign. “Renewable energy first two-thirds of 2019 was 21.4% while its share of and solar, the generating capacity of cumulative result is an increase over the sources are rapidly displacing uneco- electrical generation was 23.7%. renewable energy sources is foreseen past six months in FERC’s three-year fore- nomic and environmentally dangerous [3] FERC only reports data for utility-scale facili- to grow by more than 47 gigawatts cast for net new generating capacity by fossil fuels and nuclear power - even ties (i.e., those rated 1-MW or greater) and therefore (GW). renewable energy sources from 37,622 faster than FERC had anticipated just a its data do not reflect the capacity of distrib- While net new natural gas generat- MW to 47,411 (i.e., 26.0% higher). half-year ago.” uted renewables, notably rooftop solar PV which ing capacity is projected to increase by On the other hand, in its February The SUN DAY Campaign is a non-profit - according to the EIA - accounts for nearly a third 19,757 megawatts (MW), that is more 2019 report, FERC anticipated net cu- of the nation’s electrical generation by solar. That research and educational organization would suggest that total distributed and utility- than offset by a drop of 18,957 MW mulative growth by fossil fuels of 5,087 founded in 1992 to support a rapid in coal’s net generating capacity and MW over the next three years. Now FERC scale solar capacity may be as much as 50% higher transition to 100% reliance on sustainable than reported by FERC both for today and for three a decline of 3,016 MW in that of oil. foresees a net decline in fossil fuel gener- energy technologies as a cost-effective years hence. Further, nuclear power is foreseen as ating capacity of 2,216 MW. Notably, net alternative to nuclear power and fossil All sources will be posted on the posting dropping by 4,851 MW. new additions to natural gas capacity are fuels and as a solution to climate change. of this article on the Green Energy Times Meanwhile, wind capacity is project- 3,753 MW lower than they were forecast Contact info: sun-day-campaign@hotmail. website: greenenergytimes.org. ed to grow by 27,659 MW and utility- to be six months ago. com, Ken Bossong, 301-270-6477 x6. scale solar by 17,857 MW. The other FERC also projects that the capacity of Trouble Ahead for Natural Gas? George Harvey Each month, I look forward to posts Once in a while, I get the idea that on energy that come from the Sun Day deeper issues tied to a story may be Campaign (SDC). These posts have worth examining. The SDC post inspired chronicled a story of the rise of renew- me to poke around in the FERC databases Vermont Community Energy able energy, analyzing reports from the to see what might be worth a closer Federal Energy Regulatory Commission examination. What I found suggests to and Climate Action Conference (FERC) on energy infrastructure in the me that natural gas in the U.S. may be U.S. For those who are interested, the in considerably more trouble than most December 7, 2019 * 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Sun Day Campaign’s analysis is very of us realize (http://bit.ly/FERC-reports – Lake Morey Resort — Fairlee, Vermont readable source for ordinary people. Energy Infrastructure tab). Be part of Vermont’s essential energy transformation! The most recent of these SDC reports Back in August of 2017, FERC started has some very informative content including proposed capacity additions and retirements, by energy source or fuel • Learn about timely projects, programs and policy solutions to help (http://bit.ly/FERC-Aug-2019). Address- tackle the climate crisis and to advance the clean energy economy. ing the issue of changes in the capacity type, in its monthly “Energy Infrastructure Update.” The capacity changes it posts are • Attend workshops and network with leading energy innovators, in the coming three years, it says that businesses and community leaders. for changes over the coming three years. not only is our nuclear capacity declin- • Enjoy a largely-local lunch as part of your affordable registration fee! ing, but the overall capacity of fossil In August of 2017, proposals for additions fuels is not increasing. And meanwhile, for natural gas came to a total capacity of we can expect to see a huge increase in 93,290 megawatts (MW) over the period Don’t Miss Our Inspiring Keynote Speaker capacities of solar and wind power. ending in August of 2020. In August of Chloe Maxmin The SDC post is clear on the issue of 2019, the amount of capacity proposed Chloe Maxmin, a young legislator in rural fossil fuels not increasing. There is an for natural gas generating plants was Maine, will speak about helping build diverse expectation that new natural gas plants 58,907 MW for the period to August of support for climate action in New England. Also, will come online in the coming three 2022. This is a reduction of 37%. During hear from Vermont Senate President Pro years, and the total capacity of new that time, proposed retirements actually Tempore Tim Ashe about what's likely to happen in the Vermont Legislature in 2020. natural gas plants will greatly exceed increased very slightly, and the reduction the total capacity of old natural gas in the proposed net change of capacity plants that are retiring. Nevertheless, was about 43.4%. Help free Vermont from dirty, dwindling the increases in natural gas capacity will The figures for proposed new capacity fossil fuels and advance a clean, be offset by declines in capacity in coal indicates a decrease of new capacity of 21st century energy system. and oil generating capacity. Cont’d on p.19 Visit www.vecan.net for details. Transportation Solutions WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 Nov. 2019 4

same distribution as, say, New York, but the New! Transportation Climate Initiative formula for distributing funds must be fair and provide Vermont with sufficient funds Twelve States and DC Stand Ready to Fight Climate Change to re-invest in cleaner transportation. Once these details are finalized in De- Transportation and heating emissions found to cause the 94.3% rise in VT’s GHG increase over 1990 levels cember, they’ll be made public. Each state will then make a decision in February or Tim Ashe, VT State Senator March regarding whether to join the TCI Many Vermonters were surprised and compact. rightly concerned when the Department It would obviously be premature to say of Environmental Conservation issued “let’s sign” until we see the agreement its Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions that comes forward, but I am optimistic. Inventory last June, and they learned that I am optimistic because this is a system- Vermont’s combined GHG emissions had ic emissions reduction which exceeds any increased 16% since1990 levels. one individual’s ability to effect change. How could this have happened? Hasn’t I am optimistic because TCI is modeled Vermont been a national leader in electri- after the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initia- cal efficiency and in the deployment of tive, entered into by Governor Douglas renewable electric power generation? more than a decade ago, that has success- Vermont has indeed made tremendous fully reduced CO2 emissions from electric inroads in terms of addressing the GHG generation. emissions from the generation and use of And finally, I’m optimistic because the electricity, with 2015 levels more than 8% TCI regional cap-and-invest model means below 1990 levels. But while most climate that as Vermont adopts a tool to guaran- change discussions in Montpelier and tee transportation emissions reductions, beyond the last twenty years centered on so also will some of the most populous the electric sector, that is not where most states in America. of our emissions are occurring. As of 2015, Tim Ashe is the President of the Vermont the electric sector accounts for just 10% State Senate and resides in Burlington. of Vermont’s GHG emissions. During his career in affordable housing, he So, what is causing Vermont’s emissions developed two solar projects, coordinated to rise? weatherization projects for 152 apartments, Transportation and heating emissions and achieved Enterprise Green Communi- are Vermont’s two most significant sourc- ties certification for two new senior housing es of GHG emissions, representing 43.3% facilities. He can be reached at tashe@leg. and 27.8% respectively of Vermont’s total state.vt.us. emissions. And more troubling, they account for 94.3% of the increase in Ver- of Columbia to create a “cap-and-invest” ware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, mont’s emissions over 1990 levels! transportation emissions program. In New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Put simply, to fight climate change, the the simplest terms, this regional com- Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and most important areas in which Vermont pact would (1) set a cap on the amount Virginia. must act are transportation and heating. of transportation emissions that will be The best place to learn more details This doesn’t mean we cease efforts to allowed, (2) auction the rights to sell the about how TCI would work and which promote electric efficiency and to deploy fuel that causes the allowed level of emis- terms are being negotiated is the “Frame- more renewable power. Those continue to sions, and then (3) distribute funds from work for a Draft Regional Policy Proposal” be essential since addressing transporta- the auction to each state to re-invest in a that was released a month ago. It can be tion and heating emissions will require cleaner transportation system. The funds found at https://www.transportationand- us to use more electricity, and we must could be used to improve public transit climate.org/TCI_10-01-2019.pdf insist that the electric power be clean. options, build out electric vehicle charg- Major elements being discussed at the But transportation and heating emissions ing infrastructure and incentivize electric negotiating table include: must receive priority emphasis. For the vehicle purchases, develop pedestrian 1. Equity – TCI must be designed in a way rest of this piece, I’ll address the most and bike corridors, and other uses that that supports rural and urban communities promising development on the transpor- reduce GHG emissions. and benefits people of all income levels. tation front. Under TCI, each year the allowable 2. Applicability – The states must agree Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) Jurisdic- How will Vermont reduce transporta- emissions amount would decrease, ef- upon which transportation fuels will be tions. Twelve states and the District of Columbia are tion emissions? fectively guaranteeing that transportation subject to the emissions cap. developing a regional policy proposal to address Many strategies will need to be de- emissions will go down in Vermont and all transportation-related GHG emissions as part of TCI. ployed, but the most significant oppor- the signatory states. 3. Compliance, enforcement, and monitor- Nine states (including Vermont, indicated in dark tunity before us is the Transportation and TCI is being negotiated as I write this. ing – Once an emissions cap is set, TCI’s green) and D.C. signed onto the Declaration of Intent Climate Initiative. Vermont is represented at the table by administration must be transparent and in 2018 that provides a starting point for the regional The Transportation and Climate Initia- officials from our Agencies of Transporta- straightforward. policy proposal. The other three (light green) continue tive (TCI) is a regional compact being tion and Natural Resources. They’re joined 4. Auction process and distribution of to participate in the policy development. Images designed by twelve states and the District by officials from Connecticut, D.C., Dela- proceeds – Vermont will not receive the courtesy of the State of Vermont.

Electric Pickup Trucks Are on the Rise! A Demo of the Ford F-250 Three-quarter-ton Plug-In Hybrid Electric Truck Held in Burlington, Vermont https://www.xlfleet.com/Ford XL PHEV. The all-electric Ford F-150 has also been N.R. Mallery, Publisher of G.E.T. tions, and test-drive the truck. in the news and may be available as early On October 30th, Vermont Upfit systems are vehicle drive-train as 2021. The F-150 Hybrid full sized pickup Clean Cities Coalition (VTCCC) additions that give the vehicle plug-in truck is due to be introduced soon, as a hosted a demonstration of XL hybrid electric or regular hybrid capability 2020 model. Fleet’s Ford F-250 Plug-In Hybrid while leaving the drive-train and its war- Do be assured that Green Energy Times Electric truck upfit for interested ranty intact. This technology serves as an will be following the production and avail- stakeholders. intermediary step for medium-duty fleets ability of the upcoming all-electric Ford Fleet managers, utilities, and that want to reduce GHGs and save money F-150 and the XLP™ plug-in Hybrid Electric mechanics gathered at Burl- on fuel and maintenance. Ford F-250 as they are ready to be released ington’s Department of Public Burlington DPW and Claude Raineault for purchase. This represents a huge solu- Works garage to learn about XL hosted the XL demo and allowed the use tion for our transportation emissions in our Fleet, and the GHG emissions of their lift to see the upfit system up close! rural states and everywhere. It is indeed a reduction and fuel savings of The XLP Plug-in Hybrid Electric Upfit is a solution we have been hoping and waiting their plug-in hybrid electric upfit class-leading three-quarter-ton pickup and for — a real game changer for the work systems. Attendees had the op- boasts a 50% mpg improvement and a 33% force and the planet. Kudos to Ford for portunity to check out XL’s plug-in CO2 reduction! Models include 4x2 and stepping up to the task! We can’t wait to hybrid upfit system up close, ask 4x4 models. Learn more about the world’s report to you that the electric pickup truck an XL sales representative ques- Image source: VTCCC Newsletter first PHEV Super Duty Ford F-250 pickup at is to the rescue and not just on the rise! Transportation Solutions WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 Nov. 2019 5 SMART COMMUTING IN NH & VT AUTOMAKERS FORSAKE THE FUTURE Transportation emissions are among the worst offenders that add to the rising CO2 levels in our atmosphere. In recent months we have learned that our efforts have begun BY CAVING TO TRUMP’S EMISSIONS PUSH to reduce the detrimental air quality counts (NHDES), but as you may have learned from The first comment global technology is even worse. Trump’s numerous other reports such as the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), http:// that came across “offer” to California to consider allowing climatechange2013.org/, global warming is still advancing faster than expected. my screen after the a 1.5% annual improvement in emission How do we get our emissions down now? By making new commuting choices! news that General standards would reach the current 2025 Lots of choices. Smart Commuting is all about knowing your options and planning Motors Co. and Fiat goals only in 2040, putting American ahead. There are many choices to get around in New Hampshire and Vermont, The first Chrysler Automo- automakers more than 15 years behind place to start in Vermont is “Go Vermont” for statewide choices to travel more efficiently. biles NV, along with Japanese and European ones in their Whether getting around town, commuting to work or school, or planning a day trip, Toyota Motor Corp. respective home markets and marking share the driving or ride with someone else to help save our planet and to save approx. and some smaller the end of competitiveness for domestic foreign automakers, auto factories. $2,000 annually. The statewide VT site also lists services for commuters, tourist, and shop- Carl Pope pers. had signed on to Indeed, for GM and Ford, an outcome President Donald Trump’s legal assault on in which Trump is re-elected and the In New Hampshire you’ll find a similar site at “NH Rideshare” where you can find car- technological progress in the auto indus- courts permit him to freeze pollution pools, transit routes and schedules, bike and walk trails and links to statewide transporta- try was this: “Wimps.” The administration tion information. and efficiency standards is catastrophic. aims to strip California and other states of European and Chinese regulators will When carpooling, remember to use the local Park n Ride lots to meet your connec- their ability to regulate vehicle emissions continue their urgent push to shift their tions. Start your trip planning Dat connectingcommuters.orgrive Electric or nh.gov/dot/programs/ in their fight against global warming. It markets from consuming polluting and rideshare/ for statewide choices. has split the global auto industry into two imported gasoline and diesel to clean, camps, with U.S. manufacturers on both domestic electricity. Japan and India will IN NEW HAMPSHIRENew Hampshire sides. The stakes are nothing less than the be close behind, because they are also UPPER VALLEY RIDESHARE (UVRS) - Carpool matching, benefits and support for com- technological and geographical future of facing air pollution and energy security muters in/out of Upper Valley. 802-295-1824 x208. uppervalleyrideshare.com. auto making. threats from oil imports and seek access ADVANCE TRANSIT (AT) – Free weekday bus for Lebanon, Hanover, Enfield, Canaan, NH, Fear of presidential retribution, particu- to Chinese and European customers. and Norwich and Hartford, VT. Dartmouth and DHMC Shuttles. ADA & Travel Training larly in the form of tariff discrimination, In this world, the U.S. market would Services. 802-295-1824. advancetransit.com is the obvious and perhaps only logical become a dumping ground for inferior, explanation for the move by GM, which outmoded combustion drive trains, and CARROLL COUNTY TRANSIT - Services and connections to Belknap County. has bet its future on electric vehicles (EV), 888-997-2020 tccap.org/nct.htm Trump’s policies will ensure continued to join Trump’s jihad against EVs. Fiat stagnation. Making such combustion CITY EXPRESS - Serves Keene. 603-352-8494 hcsservices.org/services/transportation/cityExpress.php Chrysler, on the other hand, is behaving vehicles on cheaper assembly lines in SCS TRANSPORTATION - Services for Sullivan County.. 603-542-9609. SCSHELPS.ORG predictably. It remains far behind its com- Mexico won’t solve this problem. GM petitors in preparing for a world without needs a way to sell competitive cars in the CONCORD AREA TRANSIT (CAT) - Serves Concord 603-225-1989 concordareatransit.org internal combustion cars and trucks. U.S., not obsolete ones. CONTOOCOOK VALLEY TRANSPORTATION (CVTC) - Monadnock Rideshare for the Toyota’s case is more complicated; the Trump is committed to ensuring that southwest region 877-428-2882 cvtc-nh.org company believes in fuel cells, not batter- the oil industry doesn’t lose its U.S. gaso- COOPERATIVE ALLIANCE FOR REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION (CART) - Serving ies, but fear of Trump retaliating against line and diesel markets. A second Trump the Chester, Derry, Hampstead, Londonderry, Salem and Windham, limited service to the company seems likely a major factor term will mean that GM’s electric fleet, on Plaistow. 603-434-3569 cart-rides.org for its backing as well. which GM’s Barra has bet the company’s DARTMOUTH COACH - Services to Boston, Logan Airport and NYC 800-637-0123 dart- GM President Mary Barra met with prospects, will be unable to achieve mouthcoach.com Trump a few weeks ago, so the president competitive market share. Just as Trump MANCHESTER TRANSIT AUTHORITY (MTA) - Manchester, with links to Nashua and had ample private opportunity to signal has intervened with federal regulators Concord. 603-623-8801 mtabus.org/services/local-buses to her that if GM didn’t join Fiat Chrysler in to try to keep uncompetitive coal plants MID-STATE REGIONAL RIDE RESOURCE DIRECTORY - Services elknap-Merrimack supporting him against California, there in operation, his second term will enable Counties, excluding Hooksett and the towns of Deering, Hillsborough and Windsor of might be unpleasant consequences. him to strangle market share for EVs. If GM Hillsborough County. 603.225.3295 x1201. midstatercc.org These fears of is to have a future, it NASHUA TRANSIT SYSTEM (NTS) - Buses and trolleys with bike racks. 603-888-0100 retribution are will have to take on RideBigBlue.com well-founded. The government-sup- Justice Department ported Chinese, Japa- NH RIDESHARE – Your Source for Transportation Alternatives. nh.gov/dot/programs/ride- launched an anti- share/ nese and European trust investigation manufacturers in IN VERMONT into the four auto their home markets. companies, Ford Mo- It won’t work. UPPER VALLEY TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (Vital Communi- tor Co., Volkswagen ties) - Works with UV employers and communities to promote and improve commuting Chairman Bill Ford options. 802-291-9100 vitalcommunities.org/transport/index.htm AG, BMW and Honda has figured this out, Motor Co. Ltd., that which is why, even VERMONT PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION PUBLIC TRANSIT - Lists transit, ferries and more struck a deal with Image: scitecheuropa.eu though his company at aot.state.vt.us/PublicTransit/providers.htm California to pro- has not progressed duce cleaner cars in as far as GM in devel- AMTRAK - Long distance train service. Discounts for AAA members and student advan- upcoming model years than Trump’s Envi- tage card. (800) 872-7245 amtrak.com oping its own EV models, Ford signed up ronmental Protection Agency proposed. for the California agreement. Once again CHITTENDEN COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY - Burlington bus service with Calling a company’s decision to improve it appears that two major automakers links to Montpelier, Middlebury and commuter route to Milton. cctaride.org its products an antitrust violation because seem determined to ignore that domestic consumers will no longer be able to buy markets will eventually demand cleaner, CONNECTICUT RIVER TRANSIT - Services in Bellows Falls and Springfield. crtransit.org inferior products is a stretch, but the more efficient vehicles that will reduce GO VERMONT - Offers carpool matching and commuter connections in VT 800-685- threat remains. When Microsoft Corp. beat pollution, climate risk and reliance on oil. 7433 connectingcommuters.org out Amazon.com Inc. for a new $10 billion To learn more about Carl’s views on the federal cloud-computing contract, it soon environment, energy and climate, read GREEN MOUNTAIN RAILROAD - Day trips from White River, Champlain Valley, Bellows was revealed that Trump had instructed Falls and Rutland. rails-vt.com Climate of Hope, which he has co-authored the secretary of defense to “screw with former NYC Mayor Mike Bloomberg. GREEN MOUNTAIN TRANSIT AGENCY - Local service in Barre, Montpelier, Grand Isle, Amazon” out of getting the work, making The link is https://www.climateofhope.com. Stowe and Lamoille. 802-223-7287 gmtaride.org public what every major company fears: cross Trump and the government comes A veteran leader in the environmental GREY HOUND/VERMONT TRANSIT - Long distance bus services. 1-800-231-2222 grey- after you, however weak its case. movement, Carl Pope is the former execu- hound.com/ Assuming they are “wimps,” and that tive director and chairman of the Sierra fear of Trump explains why GM and Club. He’s now the principal advisor at LAKE CHAMPLAIN FERRIES - Transport between New York and Vermont via Lake Cham- Inside Straight Strategies, looking for the plain. 802-864-9804 ferries.com Toyota have chosen to side in court with the president, their secret hope may be underlying economics that link sustainabil- MARBLE VALLEY REGIONAL TRANSIT- For Rutland, Killington, rural Manchester, Poult- that either Trump loses this lawsuit (highly ity and economic development. Pope serves ney and Rutland to Bellows Falls. City routes Free on Saturday. 802-773-3244 thebus.com/ likely), fails to be re-elected (also better as a Senior Climate Advisor to former NYC than 50%) or both. It’s hard to believe Mayor Michael Bloomberg. He has served RURAL COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION (RCT) - Buses, vans, and volunteer drivers. on the Boards of the California League of Routes via The Jay-Lyn, The Highlander (Newport - Derby Line); The US RT2 Commuter they relish a situation in which the federal (St. J. to Montpelier) and Free routes to rural areas. 802-748-8170 riderct.org government uses tariffs, taxes and anti- Conservation Voters, Public Voice, National trust policy to punish any company that Clean Air Coalition, California Common STAGE COACH - Commuter buses from Randolph and Fairlee to Dartmouth, Local village challenges it. But a domestic U.S. auto Cause, Public Interest Economics Inc, and buses. 800-427-3553 stagecoach-rides.org market that falls steadily further behind Zero Population Growth. 6 Nov. 2019 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 Transportation Solutions Are People a Cancer or a Parasite? Randy Bryan “Homo Sapiens” means smart human, right? Most would say, “Yes.” Look at all we have figured out and accomplished on this earth. It’s incredible. Big Bang Theory (on TV) puts it all into 20 seconds. But an alternative metric for our species is offered here for your consideration. Question: Are we a cancer or a parasite on this earth? Neither cancers nor parasites are viewed as especially intelligent, but human behavior and activity, in the aggregate, might be viewed The monthly average CO2 concentration at Mauna Loa Obser- vatory for Oct. 2019 was 408.53 ppm compared with 406.00 ppm from 40,000 feet in this same light. for Oct. 2018. https://www.esrl.noaa.gov/gmd/ccgg/trends/. A cancer will spread until it uses up all its food source resulting in a massive die-off of the cancer and host. A tried various measures and were vilified parasite also feeds off its host but usually by the world and their own populations stops short of killing the host (and itself). for their “inhumanity.” How would you How do humans fare in this compari- react if you were told you had to, or were son? There is no answer yet, as we haven’t made to, curtail your reproduction for the reached the feeding and exploitation lim- common good? Are we as a species so its of our host. But, consider our societal programmed to reproduce that we would psychology. In this newly coined “Anthro- do so until we collapse into resource pocene” epoch, we are using 1.7 times the wars? Remember, disasters often hit the earth’s sustainable resources each year, less fortunate first and hardest. we have driven CO2 to a 3 million year Look at wars as another case in point. high, and we are causing the sixth mass Wars are started as responses to existen- biological extinction event in the billions tial threats. We feel absolutely entitled to of years history of our planet, all without do whatever is needed to survive (beat commensurate stabilizing reaction or the enemy). What populations or battle- regulation. grounds have emerged better than they A lot of this resource use and extinc- started? And wars won’t help the effi- tion process is due to our compounded cient use of resources. I am guessing the population growth. No end is in sight Pentagon agrees, unless our existence is to that problem. China and India each threatened. Cont’d on p.32

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Rebates and incentives are available for NHEC members only. www.nhec.com/drive-electric SOLAR INVESTMENT COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 Nov. 2019 7 An Investment in Solar Systems Impact on Communities George Harvey program that he impact. What I find most encouraging is Norwich Solar Tech- would like to share that the success is completely sustainable nologies (NST) recently with others. and within our community’s control.” built a solar installation Levy is a retired According to Levy, there are many to provide renewable physician who progressive individuals of sufficient finan- electricity at reduced worked at Dart- cial means who would like to step up to prices to sixteen mouth Hitchcock finance such projects, if only they knew customers, including Medical Center. how. He told us, “Many are hungering for fourteen single-family Serving on the socially responsible impact investments, homeowners on Star- Norwich Energy now a multi-trillion-dollar business for the lake Lane in Norwich, Committee, he saw investment community but most offerings Vermont. The system the possibilities of do not get down to the community level or was built on land how local, small to low-income populations.” owned by Twin Pines investments could He provided a list of his reasons for an Housing, a non-profit make a big differ- investor to be a local impact investor. (We specializing in afford- Completed Tracy Community net-zero housing, located in West Lebanon, New Hampshire. ence. He developed present that in slightly modified form to able housing. a goal of having an accommodate presentation in print.) The The project has three solar arrays, each not of much use. Similarly, many people investment that could recoup his money in local impact investor: of 15 kilowatts, AC. Each array has is about do not earn enough money to owe much seven years while reducing electric bills for 1. Can take advantage of the numerous the size of a small school bus. in taxes, so credits don’t do them any good moderate-income participants by 25%. tax benefits available to private ownership This system may sound pretty com- either. Many of these electricity custom- He worked with NST, Twin Pines Housing, but unavailable to non-profits and public mon nowadays. In fact, some might call it ers would like to get solar power, but the and the Starlake Housing Association, a institutions, including the unremarkable. But there is one thing about system is not designed to directly support group of moderate-income homeowners. 30% Federal rebate, state Cont’d on p.19 it that makes it a powerful example of what their solar purchase. The project was can be done locally to solve big problems. What NST does is play matchmaker for able to provide The Community Impact Investment, a these people and organizations, finding solar energy to the concept pioneered by NST, works to invest local impact investors (LII) who wish to fourteen home- in our communities with an intentional, put money into local solar systems as an owners, one other positive outcome for all parties. investment. These impact investors initially adjacent homeown- In addition to the other work Norwich own the systems, make a modest return er, and Cover Home Solar Technologies does, which includes with tax credits, charge a discounted price Repair, a non-profit all aspects of design through installation, for the solar electricity, and may sell the providing no-cost NST has been working to get solar power systems to those who use the electricity home repairs to low to those who struggle to otherwise afford at a reduced price when the tax benefit income Vermonters. it, often because they are excluded from period ends. Norwich Solar participating in federal incentive programs. The NST Community Impact Investment Technologies CEO The challenge with the programs is that program has supported the development Jim Merriam says, the incentives they offer for solar installa- of several solar systems, including the array “The Community tions come in the form of tax credits. Non- on Starlake Lane. Norm Levy, who lives Impact Investors profit organizations, such as churches and in Norwich and is the LII for the Starlake like Norm have Starlake Lane solar array. Courtesy photos: Norwich Solar Technologies. schools, do not pay taxes, so tax credits are Lane project, has seen possibilities in the already made a big G u i l f o r d C o m m u n i t y C h u r c h : 100% C a r b o n -N e u t r a l G o a l s

