FREE! ISSUE 65 • April - May 2021 Feature: Celebrate the Earth ( pages 20-21) SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS FOR VT, NH, NY and Beyond R S! EA Y 11

Energy Independence, Energy Efficiency, Sustainable Living and MORE! www.greenenergytimes.org | 802.439.6675 Clean Energy Investments GOING ELECTRIC Can the Remarkable Run Continue? Todd M. Walker and Craig R. Walker ON TWO WHEELS Brett Yates What a year 2020 was for clean energy investments of virtually all Harley-Davidson’s kinds – from solar to wind, electric All-electric LiveWire vehicles to batteries, green utilities John Lyon, the manager of to clean energy financiers. For ex- Wilkins Harley-Davidson in ample, the Invesco Solar Exchange Barre, VT, has ridden Harley- Traded Fund (symbol TAN), was up Davidson motorcycles since 233.95% last year, versus 16.26% the age of 16. It’s no surprise, for the S&P 500.1 given that his grandparents For the first time, clean energy opened the dealership to- investments not only had their gether in 1947 in his great- best year ever, they were among grandmother’s garage, and the top investment sectors of any it has remained in the family kind in 2020.2 So, for both inves- ever since, steadily selling tors who caught this wave and “nostalgic” cruisers to long- those who may be thinking about The windy region in California between the San Jacinto and San time brand enthusiasts. getting in, the big question now Bernardino mountains is a perfect place for harvesting wind. “Loyalists are a unique is: will it continue or was it just a Photo Erik Wilde/Wikipedia Commons. breed,” Lyon observed. “They bubble? love Harley-Davidson’s history, As of this writing (March 1st) the important component of most portfolios its heritage. Harley-Davidson answer is mixed. Clean energy invest- today, whether your objective is growth produces motorcycles that ments continued to boom this year up to or current income (there are green invest- are constantly a throwback to mid-February, then joined the rest of the ments designed for both). Here, briefly, the past.” market in a sharp reversal until they are are some big reasons why: The Harley-Davidson LiveWire ($29,799), released in now about breakeven with the beginning • Vast potential for remaining growth. John Lyon, the manager of Wilkins Harley-Davidson in Barre, VT, shows off of the year, although still far above Jan The world has only just begun to make 2019, is a notable exception. one of the LiveWires in his showroom. (Courtesy photo) 2020. So which way from here? the switch to renewable energy. For A futuristic sportbike, it re- Six Reasons the Future Looks Bright example, while renewables (i.e., biomass, mains, so far, the only electric motorcycle in mainstream production by a green energy revolution by a legacy brand, While past performance is no guaran- hydropower, geothermal, solar and wind) major manufacturer. Lyon took to it immedi- the debut of the LiveWire marked a water- tee of future results, we believe that clean in the U.S. continued to expand their lead ately, and he now uses it for commuting as shed for electric motorcycles, previously the energy investments not only still have a over coal and nuclear power in 2020, they weather permits. domain of high-tech start-ups and custom very bright future but should also be an still provided only 20.6% of the nation’s As the industry’s first recognition of the builders. “We know there are states that are Cont’d on p.19 banning internal combustion engines in the future, so to be relevant in that time period, we have to start talking about this now,” Lyon noted. “Per mile, it’s more exhilaration than any HIGHER PAYING JOBS for CLEAN ENERGY other machine I’ve ever ridden,” he rhap- George Harvey There are a number of forces at play for sodized. “The torque curve is to the peak What a year it has been! It was just over energy jobs, and we would do well to un- of any graph, meaning we’ve put it on a a year ago that we went into an economic derstand them. First off, the coal industry [dynamometer] and we have to have people slump because of Covid-19. Many jobs has been on a decline that was predict- hold it down on the dyno were closed down to reduce levels of virus able over a hundred years ago, when the Cont’d on p.4 transmission, and we have had very high U.S. Navy stopped ordering coal-fired levels of unemployment. Fortunately, it ships. The industry could be said to have looks like there is hope that the situation peaked in 1923, when there were 863,000 IN THIS ISSUE is improving and will continue to do so. coal miners in this country. In 2017, when Employment numbers in the energy Donald Trump was inaugurated after Electric Pickups p.5 fields fell. This was especially true for coal promising to restore coal jobs, there were miners, many of whom had to deal with fewer than 52,000 left. By the time he left Solar-Powered Camps pp.8-9 both confined work spaces and a failing office, the number had dropped to about market. It was also especially true of the 46,500. Statehouses & Renewables p.11 oil and gas industry, because people were Coal lost jobs to the oil and gas indus- not traveling much. It was true for clean try, particularly with fracking making Celebrate the Earth pp. 20-21 technology as well, but not nearly as prices low for gas. That, however, might badly. With about 500,000 clean technol- not last. In fact, Morgan Stanley says that Cash for Refrigerants p.27 ogy jobs lost, well over 350,000 were the oil industry will soon be obsolete. A in areas of efficiency, such as insulation recent article at CleanTechnica said, “In Thermal Comfort p.28 installers. And in some areas, such as wind a recent survey of institutional inves- technicians, the pandemic has had a rela- tors, Morgan Stanley found that 17% of Social Equity in Building p.29 respondents think ICE [internal combus- tively minor effect or none at all, as record There are jobs to be had in renewable energy. Interior Plymouth State Solar p.32 capacity of solar photovoltaics (PVs) and Secretary Deb Haaland views a wind farm from the tion engine] technology has zero or wind turbines were installed. top of a wind turbine. Image by Deb Haaland, found negative value today, and 60% said its Farming & Climate Change p.35 at Wikimedia Commons www.bit.ly/3tqYdpT. value was only slightly positive” (www.bit. ly/3tgkdUg). Cont’d on p.19 Green Paint p.37 A SolAr Powered G.E.T. IT! Thank you to our sponsors: ComPAny Does Your Please recycle or Town Have an share this publication EEN ENERGY T MES Energy Plan? GR... be energy independent! ™ nyses.org when finished GREEN ENERGY TIMES (G.E.T.) Letter from the Editor 1749 Wright’s Mountain Road • Bradford, VT 05033 Our theme in our April/May edition of GET Our energy grid is growing cleaner with every TABLE OF CONTENTS t/f: 802.439.6675 • [email protected] is Celebrating the Earth. While every day and choice made to go solar – at home or for busi- G.E.T.’s COMMUNICATIONS TEAM: every edition of Green Energy Times is about nesses. Solar costs are low today and lower NEWS AND HAPPENINGS ...... 3 Publisher/Editor/Production ...... Nancy Rae Mallery the earth and the future of our planet, this is your cost of everyday living, for the long haul. RENEWABLES RULE ...... 3 General Factotum ...... George Harvey the time when the world comes together for That payment replaces your current utility bill, Coordinating Director...... Michelle Harrison the earth! with an end in sight to it if you own your solar. DIRTY TRUTH OF COMBUSTION ENGINES...... 3 Copy Editors ...... Ray Brewster, Susanna Lewis At this time actions are taken to clean the Will there ever be an end to your utility bill? TRANSPORTATION SOLUTIONS ...... 4-7 Recreational Editor ...... Roger Lohr roadways, and other earth-related activities Another huge cost saving comes from mak- ELECTRIC PICKUP TRUCKS...... 5 A huge special thank you to all of our contributing writers: – but what else are we each doing on a daily ing your home efficient. High levels of insula- Dr. Alan K. Betts, Dr. Teale Phelps Bondaroff, John Bos, Randy basis for the earth – to slow the progress of a tion and sealing air leaks will lower heating ECONOMIC IMPACT OF EVs...... 6 Bryan, Doug Cogan, Joanne Coons, David Fried, Nate Gusakov, changing climate? and cooling needs and costs. In turn, your ENERGY NEWS ...... 6-7 Jessie Haas, George Harvey, Debra Heleba, Henry Hendron, From simple things like picking up trash use of fossil fuels will be less, as well as your Victoria Ines, Roger Lohr, Peter Lee Miller, Marc Morgan, Harsh Paul, Larry Plesent, Nancy Serrell, April Salas, Joshua Singer, along the roads when we walk with or with- carbon emission contribution. Learn more in COMMUNITY POWER COALITION...... 7 Randy Taylor, Georgena Terry, Vital Communities, Craig Walker, out our dogs all year long, to reducing your our building and heating efficiency sections. CONFRONTING GLOBAL PROBLEMS...... 7 Todd Walker, James Wilson, Brett Yates. waste and keeping your trips to town to a Back to the earth – we hope you think Ad Design/Layout ...... NR Mallery, PJ Fischer minimum, resulting in lower transportation about the planet long past Earth Day. Learn SOLAR PV ...... 8-13 Printing ...... Concord Monitor, Concord, NH using 100% recycled emissions, it all adds up. why it is so important to act now in our Cli- CAMP W: SOLAR AND MORE...... 8 paper and plant-based, environmentally-safe inks. The pandemic has forced many to work mate News section. The future of our children Advertising: from home -- a gift for carbon emission levels. will be determined by our actions today. KROKA EXPEDITIONS...... 9 ...... Nancy Rae Mallery, Bradford, VT 802.439.6675 It has given us time to get out and enjoy the We hope you learn from the information SPRING EQUINOX AT 45TH PARALLEL...... 10 [email protected] outdoors, perhaps on a bicycle or e-bike. Sales on our pages of this issue and every issue of ...... Michelle Harrison, Londonderry, NH 603.437.0167 for bicycles surpassed most manufacturer and Green Energy Times -- and take action in your RENEWABLE ENERGY SOLUTIONS ... 13,16-17 [email protected] bike shop owners expections. Cross-country own life every day...... Vicki Moore, Danville, VT 802.748.2655 MILITARY USES OF RENEWABLES...... 13 skiing saw another boom in sales and it got us Be well, wear your masks, get that vaccine [email protected] RENEWABLE ENERGY AT OUR STATEHOUSES.16 Distribution: Sally Bellew, Larry Chase, Johnny Hinrichs, outdoors to enjoy this beautiful planet we live and let’s work together to keep each other Hippo Distribution, Manchester, NH, Daniel Hoviss, George on. Being a good steward of our earth is the safe – and let’s each do more to care for and NH SUSTAINABILITY INNOVATIONS...... 16 Lawton, Rosalyn Moore, our New York Team: Joanne Coons, best thing you can do. celebrate the earth. Steve Ellsworth, Wyldon Fishman, Bob Freeston, Peter Hudi- HANOVER EDGING TO 100% RENEWABLE.....17 burg, David Kupras, Emily Marsh, Joan Rech; Russ Lanoie, You will find solutions to transportation in Happy spring to all! Susanna Lewis & Geoff Gardner, Drew Gillett, Mark Koprowski, the pages of GET as well as renewable energy. INCENTIVES ...... 14-15 Alan Phenix, Marty Philbrick, Larry Plesant, Don Smallwood, –Nancy Rae Mallery, publisher Sustainable Hanover: Yolanda Baumgartner; Eric Stevens, Mark BIOMASS HEATING TAX CREDIT FOR NH ...... 15 Koprowski, Barb & Greg Whitchurch. Hopefully we have not forgotten to mention anyone. It is your BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL...... 18-19 help that paves the way to a sustainable future. Bhima Nitta Had a Dream correction Please support our advertisers. They make G.E.T. happen! We have a correction for the January him in even more articles. He was highly FOODSCRAPS 360...... 18 2021 print edition of Green Energy Times, regarded. I should not have misspelled his REFILL STATION...... 18 ABOUT G.E.T. in the article on page 9, “Bhima Nitta Had name. When the article was sent to Power Green Energy Times is produced by 100% solar power, off-grid a Dream!” Bhima Nitta’s name was con- Guru to be looked over for accuracy, it FEATURE: CELEBRATE THE EARTH ...... 20-21 with a 3.8 kW PV system. We live and know that Energy Inde- sistently misspelled in the article. It was came back with the name corrected. pendence is indeed possible – with clean, sustainable renew- corrected in the online edition. Bhima’s Unfortunately, I managed to send the SOLAR-POWERED CAMPING GEAR...... 20 able energy along with reducing your needs. We walk the talk! last name is not ‘Vitta’, but is ‘Nitta’. earlier draft to our proofreaders, who Our mission is to create Energy Awareness, Understanding EARTH DAY 2021...... 21 and Independence – Socially Responsible Living. I wish to comment on this error. It came had no way to see that it was wrong. This Solar Power works! … anywhere under the sun! about as a combination of two errors of error was entirely mine, and I hope no GREENUP DAY VT 2021...... 21 G.E.T. is published bi-monthly, Jan., Mar., May, Jul., Sept. & Nov., mine, one of which was sad, and the other one holds it against Green Energy Times or by NRM Advertising Company. It is free and available through- inexcusable. I had interviewed Bhima anyone else connected with it. RENEWABLE HEATING & COOLING ...... 22-24 out 90% of VT & 80% of NH: the Upper Valley-St J. down to Brat- Nitta more than once and mentioned tleboro, Windsor-Ludlow, Barre-Montpelier-Burlington, Stowe, – George Harvey CLEAN TECHNOLOGIES DEMYSTIFIED...... 22 Mooretown-Waitsfield, Morrisville, Hardwick, Danville, NEK, Grand Isle, Woodstock-Rutland-Bennington; NH: Woodsville- CAMPTON, NH SCHOOLS SAVINGS...... 23 Hanover-W. Leb.-Plainfield, Enfield-Claremont, Keene-Concord- Addressing the Biggest Problems Plymouth-Laconia, Littleton, & towns in between; NY in the CLIMATE CHANGE NEWS ...... 26-27 Op-Ed (Letter to the Editor) from Ryan Yoder - Danby, VT Hudson Valley from NYC to L. George, the I-88 corridor ... WAYS OF THE EARTH...... 26 If you would like to have G.E.T. available somewhere you have Some of the biggest problems facing perhaps that is only the tip of the iceberg? not seen it, let us know! Americans are collapsing ecosystems, How about the hundreds of thousands G.E.T. is also online at www.greenenergytimes.org. THE NEW CLIMATE WAR: BOOK REVIEW...... 26 We encourage you to patronize our advertisers. We strive to climate change, and an exponential curve of gallons of Roundup, used by home- selectively include trustworthy services & products. G.E.T. can- in the incidence of chronic disease. There owners and golf courses to kill dandelions CASH FOR REFRIGERANTS...... 27 not be held responsible for advertising claims. are compelling arguments that any of and other weeds? Reframing our under- BUILDING /ENERGY EFFICIENCY...... 25, 28-32 Please support our advertisers. Keep it Local! these alone has the power to collapse standing of health and ecology using To advertise in G.E.T. contact account executives listed above. our economy and civilization, and their the regenerative paradigm would give WRIGHT CONSTRUCTION COMPANY...... 25 By advertising in Green Energy Times or sponsoring us, you not convergence is a stark case study in what us practical methods for addressing the only help to create energy awareness, understanding and inde- THERMAL COMFORT...... 28 pendence for a sustainable future, but also help to support our “existential crisis” means. crises at all levels, giving us innate guid- efforts to make it all happen! Please call one our advertising We started our farm in an attempt to ance about how to turn lawn care into a SOCIAL EQUITY AND GREEN BUILDING...... 29 representatives today! take direct action to counter these terrify- healing practice rather than just another Editorial Policy: Green Energy Times works with a variety of ing crises. Over the ten years of our busi- net CO2 emission vector. THERMAL IMAGE WALKAROUND...... 30 writers and also publishes community submissions on vari- ous topics. We aim to publish content that is independently ness, we have watched a new paradigm Principles that increase soil carbon in EFF VT EEN CONTRACTOR SPOTLIGHT ...... 31 researched, unbiased and relevant to our audience. Submissions emerge that carries the promise of Health fields include biodiversity, mob grazing are subject to our guidelines. Publication is subject to our edito- for humanity. This is the paradigm of “Re- livestock, eliminating chemical use, and SUSTAINABLE EDUCATION ...... 32-33 rial judgment & schedule. generation” (also known as regenerative reducing tillage. Why not apply these Subscriptions: $30/yr. See form on page 36 or contact us. agriculture) which has the explicit goal of principles to lawn care? Build biodiversity PLYMOUTH STATE SOLAR...... 32 Green Energy Times would like to thank everyone who has improving the underlying health of soil in lawns by NOT killing weeds, reduce submitted articles or helped in any way to make this all a real- PHILLIP EXETER’S LEED FIELD HOUSE ...... 33 ity. We want to also thank our advertisers & ask that you sup- as the most effective means to regenerat- mowing to an occasional mimicry of port them. Say that you saw them in Green Energy Times. Now ing the water and carbon cycles, heal our grazing herds of animals on the savan- SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE ...... 34-35 let’s all G.E.T. moving ahead towards a clean, renewable future – chronic disease epidemic, and revive the nah, maybe get some sheep. The power ELMORE ROOTS: RAIN...... 34 one where our children & grandchildren will be able to breathe health of our economies, psyches, and to change the future resides in how we & grow, live & love on this beautiful planet where we live. spirits! understand the present. Let’s understand E-MOWER USER EXPERIENCE...... 34 Thank you for reading G.E.T. Please send your comments & sug- Essential to this movement is rebuilding it regeneratively. gestions to: [email protected] FARMING PRACTICES & CLIMATE CHANGE.... 35 Disclaimer: G.E.T. allows space to, but does not endorse, con- the microbiome, in our bodies as well as tributed content from professionals or vendors. the soil, by decreasing the toxicity which RESOURCES AND ADVERTISER GUIDE ...... 36 *G.E.T.’s Carbon Footprint Disclosure: Green Energy Times is negatively impacts it. There is increasing printed locally on recycled paper. The printing process uses eco- evidence that the largest driver of our IT’S A GREEN LIFE AFTER ALL ...... 37-39 friendly water-based inks. There are not any totally green print- chronic disease trajectory (and there- Concentration of CO2 ers in the area that we are aware of, so it would mean trucking GREEN, CLEAN PAINT...... 37 them MUCH farther to have G.E.T. published in a totally green fore Covid deaths) is the toxic antibiotic in the Atmosphere manner, thus increasing carbon emissions, as a consequence. glyphosate, which is used as an herbicide FACE MASKS IN THE OCEAN...... 38 We chose to move from printing that used soy based inks and for desiccating grain crops before because the soy is only used for the colors - not black, which is harvest. There is ample evidence that ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF CHOICES...... 39 the most prominent color.... G.E.T’s distribution emissions are also kept to a minimum, as well. With the wonderful help that Atrazine, another herbicide, is a major 416.46 we g.e.t. within many communities, it keeps our carbon foot- endocrine disruptor that has been shown parts per million (ppm) print a lower. Hopefully our footprint is offset because we are to cause trans-sexuality in amphibians. Tell our advertisers 100% solar powered! Because all of our employees work from Prohibiting these chemicals in food crops March 30, 2021 home, our carbon footprint is kept to a minimum. We grow you saw them in most of our food organically and live as sustainably as possible. would seem to be a no-brainer if we care We DO walk our talk! Peace! about health and the environment, but Learn more at www.co2.earth. ‘Green Energy Times’! News & Happenings WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 April 2021 3 27

RENEWABLES RULE AND added in 2021. These are figures we should take with some caution. The federal government has only very SOLAR SHINES BRIGHTEST recently started trying to account for George Harvey solar installations of less than 1 MW. In its last issue, Green Since roughly 40% of solar capacity Energy Times had an installed is in systems less than 1 MW, article, “EIA Projects the FERC figure could actually repre- Huge Decline for Natural sent only 60% of the amount actually Gas Generation” (www. installed. If that is the case, then the bit.ly/EIA-gas-decline). amount actually installed in 2020 With new information could have been over 14,000 MW. from the Federal Energy And if that is the case, then the EIA Regulatory Commission expects growth of about 10%. That (FERC), we can say more would also mean, however, that solar about that and the im- photovoltaics are much more impor- plications for renewable tant than most people understand. energy. In any event, the report from the It is now pretty clear EIA says it expects that 39% of all new that we have hit a turn- capacity in 2021 will be solar, and ing point. Data from 31% will be wind. There would be no FERC for the year 2020 A field of solar arrays. (American Public Power Association, Unsplash, www.bit.ly/39tXZGP) installations of coal-power plants, and was released in February, natural gas would account for 16% of and when we compare the share. A small amount of nuclear capacity installations for 2020 with ally fell. In 2019, natural gas provided more than that. Oil-fired capacity de- power is expected to provide 3% of those of 2019, we see a remarkable 44.67% of our electricity, but in 2020, it clined last year marginally. The same is the new capacity. change. The monthly data can be provided 44.33%. true for nuclear power. Nothing in fossil As we might all know, solar power viewed by going to www.bit.ly/FERC- The fall of coal is continuing. In fuels and nuclear power has a growing is intermittent and wind power is staff-reports and clicking on Energy 2019, it was 20.89% of our generating market share, and the only one growing variable. They both have the advan- Infrastructure. capacity, and for 2020, that had fallen in absolute terms, natural gas, is doing tage that they can be curtailed, which Additions of solar and wind capac- to 19.65%. This may not seem like much so in rapidly declining amounts. thermal power plants cannot. In ity together were up 40% in 2020, of a decline, given the various news The decline of natural gas is also effect, they can be shut off to prevent compared to 2019. In 2020, there pieces we have seen about coal-burning the subject of an Energy Information too much power from going onto the were 22,169 megawatts (MW) of solar power plants falling out of use, but we Administration (EIA) report in January, grid. While batteries offer a solution and wind capacity installed, com- should note that the decline in capac- which sees 6,600 MW of new natural to supplying energy from the sun and pared to 15,869 MW of new capacity ity is happening at a time when coal’s gas capacity added in 2021 (www.bit.ly/ wind when neither is generating, they in 2019. capacity factor is also declining. And EIA-forecast-2021). This was reported in also offer a solution to the problem of Additions of natural gas capacity in fact, it has fallen to below 50%. In G.E.T., as we noted above. However, the curtailment. The result is that bat- were down 38.5% in 2020 from 2019. plain language, this means that we have latest FERC report, cited above, antici- tery use is also growing, and the EIA They fell from 10,185 MW in 2019 to fewer coal-burning power plants, and pates 9,092 MW retired over the next expects 11% of new capacity will be 6,159 MW in 2020. the ones we do have are being used less three years, so it may be that the net batteries. In absolute terms, natural gas than they had been. additions of natural gas this year would With low prices for renewable elec- capacity grew in 2020 but not as fast When we combine coal and natural be about 3,600 MW. tricity, and with those prices heading as the capacity of the grid as a whole. gas, we find that the total generating While the FERC report said 8,543 lower, the fossil fuels industries can The difference was great enough that capacity of the two has fallen about 1%. MW of new solar capacity was added only decline. And we may have turned the percentage of our electricity that With lower capacity factors, electric- in 2020, the report from the EIA in that corner already, in the last two was generated from natural gas actu- ity generated by these two sources fell January anticipates 15,400 MW of solar years.

VIDEO REVIEW “The Dirty Truth about Combustion Engine Vehicles” some still argue that the negative en- Created by Mark Linthicum, 14 minutes, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mk-LnUYEXuM vironmental consequences of lithium Video review by Victoria Ines that there are a total mining are much too great. Linthicum It is common knowledge of 435,000 oil wells makes it clear that this argument is that Tesla cars are incred- that use pump jacks not valid. For instance, Australia pro- ibly expensive. Personally, in the United States. duces the largest amount of lithium I have always wondered There are underwater in the world. Even though Australia why they are so costly offshore oil rigs as well, refines 0.25% of the world’s oil, but and whether they are which use 20 to 30 mines 50% of the world’s lithium, its even worth the money. Of metric tons of diesel, oil refineries are still much more dam- course, I knew that electric the equivalent of aging in terms of pollution. vehicles (EVs) were more 300,000 kilowatt-hours. I am definitely not saying that all environmentally friendly Not only that, but there readers should immediately buy a Tes- than petrol cars, but I have are several subsequent la, but as electric cars become more never fully considered the steps to converting oil mainstream, most major car manu- benefits of an EV. However, into usable energy. For facturers are designing and building after watching an anima- instance, the transpor- their own electric cars. It has become The animation “The Dirty Truth about Combustion Engine Vehicles” discusses the misconception increasingly affordable to buy an elec- tion on the difference that the process to power an EV pollutes the same amount as a petrol car. Image: YouTube. tation of oil is also a between EVs and petrol major cause of pol- tric car, and many people are incentiv- cars I was able to appreci- lution. The ships that ized by the idea of saving money on ate the differences, and I now realize able to make a solid case as to why it is transport the oil are such heavy pollut- gas. As a high school junior, I am not why electric cars are a much better unfounded to argue that EVs and petrol ers that some countries do not even al- an expert on cars -- I don’t yet have a choice for environmentally conscious cars cause comparable pollution. low them to be piloted near their coasts. car and have not considered buying consumers. To make his point, Linthicum com- Similarly, oil refineries are the largest one. However, after watching this The animation “The Dirty Truth pared the electricity usage of a single source of pollution where they operate. video, it has become clear to me that about Combustion Engine Vehicles” pump jack (used to pump oil) to driving As Linthicum continues to make his electric cars are the future of driving mainly aims to refute the misconcep- a Tesla Model 3. According to Linthi- arguments, it seems more and more and using them can be an important tion that the process to power an EV cum, a single month of pumping oil ridiculous to use billions of kilowatt- step toward a healthier planet. pollutes the same amount as a petrol is equivalent to either 9,960 kilowatt- hours to generate usable oil, rather than Victoria Ines is a junior at Shenende- car. Robert Llewellyn, the host of the hours or driving a Tesla for 34,860 miles. simply use that electricity to directly howa High School in Clifton Park, NY. She YouTube channel Fully Charged, nar- That means that the choice would be power electric vehicles. This is par- is passionate about working to protect rated an animation created by Mark between a mere month of pumping oil ticularly true because after the oil is both the environment and endangered Linthicum. With the use of interest- (unprocessed and unready to power a converted into usable material, over species. After high school, she would ing and well-designed graphics, as conventional car) or 3 entire years of 70% of energy is wasted when fuel is like to attend a 4-year college to study well as effective facts, Linthicum was driving a Tesla. Consider then the fact used in combustion engines. However, engineering or biology. 4 April 2021 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 Transportation Solutions

GOING ELECTRIC ON TWO WHEELS tor and Scootstar, but the scooter, Magnum’s iMax S1+, for standing Cont’d from p.1 Magnum line (starting riders. With a range of 15 to 20 miles, this cycles, which has the most at $1,399) dominates its small, portable vehicle appeals mostly to extensive electric line-up of showroom with “prob- “younger people, 16 to 24, who are living in the three. ably 20 different styles,” in downtown Portsmouth,” in Phillips’s experi- Stretching from the FX Hemenway’s estimation. ence. ($8,995) to the SR/S ($19,995) Hemenway cited the No federal tax credit exists for either and topping out at 223 miles brand’s road bikes, moun- variety of electric scooter, except for of city range, Zero manufac- tain bikes, and folding models that reach speeds above 45 mph, tures ten electric motorcycles, bikes. “They make a bike which qualify for the e-motorcycle incen- Harley Davidson Livewire targeting commuters, tourers, for every person, every tive. In February, and off-road enthusiasts. Zero Motorcycles FX body size, and also every Democrats in Many thanks because it’s too aggressive of a machine to Cyclewise in New Haven, VT, application.” the U.S. House of to our sponsors: be on a measuring tool that usually mea- hosts the brand’s only New England showroom. In addition, the shop sells electric motor Representatives sures internal combustion engines.” Because “The specific buyer for Zero knows what scooters by Beijing-based NIU, which Hemen- introduced a bill electric motorcycles don’t have a clutch (“Just they’re looking for. It’s not so much a conver- way called “one of the fastest-growing electric whereby the IRS twist the throttle and go,” Lyon explained), sion thing,” commented Cyclewise sales man- scooter companies in the world.” According would refund 30% they sometimes interest new riders hoping to ager Andy Duggento. to technician Steve Phillips, the primary of the cost of a avoid learning how to shift gears. According to Duggento, Cyclewise sells eight advantage of electric scooters over their new e-bike, but it While the LiveWire seeks to tap into a to 15 electric motorcycles from Zero in an aver- gas-powered counterparts is that they don’t has not yet come younger market, Lyon expects that the age year, compared to 50 or 60 gas-powered require much care, which can help owners to a floor vote. company one day will begin to manufacture Ducatis in the same period. But he expects recoup their higher upfront cost. Brett Yates is a electric touring motorcycles for its conven- Zero’s numbers to grow, “It’s the future, and we “Maintenance is going to be close to noth- tional clientele, too. “I’m sure they’re being contributing writer were on board early with that.” ing,” Phillips noted. “Compare that to a gas for Green Energy discussed right now,” he conjectured. His favorite model is the FX, which he called scooter – you’re having to do oil changes, “Most of the traditionalists have been OK Times. He lives in a “small, lightweight street bike.” Electric motor- periodically replacing belts, cleaning carbure- Mendon, VT. with the idea” of going electric, Lyon said, “but cycles’ instantaneous acceleration makes them, tors, making sure there’s good fuel in the they just want it to go farther than it currently in his words, “very thrilling.” scooter, because small gas engines are a little goes on one charge.” The LiveWire offers 146 “It’s probably the most unique riding experi- more temperamental than a car or a pickup miles of city range and 95 miles of combined ence you’ll ever have on a motorcycle,” he went truck.” city and highway range, with a charging on. “The biggest thing I get from people is the The downside on the electric front, un- speed of 40 minutes from empty to 80% (or noise. ‘Loud pipes save lives.’ But there’s some- surprisingly, is range: only 40 miles on the N one hour for a full battery) – just long enough thing to be said about you being in tune with Sport model ($2,899), which makes it “very for a quick lunch. everything around you.” suited toward urban areas.” But on the New Other Electric Motorcycles Tax Credits for Electric Motorcycles Hampshire Seacoast, riders tend to use scoot- Riders with “range anxiety” may instead ers for long pleasure journeys rather than As with electric cars, the federal government commutes, leaving the electric versions to favor Energica Motor Company, an Italian extends a tax credit (up to $2,500) to buyers of all-electric manufacturer whose three bikes early “adopters of new technology,” as Phillips electric motorcycles. State-level incentives are put it. – the Eva EsseEsse9 ($21,600), the Eva Ribelle limited to California, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and ($22,400), and the Ego ($24,110) – each boast The most popular models tend to be “50cc- greenmountainbikes.com Arizona, but many electric utilities offer rebates, greenmountainbikes.com 249 miles of city range and 143 miles of com- compliant, so they’re vehicles that you need 800-767-7882 800-767-7882 including $1,000 from the New Hampshire a regular driver’s license to operate, but you GREEN bined city/highway range. Electric Co-op. And between March 1 and June GREEN In early 2021, Rob Swartz opened Energica don’t need a motorcycle endorsement,” he MOUNTAIN 20, 2021, Green Mountain Power will rebate MOUNTAIN BIKES of New England in Gardner, MA, 10 miles noted. PUT SOMETHING ELECTRIC electric motorcycle purchases by $500. BETWEEN YOUR LEGS! Rochester, VT south of the New Hampshire border. Com- NIU scooters are made for seated riders, but BIKES This new rebate joins Green Mountain EZ Bikes & Scooters also sells an electric kick mitted to the single brand, he doesn’t sell any Power’s customer rebate for e-bikes, which Rochester, VT gas-powered motorcycles. takes the form of a $200 discount at partici- Founded in 2014, Energica has gained pating bike shops in Vermont, such as Green attention as the exclusive motorcycle sup- Mountain Bikes in Rochester. According to store plier of the FIM MotoE World Cup, in which owner Doon Hinderyckx, who has sold bicycles professional road racers, between May and for more than 30 years, e-bikes “are more fun, September this year, will compete on seven period.” While electric motorcycles continue circuits across Europe, providing an environ- to aim for a foothold in a gasoline-dominated mentally friendly alternative to the FIM’s top industry, e-bike sales have exploded over the division, MotoGP. In Swartz’s view of Energica, past year, with millions of purchases in 2020. EZ “the engineering involved and the technol- Bikes and Scooters in Exeter, NH, has stocked Haibike, Kona, I-Zip and Santa Cruz ogy involved is far superior to anything out them since 2009. there.” PUT SOMETHING ELECTRIC Electric Bicycles Energica’s most powerful models acceler- Magnum Metro+ BETWEEN YOUR LEGS! ate from zero to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds, using and Scooters NIU scooters 145-horsepower engines, compared to the “People are LiveWire’s 105. And for customers willing looking to to accept a smaller battery, the price of a get outdoors new Energica motorcycle can dip as low as because of $17,600. Covid-19, Prices in the electric motorcycle market, they’ve been range from $2,495 for the CSC City Slicker stuck inside for (top speed: 47 mph) to $117,000 for the plush so long,” said EZ Bikes and Scooters co-owner Arc Vector (shipped from England). There are Teresa Hemenway. plenty of limited-production and made-to- An e-bike is like a regular bicycle, but it has order options, and giants like Honda and a battery-powered motor (250 to 750 watts) Yamaha have signaled intentions to enter the that supplies additional propulsion when the market soon. But for the customer who wants rider pedals. Some varieties allow the rider to to drive to a dealership today and come home activate the motor with a throttle. with an electric motorcycle, the choices are According to Hemenway, most of her e-bike Harley-Davidson, Energica, and Zero Motor- customers are over the age of 45. “They’ve been accustomed to riding a bike but maybe haven’t Jordi Torres rides the for a while or aren’t as physically strong as they Ener- Energica Ego Corsa in once were. The electric bike allows them to bike the MotoE World Cup gica Ego Corsa the way they used to.” Hemenway also mentioned a customer who, after suffering a bout of polio in his youth, thought he’d never ride a bike again. He now “puts thousands of miles” on his e-bike every year. Lately, automobile companies like Jeep and Porsche have begun to produce e-bikes, along- side traditional bicycle manufacturers like Trek and Cannondale and a host of newer firms. EZ Bikes & Scooters carries a few e-bikes by Admo- Transportation Solutions WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 April 2021 5 SMART COMMUTING IN NH & VT The Latest News 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 on Electric Pickup to reduce the detrimental air quality counts (NHDES), but as you may have learned from numerous other reports such as the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), http:// climatechange2013.org/, global warming is still advancing faster than expected. Trucks: 2021! How do we get our emissions down now? By making new commuting choices! George Harvey Lots of choices. Smart Commuting is all about knowing your options and planning Tesla is a success ahead. There are many choices to get around in New Hampshire and Vermont, The first story that has so far place to start in Vermont is “Go Vermont” for statewide choices to travel more efficiently. been almost unbeliev- Whether getting around town, commuting to work or school, or planning a day trip, able. Tesla’s first car share the driving or ride with someone else to help save our planet and to save approx. was first produced in $2,000 annually. The statewide VT site also lists services for commuters, tourist, and shop- 2009. In December of pers. 2020, CNBC ran a story explaining that the In New Hampshire you’ll find a similar site at “NH Rideshare” where you can find car- pools, transit routes and schedules, bike and walk trails and links to statewide transporta- market value of Tesla tion information. was greater than the market values of Fiat When carpooling, remember to use the local Park n Ride lots to meet your connec- Chrysler, Ford, GM, tions. Start your trip planning at connectingcommuters.org or nh.gov/dot/programs/ rideshare/ for statewide choices. rive lectric Honda, Hyundai, Nis- D E san, Peugeot, Toyota, IN NEW HAMPSHIRE and Volkswagen, put UPPER VALLEY RIDESHARE (UVRS)New - Carpool Hamps matching,h benefitsire and support for com- together (www.bit.ly/ muters in/out of Upper Valley. 802-295-1824 x208. uppervalleyrideshare.com. CNBC-Tesla-value). Rivian R1T. (Photo © 2020 Andi Hedrick, courtesy of Rivian) The market value of a ADVANCE TRANSIT (AT) – Free weekday bus for Lebanon, Hanover, Enfield, Canaan, NH, company really is only a measure of how and Norwich and Hartford, VT. Dartmouth and DHMC Shuttles. ADA & Travel Training legacy auto makers have taken no more people investing money feel about the Services. 802-295-1824. advancetransit.com interest in the electric pickup truck market future of the company. That said, however, than they have in electric buses. The same CARROLL COUNTY TRANSIT - Services and connections to Belknap County. it is clear investors see a good future for applies to people buying pickup trucks. 888-997-2020 tccap.org/nct.htm Tesla and are questioning the value of Heavy duty vehicles for work and on the other auto makers. CITY EXPRESS - Serves Keene. 603-352-8494 hcsservices.org/services/transportation/cityExpress.php farm and smaller pickups for homeowners Many Americans, unaware about SCS TRANSPORTATION - Services for Sullivan County.. 603-542-9609. SCSHELPS.ORG have been what these customers needed, changes in the broader world, might see and the customer is always right, right? CONCORD AREA TRANSIT (CAT) - Serves Concord 603-225-1989 concordareatransit.org electric vehicles as a fad centered on Tesla. COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER TRANSPORTATION COMPANY (CVTC) - serving 34 towns We don’t see electric buses, because there Electric pickup trucks are on the way. in the Monadnock Region, providing “no fee” transportation for people with limiting cir- are so few here. Reporting in November Actually, if you count hybrids as electric, cumstances. 877-428-2882 x5. CVTC-nh.org 2020, GlobalNewswire said there were Ford already has one, the hybrid F-150. In COOPERATIVE ALLIANCE FOR REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION (CART) - Serving only 650 in the entire country (www.bit. fact, this truck was a hero during the big the Chester, Derry, Hampstead, Londonderry, Salem and Windham, limited service to ly/GNW-650-buses). But we found that the Texas power outage. Many of these trucks Plaistow. 603-434-3569 cart-rides.org city of Bogotá, Colombia placed two or- have built-in generators that can keep DARTMOUTH COACH - Services to Boston, Logan Airport and NYC 800-637-0123 dart- ders for electric buses in January, for a total their shallow-discharge batteries from be- mouthcoach.com of 1,472 of them. The U.S.A. had a total of ing damaged when the truck is being used MANCHESTER TRANSIT AUTHORITY (MTA) - Manchester, with links to Nashua and 650. Bogotá had more than double that on for backup power. When it became known Concord. 603-623-8801 mtabus.org/services/local-buses order (www.bit.ly/CT-BYD-Bogota). that some were being used to power There are two reasons Chinese electric houses, Ford offered dealers incentives to MID-STATE REGIONAL RIDE RESOURCE DIRECTORY - Services elknap-Merrimack Counties, excluding Hooksett and the towns of Deering, Hillsborough and Windsor of buses sell so well. One is that the buses put F-150s with generators into their loan Hillsborough County. 603.225.3295 x1201. midstatercc.org may cost 50% more than diesel buses, but fleets and use them to help out in the crisis they cost only 20% as much to run, and the (www.bit.ly/Ford-saves-the-day). NASHUA TRANSIT SYSTEM (NTS) - Buses and trolleys with bike racks. 603-888-0100 RideBigBlue.com difference is made up in just a few years. The F-150 is actually a good place to The other reason is that China does not start talking about electric pickups. A very NH RIDESHARE – Your Source for Transportation Alternatives. nh.gov/dot/programs/ride- have any competition. The electric bus recent update from insidevs.com tells us share/ market took off in 2016 and has grown at a lot about the all-electric F-150. It says, IN VERMONT an alarming rate for four years, while we “Ford has just announced that the F-150 weren’t looking. electric pickup truck will be the most UPPER VALLEY TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (Vital Communi- Leaders of the automotive industry powerful F-150 ever, and that it will feature ties) - Works with UV employers and communities to promote and improve commuting might have spent 2020 awakening to the a giant frunk (front-end trunk), dual mo- options. 802-291-9100 vitalcommunities.org/transport/index.htm fact investors valued their companies less tors and be the most capable Ford truck VERMONT PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION PUBLIC TRANSIT - Lists transit, ferries and more than they did to date.” And at aot.state.vt.us/PublicTransit/providers.htm a newcomer its most recent with innova- delivery time is AMTRAK - Long distance train service. Discounts for AAA members and student advan- tive ideas. for the first quar- tage card. (800) 872-7245 amtrak.com They might ter of 2022, less CHITTENDEN COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY - Burlington bus service with have noticed than a year off. links to Montpelier, Middlebury and commuter route to Milton. cctaride.org that as sales This is the same slumped in vehicle that CONNECTICUT RIVER TRANSIT - Services in Bellows Falls and Springfield. crtransit.org 2020 because famously towed GO VERMONT - Offers carpool matching and commuter connections in VT 800-685- of Covid-19, a million pounds 7433 connectingcommuters.org sales of electric of loaded freight vehicles were cars (www.bit.ly/ GREEN MOUNTAIN RAILROAD - Day trips from White River, Champlain Valley, Bellows increasing from IEV-F-150). Falls and Rutland. rails-vt.com 2019. We might GMC Hummer EV. (GMC) Pure electric GREEN MOUNTAIN TRANSIT AGENCY - Local service in Barre, Montpelier, Grand Isle, wonder how pickups are on Stowe and Lamoille. 802-223-7287 gmtaride.org they handled articles like one in EV Annex the way, also, and soon. Collating informa- that said 60% of institutional investors said tion from insidevs (www.bit.ly/IEV-pickups) GREY HOUND/VERMONT TRANSIT - Long distance bus services. 1-800-231-2222 grey- the value of internal combustion technol- and EVBite (www.bit.ly/EVB-pickups), we hound.com/ ogy was “only slightly positive,” and 17% were able to find the following pickup LAKE CHAMPLAIN FERRIES - Transport between New York and Vermont via Lake Cham- said it had negative value (www.bit.ly/ trucks expected to be released in 2021: plain. 802-864-9804 ferries.com EVA-ICE-value). The Rivian R1T is expected to be the Audi recently answered that question, as first electric pickup truck actually deliv- MARBLE VALLEY REGIONAL TRANSIT- For Rutland, Killington, rural Manchester, Poult- an article in electrive.com reported. Audi ered. Its starting price is $67,000. It will ney and Rutland to Bellows Falls. City routes Free on Saturday. 802-773-3244 thebus.com/ CEO Markus Duesmann explained in an in- have a range of at least 250 miles and will terview in Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung have 754 horsepower (hp) motors. It is RURAL COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION (RCT) - Buses, vans, and volunteer drivers. Routes via The Jay-Lyn, The Highlander (Newport - Derby Line); The US RT2 Commuter that Audi has stopped development of said evbite not really to be a work vehicle (St. J. to Montpelier) and Free routes to rural areas. 802-748-8170 riderct.org internal combustion engines (www.bit.ly/ (www.bit.ly/GET-Rivian-pickup). ET-Audi-abandons-ICE). The Tesla Cybertruck is due out later this STAGE COACH - Commuter buses from Randolph and Fairlee to Dartmouth, Local village This brings us to the most American of year. It is actually the lowest-cost electric buses. 800-427-3553 stagecoach-rides.org all vehicles, the pickup truck. The American pickup truck listed, at a Cont’d on p.6 6 April 2021 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 Transportation Solutions Economic Impact of Electric Vehicles for NH Randy Bryan content and considering note that. Understanding this comparison One topic I did not more regional content in is essential to discussions surrounding EV spend enough time the grid electricity, the policies. talking about at the New local benefit from energy Randy Bryan is one of the co-founders of Hampshire Innovation would be about $100M Drive Electric NH. Bryan has been an advocate Conference (see p. 7 for per year. for electric cars since 2006. His company, Plug- more information) is how Health savings might Out Power (formerly ConVerdant Vehicles), electric vehicles (EVs) can be about $250M per year has converted vehicles to plug-in hybrids and help New Hampshire’s (estimate). Total sav- currently develops and sells inverters that turn economy. This economic ings benefit from EVs is electrified cars into emergency generators. view of clean technology $965M per year times 10 is critical to reaching a years is about $9.6B! broader audience and But the economic ben- understanding. I offer my efit from local retention analysis of EV benefits to of money (local money New Hampshire. circulation) is about 2.1 I’ll be brief: Nevada times. recently did a study and So, the economic im- identified over $20B in pact of all NH cars being benefits over ten years by EVs would be about $2B going to all EVs. per year or $20B over 10 For my NH analysis, I’ll assume the cost out of state. Grid electricity may have a years. of EVs reaches parity with combustion similar percentage of dollar flights as fuel Looking Shorter Term: vehicles by 2023+, and EVs’ costs will con- due to out of state ownership. (A guess, but If 20% of NH cars are EVs, the economic tinue to decrease (volume production and I’ll assume no change to 2020.) However, benefit would be about $400M per year or battery cost reductions) versus combustion a greater proportion of electric power is $4B over 10 years. vehicles, creating purchase savings versus regionally owned, so some greater per- With 2% of NH cars are EVs, the economic combustion vehicles in the long run. The centage of dollars have regional economic benefit would be about $40M per year or proposed Federal tax credit of $7000 may benefit, and therefore some benefit to NH. $400M over 10 years. This last case is close improve the purchase savings to NH own- Solar electricity is an even better economic to valid as averaged over the next five years, ers in the short run. proposition, with one third of the system but averaging over the first ten years would In 2018, there were 714,000 Light Duty costs being NH sourced. Many NH EV own- likely be double this amount due to the Vehicles (LDVs) in NH. Of that, about 2000 ers have installed solar. rapid growth of EV sales. were plugins. Ownership savings: EVs costing in Again, these are my numbers gained For the end of 2020, we’ll assume there the $30ks with 200-plus mile range have from years following EV metrics and may are about 700,000 LDVs in NH, includ- become a good fit for NH driving habits and not be accurate with deeper study. How- Hybrid Power to ing 4200 plugin cars. Average vehicle life pocketbooks. By 2022, there should be a se- ever, they are likely to be proximate (maybe span is about 11 years, so 1/11 the cars are lection of $25,000 EVs with 200+ mile range +/- 10%). Even with proximal accuracy, the replaced each year. and used EVs are available at lower cost. big takeaway is that electric vehicles ap- House Power Transportation is now the largest polluter The federal tax credit offers some savings in pear to be better for NH’s EV owners and PlugOutPower.com in NH, and the state has no policy to control the short term, then the falling cost of bat- economy than combustion vehicles. Please this. This article will inform how plugin teries and EVs brings purchase savings in electric vehicles (PEVs) are good for NH resi- the longer run. I’ll use an average purchase dents and its economy in a variety of ways. savings of $1500. Ergo, faster PEV adoption is better for NH. Grid electricity is about half the cost of Health Savings: NH’s air quality in gasoline and diesel per mile. Maintenance the highly populated areas can be poor, is one third of the cost. Yearly fuel-mainte- resulting in more premature deaths, higher nance savings can total $500 to $1000 per healthcare costs and insurance, and lower year (about $750 for 15k miles per year) work place productivity, to say nothing accruing for each NH owner. That’s about about our families’ personal health. Trans- $750 per year operational savings per PEV. portation is now the largest polluter in the If all NH light duty vehicles were EVs: We Dare You to look State. EVs don’t pollute (Zero Emissions There are about 700,000 vehicles in NH Vehicles, ZEVs). 2018 NH health cost from (2020 estimate), and one of 11 are pur- transportation pollution is estimated to be chased each year. about $267M, and five to ten premature The EV’s operating savings would be under the Hood! deaths per year (proportional extrapolation (700k vehicles x $750), about $525M per from other State’s studies). We’ll assume this year. is unchanged, though Covid 19 has prob- Purchase savings would be about ($1500 $ electric vehicle rebate ably disrupted this number. x 60k vehicles per year turnover) $90M per 1,000 Energy Savings: NH spends $2.8B year. $ (2016) on carbon fuel for transportation, Energy Benefits: If half of that electric- 300 residential charger rebate where 75% of that fuel money ($2.1B) goes ity were local renewables with 30% local + off peak charging rates Electric Pickup Trucks: 2021 $ commercial charger rebate Cont’d from p.5 2,500 starting price of $39,900, and it has both respectable power and a range of 250 miles. Some people think it is stylish. Some people think it is horribly ugly (www.bit. ly/GET-Tesla-pickup). The GMC Hummer is expected Tesla Cybertruck. (Tesla) to appear late this year. Its starting price is $79,995. It will have a range of 250 as a Ford F-150 Lariat 4WD, gets a $7,500 miles and be powered by 1,000 hp of mo- federal incentive, and costs about a third as tors (www.bit.ly/GET-Hummer-pickup). much to fuel and maintain, according to the The Bollinger B2 is scheduled for release EVBite article cited above. this year, with a 614-hp power plant and We suggest that anyone looking for a a 200-mile range. We are told it is to cost new pickup truck look into these, possibly DRIVE ELECTRIC! $125,000 (www.bit.ly/GET-Bollinger-pickup). order in advance, and have some patience The Lordstown Endurance is expected until these models appear. Save some sometime this year, with a 600-hp power money now and stop worrying about the Rebates and incentives are available for NHEC members only. plant and over 200 miles of range. Its price high cost of gas and oil. Get the power is $52,000 (www.bit.ly/GET-Lordstown- you need and come into our clean-energy www.nhec.com/drive-electric pickup). This vehicle is about the same price future. They are coming soon. Clean Energy News WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 April 2021 7 The Case for the Community Power Coalition Henry P. Herndon dancy. The Coalition will provide the exper- There is a new civic institution forming in ing chose the tise to jointly manage risks associated with New Hampshire. Its mission is to empower right path and purchasing large amounts of electricity. our cities and towns to realize their energy stayed the From its wholesale headwaters, electric- goals. It promises to transform our energy course, adapting ity must flow through the murky rivers of system, to enable local construction of re- to our new vir- monopoly transmission and distribution newable energy, and to empower custom- tual world. From utilities (and the statehouse and regulatory ers with distributed energy innovations. It is Hanover came tomfoolery that come from them). Utilities called Community Power Coalition of New Town Manager are well known for their outsized influence Hampshire. You are invited to be a part of it. Julia Griffin and over state legislative and regulatory affairs. In this article, I first present some brief Sustainability Together, the Coalition is best equipped to context about the formation of Commu- Director April fully understand the nuances of state utility nity Power Coalition of New Hampshire, Salas, fiercely de- regulation, neutralize risks (like House Bill or “The Coalition.” I then make the case for termined clean 315), and work together to ensure smart why New Hampshire citizens, cities, towns, energy leaders. www.communitypowernh.org policies and regulations that maximize our and counties should join the Coalition to From Lebanon, ability to innovate and create value for our help lead the transformation of our state’s Assistant Mayor communities. energy system. Clifton Below stepped up, the wizard of the Coalition may appoint a representative to Ah, and welcome dear reader, to the Context – How the Coalition Came to Be legislature whose pen has transformed the the Coalition’s Board of Directors. All gover- lakes and pools, the retail establishments nance level decisions will be made by the In the “before times,” on a brisk and state’s energy markets time and time again. and homes where human beings gather to Cheshire County contributed two Admin- corporate body of the municipalities that live, work and play. Community Power and snowy December afternoon in 2019, Clean make up the Coalition. This ensures that Energy NH convened a gathering of munici- istrators, Chris Coates and Rod Bouchard, the Coalition present many opportunities steadfast trail blazers clearing the way for the Coalition’s finances, power purchases, to lower costs and innovate in our retail pal and county leaders. In attendance were cashflow, and revenue are all transparent city leaders from Keene, Concord, Lebanon other counties and communities to follow. electricity markets. We can prioritize sourc- Lastly, from Nashua, Energy Manager Doria and controlled by the communities who ing power from our residents’ rooftop solar and Nashua; volunteers and town officials make up the Coalition. from Warner, Hanover, Bristol, and a smat- Brown joined, youthful and brilliant, on a arrays, and other local power sources. We mission to bring equity to energy. The Coalition houses technical and op- can design time-of-use rates for distrib- tering of Upper Valley, Monadnock, and erational staff and vendors in a shared man- Seacoast communities; and staff admin- Alongside other community, technical uted energy storage and electric vehicle and legal advisors, this diverse, cross- ner, making top industry expertise available charging. We can partner with NHSaves to istrators from Cheshire County. The topic to all members. Education is a core aspect at hand was maximizing the Community generational team of leaders pooled their improve energy efficiency, conservation, resources and designed a new corporate of the Coalition’s mission, helping local of- and load management programs for our Power opportunity for the Granite State. ficials and community leaders learn about Earlier that year, Governor Chris Sununu body, a civic institution, one to be governed communities. The Coalition will empower by community leaders to serve community and navigate the power sector so they may individual cities and towns to innovate on signed Community Power into law, grant- make informed decisions. ing municipalities and counties the local needs. They named it Community Power energy, and provide a means to share those control authorities to procure electricity Coalition, and in January, Hanover and Navigating the Waters of Energy Risk innovations across its membership. and other energy services on behalf of their Lebanon became the first municipalities to Management Credits: The Coalition would like to thank join. communities in aggregate. But the road to Like navigating a river from its headwa- the following members of the Organizing The Coalition approach to Community implementation was not yet clear. Ahead ters through its streams, and eventually Group: Dori Drachman, Mary Day Mordecai, Power is based on national best practices. lay a fork. through the pools and lakes, operating a Ned Hulbert, Tad Montgomery, Everett There are many benefits of the Coalition The path to the left would leave each city large-scale electric power supply venture is Hammond, Andrea Hodson, Dr. Amro Farid, approach, but two key aspects are (1) good or town to pursue Community Power on complex and risky. Samuel Golding, and Michael Postar. The governance; and (2) joint risk management. its own, relying on a mystifying network of The headwaters of Community Power lie Coalition also recognizes the countless citi- brokers and middlemen for guidance. The Good Governance for Community Power in wholesale electricity markets, where the zens, public servants, industry professionals, path to the right led to Joint Action: the Community Power entails active man- Coalition will actively manage a portfolio of and energy committee members who have formation of a public nonprofit on which agement of many millions of dollars of large-scale electricity contracts on behalf contributed and will continue to contribute to cities and towns could rely for transparent electricity purchases and sales. It is impor- of its members. It costs money, people and New Hampshire’s Community Power saga. and accountable Community Power imple- tant that the structure for governing those time to manage wholesale power pur- Henry Herndon is a community organizer mentation. transactions is transparent, accountable chases. The Coalition enhances economies and an expert in energy policy. He is currently Over the course of 2020, as national and and subject to oversight by representatives of scale, diversifies the risk pool, and shares under contract with the City of Lebanon to global pandemonium reached a crescendo, of the communities it serves. operational costs across all members to support the launch phase of Community a sub-group born of that December meet- Each city, town or county to join the maximize efficiency and eliminate redun- Power Coalition.