8 Nov. 2019 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 Solar Photovoltaics - Vermont - New Hampshire Burton Snowboards Goes Big with Solar Catamount Solar Installs 964 Solar Modules to produce 45% of Annual Electricity Roger Lohr you are much more rural and far from with similar values that meet B Corp™ utility lines.” The utility companies greatly certification standards for sustainabil- benefit from solar-produced energy parity, social responsibility, transparency, ticularly in the summer when it reduces and holding themselves accountable. the need for the utility to buy higher While about 3,000 companies world- priced power during peak demand. wide (and 34 in Vermont) are certi- Catamount, based in Randolph, fied, Burton is the first Vermont, is a member-owned coop- Cont’d on p.36 erative company. Eight of the eighteen Catamount Solar employees are owners who receive a share of profit compen- sation based on the number of hours worked during the year. The theory of the cooperative company structure is Grid-Tie “an acknowledgment that the company’s success is based on people who work for Off-Grid and own the company.” According to the Hybrid Systems International Coop Alliance, there are Design ~ Service ~ Installation about 300 such cooperatives in the U.S. Catamount Solar also donates 5% of its Serving Vermont homes, businesses, profits to a community fund in Randolph camps & farms since 2009 that contributes to local community and environmental programs and initiatives. Burton Senior Sustainability Manager, Jenn Swain, amid the solar array at Burton headquarters. Catamount has also been involved Photo by Jesse Dawson. with 133 installations associated with the Solarize the Upper Valley program producing 811kWh in the region. The Vital After a year of energy from a roof- ing’s annual electricity consumption and Communities organization conducted top solar array, Burton Snowboards about 40% of the costs for the electricity the Solarize program to make photovol- announced in an annual sustainability in form of a credit to the electric bills. taic (PV) energy more accessible across report that it produced 318,220 kWh of Catamount Solar installed the solar the Upper Valley (Connecticut River electricity from April 2018 -April 2019. project at the Burton facility. Kevin Mc- Valley region of New Hampshire and This energy was sent from Burton’s Collister is a founder and managing part- Vermont). The public campaign has been 964 solar modules back to the electric ner of the company. When asked about responsible for more than doubling the grid (net metered) from the company’s the project using net metering, McCol- number of residences that installed solar Burlington, Vermont location. Bur- lister commented, “It makes sense to do projects in the Upper Valley. ton reported that the kWh amount net metering and stay on the electric In October 2019, Burton Snowboards represented about 45% of the build- grid compared to going off grid unless officially joined the ranks of companies

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Solar Photovoltaics - Vermont - New Hampshire WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 Nov. 2019 9 Guilford Community Church: 100% Carbon-Neutral Goals George Harvey the form of a tax break. This is fine for Hanwha modules with enphase microin- Guilford, people who pay enough in income tax verters, for a total capacity of 12 kW, on Vermont, has a to make it worth while, but people or the roof of the church. The work Roberts fascinating history. organizations without taxable income get and Piluski did with their lawyer made Today, the popula- no benefit from tax breaks. it affordable. It was presented to the tion is just over In a small church, a lot of things get congregation for approval, and it was 2,100. This is not done by networking and using connec- approved unanimously. much changed tions. And connections helped GCC get Now, Guilford Community Church from the 2,400 or a solar array of its own. A member of the has its solar array in place, and every so it had in 1790, congregation is a relative of a couple, member of the congregation has reason when it was one of Victoria Roberts and Simon Piluski, who to feel a sense of accomplishment. the largest towns own and operate Southern Vermont Solar in the Vermont (SVS). Republic. Another Pastor Sparrow said that Roberts and thing that remains Piluski were very excited about the idea from an earlier of putting a solar array on the roof of GCC. age is the Guilford SVS is a rather new organization, formed Community Church in 2017, but Piluski was already an electri- (GCC), which was cian when he took interest in solar photo- founded in 1767 or Solar installation underway. Photo: Lise Sparrow, Guilford Community Church voltaics, which was in 2000. Roberts, the 1768. To be clear, business manager, has a master’s degree the original church in education. Both owners had been building burned down, and a new one ture of $500 or more has to be reviewed aware of the fact that federal aid was not had to be built in 1847, but the congre- by the whole congregation. Nevertheless, readily available to non-profit organiza- gation kept going through that difficult work has gone forward at a satisfying tions, and being presented with a chance time. pace. to build one gave them the opportunity Changes do happen, of course, even Of course having their own solar array to develop their own approach to dealing in things that seem to last forever. was a goal, but under the circumstances with the problem. Roberts said that SVS Though stewardship of our environment it probably seemed rather far off to many had worked with an attorney experienced is something that has its foundation in church members. The size of the invest- in solar projects to find the best solution the Bible itself, its position in the life of ment was not the only thing holding back to getting the array up. the church is changing. It is becoming a solar project. The federal government The system was designed to have 37 a focal point for a number of church applies its incentives for solar power in groups in the 21st century. Members of the GCC congregation have been growing much more interested in the environment and climate change. Country churches are not known for being especially wealthy, and the GCC is hardly an exception. Plans and expenditures have to be revisited periodically, just to keep staff paid and maintenance up to date. Recently, GCC decided that it would set goals of getting to 100% carbon-neutral energy and net-zero waste. Activity after that point included everything from installing LED lighting and heat pumps to improving insulation and sealing windows. (Pastor Lise Spar- Electrical Experts row said offhandedly, “We replaced the insulation in a very virtuous way.” I could Offering High Quality www.svtsolar.com not help being much amused.) This is Roof and Ground Mount 802-387-0088 especially difficult for a small church because of a financial restriction that Design and Installations might seem rather severe. Any expendi-

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1010 Nov. JUNE 2019 15, 2014WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 802.439.6675 Solar Photovoltaics (PV) - New Hampshire The New Hampshire Sustainable Energy Association (NHSEA) An Interview with Co-Founder Laura Richardson HH: What do you think has changed Henry Herndon back into the Lamprey River, ate a[n] RPS carve-out for solar that would most since NHSEA’s beginnings? Laura Richardson co- while heating the building at generate funds for rebate programs and LR: The prices for solar have dropped founded the New Hamp- the same time. They let us do incentivize more solar adoption, but also significantly. It cost $15 per watt when shire Sustainable Energy As- a vodka tasting. recognize solar’s value as a resource that we bought our system. When we added sociation (NHSEA) in 2003. At the first workshop we can be adopted by any individual, any to our system this year, we paid $0.65 Since that time, NHSEA has had about 50 people, they all homeowner, any business. That was the per watt for the panels. And solar has existed as a resource to help paid $50, we had handouts thread that connected everything. I re- become normalized. That was one of Granite State citizens, busi- and evaluations – it was all member I was testifying at the legislature our big goals – that when you drive by nesses, communities, and about educating people and and one Representative leaned over the normal houses on every-day streets policymakers implement getting feedback. Then we table, he looked at me with these steely you would see roofs with solar on them. sustainable, New Hampshire-based started hosting more. Photovoltaic (PV) eyes, and he said, “There will never be 50 That was always our dream. energy solutions. With gratitude and for electricians was very popular. We had solar projects in NH.” It makes me smirk [This interview has been lightly edited admiration, NHSEA, recently re-branded 50-60 people at those. We had workshops a little now. [In 2019 there are more than for continuity. – Ed.] as Clean Energy NH, reflects upon our on biomass. We had PV 101 for homeown- 9,000 net-metered solar PV installations in Henry Herndon is the Director of Local history with this interview with the ers. My focus was from the homeowner NH. - Ed.] Energy Solutions for Clean Energy NH. organization’s founder. perspective, because there were hardly Henry Herndon: Can you talk a little any installers at that time! The workshops Clean Energy NH current Board bit about the origins of NHSEA? eventually grew into conferences with of Directors. L-R: Susan Geiger, Laura Richardson: My husband, Gil, multiple tracks and topics. Orr & Reno; Jack Ruderman; Jeff and I built our home in 2001 as an off- HH: Who were the other individuals, Haydock, EcoCFO; Ted Vansant, grid ‘as-sustainable-as-possible’, super- organizations, and partners that were New England Commercial Solar Services; Sherrie Trefry, VHB; insulated, very energy-efficient home. advancing clean energy and energy efficiency alongside NHSEA? Madeleine Mineau, CENH Exec- We wanted people to understand that utive Director; Tom Burack, you don’t have to be an engineer to live LR: PAREI, the Plymouth Area Renew- Sheehan, Phinney, Bass & Green; an efficient, sustainable life. You can be able Energy Initiative, got started in 2004 Charlie Niebling, Innovative a regular person. So, we designed our – that was Peter Adams and Sandra Jones Natural Resources Solutions; home to be attractive and comfortable and a handful of others. Their goal was to Kevin Porter, ROC USA. (Absent, to attract everyday people. There was help local people install solar hot water, April Salas, Dartmouth & Town no support from the state at that time, and they branched into efficiency and of Hanover). Photo: Brianna no incentives, no educational resources. solar PV. They started with energy raisers Brand, Clean Energy NH. As a result, we had to do a lot of re- and energy exchanges, neighbors teach- search and a lot of learning ourselves. ing neighbors how to install solar. They Remember, that was before the internet took that model and created a toolkit so was really a thing. that other communities and regions could In 2002, people started coming to do the same, like HAREI in the Hillsbor- Albert Ducharme, NABCEP Certiﬁed ALBERT DUCHARME visit us, to tour our home and to learn ough area. They made a huge difference PV Installation Professional about what it meant to have a sustain- then, and they continue to make a huge #PV-041616-013792 Snow Dragon Solar able home. We’d get up to 50 people difference now. coming to our house at a time, and Around the same time, Julia Dundorf before long, we were hosting tours at New England Grassroots Environment every other weekend. It was exhausting! Fund and Denise Blaha were working on OFF-GRID BATTERY BACK-UP And everyone had really deep, techni- Local Energy Solutions, trying to come up cal questions and we weren’t always with different ways to have municipali- equipped to answer them. So, in 2003 ties embrace energy efficiency and clean HYBRID • GRID-TIED we said, “We need to turn this into an energy. They started rolling out the Local organization,” and incorporated NHSEA Energy Solutions Conference around DESIGN & INSTALLATION as a 501(c)3 nonprofit. 2008, the administration of which has HH: Can you talk about the role NH- since passed to Clean Energy NH. They SEA played in New Hampshire’s nascent also developed various toolkits on how to clean-energy community? implement energy solutions with a focus LR: NHSEA has always been a mix of on local governments and communities. social and technical. We hosted social HH: What is one accomplishment you events so people could get to know are particularly proud of? each other, and we hosted workshops LR: Getting the Renewable Portfolio so we could learn about more techni- Standard (RPS) through the legislature cal concepts. Our first workshop was in with a carve-out for solar – that was the November 2003, and it was about solar most exciting success that we had. It was hot water. We hosted the workshop at really hard, there were only a handful of Snow Dragon Solar, LLC a winery in Lee that makes really good dedicated supporters and lots of opposi- (603) 630-3003 | snowdragonsolar.com vodka. The winery had a brand new so- tion, many of whom are now supportive lar hot water system for the distillation of solar, but at the time they were really • SERVING THE UPPER VALLEY AND NORTH & CENTRAL NH • process to cool the water before it went against that concept. Our goal was to cre- Solar Photovoltaics (PV) - New Hampshire WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 Nov. 2019 11 Solarize Kearsarge Nears Completion George Harvey As Green Energy Times goes to press, stationary and those with AllEarth track- team that came to my home Granite State Solar (GSS) is finishing ers. Solar panels for systems ranged not was very dog friendly, which the last installations of the Solarize only in size, but in type, with some made is very important to me. I Kearsarge Campaign, in the area of by Panasonic and most Hanwa Q-Cells. trusted them here when I Kearsarge, New Hampshire. This is For anyone who would like to know wasn’t in. After installation timely, as it means customers are able what it is like to participate in a Solar- was completed, Jaimie in to take advantage of higher federal tax ize campaign, we could describe the the Granite State Solar office incentives that will be reduced with the experience of Nancy Teach, a homeowner was excellent and kept me new year. from Andover, N.H. She was one of those informed about the entire GSS, which is based in Bow, N.H., people who had studied the situation approval process with the started the campaign in April of this thoroughly. She already appreciated the town. She even helped with year. This was covered by a post on benefits of solar power, having had her paperwork for the state the GET website, “Solarize Kearsarge own system at an earlier residence. She rebate, and I’ve already Kicks Off April 13.” (http://bit.ly/GET- was still undecided about installers when received my check from the Kearsarge) Solarize Kearsarge was a she heard about the Solarize Kearsarge PUC.” cooperative effort of Kearsarge Climate Campaign. Because Teach’s system Action and Vital Communities to help “To me, solar is the responsible thing to was done in 2019, it is eli- residents in Andover, Newbury, New do,” Teach said. “I had solar in my previ- gible for the 30% Federal Tax London, Sutton, Warner, and Wilmot ous home, and I knew I really wanted to Credit. That tax credit drops get solar photovoltaic systems installed do it again. When I heard about Solarize to 26% in 2020, which is at their homes. GSS was chosen as the Kearsarge, I decided it was time.” still a respectable incentive. preferred installer by Solarize Kearsarge “I contacted a total of five solar install- There is also a rebate avail- from among several in the area. ers even though Granite State Solar was able from the State of New The campaign got quite a lot of the preferred Solarize Kearsage vendor,” Hampshire. attention. In the end, 189 people Teach said. “I wanted to be part of the Granite State Solar’s web contacted GSS, 130 of these scheduled process. The other companies I met with site is www.granitestateso- site visits, and these led to 41 contracts were comparable, but Granite State Solar lar.com. being signed. Installations came to a was different. I was impressed with Eric, a little over 358 kilowatts (kW) and a total solar advisor with GSS, who came to my Nancy Teach and friend at home with of 1047 solar panels. home and did a free site evaluation. His the 6.175kW rooftop solar. Courtesy GSS did not take a cookie-cutter ap- knowledge and overall thoughtfulness photo from Granite State Solar. proach to individual installations, with was impressive.” the idea that some were roof mounts, Teach’s solar system is expected to some ground mounts, and everything produce 7,420kWh of electricity in a good else the same. In truth, every system year. It has nineteen Q-Cell 325 watt was designed based on its own needs. panels, each with its own Enphase IQ7 There were roof mounted systems and inverter. The total system size is 6.175kW. ground-mounted systems, but the lat- “Installation went very quickly,” Teach ter were divided into those that were said. “The entire Granite State Solar install

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Nancy: 802.439.6675 [email protected] Michelle: 603.437.0167 [email protected] Don: 802.373.3309 [email protected] 12 Nov. 2019 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 Community Solar in New York State The Development of a Community Solar Project Clifton Park, New York George Harvey tively reviewed and chose the Clifton Park, New York, is firms that do the construction.” a town with a population of Richardson’s approach to nearly 38,000, about twelve solar power is not one of learn- miles north of Albany. Its first ing how to do the job and then community solar project, the sticking to what he knows. He Sugar Hill Solar Farm, opened in is clearly looking out to make October. things better. One thing he is It was not all that long ago working on is pushing the state that permitting and financial to incentivize solar projects structures for community solar differently. “We should not be projects were not in place for rewarding megawatts,” he said. the State of New York. That “What we should be rewarding being the case, Clifton Park’s is megawatt-hours.” In other first project could not be said words, a solar array should not to have been slow in coming. At the ribbon cutting (L to R) Peter Bardunias, Southern Saratoga Chamber of Com- be given an incentive based on merce (SSCC); Patricia Fahey, NYS Assembly Member; Mary Beth Walsh, NYS Assembly Mark Richardson, the CEO of the amount of power it can pro- U.S. Light Energy, one of the Member; Mark Richardson, CEO U.S. Light Energy; Scott Wiater, CEO Standard Solar, Inc.; James Tedisco, NYS Senator; Linda Tepper, Tepper Group and SSCC Member duce at noon on a sunny day developers, told us he had been in the late spring, but on the hard at work to get the state to amount of energy it can deliver allow community development for years the state who got their power from National over the course of a year, in all seasons, in before it finally became possible. The Grid, the utility providing power in the sunshine or under cloudy skies. problem is not just getting the state on region where the array is located. Another thing Richardson is consider- board. Utilities, transmission companies, U.S. Light Energy did not develop the Clif- ing is how solar power fits into the overall towns, and groups of people with com- ton Park Community alone. It partners on scheme of the environment. Not satisfied mon interests all have to be ready to do projects of the type with another company, with reducing carbon emissions, he is their part. Standard Solar, which is based in Rockville, considering the solar industry from a more COMMUNITY SOLAR Clifton Park could not have gotten Maryland. Standard Solar owns the solar holistic point of view. For example, while started much before it did on the com- array. U.S. Light Energy is familiar with the his company has not yet installed a solar FOR ALL munity solar project, but now that project geography and conditions in New York. It system co-located with agriculture, he is is complete. The Sugar Hill Solar Farm is can scout the territory, talk to local people, looking at the feasibility of combining solar a seven-megawatt system that covers and find the most likely sites for arrays. with sheep or bees. “The reality is that we about forty acres of land. Its 20,000 solar Standard Solar is a much larger company must be good stewards of the land,” he said. panels will produce enough electricity to that can deal with issues of financing and “It is one of the things that gives America power about 600 local homes, and the ownership. As to getting the work done on the advantage it has in the world. It must be community solar structure makes the the ground, Richardson said, “We collabora- cared for.” panels available to power the homes of residents and businesses. Our Community Solar offering Richardson said, “We are very proud of puts clean energy into your our project. It looks fantastic. Everybody did a great job. The place where it is sited local grid while generating is about as good as you could hope for. guaranteed savings The land owner is ecstatic, because it on your utility bill. gives him an income from what had been marginal land.” The land had not been used for an agricultural cash crop, and was • Support local, clean, only used for hay. Community solar systems are very renewable energy valuable for people who do not have • Guaranteed savings their own place for solar panels. Partici- pants work with Common Energy, the up to 10% on annual subscriber service company. Participants electricity costs get credits on their energy bills for the electricity their part of the community • NO - fees, credit check or system produces, and this reduces the cost of electricity for them. long-term contract In the case of the Clifton Park project, the early subscribers all had to be resi- o oin go to dents of the city, by agreement with the municipality. There was a window of thirty ewirenergo days during which only residents were or all ee ans allowed to sign up. Once that passed, signups could be taken from anyone in Sugar Hill Solar Farm. Photos courtesy of U.S. Light Energy. or ore ino Get the Best of Vermont Solar for the Lowest Price! AllEarth Solar introduces the AllEarth Ground-Mount! Made right here in Vermont and installed by us with an industry leading 10 year limited warranty! Contact us to learn how to get solar at no up-front cost! For more information visit allearthrenewables.com/groundmountinstalls Community Solar in New York State WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 Nov. 2019 13 Grid-Tied Solar with Lithium Battery Backup Energy Integration in East Jewett, New York George Harvey was large enough to supply energy for an We do not see electric vehicle, which he would like to buy grid-tied solar at some point. systems with battery This is being achieved by combining backup very often, different energy sources. The house has a and so they seem roof that faces south and is well positioned especially interest- for a solar system large enough to supply it ing when we do. with sufficient power for typical conditions. High Peaks Solar, This would have to be combined with a suf- an installer based ficiently large storage system. The system in Wynantskill, New would be grid-tied for the sake of reduc- York, brought one ing stress on the battery. And it would be to our attention. It backed up with a combination of propane is a project that is and wood for heat to cover the needs of ex- just being finished in tended outages. The propane also supplies East Jewett, NY. water heating. Rural home with twenty-six 325-watt solar panels. Photo courtesy of Joe Pepe. East Jewett is part Two years ago, Pepe started discussions six Canadian Solar 325-watt panels. The of the town of Jewett, with Kevin Bailey of High Peaks Solar. They inverter is from SMA. A sonnen battery which lies in Greene County and has a has electric baseboard heat, well pump, hot went well beyond solar power to cover all system with five Sony batteries, each of total population of almost 950. It is on water, cooking, and dryer, each of which the energy needs for the home. The ques- 2.5 kilowatt-hours provides for backup. the edge of the Catskills, near the Hudson can draw a lot of power. The result is that a tions they considered included what would “The system is rapid-shutdown compli- River Valley, about 140 miles north of battery system would have to be very large happen normally, when the grid tie was ant, to the latest code standard,” Bailey New York City. The area is quite rural and to supply the potential top load regularly operational, as well as what to do about told us. is referred to as “ungentrified.” without shortening its life expectancy, or outages of any type and duration. Pepe is already delighted with the Joseph Pepe is an architect, licensed the system itself would have to be altered The system was also designed with due system, which is nearly finished. As a to practice in New York, New Jersey, and somewhat. consideration for changes in how utilities professional, he seems to be especially New Hampshire. He had done some very Pepe wanted to be able to fall back on supply power, which might come in the fu- happy with the approach to combin- large projects in the past, but as he nears a battery for grid failures. He knew that ture. For example, what changes would be ing energy sources. “High Peak Solar did retirement, he is working on sustainable outages could be longer in the future, best if the local utility goes into time-of-use a great job as integrators,” he said. But homes and restorations. He wanted his as climate change brings more intense service? The system should be able to draw clearly, knowing that his home can be own home to be able to withstand ex- weather conditions, and he wanted a power when the price is low, but not when comfortable even when a big storm hits tended power outages comfortably. system that could be capable of being the price is high, an advantage for both provides wonderful peace of mind. Achieving this goal was complicated powered for independent operation for utility and customer. High Peaks Solar’s website is https:// by the fact that the house is all-electric. It long periods. He also wanted a system that In the end, High Peaks put in twenty- highpeakssolar.com/. COMMON ENERGY: FULTON PARK COMMUNITY SOLAR George Harvey Common Energy (CE) is a company The Oppenheim solar array has been that brings community solar projects to under development in an area served by customers, especially in New York and National Grid in Fulton County, New York. Maryland which have favorable state The 1,940-kilowatt system is large enough programs. to supply the needs of about 333 house- Community solar systems benefit holds. It will reduce carbon emissions by people who have no place to put solar over 750,000 pounds each year, the equiva- systems such as renters and people whose lent of sequestration in 407 acres of forest. homes are in shady areas. Electric utility Participants may receive $1,440 over the customers can subscribe to the system 20-year lifespan of the project. and have the value of the energy generat- An announcement from Common Energy ed deducted from their bills. Some people now tells us that the Oppenheim solar array who expect to move can also take advan- is fully subscribed. This means, of course, tage of this, because, if they are still served that finding customers for the development by the same utility, they may be able to was completely successful. apply the credits in their new locations. Those who might have wanted to buy CE brings new community systems into the system can take heart, however. forward continuously. As one project is Even though it is fully subscribed, CE has fully subscribed, development of another others available including New York solar is underway. And this is an advantage for farms in Johnstown and Clifton Park and The Oppenheim 1,940 kW solar farm in Fulton County, NY. Photo courtesy of Kearsarge Energy. potential customers. Those who discover others under development. CE has opera- that the array they wished to buy into is tional projects or projects under develop- fully subscribed are often able to sub- ment in a number of New York areas, includ- scribe to a newer array in their utility’s ing those serviced by National Grid, NYSEG, service area. Central Hudson, and Orange and Rockland COMMUNITY SOLAR Utilities. CE partners with a team of other developers on their community systems. In the case of the Oppenheim solar array, they worked with Kearsarge Energy, which owns the project, and National Grid. In addition to serving homes and businesses in general, Common Energy serves low- SMARTER, CHEAPER, CLEANER ENERGY and moderate-income house-