Thinking Locally to Confront a Global Problem Vital Communities Osterberg, UVAW vice chair and associate One participant is Louisa Spencer, Combating climate professor of earth sciences at Dartmouth. co-owner of Poverty Lane Orchards in change takes national We need to empower citizen leaders to help Lebanon, NH. “Our family is trying to figure and global action. But it our local communities reduce greenhouse out how to adapt our very varied orchard also depends on work gases while also becoming more resilient and forest property into a force against we do here, in our local to the climate changes that are already hap- climate change, and an example of how communities. pening.” others can do the same, both on small- and Promoting citizen- Along with the latest data on climate large-scale,” she wrote in her application. driven, community-level change and strategies for its adapta- “We have experienced climate change action in the Upper Val- tion and mitigation, the 2CLA curriculum first-hand, with weather records that show ley is the goal of the Cli- includes “design-thinking,” a structured orchards breaking dormancy weeks earlier mate Change Leadership approach to planning projects. Participants than in the ‘60’s. We produce food locally Academy (2CLA). From also will learn how to seek and incorporate and would like to figure out how best to March through June input from the most climate-vulnerable enhance the climate benefits of local food of this year, 22 people populations into the project design. without charging the high prices typical from across the region The group itself represents a range of of local food, also to set up ways local resi- are meeting for seven Upper Valley people and interests. “Folks dents can lay in and store local food.” sessions to learn the lat- Cecily Anderson of Tunbridge, VT, a participant in the 2019-20 pilot of 2CLA, spoke at a February 2020 2CLA session. Subsequent sessions have been held from all over the Upper Valley applied to When facing a huge, existential issue like est climate information online. Photo by Chris Johnson. take part in the Climate Change Leadership this, thinking local can be helpful, wrote and devise projects to Academy, from high school students, to Amanda Porter, a consultant to businesses help their communities small business owners to retired com- for the Springfield (VT) Regional Develop- adapt to climate change or reduce climate- Prior knowledge of climate change is not munity members,” said 2CLA Coordinator ment Corporation. “One of the reasons I warming emissions. required, and the $30 tuition is waived Caroline Wren. “We understand that this am interested in this program is because The program is offered by the Upper upon request. past year has been tremendously difficult, it is ‘local’ and allows for focus on one’s Valley Adaptation Workgroup (UVAW), a “The impacts of climate change have and we are grateful that we received so own community. I think discussing climate group of leaders and partner organizations never been so clear and concerning; record- many passionate applications from folks change in relation to what we can do in our striving to make the region more resilient high wildfires, hurricanes, and tempera- who are inspired to develop community- own communities removes some of the to climate change, coordinated by the tures, another summer drought here in New based projects to address climate change in overwhelm and anxiety.” Upper Valley nonprofit Vital Communities. England, and rising sea levels,” said Erich the Upper Valley.” 8 April 2021 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 Solar Photovoltaics – Vermont CAMP W: SOLAR… a n d SO M u c h M o r e ! George Harvey themselves. the camp for their stay there. Of course, When we started They check for the camp has had to adapt itself to the working on an article ticks regu- realities of Covid-19 in the last year. about Camp W, it was larly. The camp The system in use requires children to going to be about the teaches them quarantine at home for two weeks prior solar array that covers how to keep to camp, and then while at camp, they nearly the entire roof comfortable are pretty much isolated with the staff of the dining hall. It is when the days and each other. an impressive system, are wet and Camp W is a non-profit organization. installed by Southern cold. The kids Potential campers in need of financial Vermont Solar, pro- The 21.7kW DC rooftop solar array with 66 Hanwha modules and an Enphase microinverter system was installed by help with com- help financially can apply for scholar- viding the electricity Southern Vermont Solar at Camp W’s dining hall. It provides all of the camp’s electrical needs. (Photos:Camp W) posting. They are ships. But the camp also works for used by the camp able to learn that general benefit of all in other ways. As and collecting credits when the camp camp’s work with food even their urine we mentioned above, the solar array on is not open. provides an excellent has value as it is the roof of the dining hall is big enough Talking about that system with example. collected by the to supply all the electricity the camp Sean Ashcraft, the camp’s director, Camp W is getting in- Rich Earth Insti- uses while it is in session. When it is not made us realize there was a lot more creasingly reliant on grow- tute. The camp in session, the array continues to supply to Camp W that would be of interest ing its own food, using has a nurse to electricity, which is banked by Green to our readers than just a solar array. systems that are based on attend to any Mountain Power. Families in need can The camp’s approach to life and the organic farming. Campers issues that might apply for help, using those credits to environment dictated renewable elec- do much of the garden- come up. lower their costs. tricity, but that approach extends to ing, including such things There is a lot Camp W’s website is www.campw.org. touch just about everything that goes as learning to identify of bush craft (See Camp W’s ad on page 20) on at the camp, and that includes problems that might come on the agenda. everything that touches on the lives up in the garden and har- Campers work in the gardens to grow their own food The kids learn of the campers while they are there. vesting to increase yields. using organic gardening practices. to make spoons Camp W is in the hills to the west Kids harvest eggs from the and bowls. They of Brattleboro, Vermont. The campers camp’s chickens. Eggs are just about the only also learn firecraft, making fires with and can be as young as four years old, and things on the menu that are not vegetar- without birch bark as kindling. Arts and as old as seventeen. The goal of the ian, and a vegan menu is optional. Even the crafts are related as much as possible to camp is to connect each child with youngest campers, who may be four years the real world, and the campers also learn nature and natural cycles as fully as old, participate in gardening, doing such about carpentry in general. possible. Included in that approach is things as looking for bugs and picking cherry The things we might think about as a recognition that we human beings tomatoes. The kids also get some experience camp activities are not neglected. Children are part of nature, and so our health with wilderness cooking. The chef is a dieti- swim daily. They climb trees and rocks. and well-being are given high value. tian with a master’s degree in food health. They go on hikes and maintain the trails. All aspects of living are touched by To a great degree, the kids participate They camp out overnight. They sing, tell the camp’s approach to living, and in maintaining their own health. They are stories, and do theater activities. activities go beyond what we might taught how to use filters for water they get Camp W has up to about 120 kids A girls’ hiking group from Camp W. think of as common at camps. The from springs, including filters they make participating, of whom up to 90 live at

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Kroka grown. Now it Times may recognize the LBC standard as Expeditions is one of is on a 120-acre a goal that is challenging to achieve in a them. site in Marlow, new building. (For more information on Atop the old New Hampshire. the LBC, please see, “Wright Builders, Inc. farmhouse, which is It has wetlands, Develops EarthKind Homes,” in the Janu- quite large, there is farmland, and ary, 2021 edition – www.bit.ly/390qSue). a solar array, which forest. Students The Living Building goals require atten- was installed by participate in tion to detail relating to everything in the ReVision Energy. It the farming and structure and how it impacts the natural has 37 panels. They in the life of the environment around it. Energy has to be provide about 14,500 community, as examined, just as it would in a building kilowatt-hours of Kroka’s new farmhouse in July 2020 with the photovoltaic solar array fully installed. (Photos: Kroka Expeditions) they grow food that is to have net-zero emissions, but electricity, eliminat- and split wood the same is true of all the materials the ing production of in addition to building is made of, including how they well over 15,000 young people learning experiences activities that vary by season and program. were produced and how they got to the pounds of carbon built around connections of self And yes, that does include accredited work site. And it is true of water, waste, areas dioxide, each year. with nature, community, and the in a standard curriculum. around the building and so on. This solar array is im- resources we need for life. It gives Students can attend for relatively short Misha Golfman told us, “We completed portant for providing its students insights that are simply periods, a full semester, or longer. There are a fully regenerative building, discon- Kroka Expeditions not available in a conventional expeditions that go rather far afield. Some nected from fossil fuels. It uses only local with renewable en- school, and they range from such students sail and paddle their way from the resources.” Water and food come from ergy it needs to meet things as growing the food they Canadian border to New York City. Some sustainable sources, waste is composted its climate goals. But eat to going on lengthy adventures have explored the Rio Grande. The opportu- or used for sustainability. It is important it has another im- into the natural world. nities are changing, and they seem almost that they have achieved operations portance that must Misha Golfman and Lynne Bou- endless. which are completely free of non-sus- not be overlooked. dreau founded Kroka in 1996 as a The school is based on the Waldorf tainable energy sources. No fossil fuels It is a part of a way summer camp program for the Hill- system of education, and to some extent are used for light, heat, or operations. of life that is handed top Montessori School in Brattle- on the Montessori system. According to Firewood is harvested for heat. And the down to the students boro, Vermont. It took advantage its website, “Some of the observations and electricity all comes from the sun. (See being educated of the location, including stream insights of Rudolf Steiner are woven into Kroka’s ad on page 20.) there. It is central and forest sites. Golfman has said, Kroka’s practices, from biodynamic garden- to a connection to “Nature is a great teacher,” and ing and the use of homeopathic medicine nature that provides Kroka took advantage of the skills Rainwater catchment system on to Goethean observation.” students with a spe- nature provided. In time it grew to Kroka’s new farmhouse. With that background information, the cial understanding include not just forestry and farm- reader might not be particularly surprised of how they fit into ing, but a range of subjects from to learn something, though it also seems nature because along with the farming wilderness living to examining sustainable rather astonishing. Kroka’s main build- and connection with the wetlands and small building design. It has programs that forest, it is a focus of education, teach- start with gathering the resources to build ing students ways to be part of nature a canoe and only end after reaching a goal without disrupting it. That is a message we all should learn. While this is an impressive amount of solar, Kroka Expeditions offers much more sustainable experiences. If we tell you that Kroka Expeditions is a school, we would be telling the truth, in a way. But the vision you might get from that statement is so far from reality that more explanation is necessary. A better state- ment might be that Kroka Expeditions is non-profit organization that offers

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1010 April JUNE 2021 15, 2014WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 802.439.6675 Solar Photovoltaics (PV) Spring Equinox at the 45th Parallel