holds through New York State Oppenheim solar farm ribbon cutting: Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of Little JOIN US Falls and Dolgeville along with their troop leaders celebrate the ribbon cut- Energy Research and Develop- ting of the Oppenheim solar farm. From L-R: Andrew Bernstein, Kearsarge ment Authority’s Solar For All Energy; Chad Handy, landowner; Pastor Tom Jones, Bethesda Christian Fel- Program. lowship; NYS Senator Jim Tedisco; Malcolm Bliss, Common Energy; Cindy Common Energy’s website is www.commonenergy.us Breh, Oppenheim Town Supervisor. commonenergy.us. 14 Nov. 2019 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 UP-TO-DATE INCENTIVE INFO: WWW.DSIREUSA.ORG INCENTIVES grants of $1,000-$3,500 appliances (including wood and pellet • Go to www.grassrootsfund.org/grants/ stoves) to income eligible customers. FEDERAL or call 802-223-4622 for more info. https://www.efficiencyvermont.com/ free-products NEW HAMPSHIRE FEDERAL INVESTMENT Lighting VERMONT • Special pricing on select ENERGY STAR® Renewable Energy Incentives TAX CREDIT Offered Through the NH Public The federal investment tax credit (ITC) for CLEAN ENERGY LEDs at Vermont retailers. most technologies, including solar, wind, • LEDs for indoor growing: $100 back for Utilities Commission heat pumps, and fuel cells, is 30% of DEVELOPMENT FUND qualifying fixtures NH PUC: Get up-to-date information at expenditures. For commercial geothermal The Small Scale RE Incentive Program, Weatherization https://www.puc.nh.gov/Sustainable%20 generating systems, microturbines, and administered by Renewable Energy • Comprehensive air sealing and Energy/RenewableEnergyRebates.htmls Resource Center (RERC), provides funds to combined heat and power the ITC is 10% insulation projects with an Efficiency Commercial Solar Rebate Program of expenditures. help defray the costs of new solar thermal Excellence Network contractor: 50% off and advanced wood pellet heating systems. Incentives are limited to 25% of the total • Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit: eligible project costs, up to $2,000. project cost or $50,000 if less than the AC http://bit.ly/energy-gov-R-E-tax-credit Advanced Wood Heating Advanced Moderate income Vermonters get up to wood pellet heating systems -- $6,000 per incentive payment otherwise calculated, • Electric Vehicles - Tax credit for qualified $4,000 back. pellet boiler/furnace (in partnership with whichever is less. The Program is available to plug-in electric drive vehicles including • Air sealing and insulating your attic Efficiency Vermont). Details at www.rerc-vt. non-residential structures with a commercial passenger vehicles and light trucks. For and/or basement with a contractor of org or call (877) 888-7372. electric meter located in New Hampshire. vehicles acquired after December 31, 2009, your choice: up to $500; Moderate income • Retails sales of “Advanced Wood Boilers” Incentive levels for PV systems are as follows: the credit starts at $2,500 and goes up to Vermonters get up to $1,000 back. are exempt from Vermont’s 6% sales tax. • $0.40/watt (lower of AC and DC) for new $7,500 based on the battery specs. • DIY: $100 back for completing eligible solar electric facilities (Step 1 application http://tax.vt.gov/exemptions,, projects, like weatherizing windows and USDA RURAL • Details at https://fpr.vermont.gov/ received on or after March 19, 2018); and doors, and sealing air leaks in your attic • Expansions to existing solar systems are not DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM woodenergy/rebates and basement. • Windham County eligible. USDA Rural Development Program - Rural Appliances (must be ENERGY STAR) • For residential low- and moderate- • Incentive levels for solar thermal systems Energy for America (REAP) income residents there is a pellet stove • Dehumidifiers $25 - $40 rebate are as follows: • Finance the purchase of renewable program. Contact the Windham and • Clothes Dryers - $400 rebate • $0.12/rated or modeled kBtu/year for new energy systems, and make energy Windsor Housing Trust for more informa- • Appliance recycling: $50 + free pickup solar thermal facilities fifteen collectors in size improvements; energy audits. Funding is tion: Tara Brown at 802-246-2119 of secondary refrigerators/freezers or fewer; • $0.07/rated or modeled kBtu/year for new awarded on a competitive basis; grant • For wood heating (pellet or chip boilers/ Heating/Cooling/Water Heating funding cannot exceed 25% of eligible • Central wood pellet boilers and solar thermal facilities greater than fifteen furnaces) in municipal buildings, schools, collectors in size; project costs and combined loan guaran- and non-profits contact the Windham furnaces: $6,000 rebate (in partnership tees and grants cannot exceed 75% of with CEDF) • Expansions to existing solar systems not Regional Commission: Marion Major at eligible. eligible project costs. 802-257-4547 ext. 109 or windhamre- • Heat Pumps: • Applicants include Feasibility studies/ • Air-to-Water System: $1,000/ton rebate Contact [email protected] or at gional.org/energy/wwh (603) 271-2431. regular REAPs: agricultural producers and In Rutland County (and towns in neigh- • Centrally-Ducted System: $800/ton rural small businesses. Energy audits and rebate For C&I solar program details, go to: http:// boring counties that boarder Rutland Co.) www.puc.nh.gov/Sustainable%20Energy/ renewable energy development assis- contact Melanie Paskevich mpaskevich@ • Ductless Heating & Cooling System: tance: local governments, tribes, land grant $400-$500 discount at participating RenewableEnergyRebates-CI.html nwwvt.org at NeighborWorks of Western PACE colleges, rural electric coops, public power Vermont, (802) 797-8610. distributors entities. Grant must be used for Construc- The state also has passed PACE (prop- Pellet Sap Evaporators: • Heat pump water heaters: discounts tion or improvements, purchase and up to $600 at participating distributors; erty-assessed clean energy) enabling leg- installation of equipment, energy audits, Incentives are available for new, high-effi- • Moderate-income Vermonters are also islation which will allow towns to use the permit fees, professional service fees, ciency wood pellet- or chip-fired evapora- eligible for bonus rebates up to $500 PACE mechanism to finance clean energy business plans, and/or feasibility studies. tors utilized as primary evaporators for heat pumps and heat pump water projects through property taxes. Find more at www.rurdev.usda.gov/ completely replacing oil or cord wood- heaters. Please refer to the Residential PV pro- NH-VTHome.html or call 802-828-6080 in fired units. $200/sq-ft of evaporator pan. • Window air conditioners: $200 for gram: VT or 603-223-6035 in NH Info at RERC-vt.org select ENERGY STAR Emerging Technol- Residential Solar/Wind Rebate Program BIOREFINERY ASSISTANCE Other Utilities Heating Offers ogy models -Effective January 2, 2018, this program • Members of Washington Electric Co-op • Smart thermostats: up to $100 back for offers rebates to qualifying NH residents PROGRAM (WEC) can get a $1000 rebate on approved select ENERGY STAR models. who install photovoltaic (PV) or wind tur- USDA Rural Development offers oppor- pellet boilers and $500 for pellet furnaces. Wood Stove Change-Out bine electrical generation systems. Rebate tunities to producers to develop biofuels This can be combined with the CEDF and CEDF Change-Out levels are $.20 per watt of panel rated through the Biorefinery Assistance Program. EVT incentives for a total of $7000; $250 for (customer must have an existing/installed power up to $1,000, or 30% of the total The program provides loan guarantees for qualifying pellet or wood stove installed by non-EPA certified stove to change-out): facility cost, whichever is less. Check for the development, construction, and retrofit- a qualified installer. This can be added to • Pellet stoves: $1,000 incentive* updates at http://www.puc.state.nh.us/Sus- ting of commercial-scale biorefineries. stove offers from CEDF and EVT. • Cord wood stoves: $800 incentive* tainable%20Energy/RenewableEnergyRe- • Members of the Vermont Electric Co-op The Biorefinery Assistance Program was * These incentives end Dec. 16, 2019 bates-SREG.html can get a $150 credit on the purchase of an established to assist in the development • A $100 incentive is also available to approved pellet stove: www.vec/energy- Residential Solar Water Heating of new and emerging technologies for the replace the catalyst in an existing programs. development of advanced biofuels and EPA-certified woodstove. Rebate Program Efficiency Vermont offers a $650 rebate • $1500 - $1900 per system based on aims to accomplish the following: VT TAX CREDITS annual system output • Increase the energy independence of • Vermont offers an investment tax credit for a new pellet or cord wood stove. * the United States for installations of renewable energy equip- * Cannot be combined with above offer. Commercial Bulk Fuel-Fed Wood • Promote resource conservation, public ment on business properties. The credit is Residential New Construction C&I Pellet Central Heating Systems health, and the environment equal to 24% of the “Vermont property por- • Enroll to receive a home energy rating, • 40% of the heating appliance(s) and tion” of the federal business energy tax expert technical assistance, and incen- installation cost, up to a maximum of • Diversify markets for agricultural, forestry tives – Efficiency Vermont Certified™ products and agricultural waste materials credit from 2011 to 2016. For solar, small $65,000. An additional 30% up to a maxi- wind, and fuel cells this constitutes a 7.2% projects receive up to $3,000 cash back mum $5,000 is available for thermal storage. • Create jobs and enhance economic state-level credit for systems and for geo- • Washington Electric Coop and Vermont development in rural America Systems must be 2.5 million BTU or less thermal electric, microturbines, and com- Gas Systems customers may also receive • For more information go to bined heat and power systems, this additional incentives Residential Wood Pellet Boiler/Furnace www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_Biorefinery constitutes a 2.4% state-level tax credit. • 40% of installed system up to $10k Commercial and Institutional • Must meet thermal efficiency and Tier III programs • Buildings over 5000 square feet can get particulate emissions standards REGIONAL • Additional incentive offers may be avail- a rebate of $1.25/sf up to $50,000 from www.puc.nh.gov – Sustainable Energy or able through your local utility provider, con- Efficiency Vermont, plus an additional tel. 603-271-2431 for more information NEW ENGLAND GRASSROOTS tact your utility for more information. $3000 from the CEDF. and current program status Other Opportunities To Save ENVIRONMENTAL FUND EFFICIENCY VERMONT • Advanced Power Strips – special pricing LOCAL INCENTIVES MODEST GRANTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR All incentives subject to availability, limits, starting at $6.95 Some towns provide property tax exemp- COMMUNITY-BASED ENVIRONMENTAL and may change at any time. For complete • Sense Home Energy Monitor: $199 tions for renewables – visit www.bit.ly/ WORK IN CT,MA,RI,NH,VT,ME details, and participating retailers/ • Discount Pool Pumps – up to $500 back NHtownRenewablesTaxBreaks • Must be volunteer driven or have up to 2 contractors, call 888-921-5990 or visit on select ENERGY STAR models • These are offered on a town-by-town basis. full time paid staff or equiv. efficiencyvermont.com/rebates. • Home Energy Loan – low-interest loans • The state also has passed PACE (property- • have an annual budget up to $100,000 EVT has started a new program giving of up to $35,000 for home weatherization assessed clean energy) enabling legislation • “Seed” grants of $250-$1,000 and “Grow” away free energy efficient products and and heating improvements which will allow towns to use the PACE While we at Green Energy Times try to keep things up to date, incentives are always changing. Be sure to check with the appropriate sources for the latest information. INCENTIVES UP-TO-DATE INCENTIVE INFO: WWW.DSIREUSA.ORG WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 Nov. 2019 15 through property taxes. Visit https://www. Energy Star® Residential Heating, options through lower interest rate loans and NYSEG/RG&E rebate program up to $1050. More nh.gov/osi/energy for more information. Cooling, & Water Heating encourage loans for homeowners with lower info at http://bit.ly/NYSEG-Rebates. NH Electric Cooperative Incentives income or lower credit scores. Equipment Rebate • Mass Solar Loan: www.masssolarloan.com. Home Energy Waste for Electric Vehicles and Electric • Rebates of up to $500/ton on Air Source The most updated loan principal buy down Getting a home energy assessment can Car Charging Stations and Geothermal Heat Pumps. Rebates of rate based on household income can be found help you take control of your energy costs, • NHEC offers a $1,000 incentive on a $500 - $750 on Heat Pump Water Heaters. For Residential Members – Incentives are identify where your house is using the most Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV), $600 on a Rebates of $100 on WiFi Thermostats up to $300 per charging unit. By participat- energy and which improvements would Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV), • Program details and application at www. ing in the residential program, at http:// have the biggest impact on your bottom line. Heating and cooling costs frequently and $300 on Electric Motorcycles. NHSaves.com/heating cooling www.masssolarloan.com/. account for 50% of residential energy bills. NHEC offers incentives for Level 2 • Renewable Thermal Infrastructure Grant Other NH Electric Utility Programs Program: https://www.mass.gov/funding Identifying your energy waste can lead to Electric Vehicle Charging Stations. big savings. Visit: http://bit.ly/ny-nrg-waste. For Commercial and Municipal Members See also individual utilities for additional DEPT OF ENERGY RESOURCES – Incentives are up to $2,500 per charging programs and variations. NH electric util- • MA State Income tax credit for residential ities may offer low or no interest on-bill solar hot water or PV systems are eligible for a RENEWABLE ENERGY/NY-SUN unit. A maximum of two charging units http://ny-sun.ny.gov/ may be installed off-peak hours at a rate financing for energy efficiency projects. one-time 15% off system cost, capped at that is lower than the basic residential rate. • Visit www.NHSaves.com/resource/ for $1000 max tax credit. NY-Sun is structured around custom- individual utility contact information. • No sales tax on residential solar hot water ized Megawatt (MW) Blocks targeted NH Home Performance with or PV system. to specific regions of the state. To learn Business Programs • There is no increase in property tax more, see the Megawatt Block Incentive ENERGY STAR Includes programs for: small and large busi- assessment for residential solar hot wa er or Structure. Sponsored by all NH electric and natural ness, new equipment and construction, PV systems for 20 yrs. The Megawatt (MW) Block Dashboard gas utilities in partnership by the U.S. Dept. seminars, lighting incentives, and catalog, provides real time infor on the status of of Energy. Fuel-blind eligibility using the and low and no interest financing programs. MA SMART INCENTIVE block and current incentive levels by sec- Home Heating Index (BTUs of heating fuel • Visit www.NHSaves.com/ for informa- Currently SMART incentives are only available tor and region. Block status is updated as / conditioned square feet / heating degree tion about NH business incentives for for PV systems sized under 25kW. All Ever- applications are submitted, so check for days). Must provide at least 12 months of electricity efficiency. source West and Most of National Grid Blocks heating fuel history. Once qualified, eli- are full for 25kW and larger. There will be a current status. http://bit.ly/MW-block gible homes get a $450 value compre- NH Weatherization Assistance 400MW review process this spring and sum- Residential and Small Business hensive energy audit for $100 (rebated if Income-Eligible Programs mer. Details at http://masmartsolar.com and • http://bit.ly/ny-sun-Solar-Res-sm-bus improvements installed), and 50% instant Home Energy Assistance and NH commu- https://www. mass.gov/solar-massachusetts- rebate for eligible weatherization improve- renewabletarget-smart. Commercial and Industrial nity action Weatherization Assistance Pro- • http://ny-sun.ny.gov/Get-Solar/Com- ments up to a $4,000. gram. Financial assistance paying fuel bills, • Visit www.NHSaves.com/HPWES for MA STATE INCENTIVE mercial-and-Industrial and free weatherization improvements MA State Incentives can be found at: www. more information and an online Home for qualified applicants. Funding from U.S. Commercial Energy Storage Heating Index calculator masscec.com/get-clean-energy NYSERDA is providing $350/kWh of Dept. of Energy, NH utilities. • Incentive updates for air-sourced heat Visit https://www.nh.gov/weatherization. energy storage capacity in addition to the NH ENERGY STAR Homes pumps: https://www.masscec.com/air- current NY-Sun solar incentive. https:// • Incentives for new homes which meet htm for application criteria, FAQs and local source-heat-pumps on.ny.gov/2FvS6L1 ENERGY STAR guidelines. Incentives include program contacts • Wood stove Change-out program: https:// • HERS rating fees paid by the utility, rebates www.masscec.com/commonwealth-wood- Community Solar for ENERGY STAR lighting, appliances –up to stove-change-out • http://bit.ly/NY-sun-Community $4,000 based on the HERS score. MASSACHUSETTS HEATING PROGRAMS Commercial/Industrial PV Installer • Visit www.NHSaves.com/newhome for Commonwealth Solar Hot Water • The Commonwealth Woodstove Change- more details. • http://ny-sun.ny.gov/For-Local-Govern- (SHW) Programs Out program, a partnership between ment/Local-Government • Applicants must be served by National MassCEC, the Massachusetts Department of NHSaves Residential ENERGY STAR ® Residential/Small Commercial certified Products Program Grid, Unitil (Fitchburg Gas and Electric), Environmental Protection and the Depart- Eversource or a participating Municipal Light ment of Energy Resources, offers rebates to Solar PV Installer • Mail-in/online rebates are available Plant community assist Massachusetts residents in replacing • http://ny-sun.ny.gov/Get-Solar/Find-A- toward the purchase of the following non-EPA-certified wood stoves with cleaner, Solar-Electric-Installer ENERGY STAR® certified products: Clothes • Homeowners are eligible for a base rebate amount of the lesser of $4,500 or 40% of the more efficient EPA-certified wood or pellet Financing Options Washers, Clothes Dryers, Room Air Condition- stoves. Woodstove Program Info: http://bit.ly/ ers, Room Air Purifiers, Refrigerators, installed cost. The system may also be eligible • http://bit.ly/NY-Sun-Financing to receive additional funding (“adders”) which mass-cec-woodstoves Dehumidifiers, and Pool Pumps. For current Clean Power Estimator rebate information and forms go to www. increase the amount of the rebate. Adders are • Heat Loan info: http://bit.ly/mass-save-heat-loan NHSaves.com/appliances. detailed in the program manual at http://files. • Insulation Incentives: http://bit.ly/mass- • http://bit.ly/NYSUN-power-estim masscec.com/SHW_Manual.pdf saves-home-insulation • Refrigerator/freezer recycling is available Geothermal • Visit http://www.masscec.com/shw – unit must be in working condition (10 – 30 ELECTRIC VEHICLES • rebate of $1500 per ton of installed ca- cubic feet in size), program includes free MassSave Heat Loan SHW • After January 1, the maximum rebate for EVs pacity for residential/small-scale systems, pickup and $30 rebate. For program Through this loan program, customers may in Massachusetts will be reduced to $1,500 $1,200 per ton for commercial/large-scale requirements and scheduling information go borrow at 0% interest the costs of a Solar and only fully battery electric or hydrogen fuel systems up to $5000 to www.NHSaves.com/recycle. Domestic Hot Water and/or Thermal Heating cell cars will be eligible. Hybrids will not be system. Apply through receiving the Mass- given rebates. In addition, the sticker price of Electric car • Instant rebates available on certain • buyers in New York State can now get ENERGY STAR® certified LED light bulbs Save Energy Audit. You can borrow up to the car must be under $50,000 to qualify for $25,000 at 0% interest for a 7-yr term. the program. Visit: https://mor-ev.org/ a rebate of up to $2,000 on qualifying EV purchased through participating NH retailers, models from participating dealers. See and instant or mail-in rebates available on Energy Efficiency https://on.ny.gov/2Rd14zL ENERGY STAR® certified light fixtures (varies • After a free residential Energy Audit, • Charge Ready NY: $4,000/installed by retailer, see store associate or rebate form residential customers are eligible for up to NEW YORK Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) charging for details). Infor: NHSaves.com/lighting. $25,000, commercial loan up to $100k at 0% stations for public, workplace, and multi- • Rebates are available to residential electric interest heat loan with terms up to 7 years for: RENEWABLE ENERGY INCENTIVES unit dwelling stations. http://bit.ly/Char- customers of the four NHSaves utilities. atticwall-basement insulation, high efficiency geReadyNY. heating systems, high efficiency domestic hot OFFERED THROUGH NYSERDA NHSAVES Online Store Utility sponsored incentives & tips: • Our extensive online store offers water systems, solar hot water systems, 7-day Welcome to the 2017 New York solar http://bit.ly/utility_sponsored_incentives discounted pricing for residential electric digital programmable thermostats, Energy incentive and rebate information: 169 customers of the four NHSaves utilities on a Star replacement windows. Available only to programs and incentives at: http://dsireusa. Clean Energy on Farms large variety of LED light bulbs and fixtures, utility customers of W. Mass Electric, National org (enter your zipcode) Programs and as well as offering additional products to Grid, Berkshire Gas, Nstar, Unitil and Cape Services from NYSERDA: For the latest • $19 Million Available to Accelerate make your home more efficient, such as Light Compact. Visit www.masssave.com/ NYSERDA solar, ground source and air the Use of Clean Energy Technologies On lighting controls, advanced power strips, residential-program.. Please call 866-527- source heat pumps, EV residential and Farms. Learn more at: http://bit.ly/NYSER- thermostats, water saving devices, and 7283 to schedule a free home energy commercial incentives and more visit: DA-Farm-Clean-Energy. assessment. nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs. various weatherization products. Orders National Grid and product fulfillment are handled by our Mass. Solar loan Program EV Incentive from National Grid • National Grid savings for customers, vendor, EFI. Mass Solar Loan focuses on connecting National Grid, in partnership with BMW, is http://bit.ly/Thanks-For-Saving-Energy • Visit www.NHSaves.com/lighting-catalog. homeowners who install solar PV systems with bringing eligible customers an incentive on • For more utility rebates google the utility Plymouth Area Renewable Energy low-interest loans to help finance the projects. a BMW i3 or BMW i3s EV. Form is at https:// name and search for rebates. • The $30 million partnership program Initiative (PAREI): plymouthenergy.org www.NG-BMWi3. between Massachusetts Department of Energy • Energy Rebates: https://NG-energy- • NH Solar Shares: nhsolarshares.org Resources (DOER) and MassCEC, will work with rebates UP-TO-DATE INCENTIVE INFO local banks and credit unions to provide CAN BE FOUND AT: NHSaves: nhsaves.com financing to homeowners interested in solar Heat Pumps electricity. DOER’s program expands borrowing $1000 per ton NYSERDA incentive. WWW.DSIREUSA.ORG 16 Nov. 2019 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 Renewable Energy Solutions Safety in Battery-Storage Options for your On-or Off-Grid Application Danielle Fergeson Safety is a full-fledged design feature For example, if the conscious choice. Lead-acid and nickel with lithium batteries, and for good internal separator or oxide lithium batteries carry significant reason. As we’ve all seen, the chemistry charging-circuitry environmental risk (especially lead and energy density that allows lithium- is damaged or acid, as internal chemicals degrade ion batteries to work so well also makes malfunctions, then structure over time and eventually them flammable, so when the batteries there are no safety cause leakage). malfunction, they often make a spec- barriers to keep the Compared to lead-acid and other tacular and dangerous mess. electrolytes from lithium batteries, lithium iron phos- All lithium chemistries are not cre- merging and caus- phate batteries offer significant advan- ated equal. In fact, most American ing an explosive tages, including improved discharge consumers – electronic enthusiasts chemical reaction, and charge efficiency, longer life span aside – are only familiar with a limited which then ruptures and the ability to deep cycle while range of lithium solutions. The most the battery packag- maintaining performance. LiFePO4 bat- common versions are built from cobalt ing, combines the teries often come with a higher price oxide, manganese oxide and nickel chemical slurry with tag, but a much better cost over the life oxide formulations. oxygen and instantly of the product, minimal maintenance First, let’s take a step back in time. ignites all of the RELiON® 48 Volt 300 Ah and infrequent replacement which Lithium-ion batteries are a new in- components. lithium iron phosphate makes them a worthwhile investment novation and have only been around There are a few LiFePO4 battery (RB48V300L) and a safer long-term solution. for the last 25 years. Over this time, other ways lithium When subjected to hazardous events, Danielle Ferguson is the marketing lithium technologies have increased in batteries can explode or catch on fire, but manager at RELiON Battery. Learn more popularity as they have proven to be thermal runaway scenarios like these are such as collision or short-circuiting, they won’t explode or catch fire, significantly at relionbattery.com/solar. Or call them valuable in powering smaller electron- the most common. Common is a relative at 404.915.3015. ics, such as laptops and cell phones. term though, because lithium-ion batter- reducing any chance of harm. If you’re But as you may recall from several news ies power most rechargeable products on selecting a lithium battery and an- stories over recent years, lithium-ion the market, and it’s pretty rare for large- ticipate use in hazardous or unstable batteries also gained a reputation for scale recalls or safety scares to happen. environments, LiFePO4 is likely your catching on fire. Until recent years, Although lithium iron phosphate best choice. this was one of the main reasons that (LiFePO4) batteries aren’t exactly new, Most LiFePO4 batteries also come lithium wasn’t commonly used to cre- they’re just now picking up traction with a Battery Management System ate large battery banks. in global commercial markets. Here’s (BMS) that have many extra safety a quick breakdown on what makes features including over-current, over- LiFePO4 batteries safer than other lithium voltage, under-voltage and over-tem- A lithium- battery solutions. perature protection, and the cells come ion powered LiFePO4 batteries are best known for in an explosion-proof stainless steel device burst their strong safety profile, the result of an casing. into flames on It’s also worth mentioning, LiFePO4 extremely stable chemistry. Phosphate- RELiON® 48 Volt 200 a Russian air- based batteries offer superior chemical batteries are non-toxic, non-contami- Amp hour lithium iron liner in 2018. and mechanical structure that does not nating and contain no rare-earth met- phosphate LiFePO4 Image: brim- als, making them an environmentally battery (RB48V200L) stonefireprot- overheat to unsafe levels, thus, providing ection.com. an increase in safety over lithium-ion batteries made with other cathode materials. This is because the charged and un- But then came along lithium iron charged states of LiFePO4 are physically phosphate (LiFePO4). This type of similar and highly robust, which lets the lithium solution was inherently non- ions remain stable during the oxygen flux combustible, while allowing for slightly that happens alongside charge cycles or lower energy density. LiFePO4 bat- during possible malfunctions. Overall, teries were not only safer, they had the iron phosphate-oxide bond is stron- many advantages over other lithium ger than the cobalt-oxide bond, so when chemistries, particularly for high power the battery is overcharged or subject to Maximum Power. Maximum Life. applications, such as renewable energy. physical damage, the phosphate-oxide Before we dive into the safety fea- bond remains structurally stable. In other Renewable Energy Lithium Batteries tures of lithium iron phosphate, let’s re- lithium chemistries the bonds begin fresh ourselves on how lithium battery breaking down and releasing excessive malfunctions happen in the first place. heat, which eventually leads to thermal Lithium-ion batteries explode when runaway. a battery’s full charge is released Lithium phosphate cells are incombus- instantly, or when the liquid chemicals tible, which is an important feature in the mix with foreign contaminants and event of mishandling during charging ignite. This typically happens in three or discharging. They can also withstand ways: physical damage, overcharging harsh conditions, be it freezing cold, or electrolyte breakdown. scorching heat or rough terrain.

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Since 2001 … the DIY Solar Friend! (404) 915-3015 Call Dave: 802 376-3838 relionbattery.com/solar © 2019 RELiON Battery, LLC. All rights reserved. RELiON Battery is not liable for damages that may result from any information provided in or omitted from this publication, under any [email protected] circumstances. RELiON Battery reserves the right to make adjustments to this publication at any time, without notice or obligation Renewable Energy Solutions WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 Nov. 2019 17 A Radical Idea to Get a High-Renewable Electric Grid: Build Way More Solar and Wind Than Needed Richard Perez and Karl Rabago availability. Overbuilding also reduces The famous inventor Edwin Land storage requirements. said, “It’s not that we need new ideas, but we need to stop having old ideas.” ‘Firming’ with overcapacity He seemed to be telling us that solu- Today, the current regulatory practice tions lie just beyond our old habits of for solar and wind-generated electric- thinking. ity favors maximizing production at all Cities, states and countries around times. The companies that operate these the world are committing to clean facilities seek to sell all their output at the energy economies that run on very highest prices, so curtailing output is seen high levels – even 100% – of renewable as a revenue loss. energy. In New York State alone, four That old operational idea inhibits the competing bills target 50% to 100% transition to relying on solar and wind as renewables by or before 2040. firm, on-demand sources, since all their Realistically, only two renewable output is used only when it is available. energy resources are large enough This approach also keeps renewable to meet these very high-penetration energy at the margin. objectives on the supply side in the U.S. How would a grid with overbuilt solar – solar (by far) and wind. and wind resources work in practice? Let’s Both, however, are variable resources, say the operator of a regional electricity driven by weather as well as daily and grid needs X megawatt-hours per day seasonal cycles. Therefore, they must to meet demand. Today the solar farms be “firmed” – that is, capable of deliv- in that region can meet or exceed this ery power on demand – in order to demand only on days of the highest pro- replace fossil resources which can be duction, such as clear days in the summer. dispatched as needed. Based on our re- Wind turbines above San Gorgonio Pass, known as Banning Pass, in Riverside County, California. On other days, the production gaps are Photo: Carol M. Highsmith. search, we contend that this firm power met by storage. transformation is not only possible, it is By contrast, when the solar resource is also affordable – if we stop having old oversized, that solar generator can meet wind can be accomplished at costs below Tweaking how the bulk power grid is run ideas. the X MWh/day demand more days of the current grid costs (so-called “grid parity”) One entrenched, and very prevalent, year and there are fewer gaps – hence by overbuilding solar and wind resources In addition to oversizing, curtailment idea – likely a result of historically high there are fewer times that energy storage and adopting a grid operating strategy of and storage optimization, several op- renewable energy prices – is that all is needed to fill the gaps. allowing about 20% to 40% curtailment of erational and planning practices, some the power generated by renewable re- Once firmed up through a combina- excess energy generation. Energy storage of which are already done now, would sources must be sold as it is generated. tion of overprovisioning and storage, is also used in our model, but the superior further enhance the value and perfor- The idea of discarding available wind variable renewable energy resources economics directly result from substitut- mance of a high-solar grid and foster or solar output is anathema, imposed become effectively dispatchable – able ing excess curtailable generation for more its realization with minimal disruptions. on power producers when production to provide power when and as needed – expensive storage. They include: from these sources exceeds what the and functionally equivalent to traditional A legitimate question to ask is, ‘what • Exploiting the complementary grid can accept. power plants. In this way, renewables can would be the area required for a full performance and variable operating This old idea ignores a fundamental replace these generators without major deployment of oversized solar PV?’ For profiles of solar and wind. In most proposition: oversizing and proactively grid reengineering. Minnesota, in the most extreme 100% PV locations wind and solar have comple- curtailing wind and solar. However Our team has modeled a high-solar and generation scenario assuming oversizing mentary diurnal and seasonal produc- counterintuitive, a study our colleagues overbuilt solution for the not particularly by a factor of two – or doubling the solar tion profiles – wind higher at night and and we conducted shows that these sunny state of Minnesota. The goal was to needed to meet current demand – this in winter, PV higher in the daytime in steps are the key to the least expensive determine the least costly combination area would amount to 435 square miles, summer. path to an electric grid powered largely of grid-connected solar, wind and storage assuming solar panels with state-of-the- • Utilizing demand management – the by solar and wind. necessary to provide round-the-clock, art efficiency of 20%. This area represents practice of reducing power use at Weighing against energy storage year-round energy services. less than 1% of the state’s cultivated crops electricity customer locations – as a way The study demonstrates that overcom- and half of the high- and medium-density to minimize supply-and-demand gaps. The reasoning behind overprovisioning the natural variability of solar and urbanized space. ing solar and wind is straightforward: • Enabling grid operators to have authority over renewable energy siting • Energy storage is the one essential and production management within ingredient needed to fill renewable their regions so that decisions over when energy variability when the sun does not curtailment occurs or storage is applied shine or the wind does not blow. These are made on a regional basis to minimize gaps include intra-day periods, such as gaps in supply and demand. hours of peak demand during the days An attitude of maximizing renewable and nights, and more important, larger energy production and avoiding curtail- multi-day and seasonal gaps from ment made sense when variable solar sustained low-sun or low-wind condi- generation was extremely expensive tions. For storage, grid operators – the and firming solutions were even more organizations that ensure power supply expensive. However, recent and forecast matches demand as it rises and falls reductions in turnkey solar, grid man- during the day – typically rely on water agement and storage costs are chang- reservoirs called pumped hydro or, for ing the optimal solution set, starting shorter periods, batteries. with overbuilding solar. • Storage is getting cheaper, but even assuming the most optimistic long-term Richard Perez is the Senior Research cost projections, our study led us to Associate in Atmospheric Sciences conclude that applying storage alone to Research Center, University at Albany, firm wind or solar will remain prohibi- State University of New York. tively expensive because of the size of Karl Rabago is the Professor of Law; multi-day and seasonal gaps. Wind and Executive Director, Pace Energy and solar are becoming much less expensive Climate Center, Pace University. as well, especially solar, to the point Marc Perez, senior researcher at where overbuilding is increasingly Clean Power Researcher, who wrote his affordable. This is true even when the dissertation at Columbia University on output from wind and solar generators is this subject, contributed to this article. essentially dumped, or “curtailed,” and Morgan Putnam, VP of Solar Analytics at not fed into the grid. This chart shows how providing round-the-clock energy from wind and solar with storage only remains far more REsurety, also contributed. • Oversizing reduces production gaps expensive than ‘grid parity,’ the cost of natural gas-supplied power (B). But storage combined with excess wind because more energy output is available and solar that is curtailed about 30% of the time can be less expensive than grid parity and deliver power on during periods of low solar and wind demand (C). Richard Perez, Karl R. Rabago, CC BY-ND Ecological Sustainability as the New Gold For Ecological Transformation

18 Nov. 2019 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 RENEWABLE ENERGY SOLUTIONS The Biomass Controversy: Are There Options? George Harvey Dartmouth College has dead wood, cutting dying and committed to being 100% free infected trees, and disposing of fossil fuel use, and so it is of them. And that will mean, examining a switch from heat- very probably, burning a ing with number 6 oil to use of large multiple of the wood biomass, which would allow Dartmouth College envisions it to continue to use most of using. the current heat distribution It happens that Dartmouth system. The idea that it could College is taking the scientists use biomass has created quite who warned them about us- a stir, however. ing biomass seriously and is Respected scientists and examining the whole question alumni are objecting that again. This brings us to the there are better ways to do question of what the alterna- things. They say that burning tives are. biomass does not reduce car- The heating systems at bon emissions and creates pol- Dartmouth are designed lution. They say that we have around combustion. Ductwork better, less carbon-intensive, can continue to be used, pro- and less costly sources of heat. viding combustion continues. And they say that the forests This probably means a choice need to grow to draw down of continuing the use of fossil carbon dioxide from the air. fuels or converting to biomass. They are putting the biomass The other choices, while re- on hold as they look into other newable, would require instal- options, but I believe they may lation of new heating systems, be missing important details ignoring the ducts that are in that should be included in the place. This can be done with calculations. geothermal or air-source heat Biomass is part of a natural pumps, which would have to be installed in large numbers, carbon cycle. Living things are NASA image composed mostly from water at great expense. The heat and carbon dioxide (CO₂). They pumps would have to be go through various processes, and they emitted. Ash is captured. Soot is practi- comparison, the New York Times used powered by renewable resources, and are ultimately decomposed, mostly cally non-existent. What comes out is CO₂ 104,000 tons of paper in 2018, and a ton this almost certainly would mean wind- into water and CO₂. The natural carbon and water. A modern stove or industrial of paper requires about two tons of green power, which many people object to, or cycle contrasts with the fossil fuel cycle, combustion unit is very different from an wood, if none of it is recycled. Accord- solar photovoltaics, which would cover which burns fossils that are not part of old “airtight” (typical of the 70s and 80s) ingly, heating the buildings at Dartmouth a lot of land. Regardless of which path the natural cycle and emits CO₂ that that produced large amounts of creosote. could require a quarter of the amount of the college takes, it would be far more builds up in the atmosphere. Where the Please notice that where CH₄ can be wood needed for the print edition of the expensive than converting to biomass. natural carbon cycle kept CO₂ rather emitted in large amounts by decomposi- New York Times. One other issue with renewable ener- steady at about 280 parts per million tion, none comes from clean biomass More to the point, according to DCBF- gy other than bio-mass is that some of (ppm), the fossil fuel carbon cycle has combustion. And since CH₄ is a much SA, forestry in the Dartmouth woodshed the buildings would have to have their pushed it up to over 410 ppm. more powerful greenhouse gas than CO₂, produces about 1.26 million green tons of heating efficiency updated for heat We should look at what happens to it may be environmentally preferable to wood each year, producing a total of 1.8 pumps to be used efficiently. This would a tree that dies and falls in the forest. burn wood than to let it rot, in terms of million green tons of forest waste, most increase the cost of the change-over Nature taking its course means it will greenhouse gases. of which is unharvested. “Dartmouth’s considerably. While this job will have to decompose. It can be eaten by insects, This brings up the question of where proposed wood use represents 3.3% or be done in the future, avoiding use of such as termites, or decomposed by Dartmouth would get its fuel. To find this less of this volume,” the report says. bio-mass adds it to current costs. fungi or bacteria. When fungi de- out, I obtained a copy of the college’s own Leaving that wood in the forest would We have gone a long way with all compose wood, they release CO₂, but report, “Dartmouth College Biomass Fuel not only produce its own carbon emis- of alternative technologies, and they termites and some bacteria also release Supply Assessment” (DCBFSA). According sions, it could also produce fire hazards. all have their place. They are efficient Cont’d from p.9 large amounts of methane (CH₄). to that document, about 45,000 to 60,000 And those hazards could be amplified as and operate at low cost. But we should We can contrast this with burning tons of green wood will be needed each forests are under increasing pressure from recognize that one of the technologies, wood. Clean combustion, which can be year. All of this wood can be obtained climate change, which threatens nearly carefully engineered biomass, has its done by a number of means, releases within a relatively short distance. all species of trees in Vermont and New place along with the others. And Dart- the smallest amounts of pollutants Some people may exclaim at the Hampshire. Maintaining forests will re- mouth College may be a prime example possible, with almost no particulates amount of wood needed. As a matter of quire careful forest stewardship, removing of what that place looks like.

Late News on Energy and Storage George Harvey to an average of $78 per megawatt-hour per kWh it can store.) Such a reduction in them and replace them with the Three noteworthy developments (MWh), and the lowest price for electric- cost is seen to be disruptive to fossil fuels battery at the same site (http://bit.ly/ came into the news in the last ity produced in the North Sea at about used to produce grid power (http://bit.ly/ pvm-queens-battery). few days of October, which taken $53/MWh. This is well below the cost forbes-batteries). While the battery in Queens may together may show a picture of of electricity from coal or natural gas in The effects of reductions in costs of be the biggest in the world when it things to come. It is a future in which Europe, and less than half that from new renewable electricity and electric storage is built, it will by no means hold that natural gas may become increasingly nuclear power plants (http://bit.ly/forbes- can be seen clearly in the third of the title very long. New batteries are irrelevant. offshore). articles. This article, which appeared at being proposed regularly, and many To start with, the cost of offshore Another article, also in Forbes, was the website of pv magazine, was titled are huge. But the cost of electric- wind power has gone through a “Huge Battery Investments Drop Energy- “World’s Largest Storage Battery – 2.5 ity from this new plant is likely to startling reduction. According to an Storage Costs Faster Than Expected, GWh – To Replace Gas Peaker Plants in be a small fraction of the cost from article in Forbes titled “Clean Energy Threatening Natural Gas.” According to a Queens.” It is about a new battery facility the peaking plants it is replacing. Will Continue to Hit Dirty Power as report from the Rocky Mountain Insti- that just was approved by the New York And it is not very far from really big Costs Continue to Fall,” while the cost tute, “Breakthrough Batteries,” the costs Public Service Commission. The battery, offshore wind farms scheduled to of renewable energy has continued of batteries for storing electricity are which has a power capacity of 316 mega- be built south of Long Island, whose to drop, the levelized cost of energy expected to drop from the current $187 watts (MW), will be capable of delivering energy it will back up and level out. (LCOE) from offshore wind power has per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to $87 per kWh in 2,528 MWh of electricity. Ravenswood It is almost certain to reduce not only seen declines that have been almost 2023. (Please keep in mind that we are not Development, the owner of a pair of natu- carbon emissions and other pollu- astonishing. BloombergNEF has put talking about the cost of electricity here; ral gas peaking plants with a combined tion, but also costs. that decline at 32% in the last year, we are talking about that of the battery, capacity of 316 MW, plans to demolish 2019 Vermont Clean Energy Report Identifies a Maturing Clean Energy Cluster

ENERGY & BUSINESS SOLUTIONS WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 Nov. 2019 19 AN ECOLOGICAL REFORMATION Cont’d from p.1 in the global processes of sustain- absolutely necessary. The consequences to achieve sustainability. Social and ability and must act as healing force in of growth are what matters, not growth ecological justice means, for example, response to industrial excess. qua growth. Ecological consequences, all outputs of industrial production are A global ecological reformation positive or negative, flow from the prac- captured and reused in a zero pollution/ means a top to bottom restructuring tices, ethics, rules and laws conditioning zero waste production regime. It is lack in pursuit of sustainability not only of the nature of economic growth. Selling of power and injustice that allowed the energy, but also industry, agriculture, trillions of dollars’ worth of information water of Flint to become poisoned, that forestry, fishing and aquaculture. in various incarnations on a renewably enables hazardous polluting chemical Renewable energy must be com- powered word wide web has tiny eco- plants to be sited in poor neighborhoods bined with global cooling activities to logical consequences for the n+1 copy. from Bhopal in India to Louisiana and sequester carbon in soil and biomass, However, replacement of fossil fuels Texas in the United States. These plants removing carbon from air and oceans. and nukes leads to enormous economic can be operated to be pollution free or The aim is reducing the carbon dioxide growth and enormous decreases in pol- not operate at all. That’s the real cost of concentration in the atmosphere to- lution, depletion and ecological damage. doing business, instead of licensing and ward pre-industrial levels and decreas- Likewise, sustainable agriculture and legalizing the output of poison. ing the acidification of the oceans, aquaculture and forestry will not only We must address the issues of who again toward pre-industrial levels, to a produce food, but sequester enormous owns, who benefits, who controls with less acidic pH. amounts of carbon in soil and biomass the conscious intention of creating with enormous benefits. sustainable market systems. Where Ecological Economic Growth (EEG) economic growth leads to ecological Second, the pursuit of an ecological Social and Ecological Justice improvement, the regeneration of the reformation rests upon taking steps to Unfortunately, I believe it is not pos- ecosphere, of natural capital, becomes ecological justice. make economic growth mean ecologi- sible to create a sustainable economic inseparable on the balance sheet with We must face with open eyes basic cal improvement. This means separat- growth system based on existing social, the growth of finance capital, and is financial questions of why we continue ing economic growth from ecologi- political, and economic relations. The un- supported by the growth of social and to pursue self-destructive economic cal damage, and making economic restrained power of money, technology, and market activity on a global scale. growth synonymous with ecological and self-interest has proven to be simply The triumph of the self-serving few at improvement. Fundamentally, a global irresistible and have shaped a global the expense of the many and of the market system whose central concern system of worsening inequality, gigatons ecosphere is a consequence not simply is economic growth can be sustainable of pollution and war. of markets, modernity, technology but following ecological market rules. Rights and responsibilities, freedom inseparable from injustice, inequality The central challenge in building an and community must be understood and powerlessness. ecological civilization from industrial and treated as interdependent. Without The election of 2020 may mean the business and pillage as usual is not freedom, community becomes tyranny. beginning of a green new deal and a technical, because solutions abound, Without community, freedom becomes global ecological reformation. It’s time but legal and financial, and, therefore, license. to understand what’s really at stake. We political. An ecological transforma- Financial and political power must do not have the luxury of settling once tion represents a fundamental ques- be balanced, focused and refocused at again for marginal change as fires burn tion posed to the polis, the political all times by the rights and powers of in the Amazon, California and Siberia, community, whose area of concern those down wind, down river. Power and the ice melts.he stretches from the local to the global. must be democratized. Ecological and Roy Morrison builds solar farms. His Ecological economic growth asserts social justice must be co-equal impera- next book forthcoming is Ecological that sustainability is both possible and tives. Without justice we are unlikely Economic Growth.

Trouble Ahead for Natural Gas? Community Solar Investment Cont’d from p.3 Cont’d from p.7 Wholesale prices for power investment credits, and accelerated about 20% per year during a from natural gas, which depreciation. two-year period. Extrapolat- had been falling slowly 2. Can determine the pace and rate of ing the data suggests that through the years, have return on investment. proposed new additions could started to rise slowly. By 3. Can decide on the extent to which drop to the point that they no contrast, prices for solar one shares the tax benefits with non- longer exceed proposed retire- and wind power have been profits and off-takers. ments by 2025. The big ques- tumbling rapidly. This can 4. Builds desirable local assets like tion, of course, is whether such be seen by comparing the solar arrays that will provide benefits for an extrapolation, based on two data at Lazard’s (an asset decades. years’ data, could produce a management firm) LCOE 5. Helps put money into the pockets valid result. Could natural gas report for 2016 (http:// of low-moderate income off-takers by capacity go into decline in just bit.ly/Lazard-LCOE-2016) sharing benefits. This long-term benefit five or six years? with data at the 2018 goes on for decades, so people can do The first thing to notice is report (http://bit.ly/Lazard- as they wish, making a small dent in the that the FERC data shows an LCOE-2018). income inequality problem. overall reduction that is at But a new player has also 6. With full return on investment, can least more or less constant, or entered the arena. Battery recycle the same money and do it again. possibly accelerating. About costs have fallen enor- Levy has other examples of the one month in three has shown mously over the last three benefits local impact investors provide increases in proposed new years, to the point that to their communities. He cites as one capacity, where about two in solar power backed up with example an investor who purchased a three have been decreases. batteries is now a realistic 100kW share in a solar array and is sell- The reductions in proposed competitor for natural gas. ing power from that to provide for his new capacity came to about This is clearly seen at the municipality. 18% in the period of August CleanTechnica article “LA & NST is not the only solar developer 2016 to August 2017. By con- 8Minute Solar Ink Lowest to work on strategies for getting solar trast, the reductions in the year Cost Solar-Plus-Storage Flaring natural gas. Photo: Tim Evanson, Wikimedia Commons, http://bit.ly/WC-gas-flare. power to non-profit organizations that followed was 23%. Deal in U.S. History” (http:// and people with low incomes. What is Another thing to note is that bit.ly/CT-LA-solar-battery). unique is the matchmaking service of the nature of new natural gas plants Those turbines were for peaking plants, So, returning to the question of wheth- NST’s Community Impact Investment has been changing for years. General which produce very expensive electricity er we could realistically continue to see program with a number of successful Electric got into quite a lot of trouble by and were in competition with solar power reductions in the capacities of planned, local systems to its credit. betting on big increases in demand for that was much cheaper. new natural gas plants, to the point that For those who are interested, NST has natural gas turbines that never material- So, the question is whether natural total capacity might go into decline by a page on its website devoted entirely ized (http://bit.ly/GE-gas-fails). Other gas can stop the downward slide in new 2025, I would have to say it is possible. to Community Impact Investment. It can manufacturers have said that turbine plans. For an answer to this, we can look And it is hard to imagine what might pos- be found at http://bit.ly/Norwich-CII. sales have dropped to nearly nothing. at the trends for wholesale power costs. sibly make that not happen. 20 Nov. 2019 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG We wish you all a sustainably peaceful, happy holiday season!

Light Your World with a Gift of Solar! Luci Core task light N.R. Mallery, Publisher G.E.T. They have helped thousands of com- I first experienced some simple, little munities and individuals after disasters waterproof inflatable solar lights one leave places with no power or lights. With summer at SolarFest. They were all over the help from 650+ partners around the the place, and everyone was loving world and supporters, they have averted them, throwing them, twirling with 680,000 tons of CO2, and impacted over them and they were all over the festival. three million lives. This is done through They caught my attention, and I have their Give Luci Program. You simply buy a enjoyed them and shared them with light through the program and your Give friends and family ever since. light goes to their non-profit partners We published at least one story who are actively working on the ground about Luci® lights in Green Energy Times to deliver them to where they are needed in the August 2014 edition. You can Luci original lantern most. Recently, 70,000 lights were sent to read it at http://www.greenenergy- the California region affected by the fires times.org/2014/08/15/meet-luci/. They and experiencing massive power out- are perfect to take camping, hiking or from others when I gifted them with one. ages. They also sent 10,000 lights to the use in case of an emergency. Keep one As I went through their website, I was Bahamas through Direct Relief and the in your car for an emergency and use delighted to discover that they not only Red Cross after recent hurricanes caused them nearly anywhere when it is dark. I have the original Luci lantern, but also Luci Explore horrific devastation. multi-use light have always loved giving them as gifts some great new styles and products. I Giving sustainably as gifts to your for one occasion or another. I still have think you might want to consider gifting friends and family help others in need at and use my original one from 2014. some of their solar-powered lights to the the same time. Your holidays can have so Luci® solar lights are made by a very people in your life. Let me tell you why. much more meaning. giving company, called MPOWERD®. As MPOWERD® is a Certified B Corporation, Besides their original inflatable lan- only functional but fun to use. We used we started to discuss our Sustainable and they use the power of business to terns, they now offer lights with charging it while star gazing during a recent Holiday feature in this edition of G.E.T., build a sustainable world. The company capabilities, including Luci Core, a new meteor shower. my thoughts went to my Luci lights be- recognizes that climate change is real, task light with an adjustable arm that can They have some more exciting mod- cause of my own personal experience and this gives value to their solar lights be recharged with the built-in solar panel els for other applications that we will with them, and the excited reaction when disaster strikes around the world. or through the USB port. I have one that share with you in the spring when they I use for reading at night. It has bright, are released. One such new release is brighter and brightest settings as well their innovative foray in the bike world. Green Gifts for the Holidays as their blinking option, so that it is an Check that out on their Indiegogo cam- Cont’d from p1 emergency light if needed. One charge paign - https://bit.ly/2WPRYwO. runs the light for twelve hours. Meanwhile, when you are deciding labels are quite beautiful, which makes loves outdoors, whether they are active or the gift even more special. AppGap is The new Luci Explore is very cool, what gifts to give for the holidays, you house-bound. I’ve given it to two elderly featuring a light that can change colors might want to consider the gift of a available on-line and in Vermont liquor loved-ones who found great joy in im- stores. while you listen to music connected with solar-powered light from MPOWERD. mersing themselves in the natural world Bluetooth® and an app on your mobile Buy one for a friend at www.mpowerd. Vermont Soap is solar-powered and they could no longer access directly. only uses organic ethically-sourced in- phone. It also can be set as a timer or com/shop. The link to the Give Luci Pro- You can’t find a more beautiful, em- alarm. It was simple to set up and not gram is www.mpowerd.com/give. gredients to make bar and liquid soaps, powering, muscularly optimistic book bath salts, air fresheners, and green than Drawdown, edited by Paul Hawken, cleaners. You can shop by product, which lays out the 100 best solutions to scent, or skin type, on-line or by visiting reverse global warming. We’re engaged in the warehouse in Middlebury, VT. A a giant tug-of-war to maintain the climate basket from Vermont Soap could also in which our species and its civilization Tax free Footwear and clothing Plenty of free parking include some of their beautiful, sustain- arose. There’s a place on that rope for ev- Always a good sale Shop inside and out. 3 building Explore 18 acres able bath accessories. (See ad on p.38) eryone to take hold. Drawdown will show Catskills Comfrey makes organic, you where your opportunities lie. Draw- artisanal comfrey, calendula, and CBD down affinity groups are springing up all ointments available in many New York over the world; you might get inspired to stores or on-line. Their website also join or start one. provides links to scientific articles about For the person who doesn’t need one the benefits of their ingredients. (See more thing (other than a livable planet), ad on p.20). you could give an experience. Many lo- Maple products ship well and are cal venues have added solar and other always welcome to displaced north- energy-saving features in the last few erners. Choose your closest producer, years. Tickets to an event at the very or one using environmentally sound energy efficient Fairbanks Museum in St. 100% methods, such as Fresh Track Farm. Johnsbury, VT or MoCo Arts in Keene, NH Solar Local cheesemakers have snared would make a wonderful gift. Powered multiple national and international Or give the gift of trees. One Tree awards this year. These high-quality Planted, based in Vermont, allows you to gifts can also be shipped. I’ll put a plug give any number of trees, and to choose in for Vermont Shepherd: David Major among several areas worldwide where Save energy, dress warm and be comfortable from head to toe has been grazing sheep sustainably, they will be planted. Notification of the building soil and sequestering carbon, gift arrives in the recipient’s email in-box. and making award-winning cheese Other tree-planting programs are avail- Choose from over 20,000 pairs of boots and shoes in stock since the mid-80s. Full disclosure: he’s able through the Arbor Day Foundation my neighbor and hay guy. We grew and The National Forest Foundation. up together, and I set my most recent Speaking of trees, the Queen and my middle-grade novel, Rescue, on his mom salvage and re-use wrapping paper. farm. Vermont Shepherd cheeses are Be like the Queen. Be like my mom. sublime and can be shipped anywhere. Links: vermontsoap.com, fresh- Books are wonderful gifts. Buy them tracksfarm.com, appalachiangap.com, at a local bookstore, of course. You can catskillscomfrey.com, vermontshepherd. also support local publishers. Storey, in com, onetreeplanted.org, vermontgear. North Adams, MA, and Chelsea Green, com, arborday.org, nationalforests.org/ in White River Junction, VT, offer titles tree-planting-programs. on everything you need to learn about farming, gardening, crafts, and nature. Image Credits: Eco-Friendly Gift Ideas: Request their catalogs, make a list, then faerieflysavingsmomma.blogpost.com; Gift ask your local bookseller to order for ideas (cover): ecofreenlove.com. you. Support local authors, like Mary Jessie Haas has written 40 books, mainly Holland, author of several nature books for children, and has lived in an off-grid 286 Waits River Road Bradford, Vermont 802-222-9316 plenty of free parking including Naturally Curious Day to Day. cabin in Vermont. This is a perfect book for anyone who Monday-Saturday 8:30-5:30 Friday night till 8PM closed Sundays We wish you all a sustainably peaceful, happy holiday season! WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG Nov. 2019 21