Doug Cogan – Halfway to the Center of the Planet – On March 20th, the equinox tends sphere, with the longest days of the year 45th Parallelers Unite! extremes of cold and heat, the center to bring on warm thoughts about the between the Apollonian rationality of the starting in the weeks ahead. By the time And we’re not alone! Here’s how our fel- long, sunny days ahead. For those who frigid north and the Dionysian turbu- we max out on daylight hours on the sum- low 45th parallelers at the Minnesota Mu- like living with a “sense of place,” north- lence of the torrid zone to the south. This mer solstice, June 20, solar power in our seum of the Mississippi, in the small town ern New England has something really pride in “middleness” may be strongest neck of the woods will be turning photons of Cadett, Wisconsin, see our shared place special to offer: a spot on the North in the mid-continent regions the 45th into electrons for 15 hours and 15 minutes in the world. For these “Middlesotans,” American continent where the days traverses, in North America as well as in straight – leaving less camped out some 1,500 miles inland of start getting longer than the nights Europe, where residents seek a cultural than eight hours of here, weather extremes cancel each other right as the vernal equinox marks the midpoint distinct from the dominance darkness before out to create one of the most temperate official turn of winter into the spring. of the coastal fringes, and the swings the morning places on earth, and extreme weather This wonderful celestial symmetry of continental weather are a seasonal sun starts is just about as extreme as anything comes with the territory. We inhabit reminder of the possibilities of extremes. the process there ever seems to get: a place that’s easy to spot on any As with anywhere, homeland pride can all over “In an intemperate world, here classroom globe. It’s the 45th parallel, inspire both parochial isolation as well as again. is the most temperate place in the marking the halfway point between the a sympathetic global point of view.” So, for temperate zone (emphasis added). equator and the North Pole of the of the With spring erupting, let us rejoice in those It is an idealized midpoint between Northern Hemisphere. We colonists of who living in the best place at the best lati- this 45th parallel are much too diverse watch tude on the planet, and enjoy the long, a group to claim any common heritage. the sun sunny days ahead! But if we were to take a trip around the arc over Learn more about Solaflect at solaf- globe, staying to our common ground, our 45th lect.com. Contact [email protected] or we could set out from Eastport, Maine, parallel call (802)649-3700. enter Europe at the northern tip of from afar, we Doug Cogan has lived in the Upper Spain, cross the Alps and then the Gobi may look like Valley for 33 years and devoted his entire Desert in Mongolia, before reaching the distant castaways at career to finding actionable ways to Pacific Ocean at snowy Hokkaido, Japan, some remote northerly address climate change. He has written with final stops in Portland, Oregon, outpost. Yet, we who several groundbreaking books on and Minneapolis, Minnesota, along this are the ones truly in the the development of renewable energy, 17,500-mile, circumpolar journey. middle of it all, hunkered and helped retrofit Plainfield, NH school Goldilocks in Reverse down in just what might classrooms with highly efficient heat From a weather standpoint, you be might be the right pumps and helped get solar installed might say we 45th parallelers live in a place at the right time during his time on the Plainfield School “reverse-Goldilocks” environment. While to weather the coming Board. it can get “too hot” or “too cold” on occa- storm of climate change Reprinted with permission from sion, our weather usually seems to bal- – and whatever else the Solaflect’s blog at https://www.solaflect. ance out “just right” over four celestial whole wide world might com/spring-equinox/ throw at us! Map of the international border at the 45th parallel, modified. Bazonka, CC-BY- . seasons. SA 3.0, www.bit.ly/3stJlXv Or at least we used to think so. Now a Read more on p.11>> lot of weather observers in our neck of the woods think the weather is falling out of kilter. The “too-cold” temperature rarely gets below zero anymore. The “ice-out” dates on frozen ponds are coming sooner and becoming more un- predictable. More people are planting spring flowers before Memorial Day and getting away with it. Indian Summer is just getting started on Columbus Day, when it used to be winding down; now it can last practically till Thanksgiving. Compared to the climatic stresses that other latitudes are feeling because of global warming, these weather changes are relatively mild -- and not entirely bad! Here’s what some 45th Parallel weather observers told the Boston Globe about recent weather changes in our area (see Heard along the 45th parallel). Nickel Iron Let the Sun Shine – on Northern New England! Batteries From a solar standpoint, northern New England ain’t so bad, either! 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Photo from the NH Division of Historical Resources Solar Photovoltaics (PV) WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 April 2021 11 Heard Along the 45th Parallel… The Boston Globe* spent time this fall and – Sam Dixon, dairy farm manager, Shelburne Farm; winter visiting and talking about the changing Kingfield, Maine: ”We live here because we love climate with more than 80 people who live and winter. In December, my husband printed up T-shirts work in Northern New England. Here are some of that gave instructions for a snow dance on the back the observations. because we wanted to lift people’s spirits. We hoped Colebrook, NH: “I worry about the snow - a lot it would snow right away, but it took a while.” – Amy of businesses in town rely on it and we don’t get it Grant, who with her husband, Jon, owns a farm; like we used to.” – Beneit Lamontagne, selectman; Baring, ME: ”We get a lot more freezing rain and East Charleston, VT: ”In our Christmas bird ice, so the roads are icier.” – Peggy Sawyer, office -as count, we’ve definitely seen more American sistant, Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge; crow, which are usually more southern. Ravens, Palmyra, ME: ”We’re always ice fishing by the which are more northern, have decreased. The first or second week in January. But it’s mid-January common denominator seems to be a warming and we haven’t put the shack in yet.” – Pat White, ice climate.” – Jayson Benoit, Operations Director North- fisherman; Woods Stewardship Center; Errol, NH: ”I’m terribly worried about the weather. East Burke, VT: ”The last three years have been When there is no snow, the snowmobile market is off the charts bad. After last year, people were say- destroyed. No one wants to buy them, people don’t ing we can’t have another bad year and here it is. bring them in to be fixed.” – Ron Watson, All Seasons It’s a wake up call that certain businesses can’t be Sports; solely dependent on winter outdoor recreation.” Barre, VT: ”It used to be colder, I remember walk- – Tim Tierney, Vermont Department of Economic ing in the woods when it was 25 or even 40º below Development; zero, We don’t get those anymore.” – Marjorie Strong, Shelburne, VT: ”The weather is less predictable. librarian at VT Historical Society. We are seeing more extremes, rain and droughts.” *Source: www.bit.ly/3fkPDVG.

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Renewable Energy - New York WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 April 2021 13 Renewable Energy Secures Military Functionality George Harvey Oxymoron is a they have had their own mi- These are examples of areas where word for a term crogrids which can cut themselves renewables are being used to replace that appears to be off from the grid and continue to fossil fuels to advantage. There are self-contradictory, operate when grid power is not other areas that need to be addressed, such as “jumbo available. In the past, this function- such as fuels for aviation. The difficul- shrimp.” An old ality was provided mainly by diesel ties of long-range flight are often friend of mine had generators. It is not a perfect solu- spoken of as insurmountable without a bumper sticker tion, being dependent on fuel. fossil fuels. A recent article published in that read, “I was A far more reliable source of Proceedings of the National Academy an oxymoron.” In energy for a microgrid is renewable of Sciences, however, shows how even his case, it indi- resources backed up by battery. aircraft can be renewably powered by cated that he once And as things have been develop- fuel derived from food waste (www.bit. worked military ing, renewable resources are now ly/3sqjVtT). intelligence. The getting cheaper to install and It happens that the U.S. military military can be very much cheaper to operate. is very aware of the problems of the aware and forward- National security depends on pollution and climate crises, which are looking. On the many things. In an age depen- security issues themselves and have other hand, it can dent on fossil fuels, they become begun to diminish military functional- sometimes appear Ribbon-cutting for a solar micro-grid at Fort Hunter Liggett, CA. U.S. (Army Corps of Engi- an object of concern. In the past, ity. It is also working on those issues to be very obtuse. neers Sacramento District, public domain. www.bit.ly/2PlFNs4) we have been put into economic as it shifts toward renewable energy An example of slowdowns because of lack of sources. looking forward and seeming obtuse to Congress, however, what they said was fuel, and we are especially is the history of paddle-driven steam- that investments in renewable energy vulnerable to interruptions in ships. The first fully steam-powered were paid for many times over in pro- the fuel supply. Though there ship in the U.S. Navy, the Fulton, was tecting lives and material. At that time, are reports that the U.S. has commissioned in 1816. It was not a lives, vehicles, and other material were become a net exporter of oil trivial ship; it had 32 large cannons being lost because of the need to move and gas, Energy Information aboard. But while paddle driven ships petroleum-based fuel by convoy to camps Administration data for 2019 were obsolescent in the 1840s, the last in Afghanistan. Putting up solar panels show that the U.S. produced two weren’t decommissioned by the or wind turbines with batteries could 19.25 million barrels of Navy until 1945. Even more shocking prevent some of those losses. Comparing petroleum per day, but it sounding is the fact that they were energy technologies using such obvious consumed about 20.46 (www. both aircraft carriers, based in Chicago. criteria as price per unit of energy alone bit.ly/3fie8CU). The shortfall As a young officer, George H. W. Bush could cost a lot of money and the lives of of 1.23 million barrels per learned to land naval aircraft on a side- service personnel. day leaves us vulnerable to paddle aircraft carrier, the USS Sable. It is not just in combat areas that external disruption, and our The navy had obtained two passenger renewable energy has become important. internal infrastructure can A 2nd Air Refueling Squadron KC-10 Extender prepares to refuel a B-2 lake ships that were not in use and Military bases cannot be guaranteed to also be vulnerable to attack. Spirit. Replacing fossil fuels is a seemingly insurmountable challenge converted them to aircraft carriers for provide their national security functions When our military is operat- and opportunity. But it can be done. (Senior Airman Keith James, USAF, training, operating them on Lake Michi- if they are dependent on grid power and ing on renewable energy, it is public domain www.bit.ly/3sq7Y7K) gan, where they were safe from attack. the grid has gone down. For that reason, far more resilient. It might have been a smart move, but we can easily see that the story would sound crazy if it had just been left as, “The U.S. Navy had two side-paddle aircraft carriers.” The point is that the military does things for strange reasons sometimes, but the reasons occasion- ally turn out to be valid, regardless of how strange they might appear. For many years, Members of Con- gress have tried to limit the military uses of renewable energy. Often, the Providing low cost motives for such limits seem to be just common sense. Several years back, natural power for there was a proposal before the Con- gress to disallow the armed forces from your community using energy sources that cost more than conventional forms in use. To many people, this seemed like a reason- Reserve your spot at one of our able attempt to keep the military from pollinator-friendly community solar farms experimenting in renewable energy, which was very costly at that time. www.edenrenewables.com When Pentagon personnel testified 14 April 2021 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 INCENTIVES • have an annual budget up to $100,000 this constitutes a 6.24% state-level credit Incentives for Pro-environment • “Seed” grants of $250-$1,000 and “Grow” for systems and for geothermal electric, Agriculture Behaviors FEDERAL grants of $1,000-$3,500 microturbines, and combined heat and • Go to www.grassrootsfund.org/grants/ power systems, this constitutes a 2.4% To protect the ecosystem around the Lake FEDERAL INVESTMENT or call 802-223-4622 for more info. state-level tax credit. Champlain Basin, several programs have TAX CREDIT been introduced to encourage environ- • The federal investment tax credit (ITC) Tier III programs mentally-conscious farming in the area by for most technologies, including solar, VERMONT • Additional incentive offers may be avail- providing monetary incentives. A recent wind, heat pumps, and fuel cells, is 26% of able through your local utility provider, con- study has looked at two of these programs expenditures through 2022. For commer- CLEAN ENERGY tact your utility for more information. (http://bit.ly/EQIP-CREP-study), the cial geothermal generating systems, Environmental Quality Incentives Program DEVELOPMENT FUND (EQIP) and the Conservation Reserve microturbines, and combined heat and The Small Scale RE Incentive Program, EFFICIENCY VERMONT power the ITC is 10% of expenditures. All incentives subject to availability, limits, Enhancement Program (CREP). Both administered by Renewable Energy programs could benefit from reduced • Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit: Resource Center (RERC), provides funds to and may change at any time. For complete details, and participating retailers/ transaction costs and administrative http://bit.ly/energy-gov-R-E-tax-credit help defray the costs of new solar thermal complexity. • Biomass heating systems Tax Credit: 26% contractors, call 888-921-5990 or visit and advanced wood pellet heating systems. * Source: Vermont Research News - Center for of the purchase and installation costs (with efficiencyvermont.com/rebates. Research on Vermont, 1.18.21. no cap or lifetime limit) for tax years 2021 Advanced Wood Heating: Advanced Lighting and 2022; reduces to 22% of purchase and wood pellet heating systems -- $6,000 per Electric Lawn Mowers installation costs in 2023 (under Sec. 25D of pellet boiler/furnace (in partnership with • Special pricing on select ENERGY STAR® • Incentives for commercial and residen- the U.S. tax code) Efficiency Vermont). Commercial spaces LED fixtures at Vermont retailers. tial battery-electric lawn mowers and • Electric Vehicles - Tax credit for qualified over 5,000 sq. ft. may also be eligible for • LEDs for indoor growing: $100 back for some tools are now offered by all of VT’s plug-in electric drive vehicles including incentives. See www.rerc-vt.org or call qualifying fixtures electric utilities, including: passenger vehicles and light trucks. For (877) 888-7372. Weatherization • VEC (www.bit.ly/VT-mowers-VEC); vehicles acquired after December 31, 2009, • Retails sales of “Advanced Wood Boilers” • WEC (www./bit.ly/VT-mowers-WEC); the credit starts at $2,500 and goes up to • Comprehensive air sealing and insula- are exempt from Vermont’s 6% sales tax. • BED (www.bit.ly/VT-mowers-BED); $7,500 based on the battery specs. http://tax.vt.gov/exemptions tion projects with an Efficiency Excellence Network contractor: 50% off eligible project • VPPSA (www.bit.ly/VT-mowers-VPPSA); USDA RURAL • Residential Bulk Pellet Bins. Up to $3,000 • Stowe Electric Company: rebate. costs, up to $1,000. Moderate income DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM Vermonters get 50% off up to $3,000. (www.bit.ly/ VT-mowers-SEC); USDA Rural Development Program - Rural • Coal Change-out adder. Up to $7,000 • GMP (www.bit.ly/VT-mowers-GMP). • DIY: $100 back for completing eligible Energy for America (REAP) additional incentive for a pellet heating projects, like weatherizing windows and • Finance the purchase of renewable system if replacing a coal heating system. Businesses can get up to an additional doors, and sealing air leaks in your attic and energy systems, and make energy basement. NEW YORK improvements; energy audits. Funding is $27,000 incentive. awarded on a competitive basis; grant • Details at www.rerc-vt. org or call (877) Appliances (must be ENERGY STAR) RENEWABLE ENERGY INCENTIVES funding cannot exceed 25% of eligible 888-7372. • Dehumidifiers: $25 - $40 rebate project costs and combined loan guaran- • More into at at fpr.vermont.gov/ OFFERED THROUGH NYSERDA tees and grants cannot exceed 75% of woodenergy/rebates • Clothes Dryers: $200-$400 rebate Welcome to the New York solar incentive eligible project costs. and rebate information: 169 programs • Applicants include Feasibility studies/ • Windham County Heating/Cooling/Water Heating and incentives at: http://dsireusa.org (enter regular REAPs: agricultural producers and • For residential low- and moderate- • Central wood pellet boilers and your zipcode) Programs and Services from rural small businesses. Energy audits and income residents there is a pellet stove furnaces: $6,000 rebate (in partnership NYSERDA: For the latest NYSERDA solar, renewable energy development assis- program. Contact the Windham and with CEDF) ground source and air source heat pumps, tance: local governments, tribes, land grant Windsor Housing Trust for more informa- EV residential and commercial incentives.. colleges, rural electric coops, public power • Advanced pellet or cord wood stove: tion: Tara Brown at 802-246-2119 $200 discount at participating retailers for NYSERDA currently has a $1,500 per ton entities. Grant must be used for Construc- incentive on geothermal for residential In Rutland & Bennington County (and replacing an old stove. tion or improvements, purchase and systems. installation of equipment, energy audits, towns in neighboring counties that Heat Pumps: permit fees, professional service fees, boarder Rutland Co.) contact Melanie • Air-to-Water System: $1,000/ton rebate Visit NYSERDA’s new website. It is user- business plans, and/or feasibility studies. Paskevich [email protected] at • Ducted Systems: $1000-$2000 friendly and a one-stop learn-all site: Find more at www.rurdev.usda.gov/ NeighborWorks of Western Vermont, (802) discount at participating distributors https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/ny/ NH-VTHome.html or call 802-828-6080 in 797-8610. • Ductless Heating & Cooling System: PutEnergyToWork/Energy-Program-and- VT or 603-223-6035 in NH Pellet Sap Evaporators: $350-$450 discount at participating Incentives. BIOREFINERY ASSISTANCE Incentives are available for new, high-effi- distributors Extended Federal Tax Credits for ciency wood pellet- or chip-fired evapora- • Heat pump water heaters: $300-$600 PROGRAM tors utilized as primary evaporators discount at participating distributors; Renewable Energy USDA Rural Development offers oppor- completely replacing oil or cord wood- • Moderate-income Vermonters are also Good news for renewable energy and tunities to producers to develop biofuels fired units. $200/sq-ft of evaporator pan. eligible for bonus rebates up to $500 climate action! through the Biorefinery Assistance Program. Info at RERC-vt.org for heat pumps and heat pump water A budget package has finally been The program provides loan guarantees for heaters. developed that begins to address the the development, construction, and retrofit- Other Utilities Heating Offers • Members of Washington Electric Co-op • Window air conditioners: $100 for select climate crisis. ting of commercial-scale biorefineries. Making local renewable energy more The Biorefinery Assistance Program was (WEC) can get a $1000 rebate on approved ENERGY STAR Most Efficient models. pellet boilers and $500 for pellet furnaces. affordable, this bill translates directly established to assist in the development • Smart thermostats: up to $100 back for into good jobs, less climate pollution and of new and emerging technologies for the This can be combined with the CEDF and select ENERGY STAR models. Efficiency Vermont incentives for a total of more resilient communities. development of advanced biofuels and • Electric utility rebates may also be Among the most significant measures aims to accomplish the following: $7000; $250 for qualifying pellet or wood available. stove installed by a qualified installer. This are extended tax credits for renewable • Increase energy independence energy. • Promote resource conservation, public can be added to stove offers from CEDF and Residential New Construction Efficiency Vermont. • SOLAR: The investment tax credit (ITC), health, and the environment • Enroll to receive a home energy rating, which was scheduled to drop from 26% to • Diversify markets for agricultural, forestry • Members of the Vermont Electric Co-op expert technical assistance, and incen- 22% in 2021, will stay at 26% for two more products and agricultural waste materials can get a $150 credit on the purchase of an tives – Efficiency Vermont Certified™ years. projects receive up to $4,000 cash back • Create jobs and enhance economic approved pellet stove: www.vec/energy- • ADVANCED WOOD HEAT: For the first development in rural America programs. • Washington Electric Coop and Vermont time, a 26% investment tax credit applies • For more information go to Gas Systems customers may also receive to the installed cost of home heating and www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_Biorefinery • Stowe Electric Customers can get a $150 rebate with the purchase of a pellet stove. additional incentives hot water systems that utilize wood pellets, chips and cordwood at efficiencies greater REGIONAL VT TAX CREDITS Other Opportunities to Save than 75 percent high heat value. • Vermont offers an investment tax credit • Home Energy Loan – finance up to • GEOTHERMAL HEAT PUMPS: The 26% tax NEW ENGLAND GRASSROOTS for installations of renewable energy $40,000 in energy-related home improve- credit was also extended for geothermal ENVIRONMENTAL FUND equipment on business properties and ments with interest rates starting at 0%. heat pump projects that begin construc- MODEST GRANTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR wood and pellet heaters with at least 75% Restrictions apply. tion in 2021 and 2022. Overall, the bill COMMUNITY-BASED ENVIRONMENTAL efficiency. The credit is equal to 24% of the • Additional incentives may be available includes $600 million for wind energy, WORK IN CT,MA,RI,NH,VT,ME “Vermont property portion” of the federal through your local electric utility provider, $1.35B for solar, and $1.35B for grid-scale energy storage. It also includes a plethora • Must be volunteer driven or have up to 2 business energy tax credit from 2011 to contact your utility for more information. full time paid staff or equiv. 2016. For solar, small wind, and fuel cells of stimulus measures for small businesses. 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 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 April 2021 15 NH Electric Cooperative Incentives • Refrigerator/freezer recycling is available NEW HAMPSHIRE for Electric Vehicles and Electric – unit must be in working condition (10 – 30 UP-TO-DATE INCENTIVE Car Charging Stations cubic feet in size), program includes free INFORMATION Renewable Energy Incentives • NHEC offers a $1,000 incentive on a pickup and $30 rebate. For program Offered Through the NH Public Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV), $600 on a requirements and scheduling information go CAN BE FOUND AT: Utilities Commission Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV), to www.NHSaves.com/recycle. WWW.DSIREUSA.ORG and $300 on Electric Motorcycles. • Instant rebates available on select ENERGY NH PUC: Get up-to-date information at STAR® certified LED light bulbs purchased https://www.puc.nh.gov/Sustainable%20 NHEC offers incentives for Level 2 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations. through participating NH retailers(offers vary Why the New Tax Credit for Energy/RenewableEnergyRebates.htmls by retailer, see store associate for details) For Commercial and Municipal Members Visit: www.NHSaves.com/nh-rebates. Biomass Heating Systems is Commercial Solar Rebate Program – Incentives are up to $2,500 per charging Effective March 6, 2020, incentives are limited • Rebates are available to residential electric Good for New Hampshire unit. A maximum of two charging units customers of the four NHSaves utilities. to 25% of the total project cost or $10,000 if may be installed off-peak hours at a rate Joshua Singer less than the AC incentive payment otherwise that is lower than the basic residential rate. NHSAVES Online Store Efficient biomass heating systems, such calculated, whichever is less. The Program is NHEC’s ENERGY STAR Heat Pump • Our extensive online store offers as those fueled by locally-sourced wood available to non-residential structures with a discounted pricing for residential electric chips or pellets, are a great way to update commercial electric meter located in New incentive structure for 2020 is as follows: customers of the four NHSaves utilities on a your old oil or gas boiler systems and save Hampshire. large variety of LED light bulbs and fixtures, money at the same time. The upfront cost Incentive levels for PV systems are as follows: Heating and Cooling - (Must meet or as well as offering additional products to of these systems is slightly higher than • $0.20/watt (lower of AC and DC) for new exceed the minimum efficiency require- make your home more efficient, such as fuel oil or gas boilers, but they offer on solar electric facilities. ments - SEER 18/EER 12.5/HSPF 10 ) $500 lighting controls, advanced power strips, average 30% savings over oil and propane • Expansions to existing solar systems are not per ton. thermostats, water saving devices, and over five years, making it a stellar invest- eligible. Geothermal - (Must meet or exceed the various weatherization products. Orders ment for your home. • Incentive levels for solar thermal systems minimum efficiency requirements - EER and product fulfillment are handled by our An exciting new offering is now avail- are as follows: 16/3 COP ) $500 per ton vendor, EFI. able to assist in the transition to heating • $0.12/rated or modeled kBtu/yr for new Cooling only - (Must meet or exceed the • Visit www.NHSaves.com/lighting-catalog. with biomass. As of January 2021, EPA- solar thermal facilities fifteen collectors in size minimum efficiency requirements - SEER Plymouth Area Renewable Energy certified wood heating systems that have or fewer; $0.07/rated or modeled kBtu/yr for 15/EER 12.5/ ) $70 per ton Initiative (PAREI): plymouthenergy.org an efficiency above 75% have been eli- gible for a Federal Investment Tax Credit new solar thermal facilities greater than fifteen Wi-Fi thermostats - (Must be installed • NH Solar Shares: nhsolarshares.org collectors in size; with a heat pump also receiving an (ITC). This 26% credit can go towards the incentive ) $100 rebate per T-stat NHSaves: nhsaves.com total purchase and installation cost. The • Expansions to existing solar systems not ITC expires on December 31st 2021 and is eligible. Weatherization Bonus – (Available for reduced to 22% through 2023. Contact [email protected] or at members participating in the Home Energy Star® Residential Heating, Cooling, & Water Heating The EPA has a helpful list of which (603) 271-2431. Performance with ENERGY STAR Program ) wood heaters qualify and how to pur- For C&I solar program details, go to: www. $250 per ton Equipment Rebate chase them. In addition, there are many puc.nh.gov/Sustainable%20Energy/Renew- Whole House Bonus – (Available for Rebates of up to $500/ton on Air Source qualified installers and fuel providers ableEnergyRebates-CI.html. qualified heat pump applications that and Geothermal Heat Pumps. Rebates of right here in New Hampshire. This is Residential Solar/Wind Rebate Program offset 80% or more of the total heat load. $500 - $750 on Heat Pump Water Heaters. particularly helpful to residents who have Two years of fuel use history is required ) Rebates of $100 on WiFi Thermostats been using a wood stove, oil furnace, -Effective January 2, 2018, this program $250 per ton • Program details and application at www. boiler, or propane heat and would like a offers rebates to qualifying NH residents ENERGY STAR Heat Pump Water NHSaves.com/heating cooling new unit that is more efficient, uses less who install photovoltaic (PV) or wind tur- Heater – (Must meet or exceed 2.3 energy fuel, and can support the local economy bine electrical generation systems. Rebate factor ) $750 rebate on 40-80 gallon heat Other NH Electric Utility Programs when harvested sustainably and from levels are $0.20 per watt of panel rated pump water heaters See also individual utilities for additional local sources. Modern biomass systems power up to $1,000, or 30% of the total incorporate robust emissions-capture Loan Buy down – NHEC provides interest programs and variations. NH electric util- facility cost, whichever is less. Check for technology, making them much cleaner subsides through participating banks and ities may offer low or no interest on-bill updates at http://www.puc.state.nh.us/Sus- financing for energy efficiency projects. than old models. tainable%20Energy/RenewableEnergyRe- credit unions for the installation of Visit www.NHSaves.com/resource/ for New Hampshire has a history of supe- bates-SREG.html qualified heat pump installations. Must get pre-qualified. Loans up to $15,000 after individual utility contact information. Residential Solar Water Heating rebate. Business Programs Rebate Program NH Home Performance with Includes programs for: small and large busi- • Program is currently closed: ENERGY STAR ness, new equipment and construction, $1500 - $1900 per system based on Sponsored by all NH electric and natural seminars, lighting incentives, and catalog, annual system output gas utilities in partnership by the U.S. Dept. and low and no interest financing programs. Commercial Bulk Fuel-Fed Wood of Energy. Fuel-blind eligibility using the Visit www.NHSaves.com/ for information Home Heating Index (BTUs of heating fuel about NH business incentives for electric- C&I Pellet Central Heating Systems / conditioned square feet / heating degree ity efficiency. • 40% of the heating appliance(s) and days). Must provide at least 12 months of installation cost, up to a maximum of heating fuel history. Once qualified, eli- NH Weatherization Assistance $65,000. An additional 30% up to a gible homes get a $450 value compre- Income-Eligible Programs maximum $5,000 is available for thermal hensive energy audit for $100 (rebated if Home Energy Assistance and NH commu- storage. Systems must be 2.5 million BTU improvements installed), and 75% instant nity action Weatherization Assistance Pro- or less rebate for eligible weatherization improve- gram. Financial assistance paying fuel bills, rior sustainable forestry and when using ments up to a $8,000. and free weatherization improvements a biomass system, you can be proud Residential Wood Pellet Boiler/Furnace • Visit www.NHSaves.com/HPWES for for qualified applicants. Funding from U.S. that your fuel purchase is going towards • 40% of installed system up to $10k more information and an online Home Dept. of Energy, NH utilities. your local economy. Using our forests as • Must meet thermal efficiency and Heating Index calculator Visit https://www.nh.gov/weatheriza- sustainably as we can is also a benefit. By using sustainable forestry practices to particulate emissions standards NH ENERGY STAR Homes tion.htm for application criteria, FAQs and www.puc.nh.gov – Sustainable Energy or local program contacts. harvest wood, keeping old growth areas • Incentives for new homes which meet intact, landowners can keep their land tel. 603-271-2431 for more information ENERGY STAR guidelines. Incentives include and current program status Community Development Finance forested, and this translates to better envi- • HERS rating fees paid by the utility, rebates Authority (CDFA) Clean Energy Fund ronmental practices than any potential development. LOCAL INCENTIVES for ENERGY STAR lighting, appliances –up to Low-Interest Financing for Businesses, Some towns provide property tax exemp- $4,000 based on the HERS score. New Hampshire is 84% covered by Non-Profits & Municipalities: timber forests, making it the second most tions for renewables – visit www.bit.ly/ • Visit www.NHSaves.com/newhome for to support energy efficiency and renewable NHtownRenewablesTaxBreaks more details. forested state in the country. Of those energy projects. forests, 76% are privately owned. Cur- • These are offered on a town-by-town basis. NHSaves Residential ENERGY STAR ® Small Business Energy Audit Grants rently, forest growth is exceeding harvests • The state also has passed PACE (property- certified Products Program Rural Small Businesses & Agricultural Pro- by 49%, meaning many more trees are assessed clean energy) enabling legislation ducers can apply for grants to cover 75% of a regenerating than are being cut, and we Mail-in/online rebates are available toward which will allow towns to use the PACE comprehensive energy audit cost. can use this plentiful, renewable resource the purchase of the following ENERGY mechanism to finance clean energy projects to help our citizens and our economy. STAR® certified products: Clothes Wash- Community Facilities Energy Assessment through property taxes Modern wood heat boilers re-fuel ers, Clothes Dryers, Room Air Conditioners, Grants • Information at www.nh.gov/osi/energy. themselves, ignite, extinguish and can be Room Air Purifiers, Refrigerators, Dehu- Non-Profits and Municipalities can apply to for more information. monitored via cloud-based software. High midifiers, and Pool Pumps. For current receive a grant covering 75% of the cost for • Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV), quality wood pellets used in boilers burn rebate information and forms go to www. an energy-related study. clean and produce no and $300 on Electric Motorcycles. NHSaves.com/nh-rebates. Find out more at: nhcdfa.org/energy. Cont’d on p.24 16 April 2021 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 Renewable Energy Solutions Renewable Energy at our NY and VT Statehouses George Harvey done using steam Sheridan Hollow Alliance for Renew- Two of the states in from a heating plant able Energy (SHARE), pointed out some the Northeast made in the neighborhood of its flaws. One was that the plant some progress with re- of Sheridan Hollow. would be rendered obsolete by current newable energy projects This plant was con- law well ahead of the end of its expect- at their statehouses re- nected to the build- ed lifetime, because it would become cently. One is New York; ings it served using illegal to operate it. Another problem the other is Vermont. The an underground was that natural gas was already not changes made at these pipeline a half-mile the least expensive way to get the heat statehouses address en- long. The energy and cooling. tirely different issues in came from burning In 2019, the NYPA changed the entirely different ways. coal, oil, natural gas, original $88 million plan to a combina- The issue in New York and trash. It was tion of solar power and geothermal, was a change in plans polluting, and the authorizing a $30 million budget. And for energy at the Empire people who lived now, the plan is on a trajectory to save State Plaza in Albany. in Sheridan Hollow the money of people who pay taxes Changing plans might suffered the conse- and the health of people who breathe. not sound like much, quences. Egg and Shue were awarded the 2020 but in this case, it has In 2015, the New Constellation Prize for Policy Impact for huge consequences. York Power Author- their work on championing renewable The issue is heating and ity (NYPA) proposed energy and moving Empire State Plaza cooling for the New York installing a microgrid away from fossil fuels. State Capitol and the at the Sheridan Another change has come about at buildings at the Empire Hollow site that the Vermont State House in Montpelier. State Plaza, which stand would provide both In terms of scale, it is more modest, but before it. The Empire State Plaza in Albany. Kurtman12208, released to the public domain. www.bit.ly/3cTIzwv heat and power for it is also uniquely forward-looking. The The capitol building, the government State of Vermont now has an emer- which dates to the 19th buildings. Not all gency backup system that will provide century, seems big, until microgrids are equal, clean energy for its statehouse in the we consider the size of however. In this case, event of power failure. Interestingly, it the Empire State Plaza the heat source for is the first state to have such backup for (ESP), which was built the microgrid would its capitol. in the 1970s. The ESP is be natural gas. Describing the work done to achieve made up of ten build- While breathing this, Vermont Governor Phil Scott said, ings, five of which dwarf the exhaust from “I know many think clean energy must the capitol building a natural gas plant be more expensive, but the work done visually. The largest of might be marginally today shows not only can we reduce these is the 44 story better than breathing carbon emissions, but if we are stra- Corning Tower, the tall- smoke from coal and tegic, we can also save money in the est building in the state trash, natural gas is process.” He can be seen speaking on outside of New York City. hardly a solution to the effort in a video at www.bit.ly/ Four buildings, called pollution or climate Vermont-battery. the agency office build- change. So predict- The statehouse had been reliant on ings, are each 23 stories. ably, there was op- a diesel generator to provide backup These buildings were position to the plan. power in the past. Switching to the built in the period 1965 This opposition came new battery system is expected to through 1976. to a head when Jay save the state $44,000 over the next Heating and cooling Egg of Egg Geother- ten years because the costs of fuel and the government build- mal and Keith Schue, maintenance of the diesel system are ings at the Plaza was Vermont Statehouse in the fall. Bob P. B. CC-BY-SA 2.0. www.bit.ly/2QmSPpr technical advisor for much higher than the cost of a new battery. Another aspect to this is that unlike the diesel system, the battery can switch on automatically, without delay. The battery system at the statehouse will also help support the grid by New Hampshire Sustainability Innovation providing it with power as it is needed. This adds to the savings for the state, CONFERENCE RECAP but it also reduces energy costs of all Randy Bryan customers of Green Mountain Power. New Hampshire Climate Action (of the gested that talked about the A number of organizations and League of Conservation Voters) held a first more aggressive need for more elec- businesses contributed to the switch NH Innovation Conference for Climate policies coming tric vehicles (EVs) to battery power for the Vermont Solutions via Zoom on February 24. It was from the new and consequently statehouse. They include a team from well organized by Seth Paulson-Sacks of administration my recommenda- Renewable Energy Vermont, Northern Climate Action. Panelists were NH State would push NH tion to join the Reliability, Dynapower, Green Moun- Senator Tom Sherman, ReVision Energy’s to become more New England Zero tain Power, and others. Also, Governor Kimberly Quirk, University of New Hamp- progressive Emission Vehicles Scott thanked the legislature for its shire’s Clay Mitchell, and me, of PlugOut toward sustain- Mandate coalition. help on the issue. Power. able policies. I also talked about While every one of the panelists agreed Kimberly nurturing small Many thanks to our sponsor: that New Hampshire was well behind Quirk discussed companies with our neighboring states in promoting a the importance policies, funding, sustainable economy, all had practical that batteries and procurement ideas and suggestions on how to make will play in the practices. Rebuilding progress. All agreed that solutions would energy econo- the Incubators and be intertwined with state government, my and how we Investor networks the Public Utilities Commission and the need to pursue are among the most utilities. needed resources multiple energy Green Energy Times Among the positive developments, and thermal solutions. for innovation. Thank you, for State Senator Tom Sherman said that Gov- Clay Mitchell brought out the need for I sincerely hope the NH Innovation Con- highlighting the important issues ernor Sununu has recommended opening higher level thinking about energy mar- ference for Climate Solutions turns into for clean heating and cooling and a State Office of Energy to consolidate kets, regulation, and NH’s policies. And a series. It could be a wonderful forum and give momentum to state energy he pointed out the fast-coming need for in which to get discussions going on NH policy change in New York State. plans. Senator Sherman also expressed more renewables, batteries, and smarter Sustainability Policies and Projects. Please feel free to contact me. some optimism that the five-megawatt grids. Randy Bryan is one of the co-founders of – Jay Egg, [email protected] municipal solar limit could pass. He sug- Transportation was my topic, and I Drive Electric NH.