TRIMMarc Morgan YOUR WASTE-LINEDuring the THIS HOLIDAYwill take cleanSEASON film plastic, along with The holiday workshop, at- grocery bags right at the store. season is upon tendees were As a thank-you for attending this us. It is a won- given some basic workshop, the Coop provided reusable derful time of information about grocery bags to all attendees. The bags sharing meals, waste generation are made from surgical wrap from the giving gifts and during the holiday DHMC Medical Center. It was a won- decorating our season. The group derful example of how we can reuse homes. It is a was given recipes our waste. time when we to shop for in the It was a great night and we all left think less of Lebanon Coop encouraged having learned something. ourselves and Food Store. Half of Too often people feel discouraged more of others. the attendees were about their waste habits. The idea of It is a generous and giving time of year. told to shop as they zero waste is wonderful, but many feel With all this merriment, also comes a usually do, and they can’t achieve that and opt to do whole lot of trash; food scraps, packag- the other half were instructed to shop can have a positive impact on our waste nothing. This ses- ing and, dare I say, unwanted gifts. in a manner to reduce waste. No further generation and transportation footprint. sion showed the Between Thanksgiving and New instructions were given. It was clear that some attendees were participants that Year’s, Americans generate 30% more Once the task was completed, shop- not aware of some basic waste reduction it is important to trash than the rest of the year. Nearly ping bags were presented. The group strategies. That was what the class was start somewhere 25% of this increase is wasted food. I looked at the “typical shopping” bags and for. The group discussed basic techniques and do some- am sure we could do better. compared them to the “reduced waste” for food shopping such as: thing. The most Recently, in an attempt to stem shopping bags. It was interesting to see • Make a shopping list important lesson the tide of this increased trash, Marc how the groups shopped. Some already • Be sure to give yourself enough time. learned at this Morgan from the City of Lebanon, NH employed waste reduction techniques Don’t rush. workshop was like buying in bulk, only getting what is that all of our and Lindsay Smith from the Hanover • Bring refillable bags and containers (NH) Consumer Cooperative (the Coop) needed and buying items in recyclable purchases have offered a free class focused on reduc- packaging. • Buy in bulk consequences ing waste as you shop — from the After the experience, the discussion • Purchase items in returnable containers and that with a beginning, and before we purchase about shopping was open and encourag- • Purchase items in recyclable containers little preparation, items. This educational class was ating. One item that surprised many in the There was a great deal of confusion we can minimize those impacts. tended by 10 people from communi- class was the idea of purchasing liquid around recycling and what packing was Cont’d on p.39 ties throughout the Upper Valley. The ingredients like chicken broth. Chicken or was not recyclable. Some items like class was held at the Culinary Learning broth can be made at home, it comes in Tetra-Paks (chicken broth comes in these Center at the Lebanon Coop store and bouillon (concentrate) and in a paste or Our holiday feature cartons) are not recyclable in this region.1 was called “Reduced Waste Shopping”. a powder can be found in the bulk isle The package says “Please Recycle” but continues on page 39. Many of the attendees were pleased at most coop food stores. Water is heavy it might not be recyclable in your local Learn about recycling paper & and shipping it around adds to transpor- this was not a “zero waste” training; program. Film plastic from bread bags gift giving for the holidays they expressed anxiety over not being tation impacts. Using concentrates like and some bags of fruit was also an area able to get to zero. powered detergents, bouillon and juices of confusion. Many local grocery stores and every day! 22 Nov. 2019 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 RENEWABLE HEATING Wood Heat Is Essential to Carbon Drawdown Jeff Rubin increase in private True (carbon) cost accounting In order to avoid the worst effects of forest lands and, with What is the true cost of all the green- climate change, we need to do two things: it, increased carbon house gasses (not just the CO2) released reduce pollution from heating our build- sequestration. Not from the three available heating fuels? The ings and maximize carbon sequestration surprisingly, increased essential context is one of real-world al- in forests. sequestration tracks ternatives. Since the Northeast Wood Heat PART ONE: REDUCING with increased produc- Region has such a large percentage of HEATING POLLUTION tivity and economic private forest, low-grade waste wood that Most heating pollution comes from expansion. These needs a market, and buildings that rely on America’s older, less efficient buildings increases in acreage, high temperature distribution systems, it built before 1980 and heated with central productivity, profitabil- doesn’t make much sense to pull oil and heating systems running on oil or gas. ity, and sequestration gas out of the ground for heat. These systems are designed to distrib- are why private forests PART FOUR: ENSURING ute high-temperature (140ºF-180ºF) air have sequestered more RESPONSIBLE PROCUREMENT OF or water around the building. Even with carbon than they’ve WOOD HEATING FUEL weatherization, a cold climate heat pump emitted. The 2007 “IPCC Assessment (Intergovern- In order for all this to be true, we need to (solar, geothermal, mini-split, etc.) can’t Now all that is at risk. mental Panel on Climate Change)” states affordably keep up with the heat loss in The threat of development sustainably manage our forests. According that long-term cumulative CO2 emissions to actual forest inventories (as opposed these older buildings, and newer, promis- That same system of private property — the emissions that are always reduced by ing technologies like biochar are not yet rights means that to private land owners, to modeling or projections), the private using forest biomass to produce energy — landowners of this country have been available in the market. their woodlot is an asset, and assets either are correlated with Projected Peak Global The idea that we should eliminate all need to earn their keep or get “reevalu- doing that for decades. We currently have a Temperature. So, if we want to limit global system of federal, state, and local laws and combustion heating is a great goal, but like ated.” The real threat is permanently losing temperature increases to 1.5 degrees centi- it or not, in the short term our only choices forested lands to development. That’s what’s best management practices that ensure grade or 2 degrees centigrade, we need to they would be able to continue to do so as for America’s older buildings will continue happening now. use forest biomass because doing so reduces to be combustion heat from oil, gas, or Currently, we are losing 22 acres of forest long as the market demand exists. That’s long-term cumulative CO2 emissions.”1 where consumer choice can make a dent in wood. per day to development just in Vermont. A managed forest does more to draw Every week, thousands of central Similar amounts are lost across the North- the climate crisis.1 down carbon in the atmosphere than a for- We should take our cue from CSAs heating boilers and furnaces are being re- east Wood Heat Region. Deforestation is an- est we leave untouched. placed, many with gas (which is worse than other complex issue, but much of it comes (Community Supported Agriculture) Managed forests continue to grow and and empower a new subcategory of oil despite Big Energy’s clean gas claims). back to the incentive for private landowners sequester carbon. Removing select trees Those heating systems are going to be to maintain their woodlots in current use. civic agriculture: Community Supported from an overcrowded stand can release the Forestry (CSF)! The Northeast Wood Heat pumping CO2 out of the ground and into Land is always more valuable when it’s residual stand and increase the amount the atmosphere for the next 25 years. We developed. Because the lure of quick profits Region is the ideal seabed for an alternative and quality of wood grown (and amount of model of a carbon economy based on con- have two choices: fossil fuels (oil and gas) from converting woodland to development carbon sequestered) in subsequent years as that add to the total carbon in the atmo- is a real and present danger, the key to necting the producers and consumers of compared to a stand that was not thinned. advanced wood heating. In the process, we sphere or wood, which releases less than conservation is healthy markets for all wood “In the long term, a sustainable forest half the carbon. At a minimum, heating harvest—not just the 20% of high-grade strengthen a sense of community through management strategy aimed at maintaining local markets , while working both sides of with wood pellets reduces greenhouse gas wood that ends up sequestered in buildings, or increasing forest carbon stocks, while pro- 3 emissions by about 60% when considering furniture, and other wood products. the climate equation—lowering green- ducing an annual sustained yield of timber, house gas emissions and increasing carbon the life-cycle analysis of sourcing, process- Markets for low-grade drive responsible fiber, or energy from the forest, will generate ing, and transporting heating fuels. forestry practices Cont’d on p.23 the largest sustained mitigation benefit.”2 And it’s not just lower carbon. High tech 70% of forest harvest is waste wood that The essential thing here is that a managed wood heating also has lower particulates can’t be used for building materials or fur- forest does more to reduce greenhouse gas emissions than fossil fuels. Wood is a niture. In the Northeast Wood Heat Region, emissions than an unmanaged forest, and bridge fuel and, given the urgency of the we have an abundance of this low-grade that even though we only have 10 years climate crisis, we need to offset CO2 pollu- waste wood. It once was used for making to turn the tide on climate change, the es- tion from fossil fuel heating now. paper, but the loss of those markets (think sential context for forest carbon drawdown smartphones) makes it more difficult for is in the 20 to 50-year window according to PART TWO: PRESERVATION landowners to maintain their wood lots VERSUS CONSERVATION the IPCC. Automatic Biomass in current use. Leaving wood to rot on the The short-term risk is not the sudden forest floor still releases CO2 as the wood is release of carbon stored in trees. The short- Boilers for Schools broken down over time. term danger is in losing forest land perma- Effective utilization of waste wood drives nently to development, because we have responsible forest practices. In addition to not incentivized the use of forest products disincentivizing development, responsible and low-grade waste wood in particular. use of low-grade wood conserves wildlife habitat, water quality, air quality, and view sheds. Using clean-tech wood pellets and chips to heat our homes and businesses is better for the environment than oil or gas. We need to take advantage of our opportunities to preserve important tracts of land while we concurrently support the conser- Green Street School, Brattleboro vation of working forests. Our PDCs Save Money! PART THREE: CONSERVATION FOR Screened Semi-Dry Wood Chips MAXIMIZING SEQUES-TRATION AND THE CARBON SINK TIMELINE Will switching from fossil fuels to automated wood pellet heating systems ad- Most U.S. forest land is not protected. versely impact the important role America’s Here in the Northeast Wood Heat Region forests play in sequestering carbon? We only (NY, VT, NH, ME, & MA), 79% of the forest is have 10 years to avoid the worst effects of in private hands. Much of that is managed climate change, and trees absorb carbon as working forest, mostly by individuals, slowly but release it quickly when used not the forest-products industry. for heating—people refer to that carbon There is neither money nor will to pre- dynamic as “slow in, fast out.” It’s a legitimate serve the vast amounts of forest that are concern, but it’s a pretty simplistic view of a in private hands. That’s not necessary. Our very complex system. system of private property rights has led It’s counterintuitive, but the sentiment private landowners to invest in manage- that “we only have 10 years and that’s why ment practices that have increased both we shouldn’t cut any trees now—because the productivity and carbon sequestration we don’t have 50 years to recover that of their wood lots. carbon” is exactly what will lead to danger- CALL US TODAY! 6039241001 Over the past 65 years, healthy mar- ous levels of deforestation and CO2 in the kets for forest products have driven the atmosphere. FrolingEnergy.com RENEWABLE HEATING, AND MORE ... WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORGWWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 JUNE Nov. 15, 20192014 23 Drawdown - Cont’d from p.22 BURTON TAKES A STAND FOR THE PLANET posters for protests. Employees were given drawdown by incentivizing long-term Cont’d from p.1 the day off, with pay, so they could attend carbon sequestration. Understand- marches and do other protest work. Groups like the Forest Stewardship ing that there Donna Carpenter, Burton’s co-CEO, said Council, Certified Family Forests and is a climate “I’ve been so inspired by Greta Thunberg and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative give emergency at the students around the world who have consumers the power to incentivize hand, Burton used the weekly Fridays for Future protests responsible, sustainable forest practices has undertaken to beg adults to pay attention to the climate by prioritizing products that come from a number of crisis.” She added, “At Burton, we want to certified sources. environmen- help preserve the winter outdoor experi- An even more local community-centric tal actions to ence for future generations, so I’m proud to model ensure that its have our company join Greta’s movement. Individual communities are figuring snowboards are As Greta said, ‘We’re all in the same boat, so out how to develop their own community made to high everyone should be concerned about this.’” energy plans that connect their school or environmental It is obvious that the people at Burton municipal buildings with local, sustain- standards. It Snowboards are motivated by a love of the ably-managed woodlots. In Vermont, the changed assembly methods for snowboards to just about everything we expect from a environment and of humanity to address the Mt. Abraham Unified High School uses a in 2016 to reduce wood waste by 20%. In business that is being run for profit. The gear issues of climate change. They are in an in- SELF (Sustainable, Efficient, Local and Fair) 2017, it started to use FSC-rated wood for is cleaned and redistributed for reuse. This dustry that is more aware than many of the standard that gives landowners a financial all its snowboards, which means that all its means, in effect, that new Burton products effects climate degradation has already had, incentive to engage in sustainable forest wood is sustainably harvested. Also, in 2017, are being put into direct competition with because they can see it firsthand. But there is management. it stopped using polypropylene packaging used Burton products, which people can get more than that behind their actions. Clearly, A project of the Forest Guild and the for adult snowboards, switching to selling at little or no cost. The advantage to Burton they recognize that we are in a climate crisis Yale School of Forestry and Environmen- them in paper bags. In 2017, it also started may not be much, but the advantage to the that affects every one of us. Burton G.E.T.s it! tal Studies, the steps to create a reliable using Super Sap bio-based resin to reduce planet is that Burton’s products stay out of Burton Snowboard’s website is www. supply of wood chips can be found in the the carbon footprint of the resin on all landfills all that much longer. burton.com. publication, Harnessing the Power of Local boards by 33%. In 2018, it started using solar This year, Burton did something else Wood Energy. photovoltaics to provide it with electricity we might find perfectly extraordinary. As (please see the article on Burton’s solar drive the Global Climate Strike was gearing up, on page 8). In 2018, it also started using Re- with over one million people in countries Rez® recyclable epoxy in some product lines, around the world inspired by sixteen- and it is expanding that use to other lines. year-old Swedish activist Greta Thunberg In 2019, Burton became a certified B-Corp in to get involved, Burton itself joined the Vermont. protest. The company announced that it That is not the end of Burton’s work by would not conduct business in its stores any means. By the winter of 2020, Burton on September 20th. Retail outlets and hopes to have all its clothing and soft goods offices in the United States, Canada, contain only sustainable cotton. This is Europe, China, Japan, South Korea and intended to reduce chemicals and use of Australia would do no business on that water. day. In fact, Burton would not even accept Some things the company does are a orders placed online, and its web site bit surprising. It is running what it calls a redirected visitors to the Global Climate “Burton Pass Along” initiative. Customers Strike website. Burton’s headquarters were closed in Burlington, VT and On that day of protest, stores were to around the world during the climate strike. are encouraged to trade in their unwanted Photos are courtesy of Burton. Burton gear for reuse, in exchange for store be open to visitors but not for shopping. credit or a charity donation. The reason this The doors would be open so people could seems so surprising is that it seems counter come in, gather, and get supplies to make PART FIVE: CLIMATE ADVOCACY WITH AGENCY! The Northeast Wood Heat Region is a Sustainable model of public-private partnership with state incentives for wood pellet heating TM Space Heating systems, a proven track record of sustain- Convert oil heating sytems able forest management, and millions of to used vegetable oil. dollars invested by private industry. The wood pellet boiler and furnace indus- Cleaner • Safer • Cheaper try have built out the infrastructure to YellowHeat.com deliver the automated, hands-off convenience we’ve come to expect from our 800-285-4533 heating systems. They’ve invested millions in proven technology with lower emissions than oil or gas. Now it’s up to us. We can have a distributed system of clean heating instead of the dirty, pollut- Are you ready to make comfort a priority? ing centralized fossil fuel heat that got us into this climate mess. We can choose Install ENERGY STAR Certified heat pumps! a polyculture based on conservation of Take control of your comfort and stop worrying about your winter energy bills. renewable resources instead of a fossil fuel monoculture that works to pass our climate problem to the next generation. Warm the rooms you live We can reduce heating pollution today in or the whole house! while conserving a vital carbon sink for the future. That is why wood heat is essential to carbon drawdown. Key benefits: Reprinted with permission from www.sus- • Heat & cool with one unit tainableheating.org/carbon-drawdown. • Highly efficient All photos courtesy of Jeff Rubin, copyright • Easy to install 2019 sustainableheating.org. • Quiet to operate Source links available online. • Easy to maintain Jeffrey Rubin is founder and interim execu- • NHEC members realize an tive director at Sustainable Heating Outreach average rebate of $1000 & Education, Inc. After a 30-year career as per installation. principal at APM ADVERTISING, INC., Rubin has focused his marketing background Putting the power in your hands.® on green energy adoption in the building thermal sector. An admitted home-heating Call 1.800.698.2007 to find out geek, he is fired up about mitigating climate if a heat pump works for you! change through consumer and industry education on the topic of clean heating.

High-efficiency Air Conditioners ACEEE Program administrators can stay ahead of the curve with high-efficiency air conditioners 24 24 Nov. JUNE 2019 15, WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 2014 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 802.439.6675 Building & Energy Efficiency New England Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA) PRO TOUR BURLINGTON, VERMONT Barbara Whitchurch ers. All of this while drastically reducing for low-income homeowners. NESEA Pro Tour -- it sounds like a golf operation and maintenance costs. As Schneider explained, the tournament, but it’s actually an ongoing The NESEA Pro Tour in Burlington, VT on mobile homes are constructed series of tours of residential and com- September 20, 2019 was our fourth, and, in the Vermod factory in Wilder, mercial buildings whose designers have like the others, it did not disappoint us. VT, using a technique called employed up-to-date materials and From the careful planning, yummy food, “crib bunking.” Five homes are construction methods to cut back on hassle-free transportation to and from the constructed at once, each taking the pollution caused by standard build- sites (in spite of local climate strike dem- about five weeks to complete, ing practices. It’s also an opportunity to onstrations in Burlington that day), to the all in a climate-controlled indoor hear from the architects, builders and fascinating presentations, all was expertly environment. The homes are occasionally even homeowners, about orchestrated, informative and fun. built from the inside out, al- the process of planning and construct- Attendees at this event toured two very lowing time to insulate them ing these buildings. And, of course, the different projects. Representatives from properly. Framing is done with lessons learned along the way. The aim is Efficiency Vermont led the first portion of x 14’ SIPPs filled with dense packed cellu- cavities and roof, and foam-glass (Glavel) to cut back on the pollution, energy waste the event, which showcased a Zero- Ener- lose. Because of their light weight, smaller below the slab. Other features include and lost comfort opportunities caused by gy Modular (ZEM) small (not tiny!) home, cranes and trucks can be used to deliver triple-pane tilt-turn windows and full the outdated building practices still being measuring 560 square feet. This particular the units, which are then tied into existing house balanced ventilation with a heat used by so many behind-the-times build- ZEM is a traveling model home that dem- water, electric and sewer. (They are replac- recovery unit from Zehnder. onstrates some of the ing existing homes on already-developed This portion of the tour was led by latest high performance lots and bases.) Arthur Chukhman and the builders, and healthy home The home’s specifications include a Jacob Racusin and Ace McArleton of New strategies. The home super-insulated envelope (the entire shell Cont’d on p.25 is all-electric with a of the building from the basement floor super-insulated air-tight to the roof), a cold climate heat-pump envelope, battery stor- that also cools in the summer, and a age, and environmen- 4.5kW photovoltaic solar array with bat- tally preferable/healthy tery backup. The blower door test yielded finishes. The unit moves less than 1.0 ACH50. every few weeks to a According to Peter, two-thirds of Buildings new location, acting Vermont’s mobile homes need to be as a teaching tool and replaced. But the replacements don’t have + Beyond demonstrating a new to look like “trailers.” The modular con- approach to affordable struction can be lofted or ‘cathedral-ized,’ housing that considers customized to look like a more typical life-cycle costs, rather New England home (bit.do/hfh-charlotte- than just initial out-of- ph), and most are quite a bit larger, too. pocket cost. The second site we visited was a three- This initiative was unit multi-family house in Burlington’s Old developed by Peter North End which has been expanded and Schneider, a Senior retrofitted to the Passive House standard. Consultant at Efficiency The presenter, Arthur Chukhman of Dun- s! Vermont, during the can Wisniewski Architects, is the owner, de aftermath and recovery architect and general contractor. iso Ep efforts following Tropi- This home features a three-story addi- w cal Storm Irene, in which tion to a pre-1877 duplex. The addition Ne a disproportionate num- includes new space for the existing units ber of mobile homes and a third unit, which is the first Certified were damaged. The Passive House in Burlington and is mod- intent was to replace eled to be net zero. The addition features Available now on iTunes, Google Play, substandard mobile foam-free construction, showcasing Sitcher, or your favorite podcast platform. homes with affordable, carbon-storing materials such as 6 1/4” A three-unit multi-family house which has been expanded and retrofitted to resilient, healthful and thick fiberboard continuous insulation www.swinter.com/podcast the Passive House standard. Photo: Barb and Greg Whitchurch. durable modular homes (Gutex), dense pack cellulose in the stud

603.359.1912 // geobarns.com Building & Energy Efficiency WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 Nov. 2019 25 NESEA Pro Tour -- Cont’d from p.24 Frameworks. The goals of this project their lifetimes is always a surprise to the Passive House (VTPH. included: Passive House certification for new folks on a tour. org) can help you find the new construction; renovation of the One intended takeaway from these a qualified builder, existing duplex without raising the rent tours is that anyone building or remodel- architect or designer per unit; make the new unit net zero; and ing a home can afford these benefits if to remodel or con- minimizing the amount of embodied they choose the right builder. The engi- struct your home to carbon in the new construction. (Embod- neering principles are by now well-known the latest comfort, ied carbon calculations were performed to responsible, certified builders. Effi- value, and efficiency to inform materials choices. An upcoming ciency VT provides free consulting and fi- standards for a price article will focus on embodied carbon, nancial incentives to build responsibly. Be you can afford. and what it means for sustainable con- sure that your contractors have Certified Barbara Whitchurch struction.) Passive House, LEED, or EEN certifications is a freelance writer All of the buildings toured have demon- at the very least. Yes, there are still many and a member of Pas- strated how modern building technology old-fashioned builders who decry the sive House Vermont. rewards the owners with a lower cost, a new science and engineering discoveries - She is the co-owner healthier and more comfortable living always the case with new techniques and of a Passive House, a space, and a lower maintenance building. technologies. But cheaper, healthier, more Nissan Leaf, a Kia Niro, A Vermod Zero- Energy Modular (ZEM) small, traveling model home. It is all-elec- That these buildings cost no more or only comfortable, more reliable homes have and a large St. Bernard tric with a super-insulated air-tight envelope, battery storage, and environmen- marginally more to erect while saving sig- finally hit the mainstream. EfficiencyVer- named Remi. tally preferable and healthy finishes. Photo: Barb and Greg Whitchurch. nificant money every month throughout mont.com (bit.do/evt-een) or Vermont

Just like your house. Only more affordable. TIMELESS CRAFTSMANSHIP. • More comfortable than Passive Solar • Uses 60-90% less energy than code homes THE LATEST IN ENERGY EFFICIENCY. • More sustainable than LEED • Greener than Energy Star PASSIVE HOUSE DESIGN/BUILD. CUSTOM CABINETRY & TILE. • For new buildings and remodels • Easy to Net Zero • Supported by Efficiency VT • US and Internationally certified

www.phausvt.org 802-223-2416 [email protected] *A non-profit organization Come to a meeting. Speak with architects and builders. Get references and information.