Financing Clean Energy in Vermont Governor Cuomo announces details for 21 large-scale renewable energy projects to provide clean, affordable energy for New Yorkers

Renewable Energy Solutions WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 April 2021 17 Edging Ever Closer to 100% Renewable

Nancy Serrell and Robert Taylor Hanover, New Hampshire “Change is happening,” says begun to address the transportation and Yolanda Baumgartner, co-chair heating sectors. Increasing efficiency is a of Sustainable Hanover, the major consideration for reaching 100% town committee working with renewables for heating officials to accomplish -Ha and cooling. An invigo- nover’s commitment to 100% rated Weatherize Hanover renewable energy. “We are start- campaign is operating ing a new chapter on the road year-round to encourage to clean energy.” residents to reduce fuel Solar. In the four years since consumption. For busi- Hanover’s residents voted at nesses and nonprofits, the their 2017 town meeting to town is hosting a Liberty Solar PV was installed on the commit to the Sierra Club’s Utilities consultant, whose roof of Hanover’s town hall in national “Ready for 100” initia- project has generated June of 2019. (See p.12 www.bit. tive, significant milestones $120,000 in NHSaves ly/GET-July-2019) are within sight for the first incentives for energy- of three goals – to transition A 68 kW solar system at the Water Reclamation Facility in Hanover. efficiency improvements. into heating and electricity to renewable sources Images courtesy of Sustainable Hanover, unless otherwise noted. A “Window Dressers” transportation is the before 2030. By this summer, project will build and difficulty of gather- install low-cost window an estimated 92% of the town Baumgartner says. Questions abounded. ing community-wide insulation inserts suitable facilities’ electric power will be from Some wanted a detailed roadmap with cost data. Liberty Utilities, for homeowners and rent- in-town solar. Residents are on track to projections. Was the technology ready or which serves all but a ers. Nearly all town offices have converted double the number of solar homes from affordable? Could the effort be inclusive? small number of Hanover users, provides to electric heat pumps instead of oil and 125 in 2018 to 250 in 2021. Solar panels What if the town’s biggest energy consum- aggregated reports on electric consump- gas boilers. A building code proposal is are also scheduled to be installed for 42 ers, such as Dartmouth College which is tion. These reports show that kilowatt being studied for the town to adopt higher apartments at Hanover’s new affordable responsible for roughly half of all energy hour usage for Hanover has declined by energy-efficiency standards than those housing community on Summer Street. usage, demurred? 15% since 2013. Comparable data will mandated by the State. For residents and small businesses Immediately following the vote, Sustain- need to be created to measure progress Sustainable Hanover’s strategic plan without their own solar generation, the able Hanover named an Energy taskforce in the effort to transition from fossil fuels called for giving attention to transporta- town will seek voter approval when the with 14 enthusiastic members. Their first used for heating and transportation. tion when electric vehicle options are ready final work on the NH Community Power year was devoted to building a foundation To learn more go to hanovernh.org. for mass adoption. Recognizing that the Coalition is completed. The NHCPC will for the enormous task ahead. The consult- moment had come, the group formed an allow Hanover and several other towns ing firm 3Degrees, which helps organiza- EV team last year. It is developing as a com- and cities to aggregate their buying tions implement renewable energy solu- munity resource for information about EVs power to provide affordable renewable tions, worked with the group to develop and chargers and has established a network electricity to all of their residents and a strategy and set of guiding principles, of EV owners who are available to answer small businesses. Meanwhile Hanover’s which included the values of inclusivity and questions about EV ownership in the Up- largest energy user, Dartmouth College, equity. per Valley. A popular e-bike library loan has adopted its own Green Energy Policy Addressing heat and transportation. With program, which introduced 65 residents to with renewable energy targets consistent the electricity effort well underway and a electric bikes as a low-carbon alternative to with the town’s. Since 2017, Dartmouth growing corps of volunteers, Hanover has has installed solar on 14 campus build- cars for in-town errands and commuting, ings. More is planned. will be repeated in May. A town study is un- The commitment. Hanover derway to identify ways to improve the bike was the nation’s 29th community and pedestrian experience on Main Street. Jake and Susan Blum were among 65 residents to sign on to the Ready for 100 The road ahead presents opportunities who appreciated the chance to try out the UV initiative. The town pledged to and challenges. Hanover has an invalu- E-Bike Library’s electric pedal-assisted bicycles. achieve 100% renewable sources able asset in the supportive network of for electricity by 2030, and for individuals and groups who are committed Nancy Serrell is a member of Sustainable heat and transportation by 2050. to reaching the 100% renewable energy Hanover where her focus is on reducing It was audacious. Hanover’s vote goal. More than 30 volunteers are active food waste. Rob Taylor is a member of the covered not just municipal facili- participants. Equally priceless is the support Sustainable Hanover Energy taskforce. ties but the entire town. of Town Manager Julia Griffin and town Rob Taylor is co-editor of the Sustain- There were fears and concerns. Solar panels will be installed this summer to power the affordable department heads, who are as committed able Hanover newsletter and is leading “This has never been done – we senior apartments at the new Summer Park in Hanover. The project as its most engaged citizens. the effort to upgrade the town’s energy couldn’t point to a prototype,” was built through Twin Pines Housing. Image: Banwell Architects. A major challenge as Hanover expands building code.

Town of Hanover’s Renewable Path stands on a little-used road Closing in on 100% Renewable Energy ment Facil- out of sight of ity. When they state route 10. Robert Taylor and April Salas Town Staff in Planning and Zoning, and were activated The town has In May 2017, Hanover residents Public Works,” said April Salas, Hanover’s last December, lots of other endorsed a vision for achieving 100% inaugural Sustainability Director. “And we they brought hurdles to clear renewable electricity by 2030, and heat- are very proud to lead the way,” she added. the town’s before it meets ing and transportation by 2050. Town Residents saw the town’s first solar panels solar power up its “Ready for Manager Julia Griffin kept saying the go up on the south facing roof of the police to almost half 100” goals., town had to “walk the talk.” The town is department back in 2015. Four years later, of the energy but the Grasse doing just that! panels had been installed on the roofs of needed to run Road project On December 28, 2020, Hanover the town hall, equipment storage building, the town’s The first of two solar installation for Hanover, NH on Grasse Road. This is a big leap flipped a switch on a solar array next to the salt storage building of the Public Works buildings and 702kW installation is phase 1. Phase 2 community solar on this site forward. the water treatment plant and more than Department and on the Water Reclama- facilities, needs will accommodate a 1021kW system. Image: Sustainable Hanover. Julia Griffin tripled its home-grown solar electricity tion Facility. But the cumulative generating that had been noted “Sustain- production. And next summer, the total capacity of these added up to less than 300 boosted by the installation of heat pumps able Hanover volunteers, the Select board will more than double again. The result kW DC, less than 15% percent of the town’s to heat and cool many of the town build- and Town staff have been dogged in their is the town will be providing about 92% power consumption. The town had a long ings instead of fossil fuel boilers. A second, determination to take the lead by showing of the electricity demands of its build- way to go. even bigger phase of that Grasse Road solar the way. We have been joined by nearly 200 ings and facilities with renewable energy Help was on the way. Diligently, town farm is due to be completed this summer. homeowners who have also installed solar generated right here in Hanover. staff and advisors had been working on When that goes on line, the town’s solar or purchased panels in a NH community “This success is the culmination a major advance. Using an agreement to panels are expected to power almost all of solar installation and Dartmouth College of years of hard work by Hanover’s purchase the power from an investor, the its electricity needs. has also installed solar aggressively. This dedicated community volunteers, the town had 1,872 solar panels erected on the The Grasse Road project is a well-kept community is determined to make progress Sustainable Hanover Committee, and grounds of the Grasse Roads Water Treat- secret for much of the town’s people. It on the renewable energy front.”