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MONTPELIERCONSTRUCTION.COM 802-229-6575 CERTIFIED B THE WAY 26 Nov. 2019 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 CLIMATE NEWS BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE, RESPONSIB IPCC REPORTS ON OCEANS AND CRYOSPHERE Watching the Permafrost Thaw; Man Heats Ocean First J.D. Kaplan In the last issue of G.E.T., I took it upon expands when you heat it. Hotter water myself to profile the latest report issued just takes up more space. According to by the Intergovernmental Panel on Cli- the IPCC this accounts for 1.4mm in sus- mate Change (IPCC), the United Nations tained sea level rise per year, whereas the body concerned with climatic changes. It meltwater directly adds about 1.8mm. is a policy document, but you only have This makes glaciers and ice sheets the to breathe air for this panel’s work to be dominant factor behind sustained aver- relevant to you. age rise. IPCC groups continually assess the The SROCC is based upon nearly seven mass of academic work that concerns thousand other academic studies. In that Earth’s fluid and living systems. Their way, it is a supreme meta-review. Inter- latest release was timed to coincide with est in climatic changes has burgeoned student protests. The Special Report on over the past few decades, and these the Ocean & Cryosphere in a Changing reports draw on the strength of what has Climate (SROCC) would, then, lend infor- emerged. However, governments have mative support to go with a demand for only just begun to stand on these find- attention to the changes we face. ings, as they vie for ways to respond to The SROCC exposes the oceans, of climates in flux. course, and our cryosphere. This is the The chair of the committee, Mr. frozen matter at our poles: snow, glaciers, Hoesung Lee, insists that the choices of ice sheets, icebergs, ice at the surface of policymakers depend upon a thorough seas, ice atop rivers and lakes, and ice that A collapsed block of ice-rich permafrost along Drew Point, Alaska. See more at (on.doi.gov/arctic-coastal). Credit: assessment of the global situation. To em- reaches deeper than the layers on top. U.S. Geological Survey. power them to do so was the reason cited It also includes areas under permafrost, for bringing the report to completion just which is important to the projections SROCC that I see as invaluable for read- impacts.” In short: Deep in the water is as organizers around the globe would of carbon in the air, and which is thaw- ers. where it all happens. march to demand more of their govern- ing visibly in some places. Permafrost is Number one is that the oceans have All the heat we trap in the atmosphere ments. The SROCC launch was held in frozen ground that starts at ground level absorbed over 90% of the heat we have may be subject to the oceans’ propensity Monaco on the same weekend. This was and may reach as deep as a kilometer. added to Earth’s systems. That includes to move it around the globe. These rates done to maximize political attention Any major document dropped by the our CO2 trapping as well as everything vary, as do the absorption activities in dif- and to deliver these crucial messages to IPCC is an education, if you’re willing to else. We have been heating the oceans, fering ocean surface conditions. Accurate power brokers. Let us hope they will hear learn from it. SROCC assesses “the latest primarily. projections depend upon these rates — them clearly and act without bias. on the physical science basis and impacts Another group, Ocean Scientists for SROCC explains what, exactly, makes the J. D. Kaplan is a certified remote pilot of climate change on ocean, coastal, Informed Policy (OSIP), asserts that “com- long-term behavior of our atmosphere so and a former member of the I.T. crowd. polar and mountain ecosystems,” as well plex interactions between continued hard to nail down. He is a reader in the areas of bioelectro- as the folks who live with them. Plans and emissions of greenhouse gases, conse- Sea level rise projections fall to this magnetics and cryptocurrency. For G.E.T. pitfalls are explored, and then projections quent energy imbalance, and changes in mechanism of uncertainty, too. Mea- readers, Mr. Kaplan intends to profile are made. the storage and transport properties of suring up to about 4mm per year, we blockchain activity within the energy Anyone can take a quick look at the heat in the ocean will largely determine observe two main contributors. Only one sector. He lives and works at or above sea Fact Sheet, which I recommend. For now, the speed and magnitude of long-term of them is the glaciers. level near Boston, MA. I’d like to share two axioms from the [sic] anthropogenic climate change Number two is, essentially, that water

WHERE IS THE FIRE DEPARTMENT? “It is often very difficult to make up one’s mind. The difficulty may be due to the complexities of the issues involved, or to the limited number of facts available for consideration, or certain fears that overshadow the horizon, or a general habit of indecision that has developed over the years… Of course, one must never forget that postponing a decision may be to decide by default. It is the nearest illusion to think that, if I do not make up my mind, events that are contingent upon me and my decision will await my pleasure.” – Howard Thurman: author, philosopher, theologian, educator, and civil rights leader Greta Thunberg moral capacity to acknowledge at wired. our current system, we need people who effective communicator on climate change, shrugged off one trib.al/VXdAnKt, think outside the box and who aren’t like the Swedish schoolgirl is currently in a more mocking In her newest must-read book On Fire: everyone else.” league of her own. “In a way,” Klein writes, Trump trademark The (Burning) Case for a Green New Deal, Underscoring Thunberg’s statement is “she is asking those of us whose mental tweet following her Naomi Klein writes that people with autism this from Richard Epstein on the American wiring is more typical – less prone to ex- emotional speech “tend to be extremely literal and, as a result, Enterprise Institute web site. “What if the traordinary focus and more capable of liv- about climate often have trouble coping with cognitive green crusaders have overstated the risk, ing with moral contradictions – to be more change at the United dissonance, those gaps between what we or what if they are just plain wrong? Then like her.” Klein adds, “these traits explain Nations (U.N.) Gen- know intellectually, and what we do that massive social resources will be squandered why some people with Greta’s diagnosis John Bos eral Assembly on are so pervasive in modern life.” without obtain- become accomplished scientists and classi- September 23rd. She said she expected him “For those of us who are on ing any advan- cal musicians, applying their super focus to to make comments about her. After Trump’s the spectrum [autism],” Thun- tage in return.” great effect.” derisive tweet, Thunberg used it in her berg says, “almost everything is Epstein doesn’t Most of us do have the capacity to biography on her Twitter profile. black and white. We aren’t very ask the other side rationalize, to compartmentalize, and to be Thunberg, the 16-year-old environmen- good at lying, and we usually of that question distracted easily. “All three of these mental tal activist who rose to global fame after don’t enjoy participating in which is, “What tricks,” writes Klein, “help us get through the founding the School Strike for Climate cam- this social game that the rest if the green cru- day.” But then she adds that these traits are paign, was at the U.N. headquarters in New of you seem so fond of.” Those saders are right also “proving to be our collective undoing” York City to deliver a speech to world lead- strengths have served Thun- and we haven’t when it comes to rising to the reality of our ers when she crossed paths with Trump. berg well, as she explained expended social climate crisis. Rationalization is “reassuring In response to Thunberg’s highly charged on CBS This Morning that her resources on us when we should not be reassured.” These statement that “people are dying” and “we Asperger’s actually helps her attempting to traits “are distracting us when we should are in the beginning of a mass extinction,” in seeing the world through a mitigate the not be distracted. And they are easing our our climate denier-in-chief snidely tweeted, different lens. “In some circum- climate crisis?” consciences when our consciences should “She seems like a very happy, young girl stances it can definitely be an The answer is not be eased.” looking forward to a bright and wonder- advantage to have some kind obvious. The Klein cuts to the chase in explaining ful future. So nice to see!” This writer can of neurotypical diagnosis, to sustainability the core reason for climate denial. That

only imagine Trump’s upset about a young be neurodiverse, because that Lenz. Commons/Leonhard Image: Wikimedia of the human is because “if we were to decide to take woman attracting more media coverage makes you different, that makes you think race will have been endangered beyond climate disruption seriously, pretty much than him. differently,” she said. “And especially in such comprehension. every aspect of our economy would have You can see and hear for yourself Greta’s a big crisis like this, when we need to think Thunberg has inspired a new world-wide to change, and there are truth that so few of our leaders have the outside the box. We need to think outside generation of young climate activists. As an many powerful interests Cont’d on p.32 CLIMATE NEWS WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG Nov. 2019 27

carbon budget is still increasing despite 25 years of promises, this is unthinkable The Global Rebellion is Underway to our economic system. Actually a 50% Dr. Alan K. Betts reduction by 2025 would be a stagger- At the end of Sep- ing achievement and set us on the right tember, seven million track. people, mostly youth For nine days in cities around the globe, around the world, this powerful, non-violent rebellion joined with Greta challenged the ecocidal reality of our Thunberg in a global global market economy that refuses to climate strike to pro- place value on the future of the Earth. test the fact that our industrial societies This movement is peaceful and loving, intend to sacrifice our children to protect creative and artistic, but relentless and the present economic system, and espe- disruptive, since without pressure, gov- cially the profits of the fossil fuel industry. ernments will refuse to make the radical Pause and listen to the clarity of policy changes needed. her speech to the UN (https://www. In London, Paris, Berlin, Brussels and Dub- washingtonpost.com/climate-envi- lin; Rome, Amsterdam, Madrid, Prague ronment/2019/09/23/greta-thunberg- and Istanbul; Cape Town, Buenos Aires, vows-that-if-UN-doesnt-tackle-climate- Rio and Santiago; Mexico City, New York, change-we-will-never-forgive-you/ ). If a Montreal and Vancouver; Melbourne, 16-year-old can understand so clearly our Perth, Mumbai, Colombo and Jakarta, destruction of the Earth’s stable climate the Rebels are putting down roots for and living biosphere, one might wonder the long struggle ahead to save the whether our leaders are just stupid. Of Earth. Some countries treated them with course, we know why. In the past 30 years compassion and understanding, while as the climate crisis has accelerated and Extinction Rebellion: London, October 10, 2019 others reacted with anger and violence. our understanding has deepened, many Many have been arrested, but their dance of our leaders have tried to hide from the powerful storms and extreme weather, and the UK over the past winter and has spread and music will continue across the Earth truth in a web of lies to avoid acknowl- the loss of so many species that we and all rapidly around the globe. They under- as they regroup and regenerate for the edging their greed, corruption or political life depend on. We have idolized economic stand deeply that climate change, and the next phase. They understand clearly what self-dealing. growth and the freedom to exploit the extinction of so many species in the living most refuse to understand: that business Entire websites have been created with Earth and the poor, but the Earth is not lis- biosphere, is now a civil rights issue for our as usual is driving accelerating climate phony climate science to feed their tening to our self-righteous doctrines that children and for the Earth itself: it is the change with catastrophic consequences ideologies of denial and try to pacify their maximize profit and protect the wealthy. crime of ecocide. Like previous civil rights for all life on Earth within the lifetime of conscience. Even though at a deeper Our planet is simply getting warmer as issues, it will take non-violent civil disobedi- our children and grandchildren. level, most of them know that destroying increasing greenhouse gasses slow the ence to wake the conscience of reluctant Because they see this clearly, they have the Earth’s ecosystem to make money is a cooling to space; while at the same time, societies and selfish people. resolved to resist for the sake of life on crime against our children and the Earth ice and snow melt so that less sunlight is Time is running out as scientists have been Earth. Generations to come will be grate- itself. reflected. shocked by how much climate change has ful to them. I hope readers will stop and The first step is to realize this is an exis- As I write in mid-October, the first global accelerated in the past ten years. These reflect deeply on their values and act to tential crisis, a real planetary emergency phase of the Extinction Rebellion to save Rebels are pushing for rapid reduction support this courageous movement. for humanity and much of life on Earth. the Earth (Rebellion.earth) has just finished. of our greenhouse gas emissions; asking Dr. Alan Betts of Atmospheric Research No amount of ideology and denial can Their motto is Compassion; awareness; for a serious attempt to zero our global in Pittsford, VT is a climate scientist. Browse protect us from warming oceans, more courage. This remarkable group formed in carbon budget by 2025. Since our global alanbetts.com.

levy a carbon pollution fee on heating PIPELINES! and transportation fuels. Joined at the 09 October 2019 / James Hansen panded use of this exceptionally podium by a coalition of environmen- How much harmful fuel or whether, by mak- tal and business leaders, Weinberger effort to ing the right choice, the Commis- proposed a statewide “revenue-neu- spend fight- sion will exercise leadership that tral” carbon pollution fee that would ing pipe- other authorities can emulate, help cut emissions by 37% by 2040. lines? What is which decisions, in combination, Under this proposal, virtually all of the the best use will function to restrict full exploi- revenue collected would be rebated of our time tation of this carbon-intensive back to Vermont households and busi- and resourc- crude. nesses. es? On one Stopping pipelines is dif- The DAPL (Dakota Access Pipeline) being installed between farms, as The announcement came as two hand, educat- ficult. Yet, climate science is seen from 50th Avenue in New Salem, North Dakota. Image: Wikime- towns, Norwich and Hartford, declared ing lawmak- clear. Most of the additional CO2 dia/Tony Webster. a “climate emergency” to increase ers and the pumped into the air will need awareness of climate change and encourage more people to take action. public about to be extracted, somehow, if we James Hansen, former director of the merits are to maintain shorelines and Weinberger stated that Vermont the NASA Goddard Institute for Space would be part of a coalition of seven of a rising carbon fee is crucial. Once a hospitable climate for future genera- Studies, is director of the Climate Science, enacted, a rising carbon fee will make tions. Just slowing approval of pipelines mayors of northeastern U.S. cities (bit. Awareness and Solutions program at the do/nem4cc) who have proposed a the most carbon-intensive energy has merit. If construction is delayed long Columbia University Earth Institute. sources uneconomic. Oil derived from enough to allow governments to come multi-state “carbon pollution fee” on tar sands or tar shale is high on the list to their senses, we may prevent some fossil fuels to curb greenhouse gas of the most carbon-rich. pipelines from ever being built. emissions. The mayors are asking their However, as part of my testimony My testimony to the Illinois Commerce Burlington Mayor legislatures to enact carbon fee and last week to the Illinois Commerce Commission is available at http://www. rebate programs that will be effective, Commission, in opposition to the columbia.edu/~jeh1/. equitable and “pro-economic growth.” proposed expansion of the Dakota Ac- We have launched a new Climate Sci- Weinberger Proposes One component of such a “feebate” cess pipeline, I did a calculation of the ence, Awareness and Solutions (CSAS) would be to provide fast charging for amount of CO2 that will be released by Columbia website: https://csas.earth. electric vehicles (EV) owned by all EV the additional crude oil, if the pipeline columbia.edu/. CSAS is funded 100% by Carbon Fee to households in Vermont. capacity is increased from 570,000 bpd the public. Our continued work depends In his statement, Weinberger re- (barrels per day) to 1,100,000 bpd. The on your support, which is much appreci- VT Legislature ferred to the initiative as a “transforma- additional CO2 emitted is equivalent to ated. Columbia University provides a tive tailwind that would dynamically fifteen 1,000-megawatt coal plants. direct online giving option. Other giving Barbara Whitchurch push forward our efforts toward miti- The lawyers asked the question, “If options and full instructions are available In a press conference held during gating the current climate emergency.” the proposed expansion does not oc- on our new Giving page. the final day of the Renewable Energy Barbara Whitchurch is a freelance cur, won’t refiners find other sources of We especially appreciate any support Vermont (REV) (https://www.revermont. writer and a member of Passive House crude?” The real question, it seems to prior to 15 December, as we face that org/) conference in October, Burlington Vermont. She is the co-owner of a me, is whether the Illinois Commerce deadline for finding support to continue Mayor Miro Weinberger announced that Passive House, a Nissan Leaf, a Kia Niro, Commission will pave the way for ex- our program into 2020. he will ask the Vermont Legislature to and a large St. Bernard named Remi. 28 Nov. 2019 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 Building & Energy Efficiency My Zero-Energy Retrofit Beats My 401(k) – A DIYer Project David Green ble with solar hot-water panels. additional cost is about 19% after I own a 5,400 Instead of installing solar thermal tax. square foot panels, I covered the roof of my house My total investment for the entire home built in with solar panels. I make money on zero-energy retrofit was $75,000 the 1970s. I did every solar panel. Solar panels are (after tax breaks and subsidies), and a deep-energy cheaper than they have ever been I am saving over $11,000 a year on retrofit and and are heavily subsidized. My total heating and electricity bills. The successfully investment in solar panels, after the investments pay for themselves in achieved my tax breaks and subsidies, was about about 6 years. My return on invest- net zero carbon $42,000. My savings are over $5,500 ment is about 15% after tax. That goal. The return per year on electricity bills. The panels beats the growth of the S&P 500 on investment will pay for themselves in about 7 stock index of 11.7% before tax on my zero- years. The return on investment is over the last 43 years. So, I think I’ve energy retrofit is about 13% per year after tax. found a way to both go zero and about 15% per I installed modern low-E triple- make money. year. No fees, no glazed windows, which have about You can read more about my expe- taxes, no volatil- eight-times less heat loss than my rience, including the low-interest or ity. Sure beats old single-glazed windows. These do zero-interest loans that are available my 401(k)! not pay for themselves, at least they to pay for it all at http://www.Green- I am a physi- won’t for decades. However, the ad- ZeroCarbonHome.com. cist by training, Our new wood-framed triple-glazed windows have almost eight times the insula- ditional cost of installing triple-glazed David Green has a BA in physics so I have a solid tion of the old single-glazed ones and have transformed the look and feel of our liv- windows above the cost of installing from Oxford University and an MBA understanding ing room. Courtesy photo. double-glazed equivalents did pay for from Harvard Business School. of energy saving itself. In other words, since we were technologies. He founded two biotechnology replacing our windows and patio doors companies, was CEO of both of them I also have an MBA from Harvard pumps are almost as efficient but are anyway, it made sense to install R-5 Business School, so I also understand about one-quarter the cost. My heat and took both public. He also is the and R-4 triple-glazed ones rather than founder of Zero Carbon, LLC. David is how to use standard financial analy- pumps are about four times as efficient R-3 double-glazed ones. The additional sis to see which investments would as my old oil-fired furnace. Ours cost the author of Zero Carbon Home and cost will pay for itself in about five Zero Carbon Pool. make me money. about $23,000 installed. The savings years. The return on investment on the For the past two years, I have on the oil bills (after accounting for the kept daily records of my heating oil extra electricity the heat pumps use) and electricity use, so that I could will pay for the heat pumps in about 9 measure the effect of each improve- years. That’s a return on investment of ment. My results are based on real about 9% per year after tax. These heat measurements, they are not predic- pumps both heat and cool the house. tions based on a software model or They replaced our old air conditioning on manufacturers’ claims. units. They cut our house energy use In going zero, I only took measures about 55% and are saving us about that paid for themselves. This ex- $3,000 per year. cluded doing many things typically • I opted not to install solar hot-water done in deep-energy retrofits: panels, because solar photovoltaic (PV) • I did not remove and replace my panels powering a heat-pump water siding to add insulation because it is heater are more efficient and more so expensive that the savings on effective. Solar hot-water panels tend utility bills would never pay for it. to overproduce hot water in the Instead, I added 12” of fiberglass to summer and do not make enough hot the ceiling of my basement. This cost water in the winter. Net-metering me $1,000 and paid for itself in four allows us to store credits for excess months. I installed it myself. The electricity generated during the return on investment is over 100% summer months and then use those per year. credits when the sun is not shining. • I did not install geothermal Hence, we can use solar PV plus net (ground-source) heat pumps, metering to generate hot water even Our first solar panel array on the roof of our house as seen from our son Jack’s drone. © Jack Green. because modern air-source heat on cold cloudy days, which is impossi-

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ADS_RST_CMY_0719_01.indd 1 8/23/19 10:27 AM EarthTalk® is produced by Roddy Scheer & Doug Moss for the 501(c)3 nonprofit EarthTalk. Visit www.earthtalk.org or [email protected].

Building & Energy Efficiency WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 Nov. 2019 29

#3 in our new DIY Do-It-Yourself Energy Upgrades: Windows David Keefe Series, kindly brought We expect our windows to be easy to don’t break). Some interior storms have polypropylene V-seals on the sides and to you through open and close, to let the sun in, and to two layers instead of one, which is a great meeting rail, and a soft compression seal Efficiency Vermont be invisible. But they also need to keep idea. at the bottom. out the wind and cold. Your interior storms should be weather- Farmhouse windows typically have a If you have older windows, you’ve stripped to be as airtight as possible. Hold clamshell sash lock at the meeting rail. face. The biggest cracks are often where probably thought the panel in This is designed to push the bottom sash you don’t see them, at the very bottom about replacing place with down and pull the meeting rails together, and top of the window trim. them. It can lower clips. Make but it needs to be properly positioned to Insulated window coverings are your heating bill sure you con- do that. You can also get side-mounted effective if they seal well around the pe- and make you more sider fire egress sash locks which are installed in pairs and rimeter, but they can be expensive and comfortable, but and make the push the bottom sash out firmly against there’s no benefit when they are open. it’s expensive and panel easy the frame. Regular heavy curtains also help. They is rarely justified to remove in If your windows have ropes and pul- typically won’t change your heating by energy savings case some- leys, the biggest air leak in the assembly bill much, but they can make you more alone. So, in this ar- one needs to is probably the hole that the pulley is in. comfortableTrue Triple Sealed by Unitsreducing with LowE the surface chilling coatings ticle we are explor- escape. For You can get a plastic cap that fits over effect of thatfor maximumcold glass. performance. ing things you can non-openable the pully and has a hole for the rope. It is Our standardNext time1/8” (3mm) we’ll double talk strength about glass basements. off ers greater strength do to make your windows, the installed with an adhesive-backed gasket and clarity over thinner glass, making our products more insulative, more soundproof, existing windows Pully seals, side-mount sash lock panel can be and two screws. The rope and pulley ar- more resistantDave to Keefe impact andis a stresses fifth-generation caused by fl uctuations in temperature. more efficient. permanent. rangement remains operational. Vermonter who has worked for over 35 There are essen- The second Make sure to caulk any cracks or seams years as a contractor,LOEWEN consultant WINDOW and CENTER OF VERMONT & NEW HAMPSHIRE tially two strategies thing you can with a good acrylic caulking, including teacher to improve the performance of – add a layer or do is to make where the interior trim meets the wall sur- existing homes. loewenvtnh.com • 52 Bridge Street, White River Jct., VT 05001 make things more the window 800.505.1892 802.295.6555 • [email protected] airtight. assembly more Adding an addi- airtight. This Project image: Nelson Cabin - courtesy Stefan Hampden of CAST architecture tional layer of glaz- means caulking can make quite ing any non- a difference. If you moving joints don’t have exterior or cracks and storm windows weather strip- you can add them. ping the mov- Choose “low-E” ing parts. Use a storms, which have soft rubber or a special coating to silicone seal for reflect more of the Polypropylene V-seal, EPDM rubber compression heat back inside. joints, where Storms protect the the parts push primary windows from the weather and directly onto each other without sliding. provide a screen when the window is Use a smooth low-friction material like open. If you already have storms, check polypropylene for joints where the pieces True Triple Sealed Units with LowE surface coatings in the fall to make sure they are closed slide against each other. If your windows True Triple Sealed Units with LowE surface coatings all the way. have factory-installed weather stripping for maximum performance. You can also add one or more layers that has worn out, try contacting the Our standard 1/8” (3mm) double strength glass off ers greater strength to the inside. The layer can be almost manufacturer for replacements. Our standard 1/8” (3mm) double strength glass off ers greater strength and clarity over thinner glass, making our products more insulative, more soundproof, anything – glass, acrylic or flexible plas- You can buy temporary caulking which more resistant to impact and stresses caused by fl uctuations in temperature. tic film. All these materials work fine. goes on with a caulking gun as usual but more resistant to impact and stresses caused by fl uctuations in temperature. The differences are cost, convenience, is designed to be easily removed in the durability and aesthetics. The plastic spring. Or use the “rope caulk” which is LOEWEN WINDOW CENTER film option is a good choice for rent- like clay and is pushed into place with OF VERMONT & NEW HAMPSHIRE ers or others who can’t afford to spend your fingers. OF VERMONT & NEW HAMPSHIRE much. You can buy or build interior Many Vermont houses have the classic storms with acrylic sheets (better than “farmhouse” single-pane vertical slid- loewenvtnh.com • 52 Bridge Street, White River Jct., VT 05001 glass for this because they are light and ers. These can be weather stripped with 800.505.1892 802.295.6555 • [email protected]

Project image: Nelson Cabin - courtesy Stefan Hampden of CAST architecture Project image: Nelson Cabin - courtesy Stefan Hampden of CAST architecture Beautiful Long Length Premium & Econo grade HARDWOOD FLOORING Pre-finished and Unfinished available Vermont Grown, Vermont Made, by Vermonters I A Lumbering Family tradition for over 15 0 years Since 1867 in Bristol, Vermont Manufacturing daily LATHROP'S MAPLE SUPPLY, LLC 802-453-2897 30 AugustNov. 2019 15, 2014 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 802.439.6675 Building & Energy Efficiency

Michael Canavanold eather eminders C -W R valves or switches are, to be used in When you remove and emergency situations only. You don’t drain your garden hoses you want to wait until there is an emergen- should drain the non-freeze cy to figure this out. protected hose bibbs, and it As part of your annual home main- is always good to install an tenance review, you should trip the insulated cover over them for test buttons on all GFCI outlets and a little more protection in the your electrical breakers one at a time inevitable below-zero cold to make sure they work. Test your snaps. Leaving even a small emergency generator before the sea- amount of water can cause a son starts. It may need a preventative large amount of damage. service call so it will run when required. Have you had your chim- With the holiday season approach- ney inspected and cleaned ing, remember electrical safety while for the year? Animals will nest Carbon monoxide monitor. decorating inside and out and do not in them during the spring, Family game time in a safe, warm home. Wikimedia Commons overload outlets: one socket - one plug. summer and early fall. As you wind could cause them to come down on Do not run electric extension cords stack your firewood for the your home? The winds will surely come, where they will be a trip hazard to ‘Tis the time of year to get ready for season remember to have the main stack and now is the time to cut out the dead grandma (and others). Be careful not to the colder weather, and what better 20 feet from the house and just a few wood before the snow settles in and over-reach when on a ladder hang- way than to inspect the areas of your days of logs nearer the door. This will pre- makes these chores harder to manage. ing lights or tree decorations. Use safe home that allow cold air and drafts to vent unwanted vermin intrusion at the Now let’s shift gears to home safety. practices when lighting the yule log enter. As a home inspector, I look at the house. Speaking of wood, are there any October was fire prevention month. Have and dinner table candles. conditions of the windows and doors: tree branches that need trimming away you made an escape plan and talked If we all can do this, then we will weather-stripping, alignment, locks, and from your home and power lines? Do you about it with all the family members? have a safe and happy holiday season. glass seals. Now is the time to replace have any branches that look like a good Please check your fire extinguishers for Best wishes, health and happiness to all and repair as needed to save on heating the service charge - the arrow must be in this season of hope from Eagle Home costs. in the green area on the dial. Replace Inspection Solutions. For the windows, check the top and or service if needed. Give them a good Michael Canavan is the owner of bottom of each sash and with doors shake to keep the material inside loose don’t forget the bottom sweep. These Eagle Home Inspection Solutions of so it will work properly for you if you ever Norwich, Vermont. Learn more at www. are easy to change in a few minutes. need it to save your home or life. They When you remove any screens for the EagleHomeInspectionSolutions.com, or are very effective so review how to use (802) 526-2642. winter, you can check these items out one with the family. Use an old one to along with the condition of the caulk- demonstrate how it’s done. ing around the windows and doors. Now that you have closed and sealed Separated caulk seals can add up and the windows in your home, you need equal the same as an open window on to make sure the smoke detectors and a house coming in small one-inch gaps. carbon monoxide alarms are working. Caulking is only good for two to five Outdoor faucet cover referred to as a hose bibb. Install new batteries and push that test years if installed correctly. button to verify. While we want to seal up the house against the cold, if your house is sealed too tight, the draft flue vent on water heaters and heating equipment can draft into the home when the wind blows or when your exhaust fans are turned on. This is why carbon monoxide alarms are so important. They do save lives. Fire alarm test time. They do save lives. All images Learn and show your family members courtesy Eagle Home Inspection Solutions. DO YOU HAVE... where water, gas, oil and electric shut-off Frosty Windows? Eagle Home Inspection Solutions LLC Ice Dams? Detailed home inspections in the Upper Valley of Vermont and New Hampshire Moldy Siding? · Radon testing · Infrared Thermography Cold, Drafty Rooms? · Water sampling · Buy-back guarantee Serving all of NH & VT (802) 526-2642 www.EagleHomeInspectionSolutions.com Let us perform an energy audit to determine where your house is losing energy, and then develop a plan to reduce your heating bills by 25–50%, as well as increasing the comfort of your home in the SUMMER and WINTER.

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Building & Energy Efficiency WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 Nov. 2019 31 Interview: Efficiency Vermont’s Efficiency Excellence Network Program Manager Green Energy Times Staff Efficiency Vermont has your projects. They are plugged • When could a program that anyone in to our programs and offers and my project fit looking for serious work can guide you to the right solu- into your on a building should tions and rebates. They also have schedule? know about. It is the Effi- access to exclusive support from • Do you have ciency Exellence Network Efficiency Vermont – at any step experience (EEN) program. Profes- in a project, a member can reach with Efficiency sionals associated with out and get support from us to Vermont and it are required to keep assure project success. securing updated on the latest How do I know if my rebates for customers? (Hint: An technology in their fields. Efficiency Excellence Network profes- Its manager, Allison Fode, contractor is EEN? sional does!) answered some ques- Where can I find an EEN • Do you have insurance that covers tions for us. contractor? the type of work you are performing? What is an The easiest way is to visit our • Can you provide a certificate of “Efficiency website, www.efficiencyvermont. insurance listing me on it? com/contractor. We have a spe- You should also check references Excellence Network” cial tool called “Find a Contractor when you narrow down your list to contractor? Allison Fode, Efficiency Vermont or Retailer” where you can search a couple of professionals – this will Efficiency Excellence for an energy professional. Just give you confidence to make a final look for the “EEN Member” icon in decision. Here are a few questions we Network members are a network of makes buildings more energy efficient your search results! If you’re still not sure recommend asking a professional’s independent contractors, designers, and affordable to maintain. They are also or don’t have access to the internet, give previous customers: and other professionals committed to trained to understand and consider im- providing their customers the high- us a call at (888) 921-5990. Our Customer portant health and safety measures that Support team can help you out. • Were you satisfied with the contrac- est level of energy efficiency ser- are key to any job. We train them in en- tor’s work? vices. These professionals can perform ergy efficiency fundamentals and special- What are some questions you • Are you as happy with the results heating and cooling, electrical, new ties, so you can trust that they are skilled today as you were when the project was construction, insulation and air sealing, recommend presenting to a in making energy efficient improvements completed? and commercial refrigeration work. We cost-effectively within their specialties. contractor to meet energy also have architects, engineers, and efficiency goals? • Were there cost or schedule over- lighting designers who can help you What does an EEN contractor ages? If so, why – and how did the rethink your living and working spaces. • How many projects have you com- contractor handle the situation? offer customers that others don’t pleted? How many do you do per year? You can also check in with Vermont’s Why use an EEN contractor over or can’t? • What are some of the results of your Better Business Bureau. You’ll be able another contractor? Many of our members have special ac- projects? to find out whether a contractor has Our members are experts in the ad- cess to exclusive Efficiency Vermont incen- • Do you use subcontractors? If so, are a history of disputes with clients or vanced technologies and science that tives and low or no interest financing on they trained in energy efficiency? subcontractors. 32 Nov. 2019 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 Building & Energy Efficiency

heating system, and current heating Community Campaigns for Renewable Heating and Cooling: fuel, to identify potential program participants. Volunteers approached homeowners that the Tableau analysis HeatSmart Northampton, MA identified as high-value potential Georgena Terry, CESA Research Associate customers. Other outreach strategies included “Meet the Installer” workshops, open houses at the homes of residents with ASHPs, social media, placements in newspapers and on television and radio, signage, direct mailings, and staffing tables at local community events. There were no specific eligibility requirements for ASHP applicants. The program sought to attract those homeowners who would appreciate the environmental benefits of clean energy and who would save money by switching away from high-cost heating fuels. HeatSmart Northampton recommended, but did not require, The city of Northampton, MA worked with the organization ener-G-save to gather thermal imaging on 100,000 area homes, revealing which homes were the best candi- home efficiency and weatherization dates for energy-efficiency improvements. Courtesy photo. improvements to make sure the ASHP performed as expected. However, the program did require that HeatSmart Note: This is the second in a series 2010. The current strategy has a goal of program. Approximately 600 residents customers undergo a MassSave en- on community-based strategies for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emis- completed the survey. ergy assessment so they could access increasing the adoption of residen- sions by 80 percent by 2050 from 2000 Northampton released a HeatSmart state incentives. tial renewable heating and cooling levels. Strategies for reducing GHG emis- Northampton Request for Qualifications One hundred sixty two individu- technologies. For more information on sions include increasing deployment of to identify ASHP installers to participate als expressed interest in the program community-based strategies and re- renewable energy, renewable heating in its program. To be eligible to par- through the HeatSmart Northampton newable heating and cooling technol- and cooling, and energy efficiency tech- ticipate in HeatSmart Northampton, an website. These initial inquiries led to ogies, please see Green Energy Times’ nologies, and promoting local economic installer had to be qualified as a “pri- 130 installer site visits and 106 price September-November 2019 issue and development around clean-energy mary installer” under the Massachusetts quotes. Ultimately, installers installed read the Clean Energy States Alliance’s technologies. Clean Energy Center’s (MassCEC) Clean 54 ASHP systems. Compared to the re- full report and case studies. Building on the successful 2013 Heating and Cooling Program. Primary gional average cost of heat pumps af- Renewable heating and cooling Solarize Northampton campaign, installers have met certain criteria and ter rebates, the HeatSmart Northamp- (RH&C) community campaigns, com- Northampton developed the HeatSmart are eligible for rebates. In addition to ton prices were approximately 3-16% monly called HeatSmart, are running Northampton program, which sought to meeting MassCEC’s qualifications, se- lower for the same ASHP models. successfully across the U.S. These increase the adoption of RH&C technolo- lected installers were asked to propose campaigns build on the successful gies. HeatSmart Northampton offered discounted fixed-fee costs for the instal- Solarize community campaigns, which only air source heat pumps (ASHP), lation of ASHPs. dramatically increased the adoption of because ASHPs had more recognition The program recruited volunteers solar photovoltaic applications and re- than other technologies, and a contrac- to spearhead outreach. Despite their duced costs through bulk-purchasing tor base already existed in the area. In enthusiasm for climate mitigation, many discounts. Below, we highlight one of addition, MassSave rebates and HEAT volunteers were not familiar with ASHP the original HeatSmart communities loans were available to lower costs. technology. One of the City’s first tasks and provide information on its goals, Like the widely known Solarize pro- was to educate them about ASHPs. Ulti- outreach approaches, and impacts. gram, HeatSmart Northampton relied mately, these volunteers explained ASHP HeatSmart strategies vary from com- on municipal officials, local volunteers, benefits including their carbon and cost munity to community; these strategies and competitively-selected installers reduction potential to more than 1,000 are easily replicable and adaptable in to implement a community group- residents. other communities. purchasing, outreach and education HeatSmart Northampton used Tableau The City of Northampton, Massa- campaign. Northampton sought out po- analysis (a visual analytics platform) to chusetts is a national leader in com- tential HeatSmart customers by email- create a visual data portfolio, mapping batting climate change. It adopted ing surveys to existing Solarize contacts residential building attributes, such Lawn campaign posters advertised the HeatSmart its first Climate Change Strategy in to ascertain the level of interest in the as year built, building type, existing campaign. Photo credit: HeatSmart Northampton.

Cancer or Parasite? Cont’d from p. 6 WHERE IS THE FIRE DEPARTMENT? -- Cont’d from p.26 Look at the energy and transportation India and all of Asia as another case. As that like things as they are. Not least the berg’s focus on the simple statement that sectors. We as a species seem to feel their economies grow (and they have) and fossil fuel corporations, which have funded “our house being on fire” is one example. fully entitled to whatever level of energy personal wealth increases, they too feel a decades-long campaign of disinforma- Forest fires are getting attention around use we can afford. Yes, we have made entitled to whatever energy-using appli- tion, obfuscation, and straight up lies about the world, including recent blazes in our energy appliances more efficient ances they can afford. Can we invent our the reality of global warming.” Indonesia and Brazil. The increasing dam- (energy and pollution, including ve- way out of disaster or will our improve- Why climate deniers ignore the fact that age to our earth by fires dramatizes her hicles) over time, but energy consump- ments come slower than unregulated Exxon and other fossil fuel conspirators narrative. Comprehending the difference tion has grown faster than efficiency demand growth? have worked so long to hide their own that 1 degree Celsius will make is difficult improvements. Our air now contains so Enough said. The initial question is analysis that their products are a primary for most of us to comprehend. However, much CO2 (>400ppm) from our energy intended as rhetorical, my comments as cause of the climate crisis is not a mystery. everyone can visualize a house burning generation, that it is now the highest in food for thought. As we head into the Nor is it a mystery that they don’t accept down. three million years when the earth was holidays, please think on it, for our prog- the Pentagon’s view that the daily worsen- Unlike warfare and images of climate a very different place from what it is eny’s sake. ing climate crisis is a threat to our national struggles that are only sometimes ef- now (poles and coastal plains as shallow And recovering from that dour note, I security. Climate change denial is rooted in fective in getting attention, Thunberg tropic swamps, water 20-70 ft higher hope you have a very Happy Thanksgiving political polarization, the economy over the focuses on something that can relate to than now). Using transportation in this and merriest of holidays (again, for our human condition, or willful ignorance. everyday life. country as a case in point, we seem to progeny’s sake)! It is somewhere within this context that Not only is our house on fire, but the prefer, and feel entitled to, SUVs and Randy Bryan is one of the co-founders of Drive Russian president, Vladimir Putin, also fire department has vanished. pickup trucks for personal use, if we can Electric NH. Bryan has been an advocate for criticized Greta Thunberg’s Climate Action John Bos is a contributing writer to afford them. What vehicles do you use? electric cars for eight-plus years. His company, Conference speech by saying, “Nobody Green Energy Times and a columnist for Why? How would you react to being ConVerdant Vehicles, has converted vehicles to explained to Greta that the modern world the Shelburne Falls West County Indepen- restricted to buy smaller sedans, station plug-in hybrids, including his own Prius in 2008, is complicated and complex.” dent. He invites comments and dialogue wagons or walk, bike, or scooter for the and developed and sold inverters that turn a Prius It is complicated and complex. That’s at [email protected]. common good? How would our general into an emergency generator. why choosing the right figure of speech is populace react? Now consider China, important in any communication. Thun- Sustainable Education WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 Nov. 2019 33 plan. It included reducing heat loss with weatherization by Shakes to Shingles, a A Place to Grow contractor in Concord, NH. Dependence George Harvey on propane was reduced and heating efficiency increased as six heat pumps A Place to Grow (APTG), a childcare were installed by ReVision Energy, and center in Brentwood, New Hampshire, adding a solar array for increased inde- has some features that set it apart. True, it pendence. Other work included chang- takes children as young as six weeks, and ing out fluorescent and incandescent true, it is open from 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM, lights and other electric work by Amore but these are not the things that make it Electric of Haverhill, Massachusetts. quite as unusual as it is. The unusual fea- The overall project was funded by tures have to do with a philosophy that CDFA, also. In the end it cost $93,000, offers the children a holistic understand- with the principle reduced as rebates ing of nature, environmental stewardship and grants came in. The loan was at 4% and how human beings fit into a larger for ten years. The improved energy ef- picture. ficiency was partly covered by a rebate APTG was founded by Jennifer Briggs of $6883 from Eversource, and partly by in 2005, but it recently made a big move a REAP Grant of $9263. that allowed it to operate in closer Renewable energy came in the form alignment with her own environmental of a solar array on the roof, a 14.08-kilo- feelings. Her philosophy aims to in- watt (DC) system consisting of 44 solar struct children about nature and how to panels. Installing it, however, required maintain it as the beautiful resource that installing a new metal roof. The Public it is. That being the case, it was perhaps Utility Commission provided a grant of perfect that she found a new location for $4800. An Energy Tax Credits provided APTG, with a 3,700-square-foot building an additional $11827. And a REAP Grant sitting on 13 acres of land. She purchased put up $9856. the property in 2016. In the end, the $43,000 of the $93,000 Taking on such a large building and was covered by grants, rebates, and property had its challenges, but meeting Above: Interior of A Place to Grow; below left: A Place to Grow and their 44 solar panels; below right: Children watching the installation of a heat pump. Courtesy images. credits. This meant that of the cost, them provided a value for instruction $50,000 had to be paid off over ten to others who might want years. to meet similar problems. A Place to Grow The children, of course, can has reduced its be shown the wonders of overall costs, even nature, but those of us who including the cost are not children might find of paying off the the work done on the build- loan. There is a ing, especially as regards 58% reduction in to energy efficiency and energy used from independence, informative. 2018 to 2019. Briggs started with a Propane consump- building that had high tion dropped by costs. In February, 2017, just 3,000 gallons per the propane bill was $1,200. year. And the solar She carefully went for the array saves over least expensive plan to buy $400 per month, propane, but neverthe- in a comparison less, for the whole year, the seemed daunting, but Briggs was able to renewable energy, and Eversource Rebates. of June and July, 2018, with the same propane came to $4,005. While her busi- get some help. The support that she was She started with an energy audit, which months in 2019. ness could not count on a steady inflow able to line up included Community Devel- cost $2,000 but was 75% covered by a One great payoff is that the children of money, she could see that the energy opment Finance Authority’s (CDFA) Clean CDFA grant. Sustainable Energy Education can interact, play, and learn in more demands would vary considerably, and Energy Fund, grants from the Public Utility & Demonstration Services did work on this, comfortable and more environmentally had to be kept under control. Commission, Energy Tax Credits, one REAP including blower door testing. Based on friendly surroundings. The costs of upgrading may have Grant for energy efficiency and another for the audit, she was able to come up with a Ten-year old Boy Making a Difference Shakes To Shingles Insulation Services with Recycling Business Energy Audits, Thermography, and Insulation PO Box 2142, Concord, NH 03302 N.R. Mallery, Publisher of G.E.T. Office (603)415-1115 Toll Free (800)533-8116 At 10 years old, a legendary [email protected] boy is making http://www.shakestoshingles.com his dream come true, with his own recycling business. Ryan Hickman is the CEO of Ryan’s Recycling Company. In Orange County, Califor- nia, at just three years old, a little boy started recycling his neighbors’ bottles to help save the planet and ocean life. “I saw that all the litter and plastic going into the ocean, and it’s hurting sea life, and I wanted it to not happen, so I started recycling, and I think it’s making a big difference.” Ryan focuses on collecting plastic and glass bottles and aluminum cans. He picks up recycling from friends and neighbors and sorts it. Then Ryan and Ryan Hickman, founder of Ryan’s Recycling Company.Photos courtesy of D. Hickman. Cont’d on p.38 The truck is loaded (whoa!) and ready to take everything to the recycling cemter. 34 Nov. 2019 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 IT’S A GREEN LIFE - AFTER ALL … SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE Elmore Roots’ Permaculture Know-How order gift certiﬁcates 24/7 at elmoreroots.com Something About Red David Fried

There is something about red. The and does not have very at- Left is an image color. You don’t see it out in nature tractive fall color. of red oak leaves; much in winter or spring. Sometimes The red oak, however, below are high- Elmore Roots Nursery you may catch a glimpse of the red has a red color that glows. bush cranberries. berries of highbush cranberry or When the light shines Photos : David Fried. winterberry or the stems of red osier through, the world is dogwood, glowing against the pearl magical again! The other than red.” This song helped a commu- white snow. day I noticed one red oak nity form where others who did not As summer comes, it is everywhere! leaf standing up glowing believe in war could find comrades. Strawberries, rhubarb, tart cherries, amongst others. Nearby, I have a friend who grew up across roses, Red Sox. red apples carpeted the the street from me who is a very good Hummingbirds are very attracted to soft wet grass. There is a organic vegetable farmer (and skier) red. This is why we sometimes have to lot of red in the air around in East Hardwick. He has a red beard help them out of our farm office where us in October! and red hair, and I told my children his one will fly in. We have red trim around Some are challenged name was “Uncle Red.” Each fall I go our doors and windows. Plant breeders by the red. A bull fighter to his barn and he loads me up with have worked to perfect the velvety red in Spain uses a red cape red cabbage and red beets and red rose (even though they gave up aroma to get the bull so angry potatoes. for more dark red). There is even a it charges at him, and he Now that the days are colder, we can new one so red it is almost blue, called looks macho. My friend, still sit by the red coals of a wood fire “navy lady.” Rick Winston, recently wrote a book called as those trees with the red leaves are Everyone talks about the foliage. Red Scare in the Green Mountains. It is about now warming our feet. Once in a while, How red it is. A good foliage season Vermont in the late 40s and 50s, showing we may even catch a red sunset. “Red really means “a lot of red.” Sometimes how a lot of people here were concerned sky at night, sailor’s delight. Red sky in people ask if we have red maples at that communism would take hold here if morning, sailors take warning!” Uncle our nursery. A true red maple “acer they did not do something to stop it. A UVM Red is also pretty good at predicting rubra” has green leaves in summer that professor was fired for not naming others, the weather.. usually turn orange or red in fall. Their and a congressman was not re-elected due to David Fried started Elmore Roots Fruit buds are round and red in spring. Of- being accused of being “Red.” At Woodstock Tree Nursery forty years ago. He also ten though, they are actually looking in neighboring New York State, Country Joe plays guitar and writes songs, including for a maple with red leaves in summer. and the Fish made famous the Phil Ochs song an elderberry rap song. This is a type of Norway maple. It is not “draft dodger rag”. It has the line “and when native in Vermont and not as hardy it came my time to serve, I knew better dead

Slather Up for Better Aging besthealthfoodstore.net Larry Plesent I have a big your skin has a problem with and as a preven- strong hu- the phrase “anti- tative regimen mectant effect aging.” It sounds so inside and out. which helps to military. As if aging It takes both ap- keep it from drying out. Over time, oiled is the enemy, and proaches to keep a body healthy, happy skin tends to lose the “old and dry” look we must marshal all and aging better! in favor for a healthier and more youthful forces against it. This is the Soapman saying adios aspect. The new term amigos! One old Vermont farm gal confessed circulating through Larry Plesent is a writer, philosopher that she took a little of her home-grown the trade rags is and founder of the Vermont Soap pig fat (bacon grease without the salt and “better-aging,” and Company; dedicated to replacing yucky additives) and rubbed a little on her face I consider it to be stuff with yummy stuff for all the girls and and hands each day just before supper. a much more ap- boys who care. Thanks for reading. Learn Everybody always commented on how propriate moniker. more at www.vermontsoap.com and youthful looking her skin was. After all, we are www.reactivebody.org. Solid oils and the waxes they contain talking about the add an extra amount of humectant-ness natural cycles of Sunflower oil. Image from Wikipedia. to a skin soothing better-aging blend. human existence These work especially well as a base for here. If a thing is like nighttime use since solid oils take a long gravity (pretty much inevitable), the you can put it on your skin. If not, think time to absorb. Alternate with liquid oil best that you can do is to practice do- twice. blends or “serums” during your day for a ing it with grace. Natural plant seed oils contain trace glow rather than a shine. Regular readers will note that the amounts of botanical goodies that seem The role of anti-inflammatory botani- natural health and healing “program” to enhance their effects. Sunflower oil cals on mammal health is well studied, advocated in this venue and in The contains vitamin E and omega 6 fatty less so are the benefits when used topi- Reactive Body Handbook (www.reac- acids. Olive oil contains polyphenols. cally and in combinations. And it may be tivebody.com) is in fact also a better- Both oils contain additional natural anti- that their benefits are much more than aging program. After all, living well and inflammatory compounds. This is true of just skin deep. What we do know is that healthy is the best medicine to take many natural seed oils unless the goodies a calm, hydrated face presents a very over a long and active life. were taken out in the processing. Apply- different image to the world than a dry, Nature-based better-aging actives ing liquid oils topically seems to improve

inflamed one. girlfromarabia.com generally include anti-inflammatory skin elasticity and tone, and some of the Modern pharmaceutical medicine botanicals and plant seed oils. This mix compounds in them may help to heal or works using known active ingredients of appears to have a profound and potent minimize sun damage. isolated potency. Natural medicine works effect on maintaining the facial col- Solid oils like cocoa, shea, palm stearin, by throwing “bundles of botanical good- lagen when used daily. cow’s milk butters or even pig fat are a ness” at it. This is true both as medicine Remember the rule: If you can eat it, mix of both liquid and solid oils. Oiling IT’S A GREEN LIFE - AFTER ALL … SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG Nov. 2019 35 Supporting Local Agriculture with Worms Ben Goldberg separated from a third, also with a screen. remove any of the surface In our quest to live more sustainably, Once the first chamber is full, bedding layer of castings until you composting with worms (vermi-com- and food are then added to the second begin to expose worms again. posting) is one thing we can easily do chamber, the worms will migrate through The newly exposed worms that supports our efforts in a number the screen to the food. Same strategy for will then burrow further into of ways. This article will touch on some the third chamber. When the worms have the pile. Repeat this process of the basic concepts of vermi-com- fully migrated to the third chamber, the until you have removed all the posting. If you are not already a worm process is repeated in the other direction. castings. The worms will have composter, then we hope this will To create a successful bin, it is useful to clumped together making it encourage you to try it out. mimic their natural environment as much handy to gather and to restart Besides converting food and garden as possible. It will be necessary to keep your freshly emptied bin. (3) scraps into nutrient-rich compost, a source of bedding material on hand to Castings are potent and vermi-composting also supports lo- provide a residence for the worms, and do not need to be used full cal agriculture by keeping the food- into which you can bury your food scraps. strength. Roughly 20% cast- nutrient cycle local. A healthy soil Many worm keepers use shredded news- ings will be sufficient in your microbiome supports plant vitality and print, but for health and safety reasons, I soil mix. Or top-dress your immunity to disease and pests. The vast am a purist, preferring to use a mixture of house plants and water the (1) This is a Red Wiggler (E. fetida) worm depositing a cocoon. Red numbers and diversity of microorgan- more naturally occurring materials. Plus, I castings into the plant. The Wigglers have yellow tails. All photos courtesy Ben Goldberg. isms in worm compost contributes think it serves a higher purpose to recycle castings can be made into sizably to the microbial populations of the paper products on behalf of trees. a steeped tea for watering our garden soil or potting mix. Dispos- To make my bedding, I mix together house plants, or a specially ing your food wastes in the trash and leaf or straw mulch, coffee chaff from brewed tea for generating sending it to the landfill as garbage a nearby coffee roaster, spent coffee larger volumes for larger contributes to global warming, because grounds, and some active plant compost areas. the decomposing food generates the or composted animal manure. If you can Besides the practical results greenhouse gas, methane. locate a source of llama, alpaca, or rab- of generating your own fertil- Of the many thousands of species of bit manure, these can be used without izer for your home or commu- worms, two species, the Red Wiggler pre-composting, and are favored by the nity, worm composting offers (Eisenia fetida) and Redworms (Lum- worms. a window into the diversity bricus rubellus) have become popular Worms will eat just about any food and function of intact healthy for home composting. Both species that will decompose, but they have their ecosystems. I find it fascinat- serve as voracious decomposers in the preferences. Avoid feeding them spicy ing to observe the variety of natural world, and both also thrive in foods such as onions or hot peppers. Also species that reside in the bin bins with dense populations. (1) avoid meat, fish, and dairy. Please keep and the way they interact There are numerous styles of bins. in mind as well, that worms have small with each other to generate The most common for home use are mouths, so larger scraps such as broc- a hugely useful by-product either the ones with stackable tiers or coli stalks will linger for a long time. The simply in exchange for our (2) This tote type worm bin has screened vents and a reservoir with plastic tote bins that have been modi- organisms in the bin are helping to break stewardship. spigot drain. fied to house the worms. Because liquid down the food scraps into smaller bits. It Ben Goldberg has been (leachate) tends to accumulate at the is considered to be good feeding practice playing in the dirt since he was bottom of plastic bins and become an- to mix the food beneath the bedding. a kid, and has been keeping aerobic (smelly), my preference for this Some worm keepers will rotate their way worms and making worm bins type of bin is one with a reservoir to around be bin, feeding in a different area in various sizes and shapes collect and drain away the leachate. (2) each time. Avoid clumps or globs of food since 1995. He enjoys present- With both of these types of bins, the which can become smelly, anaerobic ing interactive worm compost- worms need to be separated from the pockets. ing workshops, which are castings. More on this shortly. There If you are using a tote bin for worm informative and fun. Ben lives are some self-separating bin designs composting, once full, you will need to and works in the Pioneer Valley that make the task much simpler, separate the worms from the castings. farming region of western especially for larger volumes. I am using The easiest method I have found for this Massachusetts along with a horizontal migration bin now that is the “light avoidance” method. Worms some of the most productive I am happy with. The composting is are sensitive to light. If you empty any soil in the world. For questions done in one chamber that is separated amount of the bin contents onto a tray and to learn more contact Ben from a second chamber with a 1/4” or sorting table, the exposed worms will at [email protected]. (3) Worms clumped together after castings have been removed. mesh screen. The second chamber is burrow back into that pile. You can then