Energy Audit Grants and Clean Energy Financing from NH CDFA Home Energy Ratings in Real Estate Listings

18 April 2021 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 Business & Financial

The Foodscraps 360 Solution building. Wright is currently fundraising Jessie Haas ing, though it also services to complete the South Albany facility. A former graphic schools, small food-service She needs to raise $18,000 to match artist and current real businesses and a local culinary the amount of her own money already estate appraiser in institute. Wright currently invested in the project. “I’m not making upstate New York, Diana collects four tons of food any money,” she says. “It’s all volunteer. Wright, found herself scraps a month and composts I’m just trying to do the right thing.” Her getting frustrated with them, producing what she GoFundMe page and Facebook page the way the world was calls ‘black gold,’ nutrient-rich are being run by a friend, and fellow going, and ten years ago compost that area gardeners compost enthusiast. FS360 recently decided to adopt envi- can use to grow more food. received a $1500 grant to help make ronmental protection as As one satisfied customer, raised beds and get the commnuity her cause. Working with Jan McCracken says, “I love gardens going and is rewriting some People of Albany United composting because of the other grant applications to reflect for Safe Energy (PAUSE) reciprocity. We take so much fresh energy and ambition as the team she helped shut down from the earth, and it’s an grows. fracked natural gas in opportunity to give back.” What does success look like? People NYS and the ‘bomb Wright plans to add a phone calling about their institutions saying, trains’ bringing Bak- app to her operation which “We’re wasting food and I hate that. ken crude into Albany. will allow drivers to rapidly Getting into schools, reaching kids, who She was looking to Wright currently collects four tons of food scraps a month and composts them, producing estimate how many pounds will reach their parents. No food scraps retire, move to a cabin what she calls ‘black gold.’ Courtesy image. each customer contributes, being thrown away, because everyone and grow vegetables, and thus, how much CO2 they understands that there is no ‘away.’ when an Albany-area relationship to the objects in their lives. are helping to remove from the air. Success is: no further need for landfills, composting project began to falter. The Rethink, refuse, reduce, reuse, repair, Right now, FS360 operates out of because we have Zero waste.” Sounds young woman running Foodscraps360 regift, repurpose, recover (that’s compost- Wright’s driveway, basement, and porch. ambitious, but these organizations are (FS360) was, as Diana puts it,“wearing ing), and finally, recycle. But she was recently able to buy three 25 making great progress. The mayor of all the hats,“ and burning out. So Wright The particular area of concern to by 75 foot adjacent lots in South Albany. Albany supports composting, and the bought the business and has been Wright, and where her project has an There, she will host six community municipality is starting a composting running hard ever since. Luckily, more impact on it, is in reducing or eliminat- gardens, and, working with the City of pilot project. Tina Lieberman is on the people are stepping up to wear some of ing the production of landfill methane. Albany, be the fourth foodscraps drop-off city’s sustainability committee, and those hats, and prospects look bright. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, site for nearby local residents. Wright, a people are beginning to see that this Project Drawdown has ranked 80 with thirty-four times the greenhouse member of Zero Waste Capitol District, will save them money. Albany was global warming solutions that are prac- effect of carbon dioxide; landfills are a also plans to do a lot of education at the recently prepared to build a $30 million tical and scalable today. FS360 project prime source, emitting 12% of the world’s site, holding classes on building raised transfer station, which further catalysed impacts four of them: reduce food methane. Foodscraps, yard waste, wood beds and different kinds of composting. activist support for composting and waste (#3), plant-rich diet (#4), landfill scraps, and paper produce this methane In addition to the gardens, Wright plans to recycling. methane (#58), and composting (#60). as they break down and are compacted build a storage shed to house supplies for People who are interested can con- Food waste is associated with green- and capped. Landfill methane can be her business and the gardeners, as well as nect with FS360 through its Facebook house gas emissions at every stage tapped and purified to be used as a fuel, keep collected foodscraps from freezing page to learn how to donate or volun- and reducing it has been the subject of but it’s far better to divert the organic in cold weather. The new site will also be a teer. multi-pronged efforts in the Northeast, materials to a better use—composting drop off for clean packing styrofoam (the Jessie Haas lives in an off-grid cabin in including Zero Waste Capital District, a to grow more vegetables, thus making kind that comes around a new television) Westminster West, VT. She is the author “volunteer coalition educating the pub- it easier and cheaper for people to eat a and packing peanuts, which are being of over 40 books for children and adults. lic on sustainable waste management“ plant-rich diet. turned into insulation board by a small volunteer. which has run webinars and produced FS360 was originally formed when a company in Cohoes, NY. videos helping people change their composting company called Empire Zero Wright and Tina Lieberman, founder Source links available with the posting food-buying habits. Zerowastecd.org split in two, following the death of its of Zero Waste Capitol District, see this of this article at greenenergytimes.org. encourages people to change their founder, to focus on residential compost- project as an opportunity for community

Cont’d from p.9 The Refill Station Solution George Harvey Movement, for the amount they buy. Containers are Jessica Blasko starting up the reused, eliminating waste from the con- is an experienced Refill Station tainers. Since the greatest amount of that physical therapist in Portsmouth, waste is plastic, this reduces the plastic in who has had a New Hamp- our environment. lifelong love of shire. There, The bulk products include a number of Station in Portsmouth is just one store in nature and takes they provide cleaning products, such as laundry soap a movement. She mentioned a number pleasure in travel- people with a and dish detergent. There are personal of nearby stores. Two are in Kittery and ing to beautiful care products, such South Portland, Maine. She mentioned places. She had as lotion and sham- one in Concord, New Hampshire, and an experience that poo. A customer can another in Newburyport, Massachusetts. started her think- buy hand sanitizer She noted other examples and said that ing about doing in bulk. Additionally, she hopes Refill Stations will start up just things differently, there are some dry about anywhere people go to shop. however, when she Customers bring their own products, including Starting a business to sell to customers and her husband containers to The Refill Sta- laundry powder and is not easy with a pandemic going on. went to a beach in tion to buy cleaning and per- oxygen brightener. There are special provisions to reduce Hawaii several years sonal care products in bulk. There is a wide risk of infection. A customer can drop off ago. There, they Other eco-friendly products variety of other items containers to be filled and do a curbside made the shocking are offered all with the goal of on the shelves at the pickup later, for example. Products can discovery that much minimizing waste. Photos: The Refill Station. They also be delivered to customers, and this is of what they saw in Refill Station. are all chosen with free to places within seven miles, pro- the sand was tiny care to make sure vided that the purchase comes to $20 or pieces of plastic. that they reduce more. And products can be shipped. That beautiful place was being choked waste, especially Because of the pandemic, the store is with waste. way to buy some of the things they need plastic waste. Among them jars and only open three days each week. There is The issue came home to her even in bulk, filling their own containers, rather bottles, bags and brushes. There is tooth- a hope that the pandemic will ease in the more when their family grew with the than taking them in throw-away plastic paste, and there are soap drainers. If you not-so-distant future, and the store will addition of two small children. Worried containers that add to the waste problem. want a rack for drying clothes, the Refill soon be open more often. about their futures, the Blaskos decided The Refill Movement has a fairly simple Station is a place where you can choose The website for the Refill Station in to do something about the state of the concept. Customers bring their own con- from several designs. Portsmouth is worth a visit. It is at www. planet. They became part of the Refill tainers for bulk items, fill them, and pay Jessica Blasko points out that the Refill therefillstationnh.com. Home Energy Ratings in Real Estate Listings

Business & Financial WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG April 2021 19

HIGHER PAYING JOBS for CLEAN ENERGY Green Energy Times, “Late News on Energy is produced will mean hiring a lot of Cont’d from p.1 and Storage,” has more on this (www.bit. people, and our new Energy Secretary, ly/3eC34Ak). Jennifer Granholm, has a bit to say The Energy Information Administration about that. CNN ran an article titled, released a report in January stating that “Biden’s energy secretary vows to ‘leave it expected only 16% of generating ca- no worker behind’ in the clean energy pacity added in 2021 will use fossil fuels, revolution” (www.cnn.it/3eBPYmy). This all of it burning natural gas. Solar would new administration has a stated inten- account for 31%, wind would provide tion of seeing to it that the people and 39%, and batteries would cover 11%. Of communities that might suffer from the remaining 3%, almost all would come the fall of fossil fuels will have jobs and from expected new nuclear capacity opportunities as we go forward. (www.bit.ly/3byVtRp). This, of course, brings up the issue of Jobs should be created for mitigating how good those jobs will be. A report damage from the fossil fuels industry. from E2 (Environmental Entrepreneurs) Abandoned coal mines and oil wells need goes into this in some depth (www.bit. to be secured and closed, a job often best ly/3cs9ZcQ). It shows that employment done by people who had worked in those in the country’s renewable energy industries. Estimates are that there are industry pays significantly more than 300,000 to 760,000 uncapped oil wells median rates. in Pennsylvania alone, and that this rep- How many jobs will be created resents only about 15% of the country’s remains to be seen. With forces of gov- abandoned wells, according to a report ernment policy, the market, and public in the Observer-Reporter, a newspaper in sentiment all favoring them, we can that state (www.bit.ly/38EkZT6). bet there will be a lot. At the same time, jobs are to be cre- ated for work in renewable energy. The Construction workers building a solar roof Wayne National Forest, Wikimedia Commons, www.bit.ly/2OvWWiE. push for growth in renewable energy comes for many important reasons. What we are seeing is a change in and solar PVs are producing electricity at Climate change is a very important issue. the fundamentals of energy. The cost a fraction of the cost of what is needed Also, the economics of renewable energy NH Rural Renewables of electric vehicles has been falling to support coal and nuclear plants. Bat- would have it crowding fossil fuels out Solar, wood and energy steadily and is expected soon to be at teries are making renewable energy a of the economy even without a climate parity with ICE-powered vehicles, but more constant source of supply, and their crisis. And, of course, we have to recover efficiency technical the cost of operating them is so low electricity is cheaper than what comes from Covid-19, offering jobs to a large that they already represent a long- from many natural gas plants. A news number of people who are unemployed. assistance for NH’s rural term savings. Meanwhile, wind power article in the November, 2020 issue of The change in the way our energy small businesses www.lrcc.edu/nhrr Clean Energy Investments Expert • No-cost • Vendor-neutral – Cont’d from p.1 total electrical generation, even though that was an all-time high.3 • No longer based on government incentives. For years, the main driver of SPECIALIZING IN renewable energy was government incentives, which were necessary to justify the outlay. However, with costs coming down so dramatically, renew- ables can now break out on their own, clean free of the fear of incentive repeals. • Biden and worldwide net-zero energy pledges. Meanwhile, the re-engage- ment by the U.S. in climate reversal, including re-entering the Paris Climate + socially Agreement, means massive investment Utility-scale solar photovoltaic farm in Sacramento, CA. Photo Sarah Swenty from USFWS/Wikipedia Commons. in clean energy infrastructure by governments and corporations at home Diversify, Diversify – It’s Easier than Ever ture risk to your portfolio now and make responsible and abroad, as they race to meet their For all these reasons and many more, the switch to the much brighter clean- pledges of a net-zero future. we believe the industry’s time in the sun energy wave. investing • Mega installations. While home and is here to stay. But that doesn’t change 1Morningstar. Past performance is no guarantee of small business renewable systems are some fundamental rules of investment. future results. still important to the growth of the Most importantly, do not concentrate 2CNBC 12-27-2020, “Renewable energy stocks had a since 2004 industry, the increasing trend toward your money too much in any one place record year – here’s what Wall Street sees for 2021”. mammoth solar, wind, and tidal -- including green energy -- or in just a 3U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), Feb. installations is taking clean energy to few companies in this sector. Fortunately, 2021. the next, utility-scale level. In fact, many there are more mutual and exchange- Todd and Craig Walker are financial traditional utilities are now adding their traded funds in this area than ever to help advisors at Greenvest, a Vermont-based money to this super-system boom as spread your clean energy investments personal asset management firm specializ- well. among scores of promising companies ing in clean energy and socially responsible www.greenvest.eco • Stepped up innovation. The sea with just a few purchases. Some of the investing since 2004, and a B Corporation change to renewables is generating best-known include (using market sym- www.greenvest.eco. unprecedented new sums for research bols to save space): QCLN, PBW, SMOG, and development, accelerating TAN, FAN, CGAEX, GRID, NALFX, PZD, Vanderbilt Financial Group is the marketing name Offices in Montpelier and Wells, Vermont innovation. Every day it seems there is a PBD, ICLN. for Vanderbilt Securities, LLC and its affiliates. Securities Arlington, MA | Petaluma, CA new idea, from green hydrogen and fuel offered through Vanderbilt Securities, LLC. Member FINRA, cells to grid-wide battery storage, Dump the Risk of Fossil Fuel Investments SIPC. Registered with MSRB. Clearing agent: Fidelity at the Same Time Clearing and Custody Solutions. Advisory Services offered Vanderbilt Financial Group is the marketing name for energy blockchains to tidal energy, Vanderbilt Securities, LLC and its affiliates. Securities biogas to floating solar, all of which Finally, do your portfolio another favor through Vanderbilt Advisory Services and Consolidated offered through Vanderbilt Securities, LLC. Member FINRA, offer even more investment opportuni- as you pursue clean energy investments: Portfolio Review. Clearing agents: Fidelity Clearing and SIPC. Registered with MSRB. Clearing agent: Fidelity Clearing & Custody Solutions. Advisory Services offered through ties. unload securities with exposure to fossil Custody Solutions, Charles Schwab and TD Ameritrade. Vanderbilt Advisory Services & Consolidated Portfolio • Third world leap-frogging. The new fuels. These are increasingly dead-end as Insurance Services offered through Vanderbilt Insurance Review. Clearing agents: Fidelity Clearing & Custody and other agencies. Regional Supervising Office: 55 Main Solutions, Charles Schwab & TD Ameritrade. Insurance ability of third world countries to use they lose the price advantage to renew- Services offered through Vanderbilt Insurance and other renewable energy to skip the construc- ables and face increasing government St., Suite 415, Newmarket, NH 03857 • 603-659-7626. For agencies. Regional Supervising Office: 55 Main St., Suite regulation and loss of subsidies. Coal was additional information on services, disclosures, fees, and 415, Newmarket, NH 03857 • 603-659-7626. For additional tion of original or replacement fossil information on services, disclosures, fees, and conflicts of fuel power plants opens up a vast new the first to go essentially bankrupt; the conflicts of interest, please visit www.vanderbiltfg.com/ interest, please visit www.vanderbiltfg.com/disclosures. horizon of installation and investment. rest are already wobbling. Eliminate fu- disclosures.

Trouble Ahead for Natural Gas? Cont’d from p.3 20 April 2021 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG Feature: Celebrate the Planet – Cont’d from p1 8 Cool Solar-Powered Camping Gears for Green Adventure Harsh Paul 6. Solar Battery Charger Harnessing the power of or camper is going to see a lot of sun the sun on your outdoor throughout the day. Whether you choose This option is more like using a adventure makes all kinds to hike or just chill by the tent, the back- conventional power bank, except the of sense. The uses of solar pack can be exposed to sunlight. Might power comes from the sun. Having the energy have grown and as well get a solar powered backpack and sun charge a power bank means you’ll camping gear is no excep- put solar power to good use! always have juice for necessary devices. tion to these benefits. Mak- Keeping the mobile phone running is 4. Portable Solar Generator an obvious use. However, it’s as useful ing use of solar energy isn’t Gadgets like the EnergyBar or Portable all about creature comforts. for other communication Solar Generator work with a higher power devices like walkie-talkies Cont’d on p.21 It is also a beneficial solution density than conventional solar batteries for safety and connectivity. or power banks. These devices will cer- Let’s look at eight coolest tainly charge your mobile phone or simi- options available for your lar gadgets. However, they have enough solar-powered camping Flickr/jluster juice to power larger devices as well. The gear. EnergyBar, for example, is capable of run- 1. Solar Lantern unheard of for campers and hikers going ning an LED TV for 10 hours. Lighting is an essential requirement to remote locations having trouble finding These gadgets can afford a high-power for camping. Campers should have a suitable bathing options. Carrying along output and can be used for 110V AC flashlight and a lantern. It is best to use a solar-powered shower can take away a power output as well. Given their backup, LEDs for both these applications. You big chunk of those problems. A camping they form excellent and very reliable could use traditional battery-powered shower is worth considering for car camp- power sources. The overall setup can be lighting solutions or maybe even the ers as well. a bit clunky because you’ll need a fairly older fuel-powered lanterns. These are generally passive solar prod- powerful solar panel as well. Alternatively, However, the most convenient ucts that heat up water by absorbing ra- just use solar power at home to charge solution in both cases is solar power. diation from the sun. You won’t get piping up these gadgets, and enjoy the backup With the sun shining, you never have hot water, but it will be comfortably warm while out camping. to worry about carrying replacement for a shower. A portable shower is an ex- 5. Solar Power Water Purifier batteries or extra fuel. Sunlight handles cellent option for trips where hygiene can Getting access to clean, potable water all those requirements and you have become an issue. can be challenging for many camping dependable lighting available for your 3. Solar Charger Backpack needs. destinations. There is always a chance Several products are available for It’s very likely that you’re carrying that even the clear stream running in the both these requirements. While camp- a backpack to your vacation, why not wilderness harbors pathogens. A solar ers must consider a solar lantern, hav- get more use from it? Some backpacks power water purifier takes away most of ing a solar flashlight along can be very include batteries that can be used for the worries on that count. useful too. charging devices later. Others prefer a Using the sun to power a tiny water direct charge. These backpacks can be purification system to ensure you have 2. Solar Shower very useful in keeping gadgets like your potable water is convenient and desir- Hygiene doesn’t have to take a break mobile phone powered and juiced up. able. A lightweight, portable kit that’s just because you’re outdoors! It is not Besides, the backpack of any hiker easy to carry along can be very beneficial. Feature: Celebrate the Planet WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG April 2021 21 Restore Our Earth TM • Earth Day 2021 While every day is Earth In the evening on April 20, the Hip Hop Caucus and its partners will present the Day at Green Many Energy Times, “We Shall Breathe” virtual summit. This we are always digital event will examine climate and thanks happy to see environmental justice, connecting the cli- to our mate crisis to issues of pollution, poverty, the renewed Earth Day focus come as police brutality, and the pandemic, all April 22nd is ap- within a racial justice framework. sponsor proached every On April 21, Education International will year. The first lead the “Teach for the Planet: Global Edu- Earth Day hap- cation Summit.” The multilingual virtual pened on that summit will span several time zones and feature prominent activists from every date in 1970. environmental literacy, climate restora- In April, we see continent, focused on the crucial role that educators play in combating climate tion technologies, reforestation efforts, schools, com- regenerative agriculture, equity and envi- munities, and change and why we need transformative climate education now. ronmental justice, citizen science, clean- businesses celebrate in their own ways ship with Earth Uprising, will consist of Parallel to the Biden Administration’s ups, and beyond. World climate leaders, to help protect our planet. The original panels, speeches, discussions, and special global climate summit, EARTHDAY. grassroots activists, nonprofit innovators, Earth Day was viewed as a teach-in at messages with today’s youth climate ac- ORG will produce its second Earth thought leaders, industry leaders, artists, schools. It quickly grew to more than tivists including Greta Thunberg, Al- Day Live digital event on April 22. musicians, influencers, and more will be that (see http://www.greenenergy- exandria Villaseñor, and Licypriya The multi-hour multi-channel involved. times.org/2020/04/02/earth-day-2/). Kangujam. The four-hour livestream will include seg- More information will become avail- Earth Day’s 2021 theme, Restore Our digital summit will address ments taking place around able in the coming weeks at https://www. Earth, focuses on natural processes, the progress that has been the world starting at noon earthday.org/earth-day-2021/. emerging green technologies, and made on their main issues Eastern Time. Workshops, innovative thinking that can restore of concern, including the panel discussions, and special the world’s ecosystems. This year, three creation of green jobs, cli- performances will focus on full days of climate action events are mate literacy, civic skill train- Camping Gear – Cont’d from p.20 Earth Day’s 2021 theme, planned. ing, environmental justice, and ham radios. For many popular Restore Our Earth. Top- Beginning on April 20, the global biodiversity protection and camping locations, walkie talkies and ics will include climate and youth climate summit led in partner- sustainable agriculture. radios are far superior options com- pared to mobile phones. The solar battery charger does not have to be an overly hefty system. You can use one that’s a small solar panel Green Up Day Vermont 2021 on the back of a power bank. Those who want to draw more power from Fifty-one Years and the Green Goes On the sun can use a more complex and G.E.T. Staff heavier solar panel charger setup. art winner is Jiya Sekar, a third Started in 1970 by Gover- grader from Union Elementary 7. Solar Cooker nor Deane C. Davis, Green in Montpelier. Her art will be As the name implies, a solar cooker Up Vermont is a non-prof- used on the poster and mar- or solar oven uses the power of the sun it organization whose keting materials promoting to cook food. It’s quite a simple and Cont’d on p.?? mission is to promote the 51st Green Up Day. elegant solution to cooking needs. It’s Cont’d on p.?? the stewardship of the Her artwork completely also cleaner and more environmentally state’s natural landscape captures a happy and clean friendly than burning wood to cook. and waterways and raise landscape that inspires us to A plausible downside is that these public awareness about keep Greening Up. cookers take way longer to prepare a litter-free environment, In addition to the long- food as compared to cooking on a culminating with a state- standing poster art and writing fire. Remember to start early and be wide clean-up event called contests, Green Up has expanded patient. Though these options take Green Up Day. Always the first Satur- to offer a jingle contest, a video contest, longer, the quality of cooking and food day in May, Green Up Day is a statewide and a graphic arts contest to reach an is not affected negatively. initiative where volunteers clean up array of talent in our youth and get more 8. Solar Multi-Tool Kit litter from roadsides and waterways. students to participate on Green Up Day Green Up Vermont also offers an edu- Putting several solar tools and and in commu- operations in one system seems like cational component for grades K-12 nity volunteerism. Above: The winning poster for with free activity booklets and other the 2021 Green Up Day was the natural order to pursue. The solar Kate Alberghini, multi-tool kit puts together some materials and activities that build their Executive Direc- created by Jiya Sekar, a third grader from Union Elementary necessities for your camping gear. civic engagement and pride for clean tor of Green Up environments. in Montpelier. Courtesy photo. While the exact configuration can Vermont said, “We Center left: The Green Scuba vary depending on the kit you choose, In 2020, Vermonters were unwilling love encouraging to let go of the 50-year-old springtime team cleaned up Lake Cham- any kit will include a solar panel and a our youth to get plain. The team pulled out a power storage bank. tradition that spruces up communi- involved, and we chair, bicycle and five Green Up ties, even during a global pandemic. This can be used to power up can’t wait to share bags of trash. Photo by Kate gadgets like the mobile phone or GPS. It wasn’t the same Green Up Day with the winners of the Alberghini. Below: Volunteers in community celebrations and bar- Barre Kids hand out trash col- Some kits also include a flashlight and other categories! a small fan, both of which can come in beques, but volunteers throughout There are some lection bags during the 2020 Vermont wanted to do their part for Green Up Day event. Courtesy pretty handy on camping trips. really talented kids image: Guin Fredriksen. their environment. Nearly 14,000 volun- here in Vermont, Harsh Paul is the editor of Deep- teers from 244 towns used innovation focusing on send- BlueMountain, a website dedicated to and ingenuity to get the job of cleaning ing some really great messages camping resources, tips, and reviews over 241 tons of trash and 9,000 tires about the importance of Green Up from the roads. The Green Scuba Team Day.” Vermont organization helps various enti- was formed for the first-time last year Two other initiatives are being ties like parks, towns and individuals rally to clean the depths of Lake Champlain. implemented this year. One is the volunteers for special pick-up programs Now it’s a new spring and excitement Green Up Vermont Mentor pro- year-round as well as a Fall Green Up 2.0. is already growing for Green Up Day gram where high school students To learn about the contests, how to get 2021, which will be held on May 1st are paired with volunteer town involved with Green Up Vermont, or make with all safety protocols in place. coordinators in leadership roles to a donation, go to www.greenupvermont. A big part of Green Up Day is the help produce Green Up Day in their org. Green Up supplies will be distributed art contest. There were record num- towns. The second initiative is the to towns in early April. Be sure to mark bers of submissions from students all Green Up Vermont Stewardship Part- your calendars for the 51st Green Up Day over Vermont. The 2021 overall poster ner Program where the Green Up on May 1st. 22 April 2021 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 Renewable Heating & Cooling Heating and Cooling Your Home CLEAN TECHNOLOGIES DEMYSTIFIED HOW CLEAN By Georgena Terry CAN WE HEAT? The Clean Energy States Alliance pump water heaters, and solar hot water. (CESA) recently released a new guide to Clean heating and cooling technologies Practical and heating and cooling, prepared for the such as ground source heat pumps and Sustainable Heat for Vermont Public Service Department. If advanced wood pellet boilers can supply affordable ways you need to replace your home’s exist- hot water in addition to space heating to reduce heating Schools & Housing ing central heat or hot water system, and cooling. Heat pump water heaters are looking for additional space heat, and solar water heaters provide hot water pollution now. need whole-home or space cooling, only. The guide stresses home energy ef- Tune in April 21 at 7pm for or if you’re building a new home, now ficiency improvements as the first step to is the perfect time to invest in a clean, improving a home’s energy performance, a fascinating discussion on reliable technology. A Vermonter’s cleaner indoor air, improved home com- Guide to Residential Clean Heating fort, and energy savings. Zoom about the pros and and Cooling is an excellent first step There are multiple benefits associated cons of our affordable heating to understanding what clean heating with clean heating and cooling technolo- and cooling (CH&C) gies. Health benefits options and their surprising Twin Valley Elementary School technologies are, include less hyper- climate implications. how they work in a tension and heart home, and where to disease and lowered find incentives and pulmonary, heart dis- Sustainableheating.org financing. ease, and cancer risks. Vermont is a On the environment founder, Jeff Rubin will national leader in and economic side, present the scientific energy efficiency. CH&C technologies The state’s 2015 reduce fossil fuel con- foundations, and answer your Renewable Energy sumption and carbon toughest questions. Standard increased emissions while Applegate Apartments in Bennington the amount of boosting investment renewables utilities in renewable energy PDC Dried Wood must procure from and energy efficient Chips Save $$ 55% in 2017 to 75% technologies. They by 2032. Vermont can lower heating Reduce and Stabilize is well on its way costs and contribute Your Heating Costs with PDCs to meeting these to energy resilience targets. the Burling- and sustainability. Admission free, ton Electric Coop is And CH&C technolo- Call us Today! already operating gies support the local donations encouraged. on 100% renewable electricity and the economy, especially the forest products Learn more and sign up 603-924-1001 state’s electric power supply is 67% industry. sustainableheating.org/howclean FrolingEnergy.com renewable. Understanding the home’s heating In addition to its renewable energy needs, its current distribution system, its goals, Vermont also has greenhouse insulation, and compatible CH&C tech- gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets, nologies is complicated. For this reason, set by the 2016 Comprehensive Energy it is imperative that consumers consider Plan. These targets include a 40% working with qualified contractors and reduction by 2030 and an 80 to 90% installers who can guide them through reduction by 2050 in 1990’s GHG levels. the process of choosing and installing To meet both Vermont’s renewable a CH&C system. A Vermonter’s Guide to energy and GHG emissions reduc- Residential Clean Heating and Cooling tion goals, Vermont needs to address helps consumers with the process of how we heat and cool our homes and selecting a contractor and maintaining a buildings. Vermonters spend an aver- CH&C system through clear recommenda- age of 25% of their household energy tions for each type of equipment. budget on heating costs. Vermonters The Guide also includes a checklist heat their homes primarily with fossil to help consumers successfully install a fuels, and so the thermal sector is the clean heating and cooling project. Topics second largest GHG emissions contribu- include preliminary steps, purchasing tor in the state (after the transportation and contracting, pre-installation, and sector. This accounts for nearly 24% of incentives and financing as well as spe- Vermont’s GHG emissions. Furthermore, cific considerations for cold climate heat Vermonters spent over $650 million pumps, ground source heat pumps, and on imported fossil fuels (in 2017) for advanced wood heating. residential heating; nearly 70% of each Purchasing a heating and cooling dollar spent on fossil fuel heating leaves system of any kind can be expensive. the state. But switching to a CH&C system can be a A Vermonter’s Guide to Residential cost-effective solution in the right situa- Clean Heating and Cooling informs tion. Various rebates, loans, and incentives Vermont homeowners about ways to available for CH&C technologies help reduce fossil fuel use, improve home reduce the upfront costs of installing a comfort, minimize health risks, and CH&C system. The Guide describes these reduce indoor and outdoor air pol- as well as low-interest public and private lutants with CH&C technologies. The financing options and tax and federal guide covers a variety of information incentives. to help homeowners understand the If you are looking to replace your home advantages of energy efficiency, the heating system, need supplemental heat, benefits of clean heating and cooling or building a new home, check out the technologies, the differences among Guide at this link: www.bit.ly/VT-Guide- those technologies, how to choose a Residential-Clean-Heating-Cooling. More contractor, and how to access state resources are available at the Vermont incentives and financing. Renewable Resource Center, http://www. The technologies reviewed in the rerc-vt.org/. guide include advanced wood heat- Georgena Terry is a research associate at ing, wood pellet furnaces, wood pellet Clean Energy States Alliance. stoves, ground source heat pumps, cold climate air source heat pumps, heat