Food Scraps Diversion: Vermont Act 148 Michele Morris airless landfill environment, releasing desiccators, backyard digesters, or feeding effective and economical manner. Our Food is many things: Fuel for working methane, a powerful contributor to global livestock. (Contact your local solid waste vision: Products are designed to be reused bodies, a livelihood for farmers of all warming. The Agency of Natural Resourc- management authority to learn more or recycled and our community fully sizes and types, an expression of love es estimates if we took all that food out of about all these options including costs, participates in minimizing disposal and and nurturing in many families. One the landfill, it would be like taking 7,000 effort involved, and laws regulating maximizing reuse and recycling. thing food should never be is wasted. cars off the road every year in terms of feeding animals.) The Vermont Agency of Natural climate benefit. 3. Take them to a drop-off location such as Resources estimates that Vermont’s In 2012, Vermont’s Legislature decided a transfer station, Drop-Off Center, or businesses, institutions and households this must change and included phased-in compost facility. sent more than 80,000 tons of food and requirements in Act 148, known as the food scraps to the state’s only landfill in Universal Recycling Law, for keeping food 4. Hire a hauling company to pick them up 2018.1 scraps out of the landfill. at your curb. In fact, wasted food is consistently Beginning July 1, 2020, that require- So, start thinking now about what about 25 to 30%, by weight, of all the ment will apply to everyone in Vermont— changes you need to make before July stuff we landfill. Studies estimate that businesses, institutions, and residents. 1. And remember, you have options, and wasted food costs U.S. consumers from You’ll have choices for what to do instead we’re all in this together. $350 per person to around $1,500 a of trashing this valuable resource: Source: VT 2018 Waste Characterization year for a family of four. And that’s just 1. Reduce your food waste! Buy only what Study. the cost of the food you bought but you need, store it properly, and eat what Michele Morris is the Director of Outreach didn’t eat! It doesn’t even cover the you buy. and Communications for the Chittenden amount you pay to “trash” it. Solid Waste District. CSWD’s mission is Landfilled food doesn’t “disappear,” 2. Manage food scraps and spoiled leftovers at home. Backyard composting is to reduce and manage the solid waste Transfer stations and compost facilities across the and it doesn’t turn into anything good. generated within Chittenden County It degrades very, very slowly in the dark, the cheapest but not the only option. state now offer food scrap drop-off. Image: CSWD Other possibilities include countertop in an environmentally sound, efficient, 36 Nov. 2019 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 Burton Snowboards RESOURCES GUIDE TO ADVERTISERS Goes Big Solar AllEarth Renewables 12 Cont’d from p. 8 350-Vermont: General group that coordinates a variety of statewide actions. ARC Mechanical 23 To join this group go to: http://350vermont.org snowboarding company to reach these standards. Artistic Roots 39 American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy: Consumer guide to home energy savings - Jenn Swain, Senior Sustainability Man- AWEB Supply 40 aceee.org/consumer ager at Burton stated, “We are constantly American Solar Energy Society (ASES): www.ases.org striving toward sustainability in our Ayer Electric 11 Backwoods Solar: Specialty: solar, off-grid - www.backwoodssolar.com business practices (they have headquar- Building Alternatives 30 ters in Burlington, Innsbruck and Tokyo) Buildings Energy Data Book: buildingsdatabook.eren.doe.gov and every employee plays a role in the Carroll Concrete Co. 28 Carbon Tax: carbontax.org positive impacts we have.” The sustain- Catamount Solar 8 Clean Power Estimator: www.consumerenergycenter.org/renewables/estimator ability goals created for a three-year Catskills Comfrey 39 CO2.Earth: See emissions harms, scientific advice, and pathways to follow. www.co2.earth period are intended to be accomplished by the end of 2020 and impacts will Common Energy 13 Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings, Heating, Appliances, Refrigerator Guide, Building be on products that would be on store Envelope, Driving: http://aceee.org/consumer shelves in October 2022. Burton’s sus- CSWD 39 Dept. Public Svc. (CEDF): publicservice.VT.gov/energy/ee_cleanenergyfund.html tainability goals involve categories such Eagle Home Inspection Solutions 30 as reducing carbon footprints associ- Dsireusa.com: www.dsireusa.com Renewables & Efficiency. Find state, local, utility, & federal incen- ated with production and operation, fair Eastman Electric, LLC 8 tives for renewable energy & energy efficiency. labor standards compliance, women’s Efficiency Vermont 31 leadership programs, and collaborating Efficiency VT: This is a must-go-to site for immeasurable amounts of info. www.efficiencyVT.com Elmore Roots 34 Energy Efficiency & R/E Clearinghouse (EREC): eetd.lbl.gov/newsletter/CBS_NL/nl6/Sources.html on sustainability with other outdoor industry leaders. Exclusively VT Wood Products 29 Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Clearinghouse (EREC): eetd.lbl.gov For more information visit www.bur- Farm-Way 20 Energy Guide: Unbiased advice about today’s energy choices. Find ways to save, lower your bills & help ton.com and catamountsolar.com. the earth’s environment - www.energyguide.com Roger Lohr of Lebanon, NH, who Froling Energy 22 Energy Star Federal Tax Credits: www.energystar.gov/tax credits. owns and edits XCSkiResorts.com, has Geobarns 24 published articles and promotional topics Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC): www.ferc.gov Granite State Solar 11 on snow sports, sustainability, and trails Federal Energy Regulatory Commission(FERC): www.ferc.gov in regional and national media. He is also Grappone Auto Group 6 Find Solar: www.findsolar.com the Recreational Editor for Green Energy Green Energy Options 10 Fossil Fuel Freedom: Group working to make Vermont’s energy plan 100% free of fossil fuels: Times. Green-E-Mowers 37 To join this group go to: groups.google.com/group/fossil-fuel-freedom- Greywater Info: www.oasisdesign.net/greywater CLASSIFIEDS Hanover Consumer Coop 21 Home Energy Saver: Interactive site to help you identify & calculate energy savings opportunities in High Peaks Solar 13 ADVERTISE IN GREEN ENERGY TIMES your home. A lot of great information! - hes.lbl.gov Integrity Energy 9 Call us with your ad info or e-mail ad copy Home Power Magazine: www.homepower.com to: [email protected]. Up LEDdynamics 30 IREC/ Interstate Renewable Energy Council: RE educational info. www.irecusa.org to 50 words: $25. Each additn’l word 65¢ Loewen Window Center 29 NABCEP/ North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners: This organization that tests & Deadline for the next issue is Dec. 20, 2019. Middlebury Natural Foods Co-op 37 certifies PV system installers. Individuals are Certified, companies are not. www.nabcep.org Monadnock Food Co-op 37 NESEA/ Northeast Sustainable Energy Assoc.: www.nesea.org ADVERTISING SALES POSITIONS National Association of Energy Service Co. (NAESCO): www.naesco.org Advertising Sales Positions open for Green Energy Times. Montpelier Construction 25 National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL): www.nrel.gov Experience preferred. Must be reliable, have computer, NH Electric Co-op (NHEC) 6, 23 phone and internet skills. Work from home. Must have National Solar Institute: www.nationalsolarinstitute.com good communication skills asnd very self-disciplined. Norwich Solar Technologies 7 NeighborWorks® Alliance of Vermont: Low-cost energy loans - www.vthomeownership.org Full or part-time. Serious inquires only. Reply to info@ NY Solar Energy Society 1 greenenergytimes.org. New Hampshire Sustainable Energy Assoc. NHSEA Focused on N.E. 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Vermont Energy and Climate Action Network (VECAN): works to start and support town energy email______USA Solar Store 16 committees as a powerful, people-powered response to realizing a clean energy future. www.vecan.net. VECAN 3 Vermont Tar Sands Action: Group working to stop the XL Pipeline and any other developments stemming website______Vermod 24 from the Alberta Tar Sands. To join this group go to: groups.google.com/group/vt-tar-sands-action Offer good in U.S. only. Canada: $US 34.00. Foreign: $US 40.00 Gift subscriptions available! One year = 6 Issues! Vermont Passive House 25 VPIRG: understand the clean energy resources available to VT - www.vpirg.org/cleanenergyguide please send check to 1749 Wright’s Mountain Road VT Energy Investment Corporation (VEIC): nonprofit organization that issues home energy ratings for Bradford, Vermont 05033 Vermont Soap Organics 38 new & existing homes. 800-639-6069 - www.veic.org 802.439.6675 Wright Construction Co. 29 [email protected] Weatherization, Energy Star & Refrigerator Guide: www.waptac.org www.greenenergytimes.org Yellow Heat 23 www.susdesign.com Online info for solar benefit with house design: overhangs, sun angle & path… Zone 6 Energy 25 IT’S A GREEN LIFE - AFTER ALL … WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG Nov. 2019 37 Put Your Asparagus and other Perennials to Bed for the Winter N. R. Mallery, Publisher of G.E.T. be sure to cut it back to two to four inches, on, but both my neighbor and I lost some add a couple shovelfuls of rotted manure, blueberry plants that were too close to compost and leaves. It does not hurt to the rhubarb. I don’t think they like to put a layer of straw over it, as well. Fall is a grow near each other. Rhubarb likes rich great time to break up the root to share or soil. Blueberries like acid conditions. I manage. advise planting them in different areas. In the spring, when I cut some to make There you have it. While it is kind of sad sauce or pie or to freeze, I generally leave to put your garden to bed before winter the large leaf on the ground to keep weeds arrives, there is comfort knowing it will down and add compost to the soil sur- be safe, warm and healthier after you rounding the plants. tuck them in. Now you get to enjoy the You can also break off the seed pods to fruits of your labor from all that you have try to keep it from completely going to harvested this year. Enjoy the break from seed and be able to use it. New plants will gardening chores. sprout easily. Seed pods take longer to get With full bellies from the year’s harvest, established plants than if you break up the I wish you a happy fall and winter. We will roots in the fall. see you in the spring! Did you ever notice that the rhubarb is ready to use before the strawberries are ripe? How did strawberry-rhubarb pie and sauce ever start? Freezing fresh rhubarb in chunks will assure you have some when strawberries are in season and can be used throughout the year. The sauce can be preserved by canning it, and it freezes with My asparagus bed that needs to be put to bed for the winter. Photos by N.R. Mallery great success. Something that I am not the authority Perennial vegetables like asparagus, Jerusalem artichokes are another invasive horseradish, Jerusalem artichokes and perennial. You can dig them as you need rhubarb need protection over the winter them until the ground freezes, but do try to to survive freezing temperatures. dig enough so that they do not get out of Asparagus is hardy down to zone 4 control as they spread in the spring. If you and needs a little care in the fall. Here is are trying to establish a patch, cut back the Shop Co-ops what you do: when the ferns start to turn stalks to 2-4 inches, cover with leaves and Co-operatives are businesses that are member- 193 North Main St yellow to brown, or after the first frost, even straw if you have it. The artichokes owned collectively managed by paid staff and cut them back to about two-inch stubs. store nicely in your refrigerator drawer for White River Jct, VT a member-elected board of directors. Values This will help prevent disease setting in months and are known to help to regulate include democracy, self-help and a concern for (802) 295 5804 over the winter. Apply about two to three blood sugar. I would consult your doctor families and the community. inches of compost around the remain- about using it for this purpose if you have uppervalleyfood.coop ing plants and cover with mulch such as diabetes. straw and leaves to a depth of about four Rhubarb is another perennial that I have to six inches. never done any more than throw some This is also the time to dig your compost around. It loves rotted manure horseradish. Try to get all of it, which I and leaves. If you are trying to establish it, find nearly impossible since my no-till garden produces deep roots. I Open 7 Days 8am-7pm Open 7 Days 8am-7pm never planned to have it in my 9 Washington St 388-7276 middlebury.coop garden, but followed a recom- 9 Washington St 388-7276 middlebury.coop mendation to grow horseradish in pots and place in the garden to repel pest such as the white moths. I now struggle with this invasive perennial in the garden because the containers had drainage holes which allowed the roots to happily find their way directly into my garden. So, let this be a warning! Regard- less, dig your roots before the ground freezes, wash off the soil six years strong and store in the refrigerator until you are ready to process them. good.local.food. Jars of horseradish are great to Horseradish that is ready to be dug before winter sets in. share at Thanksgiving gather- ings. It’s easy to make, yet a bit dangerous to process. Warning: do NOT open the food processor and look into the container — it will burn your eyes and sinus cavity. Smell that wonderful aroma with caution. To make it, simply Recommended by scrape off some of the skin and cut the Green Energy Times! roots into one-to two- inch chunks. Put them into your food processor and just It Mows, YOU Don’t! barely cover them with organic white or rice vinegar. Cider vinegar can be used • NO EMISSIONS Resolve to cut your if you prefer, but it does not give you a lawn mowing nice white result. Process it until smooth. • NO GAS, OIL, Belts Use caution when lifting the lid and as emissions in 2020! you scoop it into your jars. Screw the lid • Reliable, Quiet, Efficient on the jars and store in the refrigerator for months. Baby food jars make great storage containers in the perfect size for Green E-Mowers — 802.439.6675 sharing. It’s always fun to watch when the Videos and more info at: usa.robomow.com recipient opens the jar to smell or taste it. Serving Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, Mass & Maine Their sinuses will be cleared! It is sure to give some laughs at the reactions. See it in action. Call or email: [email protected] 38 Nov. 2019 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 IT’S A GREEN LIFE - AFTER ALL Recycling: Who, What, Where and When? Evan Lawrence tubes, refriger- the blue bin just because you hope it’s Despite the widely-publicized crash ated and frozen recyclable. If in doubt, throw it out. in the recycling markets, recycling is food boxes, Materials go to a facility where they’re still possible and still worth doing. De- toothbrushes, sorted by people and machines. Careless pending on where you live, it may just thermal cash disposal can endanger people and dam- be harder to do. register receipts, age machinery. Plastic bags and film and Markets continue to be good for

Flickr/Walter Parenteau. Flickr/Walter and jar lids. See old clothing can tangle in the machinery aluminum. Recycling the metal saves a the full list at and shut it down—never put them in whopping 95% of the energy neces- www.cvswmd. the blue bin. Food residues in containers sary to process virgin ore. Steel still org/arcc.html. stink, attract rodents and insects, reduce has buyers, as does cardboard—all Neither New the value of a bale of material, and are those Amazon shipping boxes have to York nor New really yucky for the people who have to come from somewhere. Paper, plastics, Hampshire man- pull them off the conveyor belt. glass? There’s the rub. China, which was dates recycling, Don’t try to recycle anything smaller buying the bulk of U.S. waste paper although New than 2 inches on two sides. Little debris and plastics, stopped accepting them York requires lo- falls off belts and out of bales and just in early 2019 causing prices to plunge cal governments makes litter. to the point where municipalities and that collect resi- Styrofoam, drink cartons, and black haulers sometimes have to pay for dents’ trash to plastic (such as microwave trays) have no disposal. Glass has virtually no market. The state does its own recyclables market- have a source separation program for re- market. They’re trash. Most of it is simply crushed for road and ing and finds a buyer or use for just about cyclables with a viable market. With paper Many products are recyclable but not building construction. everything covered by the mandate. and plastic becoming a financial liability through blue bins. Never put in scrap In the tri-state area (NH, NY, and VT), Vermont is divided into solid waste instead of a revenue source, some towns metal, batteries (the leading cause of Vermont has the strongest recycling districts, plus a few towns that run their in both states have stopped collecting fires in recycling facilities), electronics, system. The state’s Universal Recycling own waste disposal programs. If you don’t recyclables, and some transfer stations are or hazardous wastes such as pesticides, Law bars paper, aluminum, cardboard, know your district, find it at dec.vermont. imposing fees on the materials. used motor oil, or old paint cans. Many steel, glass, and hard plastics from the gov/waste-management/solid/local- For New York and New Hampshire localities have special hazardous waste state’s landfills. Whether residents pay districts. All collect the Big Six. The Central residents, check with your hauler or collection days or collect these prod- a private hauler, have municipal trash Vermont Solid Waste District, including municipality about what materials they ucts separately. Hardware stores may pick-up, or drive their waste to the Montpelier, Barre, and 17 more towns, accept. The list may change depending take back larger batteries and compact transfer station, they must take those recently started accepting a wide variety on whether they have a market. New York fluorescent lights, which contain trace materials out of their garbage. A study of other products through its Additional will ban single-use plastic bags starting in amounts of mercury. commissioned by the state in 2018 Recyclables Collection Center in Barre. March. Plastic bags and wrap, for example The deposit on beverage cans and showed that about 72% of recyclables The list, which may change from time the wrapper on paper towels, can be bottles still applies in Vermont and New were in fact staying out of the landfill. to time, includes personal care product recycled at many stores in marked bins, York. When you return containers for de- usually by the front door. Visit www.dec. posit, the material is recycled or reused, ny.gov/chemical/50042.html for details. and you get your nickel back. No matter what state you live in, here Evan Lawrence is a free-lance writer in are some recycling dos and don’ts. Cambridge, NY specializing in sustainabil- “Wishful recycling” is the bane of the ity, environmental, and health topics. Ten-year old Boy’s Recycling Business recycling business. Don’t put anything in Cont’d from p.33 outstanding leadership his dad take the recy- role in many media out- cling to a redemption lets and television shows center, where Ryan is around the country. He paid for the recy- has received at least 26 clables that he brings in. accolades for his outstanding efforts since The young entrepreneur has earned his story went viral in 2016. His father told thousands of dollars and at present has us, “We’ve had a lot of amazing moments recycled over 673,000 cans and bottles since Ryan started his business, but I think weighing 104,000 pounds, all that have our favorite thing is the amount of email, been saved from going to the landfill. letters and messages he gets every day His parents are saving the money for from people all over the planet who want his college education, but Ryan wants to know more about making a difference to spend the money on a bigger trash with recycling. Ryan said his favorite thing truck. His original collection was done by was traveling to NYC as a CNN HERO or a child’s electric truck [pic] that he drove going on the Ellen Show.” We just learned throughout his neighborhood to gather that Ryan was featured (November 8, 2019) bottles and cans with. Green Energy on Good Housekeeping’s list of kids who Times staff is rooting for another electric- changed the world! powered truck. Perhaps, he will consider Read more at ryansrecycling.com. the new all-electric Ford F-150 that will soon be available. Ryan’s business is doing so well that he has donated $9,344 to the Pacific Marine Mammal Center thus far. This young legend has been recognized for his

Ryan started collecting bottles and cans in his neighborhood at just three-years-old. Above shows how well the business is doing. At ten, he has no thoughts of stopping! OOho Pods Cont’d from p. 1

IT’S A GREEN LIFE - AFTER ALL WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 Nov. 2019 39

MicheleA Guide Morris to Sustainable Gift Giving and Wrapping from. But fabric Sorting out what is and isn’t recyclable The holiday season ribbon can be doesn’t need to be hard or confusing. See leaves much in its reused over and all the details at cswd.net/recycling, or wake: Warm memories, over, and simple give our Hotline a call at 802-872-8111. lots of leftovers, maybe cotton string or few extra pounds, Michele Morris is the Director of Outreach even baling twine and Communications for the Chittenden and a whole lot of… lend a rustic feel stuff. Because you’re Solid Waste District. CSWD’s mission is to packages and to reduce and manage the solid waste reading this, we know can be cut up and you’re committed to generated within Chittenden County in an composted when environmentally sound, efficient, effective reducing your waste you’re done. as much as you can. and economical manner. Our vision: Prod- Read on to see how Reusing and ucts are designed to be reused or recycled you can reduce, reuse, Recycling Outside and our community fully participates in ARTISTIC ROOTS and recycle as much as the Blue Bin minimizing disposal and maximizing reuse you can this year, while Think of your and recycling. also making sure that recycling bin as a what you put in your Christmas lights and other long, stringy “tanglers” special creature blue bin really does don’t belong in your recycling bin! Photo: CSWD. that has specific belong there! feeding needs. Spoiler alert: you can’t go wrong by Just as you wouldn’t risk choking or sticking to this list for recycling-bin poisoning your beloved pet with chicken items: Paper and cardboard (clean and bones or chocolate, please don’t mistreat dry); and empty, rinsed beverage, food your recycling bin by feeding it filmy plas- and non-hazardous cleaning product tic—bags, overwraps, etc.—or other nasty bottles, cans, tubs and jars bigger than stuff it can’t handle. your fist. Styrofoam, packing peanuts, and bubble wrap Give—and Receive--Thoughtfully None of these items belong in your We’ve said it before and it bears recycling bin! Lots of stores will take pack- repeating: Instead of giving stuff, ing peanuts, bubble wrap and packing give experiences, shared time, or a “pillows” for reuse, though. Search for tasty homemade treat you know the “packaging” on our website (www.cswd. recipient will enjoy. Let your loved ones net) to find local organizations that accept know you’d prefer a gift certificate for packaging materials for reuse. Take plastic a shared activity. If they’re far away, bags back to a participating grocer or make it for Skype time to catch up. Or, other store for recycling. request a donation to a favorite charity String lights on your behalf instead of another thing you don’t need. Unwanted strings of holiday lights are SAVE 10% Enter GETCLEAN&GREEN at Checkout accepted as scrap metal at any CSWD Wrap Wisely Drop-Off Center and other locations—for Obsolete maps are a favorite wrap- no charge! Larger, old-fashioned bulbs ping paper in our household. If you should be removed and placed in the must buy wrapping paper, follow these trash first. guidelines for maximum sustainability. Batteries • Seek out paper made with recycled content to boost the demand for Please DO NOT put batteries in your recycled paper. recycling bin. Bring batteries of all types to any Chittenden Solid Waste District • Use natural, uncoated kraft-style (CSWD) Drop-Off Center for special 1,000,000 paper. This is widely and inexpensively recycling at no charge (quantity limits available online. Gussy up your packages apply to certain battery types). Find even with natural sprigs of pine, spruce, or more battery recycling locations at www. extra tons holly. Add more bling by attaching an Call2Recycle.org. Better yet: Use recharge- old ornament or costume jewelry scored able batteries (if your gadgets operate in a second-hand shop or flea market. well with them) to reduce your overall of trash • Only wrapping paper made from energy footprint. Some can be reused 100% paper—and nothing else—is hundreds of times before they stop hold- recyclable. Here’s what to avoid: ing a charge. • Plastic or foil coatings: If you tear it Electronics are created and see a thin film on the edges or Thanks to the Vermont E-Cycles pro- stretching into the tear, it’s trash. gram, Vermont residents and businesses in just a single • Glitter: Glitter, and the glue that can bring old TVs or computer items to keeps it in place, turns paper into locations all over the state for special week between trash. recycling at no charge. Some electronics Thanksgiving • Any other flocking, coating or require a fee, though, so visit the Electron- texture: All these make wrapping ics Recycling Page on www.CSWD.net to and New Year’s.* paper non-recyclable. learn more. • Ribbons and bows: None of these are As the holiday season approaches, lists *According to the Environmental often grow long and stresses add up. recyclable, no matter what they’re made Protection Agency We’re here to help. TRIM YOUR WASTE-LINE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON – Cont’d from p. 21 Find sustainable gift ideas, food shopping This holiday season, we encourage everyone to do something to reduce your waste. Maybe you will compost your food scraps; or better yet, reduce the portion tips, conversation starters, and more at sizes and eliminate some of your waste. You could buy tickets to a local concert or cswd.net/happyholidays museum; giving “experiences” reduces a whole lot of waste. Use a new reusable grocery bag as “wrapping paper” to give a gift in. Think through your gift giving and other purchases this season and make it a Greener Holiday. 1 Tetra-Paks are recyclable in many places. For more information visit www.recyclecartons.com. Marc Morgan has been working in the waste and recycling industry for nearly 25 LEARN MORE: years. He is passionate about waste reduction. Currently, Marc works as the Solid Waste (802) 872-8111 Manager for the City of Lebanon, NH where he manages the City’s landfill and solid www.cswd.net/happyholidays waste/recycling programs. 40 Nov. 2019 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675