Building & Energy Efficiency Renewable Heating & Cooling WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 April 2021 23

Many thanks Campton, NH School Energy Upgrade to our George Harvey sponsor: removed. So was the In 2017, Green Energy Times old shed. A new shed ran an article, “Plymouth New was built, with room than heat, of course. The lighting system Hampshire Regional High for the new wood- was changed over to LEDs controlled School Energy Efficiency Up- chip fired boiler on its by use of Philips SpaceWise technology. grades,” describing work done lower level. A silo for The SpaceWise control system is wire- by Energy Efficient Invest- the wood chips was less making it possible to have sophis- ments (EEI) for New Hamp- installed. ticated smart lighting without the cost shire’s School Administrative The new biomass of wired installation. The lights can be Unit 48 (SAU 48) to upgrade boiler was built by controlled in zones, such as classrooms, energy systems for Plymouth Schmid, a company with equipment that senses a range of High School (www.bit.ly/ The Campton Elementary School in Campton, New Hampshire. Courtesy photo: Froling Energy. based in Switzerland. things from the presence of people to Plymouth-upgrades). It was installed by the amount of daylight. Since that time, the prom- what is needed, EEI does part of the work Froling Energy of Keene, New Hampshire. The people at EEI like to make the up- ised new levels of efficiency of the new itself, or it helps find someone who can This is the same Froling Energy that is well grades pay for themselves. Mike Davey, system have been achieved, providing do it. Some of the many things EEI does known to GET readers, as it has been cen- EEI’s Business Development Manager the school system with some impressive include analysis of existing needs and fu- tral to multiple articles, including “Benefits said, “We try to help the energy savings savings. Prior to that upgrade, about ture costs, design to implement the most to the Planet Heating with Forest Prod- pay for the work. Typically, the project is 60,000 gallons of oil were burned for cost-effective systems possible, helping ucts,” which appeared in our September cost-neutral.” heat each year, and the replacement to find funding, helping on grant applica- 2020 issue (www.bit.ly/forest-biomass). The savings should cover the cost of system is much less expensive to run. tions, and finding tax incentives. Froling is not only the the new equipment and The electricity used for lights has also CES used 18,000 gallons of oil each year installer, however, as installation. In the case of been reduced by 35% by installing LEDs. for heat. The oil was burned in a heating it will have continued the Campton Elementary Plymouth High School is just one of system that was well past its prime and connection to the School, EEI helped get grant the eight schools SAU 48 is responsible was badly in need of replacement. There school by servicing funding from the New for. The other schools are all for younger were other common problems of effi- the boilers and sup- Hampshire Public Utilities students. All of those schools also need ciency and energy at the school, such as plying wood chips. Commission, reducing heating and lighting upgrades from replacing lighting with LEDs. The upgrades at costs. Ultimately, the cost time to time. Projects are awarded to There was also one big problem that CES included more of the energy portion of the the companies whose work gives tax- seemed to be irrelevant to questions of upgrades was sufficiently payers the best value, and when it came energy. It was a large storage shed used well covered to be cost- time to upgrade the energy system for for lawn equipment that was in dire need neutral, and the only bit the Campton Elementary School (CES), of replacement. The shed was in a perfect not covered in that is the EEI had the advantage of having a spot for a new outdoor furnace. And so, cost of the new shed, which proven record. it became part of the energy upgrade for was needed, but not part of EEI is not simply a sales and instal- the school. the energy and efficiency lation company. It goes beyond that. Over the summer of 2020, EEI man- project. Starting with energy audits, it can guide aged to get work done on the extensive a customer through the many steps to change-over, during the time it was Inset: the new shed and silo; above is the new biomass boiler. energy improvements. Depending on normally out of use. The old boiler was Photos courtesy of EEI.

High-efficiency Air Conditioners ACEEE Program administrators can stay ahead of the curve with high-efficiency air conditioners 24 April 2021 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 Renewable Heating & Cooling Biomass Good for NH – Cont’d from p. 15 visible smoke. The boilers are even self- Josh is the Program Coordinator at cleaning! The wood pellets used are made Clean Energy New Hampshire, where he from 100% wood, from sources around plans, develops and delivers technical the state, and made at local sawmills. The and educational assistance to communi- wood used is from sawmill waste and ties around the state. Josh has a Master’s sustainable forestry practices. No glue degree in Environmental Law and Policy or additives are used, and the pellets are from Vermont Law School. stuck together using the lignin that makes Note from the editor: The biomass up the wood to bind them together. topic can be controversial. We will In addition to the new ITC, New Hamp- attempt to clarify any concerns regarding shire has a rebate program for bulk-fed the use of biomass in the next edition of wood pellet central boilers and furnaces. Green Energy Times. The program provides a rebate of up to 40% of the system and installation cost for residents investing in high efficiency (80% or better) systems. To learn more about modern wood heating technology, local installers, resident stories, and available incentives, please visit www.feelgood- heat.org and get started on your journey New Hampshire forest. Giorgio Cantoni, Unsplash. www.bit.ly/3f9S5yr Cantoni, Giorgio forest. Hampshire New to modern wood heating.

See Why New York Homeowners are Making the Switch to Geothermal

Quiet Geothermal systems use a ground loop to expel heat from your home so there is no noisy outdoor condensing unit like a traditional air-to-air heat pump. ClimateMaster geothermal heat pumps can be placed in a basement, garage, closet or utility room. This helps reduce noise, improves the look of your home and leads to longer system life. Efficient ClimateMaster’s Trilogy® packaged systems are some of the most efficient geothermal HVAC systems in the residential market. Sustainability Geothermal technology uses a series of sealed piping loops buried in the ground that tap the renewable and sustainable energy of the earth for both Federal Tax Credit cooling and heating. 26% of total installed cost - no cap. ® Trilogy packaged systems feature: NYS Clean Heat Incentives • Rating up to 45.0 EER Electric utility companies offer rebates on both air • Heating up to 5.1 COP and ground source heat pumps. Visit your electric • Infinitely variable-speed compressor, blower, and loop pump company’s website or reach out to them to learn more. • Provides 100% of your domestic hot water! Want to learn more? Throughout 2021 ClimateMaster is sponsoring a series of monthly podcasts and web classes to provide you the information you need to understand the benefits of geothermal in your home. Visit https://geothermal.climatemaster.com/go/green for more info. www.climatemaster.com Building & Energy Efficiency WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 April 2021 25 Wright Construction Builds with Award-Winning Techniques

George Harvey For a Post and Beam Home Addition in Ludlow, Vermont award is that Wright Construction did was to Readers may definitely turn their vision into reality. It was a remember that important. project, however, that included more we have had The than just attention to the details of a articles in the project that floor plan and where to buy materials. past about won Wright It included some regard for the grace- Wright Construc- Construc- ful beauty of the house and the com- tion Company, in tion the fort of the people who gather there. Mount Holly, Ver- award was a And it included attention to the value mont. The most large addi- of the property and the efficiency of recent appeared tion of 7,500 the building. in June of 2018, square feet One thing the customers wanted and it addressed to a house was to have the addition built with issues many in Ludlow, post and beam design, which adds to builders never Vermont. It the cost of construction. Ordinarily, talk about. It was Above: The post and beam award-winning addi- is just over many builders might put insulation “Rebuilding After a tion for this home in Ludlow, Vermont is nearly half of the into the open areas between posts Disaster,” and it went finished in this photo. Inset is of the main living finished and beams as infill, but this approach beyond ordinary con- area. Photos courtesy of Wright Construction Co. structure, misses an opportunity to get some struction problems which origi- real efficiency. The thermal bridges and energy efficiency, award nally had 6,500 square feet of space. and possibilities for air leakage in such and even beyond fi- For those who might gasp at the a structure can be avoided by cover- nancial issues, to look in the Quali- idea of a 14,000 square foot house, ing the entire exterior with SIPs, or at the emotions of we should mention that this is not a structural insulated panels and sealing loss and the attempt fied Re- modeler private home for any one family unit. them well. The beauty of post and to recover. A story Rather, it is designed as a place where beam construction is enhanced by like that can stick in a Maga- zine’s a large, extended family of over 40 having it fully visible inside the build- person’s mind. people can gather, all at once. ing. Recently, Wright Construction came 2020 Master Design Awards for the “Addition Over $250,000” category. The home-owners had their prefer- Carl Lavallee, the COO of Wright up again, as we got wind of the fact ences about what it would look like Construction, told us, “It has a time- that the company had won a bronze This is a nation-wide competition held by a respected publication, and the and how it would function. The job less look, and it is a Cont’d on p.27 NEW!

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The Ways of the Earth environmental ethics put forward by the relatively inexpensive – far cheaper than Blue River Quorum. the costs of the climate disasters ahead, if There are fundamen- Consider instead the Blue River Declara- This means facing a deeper issue. Even we do not make this transition. The only tal truths about the tion from October 2011. though we are embedded in the biosphere, big obstacle -- which has been with us for Earth system that we “A truly adaptive civilization will align its very few people understand this intel- decades -- is that the fossil fuel companies must face in the next ethics with the ways of the Earth. A civiliza- lectually, let alone intuitively. Reconnect- and their associates are heavily invested few years. The webs of tion that ignores the deep constraints of its ing deeply with in deceiving deception from the last world will find itself in exactly the situation the natural world the public and few years are receding, we face now, on the threshold of making means surrender- using politicians Dr. Alan K. Betts so we can now confront the planet inhospitable to humankind and ing to it, so you to protect their issues that have been invisible for a long other species. The questions of our time feel part of it on profits as long as time. Much of our human world is now are thus: What is our best current under- an emotional and possible. Their re- driven by science and technology. Science standing of the nature of the world? What heartfelt level. In- cent strategy has is a good frame for understanding our does that understanding tell us about how digenous peoples been to reframe technological world, as well as the com- we might create a concordance between and the founder of the issues to pre- plexity of the living natural world. However, ecological and moral principles, and thus Christianity under- tend that climate science is not useful for addressing social imagine an ethic that is of, rather than stood this. But the change can be values and making moral choices. against, the Earth? concept of surren- solved by indi- In this void, choices are made implicitly “In our time, science, religious traditions, der is horrifying to viduals changing by our (Western) society’s guiding econom- Earth’s many cultures, and artistic insights ‘modern’ humans, their choices and ic frame which is capitalism. New things are are all converging on a shared understand- because of our behaviors, so that invented and if they can be marketed profit- ing of the nature of the world: The Earth is devotion to human direct legislative ably, they are introduced with little control. our home. It will always be our only source power and control, mandates can be The goal of capitalism is to increase short- of shelter, sustenance, and inspiration. and our memories avoided. term profits within a consumer growth There is no other place for us to go. It fol- of many centuries The second economy. Growth is driven by advertising lows that the world is worthy of reverence, of warfare. difficult task is to and by exploiting the Earth’s resources as awe, and care.” We have two The Earth is our common home. Image: onecommunityglobal.org see that the hu- well as people, especially the poor. Clearly, ten years later, U.S. society has critical tasks in man destruction Immense wealth has been created for not made this transition to align its ethics this coming decade. One is to slow climate of so much of the natural world is driving some, and the human population has in- with the ways of the Earth. The recent change by reducing the global atmospher- many species to extinction and replace creased until our global impact exceeds the change in the federal administration will ic carbon budget to net-zero, which means destruction with reverence. Neither task is Earth’s carrying capacity. Now climate and not fix our poor social and economic to stop burning fossil fuels. This is turn easy, so we all have to plan ahead. Spring extinction crises are rapidly approaching, understanding of the living natural world. means focusing on improving energy ef- is arriving and, if we look more deeply, the simply because much of our economic sys- I suggest readers view the sincere efforts ficiency and implementing renewable en- Earth can help. tem is not designed to pay for future costs, to address climate change by the Biden ergy resources on a much larger scale than Dr. Alan Betts of Atmospheric Research especially the damaging consequences of Administration throughº the clear lens of we do currently to replace the fossil fuels. in Pittsford, VT is a climate scientist. Browse our vast waste streams. the Blue River Declaration, a statement of The technologies to do this have become alanbetts.com.

Book Review: THE NEW CLIMATE WAR – The Fight to Take Back Our Planet by Michael E. Mann, published by PublicAffairs (2021), 368 pages, $29 Review by Roger Lohr and misdirection. action on the climate crisis attack and Currently there are progressives in favor The book The New Climate They discredit the divide individual action, responsibility, and of societal transformation and opposed to War: The Fight to Take Back scientific message, at- broader government policy for systematic carbon pricing schemes because the plans Our Planet by Michael E. Mann tack the messengers, change. Mann feels that the needed tip- seem politically unattainable, unworkable, was released during the early undermine facts, ping point will only happen when there is and unjust to economically disadvantaged months of the pandemic in 2020 deflect blame, divide active participation of citizens everywhere people. Progressive leader Naomi Klein’s by PublicAffairs books. In a story the public, delay aiding in the collective push forward, but view is that environmental sustainability is about efforts by what the author action, promote he realizes that individual action (from not compatible with a neoliberal political refers to as “inactivists” (previ- alternative solutions turning off lights to installing solar panels framework built on market economics. Can ously known as climate-change that don’t actu- on your roof) while necessary, can only get the government that spends $30 million deniers) to thwart any significant ally solve problems, us so far to tackle the climate crisis. The to develop a healthcare website that does change, there are many refer- and insist that we reduction in travel and commerce during not work, takes months to mail stimulus ences to the pandemic and to simply accept our the pandemic shutdown reduced global checks, or struggles to coordinate a vac- analogies in other segments of fate. Mann attaches emissions by only 4%. Systemic changes cination program be expected to develop the political action spectrum. names and dates are far more critical to carbon emission and maintain a carbon pricing tax redistri- Mann is a professor of atmo- to an avalanche of reduction. According to Mann, applying bution program? spheric science at Penn State and inactivists and their broad-based technology is required. High- Mann feels author of five books, with joint activities – both speed railways, research and development that we have appointments in the Department on the right and for renewables and battery storage, and to disregard of Geosciences and the Earth and left of the political developing programs to reduce CO2 must the doomsay- Environmental Systems Institute. spectrum from claims of denial to warnings be done on the macro level. Inter-govern- ers (those who In 2019 he received the Tyler Prize for Envi- of the Earth’s extinction. mental agreements with enforcement of state that it ronmental Achievement, often called the Mann presents examples of the tech- domestic energy and climate policies that is too late to Nobel Prize for the Environment. niques used outside of climate change incentivize the shift are necessary. fix climate The Climate War has a historical review such as the battle against the DDT ban, There is also division among and against change), look of the strategies used to defer and prevent the Crying Indian TV ad that was created the community that wants to address to the young addressing climate change. This type of by Keep America Beautiful (Coke, Pepsi, climate change as the politics of identity, leadership; “undertaking” started with the internal Anne Heuser Busch, etc. with the Sierra behavior shaming, and virtue signaling educate the

Exxon documents in which a scientist Club and Audubon Society as original are used. Some of this action is instigated populace and Yospyn Joshua admitted the measurable and nonrevers- program partners) as a way to defeat by inactivists using social media similar to engage in sys- Michael E. Mann ible outcomes associated with fossil fuels, bottle-return legislation, and the ciga- the Russian intervention in the 2016 U.S. tematic change and resulted in robust public relations rette industry’s joint campaign with the election. Personal carbon footprints are (remove the politicians who oppose campaigns incorporating science deniers- chemical industry that blamed flammable a regular weapon that are used, whereby changes needed), and consider corporate for-hire, and more. furniture for cigarette-induced house fires. individuals are pegged as hypocrites if they culpability to bring about momentum to The culprits in the war are the fossil The fire-retardant campaign even bought eat meat, fly in airplanes, or have children. address climate change. Can it be done in fuel companies, right-wing plutocrats, off firefighting organizations for support! The threat of mandated personal sacrifice is your lifetime? and oil-funded governments who have And speaking about fire, last year President an easy way to mobilize people to oppose Roger Lohr of Lebanon, NH, who owns shifted from outright science denial to Trump deceptively insisted the California change. These techniques are to prevent and edits XCSkiResorts.com, has published softer strategies based on deception and forest fires were promulgated by poor climate advocates from effectively speak- articles and promotional topics on snow distraction. Free-market fundamentalists forest management rather than climate ing with a united voice and erode support sports, sustainability, and trails in regional (individuals and corporations) obscure change and drought. for systematic solutions to the climate and national media. He is also the Recre- public understanding with misinformation Techniques to combat meaningful crisis. ational Editor for Green Energy Times. CLIMATE NEWS WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 April 2021 27 Cash for Your Refrigerants – Help for the Planet Jessie Haas household, for travel, or for Rica. Tradewater is now involved in a proj- According to Project a specific event, and sells ect in Latin America called RefriCazadores Drawdown®, refrigerant carbon to support its work. where they have identified stockpiles of management is the single Most of the funding for this gas and are in the process of hiring work- most effective solution to for-profit company, how- ers to collect and destroy them. Recently, global warming. Founder Paul ever, comes from working a project in the Dominican Republic has Hawken has lamented that through the California cap- been completed, and Tidewater is actively the math led his team to such and-trade system. Compa- working to develop projects in over fif- an uncharismatic solution. It nies that want to emit more teen countries in Latin America, the Carib- doesn’t lend itself to posters than their permitted amount bean, Africa and Asia. and memes the way a baby of CO2 need to buy carbon Tradewater offsets were identified as polar bear does. offsets. Tradewater is one one of the best bangs for the buck by But the math is the math. place they can get them. GivingGreen, an organization that rates Drawdown estimates that Tradewater’s work has environmental charities. GivingGreen refrigerant management, mostly been in the United notes some lack of transparency in this done right, will result in a total States to date, (they have for-profit company but says, “Over all atmospheric CO2-equivalent collected gas from every we believe that the offsets offered by reduction of 89.74 gigatons. state except Alaska) and Tradewater are highly credible and that The problem is largely being there is more to do. Brown purchasing Tradewater offsets has a direct addressed under the Kigali says, “(t)he more we look, the link to decreasing the amount of GHGs in Amendment to the Montreal more we find. So, there’s a lot the atmosphere.” Tradewater’s credits are Protocol, the highly successful of it out there still.” verified by the American Carbon Registry international treaty created Tradewater expanded their work globally in 2019 through a partnership with City But the company has (ACR) and Verra. Verra’s verification pro- to address the hole in the Waste Recycling that resulted in the collection of 29,140 lbs. of refrigerants in Ghana. begun to work outside the cess accounts for the carbon footprint of ozone created by an earlier City Waste Recycling employees prepared stockpiled cylinders of CFCs for transport to a United States as well. In obtaining and transporting the gas. generation of refrigerants. The destruction facility in the United States where it was destroyed preventing the release of more than 136,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions. Photo: Tradewater. Ghana, officials discovered People with gas to dispose of can go Montreal Protocol banned a large bank of refrigerant on the Refrigerant Finders website to the production of ozone- canisters that had no further learn more about how to dispose of it and depleting substances – old refrigerants Refrigerant Finders branch offers cash for economic use—appliances no longer use get paid. There is a process for weighing 10,900 times as potent as carbon diox- people’s old refrigerant. In some cases, it—and no safe destination, as there was gas and subtracting the weight of the ide. The Kigali Amendment expands the they’ll come pick it up, otherwise you no disposal facility in the region. Tradewa- canisters. Customers will then be sent Montreal Protocol to phase down HFCs, can mail it to them and receive payment. ter ran an experiment, taking the offsets a shipping box. People wanting to buy the replacement refrigerants that are also Refrigerant Finders doesn’t talk about onto the open market and were able to offsets should visit Tradewater’s website potent greenhouse gases. global warming on its website. Founders fund the project with help from Intuit, at https://tradewater.us/. The Kigali Amendment, signed in 2016, Tim Brown and Gabe Plotkin know that known for TurboTax and QuickBooks. The Jessie Haas lives in an off-grid cabin in began phasing out HFCs in developed some people don’t believe in it, and they whole project averted the equivalent of a Westminster West, VT. She is the author of countries in 2019; poorer countries will aren’t interested in having the argument; year’s emissions from 27,601 cars. over forty books for children and adults. follow suit over the next few years. The they’d rather get the gas. Once they’ve In 2020, Tradewater International was Kigali Amendment was not ratified in the collected it, it’s incinerated in a permitted formed to scale its search for refrigerants Source links available with the posting of U.S. during the Trump Administration, hazardous waste rotary kiln incinera- around the world. It is based in Costa this article at greenenergytimes.org. but Congress and the Biden Administra- tor which eliminates 99% of the global tion have recently taken action to make warming potential. Since 2012 Refrigerant it effectively the law of the land, with the Finders has neutralized between 150,000 strong support of the refrigerant trade and 250,000 pounds of refrigerant a year, group. mostly in small cylinders and cans. This A problem remains, however. All over fact is expressed on Tradewater’s website, the world, discarded appliances and “Since 2012 the company has destroyed banks of refrigerant gas await, ready to 4,660,000 tons of CO2 equivalent, or leak into the atmosphere, sometimes 789,000 houses powered for a year, 5.24 actively being bled off before a car or million gallons of gas used, 11.5 billion appliance is discarded. These remain a po- miles driven, or 10.8 million barrels of oil tent threat to our ability to rein in global consumed.” warming. Tradewater’s website does talk about One company (though it looks like two) global warming, offers calculators so You, yes you, can get paid is working to solve that problem. Trade- visitors can estimate the amount of water takes a two-pronged approach. Its greenhouse gases (GHGs) you emit as a to fight the climate crisis

Wright Construction Cont’d from p.25 great thermal envelope. We do not that are highly efficient. They also do this as often as we would like.” The provide cooling when that is needed. structural materials, including the Both types of heat can be controlled R-12 R R posts, beams, and pegs, came from remotely and intelligently. The house -500 -113 local businesses, American Post and can be called by a cell phone and told Beam in Claremont, NH. The SIPs were when people will arrive and it needs to made by Foard, whose office is in West be warm. Because of the heat pumps, Chesterfield, NH. much of the time the house only The heating system in the house needs a few hours warning that guests includes different technologies, but are about to arrive. the main method of heat distribu- It is easy to see why this addition tion is radiant heat in the floor. The is award-winning. We congratulate R-11 R-114 system uses AdvanTech sub-flooring Wright Construction Company on this with Uponor Quick Track panels. This award-winning project and their at- system was put to use in the addition, tention to efficiency they were able to partly because it was oversized in the incorporate. old structure, and partly because it fit Wright Construction Company is Tradewater will destroy your refrigerant well with the thermal gain from south- a company that has the expertise to facing windows engineered into the build to the highest efficiency levels responsibly, and you get paid. It's that easy. addition. The finish flooring is made of possible, which can cost the building engineered lumber, which was impor- owner much less to operate in the tant for the radiant heat, and covered long haul. This is especially important by a durable veneer layer. because buildings can be major con- 773-309-4597 The radiant floor system is enhanced tributors to emission levels and our [email protected] by two Daikin air-source heat pumps planetary climate crises. Cont’d from p.28

Tiny houses are hot these days. But hoice. Sources: https://tinyhousebuild.com/; https://yestermorrow.org/; https:// thetinylife.com/ Jessie Haas has written 40 books, 28 April 2021 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 Building & Energy Efficiency mainly for children, and has lived in an off-grid cabin in Westminster

West, VT since 1984, www. Factors That Determine Thermal Comfort (Not Just the Thermostat!) jessiehaas.com. Joanne Coons When I was in My Floor Feels Cold More on Windows (increase metabolic Source: Brian Just elementary school, if rate), or manipulate the 2 0.5 my friend Wendy was These results indicate that even low-e, double-pane win- Contact coefficient (kCal/cm hr ) dows are only good to about 20F. environmental fac- cold in her house, her tors by increasing the The higher the contact coefficient, mother would have floor temperature to 90 the better the material is at drawing her run outside with- degrees F and the air heat out of the feet. out a coat and come temperature to 73º F. • Concrete 25 • Linoleum 9 back in rather than Measuring, monitoring turn up the thermo- and adjusting all these • Oak 7 • Pine 4 • Cork 2 stat. In late winter, if variables is a difficult we have a 45-degree task, and most people day and I need to slog will just reach for the back to the compost thermostat and crank it pile, I skip the coat, but up. (Personally, I vacuum if it was the same tem- when I am cold.) None of perature in the middle this would be necessary of summer, I would if our buildings were throw on a sweat shirt. built to a higher stan- As I get older, I seem -22F -4F 14F 32F 50F dard. A code level-built to be more sensitive home scores a D or the to my thermal comfort worst that you can le- and think about these Winter window comfort rating – Minimum allowable exterior temperature. gally build to. Brian Just scenarios. I was happy points out that buying to attend and learn Ref: Window Performance for Human Thermal Comfort: Final Report to the National Fenestration Rating Council, Center for the Built Environment & ARUP, Feb a new code-level home 2006 (http://bit.ly/Window-Thermal-Comfort). Retrofit Existing more about this topic “is like buying a new car, at Efficiency Vermont’s but the car was built in Comparison of window performance at different temperatures from “Window Performance for Better Buildings by 1985.” Sure, it is new, Human Thermal Comfort,” by Center for the Build Environment, Nov. 2005. (www.bit.ly/Window- Windows Design in early Febru- Thermal-Comfort). but none of the current ary and registered for technology or benefits the session, “Lessons of building science has for Learned, Thermal Comfort, The Next or radiant heated floors make you feel been applied. Brian Just concluded his • Maximum Energy Energy Frontier” by Brian Just, Engi- more comfortable. Simply put, heat presentation with these recommenda- neering Manager. travels from hot to cold. [See More on tions: When designing a building, use at Efficiency Statistically, one half of the people Windows] least two inches of continuous insula- in the United States struggle to stay The third factor, humidity, which is tion which means no thermal bridging, • Affordability and warm. There are six factors that influ- ideally controlled to a target of 35% to triple pane windows, 1.0 air exchange Comfort ence thermal comfort. The first two 55% (+/-5%) and keeps things like air per hour at 50 pascals pressure and a are “personal factors,” metabolic rate quality, bacteria, fungus and viruses in 24/7 high efficiency ventilation system • High Performance and clothing insulation. The last four check, provides respiratory eye and skin with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting are environmental factors, air temper- comfort and decreases condensation on Values (MERV)13 filtration system. (Just • Quality and ature, radiant temperature, air speed windows and drywall. Lastly, air motion stressed that if you don’t purchase a Lasting Beauty and humidity. Building science can affects thermal comfort if the moving air high efficiency ventilation system, an assign values for the metabolic rate is three degrees below the room tem- aluminum core ventilation system will Old windows and sashes made better such as sleeping (0.7) to walking at perature or is moving faster than thirty blow cold air on you.) than new with our innovative system 2 miles per hour (2.0) to sitting (1.0), feet per minute. Thermal comfort is [See My Floor Feels Cold, top rt.] The clothing insulation is a compila- affected when the vertical temperature tion of all that you are wearing with Joanne Coons teaches at Hudson Valley is greater than a five-degree difference Community College, TEC-SMART facility assigned values from underwear to from ankle to head. Scientific studies outerwear. Next, the environmental teaching. Locally, Joanne advocates for show that a comfortable floor tempera- sustainability as a member of the Town of factors are considered. The first one, ture while wearing shoes is between air temperature, is controlled by the Clifton Park’s GREEN (Government Re- 66.2 degrees to 84.2 degrees F. The goal Thinking Energy & Environment Now) and thermostat or the “universal compen- here is to make 80% the people in the sator.” The second factor, the radiant is active in NY-GEO and NYSES. Prior to her building happy. current endeavors, she taught high school temperature, is the “hot” and “cold” of What does this all mean? Here is an surrounding surfaces that can make example. When you are in a room set science for 28 years. you feel uncomfortable. The radiant at 66 degrees and your goal is to make temperature factor is the one factor 80% of the occupants thermally com- out of the six which is set at building fortable, the thermal comfort factors construction time and is not variable. that need to be changed if you want This is why it’s possible to feel cold in to achieve your goal are: put on two a 72F room when seated near a cool thick sweaters (clothing insulation), window or wall and why insulated walk at a rate of two miles per hour

Just like your house. Only more affordable. • More comfortable than Passive Solar • Uses 60-90% less energy than code homes • More sustainable than LEED • Greener than Energy Star • 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. Cont’d from p.28

Tiny houses are hot these days. But hoice. Sources: https://tinyhousebuild.com/; https://yestermorrow.org/; https:// thetinylife.com/ Jessie Haas has written 40 books, Building & Energy Efficiency WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 April 2021 29 mainly for children, and has lived in an off-grid cabin in Westminster West, VT since 1984, www. Part 1: Integrating Social Equity into Green Building jessiehaas.com. James Wilson economic opportunity are integrally related equity goals into the design and develop- The causes of social to environmental limits imposed by sup- ment process of any project. Stay tuned inequity and injustice are porting ecosystems”1. A just definition of for Part 2 of this blog in which we will deeply rooted within the sustainability would more accurately depict demonstrate how these strategies can systems that shape our the ways in which the health and welfare of be integrated into planning, designing, society, including the built all people is inextricably intertwined with constructing, and operating a sustainable environment. The built the health of the environment. Any effort building. environment represents that hopes to be effective at improving the Part 2 of this blog, where we take a the literal foundation of quality of life for people, as with any effort deeper dive into social equity and green our society’s presence to preserve or regenerate environmental building, will be shared in the next issue in the world – from the quality, must be based in the understanding of Green Energy Times. smallest rural community that social needs and environmental needs 1Julian Agyeman. Just Sustainabilities to the largest city. The way are interdependent. Studies have identi- Development in an Unequal World. Edited in which buildings are fied inequality as a primary cause of envi- by Julian Agyeman, Robert D. Bullard and designed, constructed, ronmental degradation. Simultaneously, Bob Evans, The MIT Press, 2003. p. 78 and maintained has a tre- we know that the effects of environmental Additional links available with the post- mendous influence on the Images from: onecommunityglobal.org Images from: crises, such as climate change, ing of this article on GET’s website. equity (or inequity), and by disproportionately James Wilson is a Sustainability the justice (or injustice), of our society. mentally “sustainable” solution is not really burdening communi- The way we build and the strategies we Consultant for Steven Winter sustainable if it is not equally accessible ties that were already Associates, Inc. employ can either continue to worsen so- to all. Moreover, if health and economic disadvantaged, are cial issues or can lay the groundwork for benefits are unevenly distributed, the dis- greatly exacerbat- Reprinted with permission significant progress to be made on these parities in access and opportunity that form ing social problems from Steven Winter Associates issues in places around the world. the basis of social injustices are reinforced. around the world. blog on September 20, 2020. The building industry continues to This recognition is driving efforts within the The NAACP initia- make progress on reducing negative sustainable building community to develop tive Centering Equity in environmental impacts of the built envi- an expanded definition of what consti- the Sustainable Building ronment. In fact, we’re increasingly seeing tutes a healthful, sustainable, and resilient Sector (part of the organiza- practices and strategies go beyond built environment—a definition that fully tion’s Environmental and Climate Justice “sustainable” to “regenerative,” with such accounts for the social component of the Program), supports the idea that efforts to goals as net-positive energy, water, and “triple bottom line” model of sustainability. advance and secure social equity must be- waste. Now, the industry is reckoning (If You Are Serious About Sustainability, gin by providing all people equitable access Buildings with the urgent need to integrate social Social Equity Can’t Be Just Another Add-On) to a healthy, sustainable, and resilient built equity into its definition of sustainability A useful way to frame this approach is environment in which to live, learn, work, + Beyond in order to also reduce negative social im- through the concept of “just sustainabili- and play. Achieving this would have cascad- pacts of the built environment. We might ties,” which acknowledges that a pervasive ing positive effects throughout communi- accelerate the process by framing the “equity deficit” exists in most sustainability ties, helping to make them healthier, more goal as “net-positive equity.” practices. The concept asserts that “a truly resilient, and more just. Sustainability advocates in all sectors sustainable society is one where wider The NAACP’s report “Getting Beyond have come to recognize that an environ- questions of social needs and welfare, and Green: A Baseline of Equity Approaches in Sustainable Building Standards,” emphasizes that the communities that are most nega- tively impacted by an “unhealthy, energy inefficient, and disaster-vulnerable” built s! TIMELESS CRAFTSMANSHIP. environment are also “underrepresented in de iso the design, construction, and occupancy of Ep sustainable, regenerative, healthy buildings.” w THE LATEST IN ENERGY EFFICIENCY. The sustainable building sector has a lot Ne of work to do to address this very complex PASSIVE HOUSE DESIGN/BUILD. CUSTOM CABINETRY & TILE. and enduring issue, but fortunately several strategies have recently been developed and incorporated into green building pro- Available now on iTunes, Google Play, grams. Programs including LEED©, the WELL Sitcher, or your favorite podcast platform. Building Standard™, and the Living Building www.swinter.com/podcast Challenge© can be used to integrate social

MONTPELIER CONSTRUCTION BUILDERS AND FINE WOODWORKERS

MONTPELIERCONSTRUCTION.COM 802-229-6575 30 AugustApril 2021 15, 2014 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 802.439.6675 Building & Energy Efficiency

and radiates that heat to the outside, Just A Bunch of B.S.* (*Building Science, of course) 24/7. To the thermal camera, it glows. To the homeowner, it costs money. A THERMAL IMAGE WALK-AROUND The thermal image walk-around is deceptively simple. It would take dozens Nate Gusakov forth down through of pages, however, to begin to fully Recently we the insulation unpack the amount of information that were called to between the studs, is gleaned about the building envelope. perform an enve- and fully excavated In this case, the value to the builders lope assessment a cozy nest in the (and homeowners) is real and significant: for a house under middle of the wall. Squirrel damage can be addressed on partial renovation Sigh! At least we a case-by-case basis instead of tearing in Starksboro, VT. know it’s there, and apart whole walls to investigate, and After some interior now the builders can the rest of the renovation can proceed demolition work, take care of it. with confidence that a complete and the builders had Now take a look functional thermal envelope will be the noticed squirrel at image 2, which result. damage to the shows the east Nate Gusakov is a building envelope insulation in the side of the house consultant and AeroBarrier installer for wall cavities they from the exterior. Zone 6 Energy. had exposed. They Above the founda- subsequently asked tion in the thermal us to do a thermal image, there is a imaging inspec- relatively smooth tion of the house color scheme across to make sure there the exterior wall of wasn’t further dam- the building. This in- age lurking unseen dicates that the insu- behind walls that lation is undisturbed weren’t going to be here—there are renovated. It was gentle gradations of a fairly simple pro- Images 1-A & B: Thermal and visual images of the orange and yellow, Image 2 A & B: Thermal image of the east side of the cess to walk around west wall from the inside. Courtesy images. but no distinctly building with a visual image inset. the house taking contrasting colors. pictures with the Then, take a look at the foundation wall ferent surface temperature, warmer even thermal imaging camera. The amount below the clapboards. To the human eye, it than the wall above it. What is happening of information gleaned from this simple looks like one undisturbed stretch of grey here? In the south end of the basement walk-around is amazing. Here’s just concrete. To the thermal camera, however, (left side of the picture) the concrete walls some of what we learned: another story is told in very clear terms! are well-insulated on the interior, so heat Squirrels, you say? Squirrels, indeed. The left side of the foundation wall is from inside is kept inside. The north end of Take a look at image 1a. There is a pain- deep purple, showing that it is at least as the basement is uninsulated bare concrete fully obvious thermal signature where cold as the snow. Halfway along the wall, on the interior, so the wall there absorbs the tree rats entered the top of the wall the foundation suddenly changes to bright heat from the inside of the house, con- at the eave, tunneled their way back and yellow and white, indicating a starkly dif- ducts it (very well, at that) across its mass, New Record Levels of Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

Building & Energy Efficiency WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 April 2021 31 Efficiency Vermont’s EEN Contractor Spotlight: Kramer Services of South Londonderry, Vermont Interview with Stephen Kramer, Master Plumer and President Green Energy Times staff tion from 23,000 gallons of propane per get if you use an EEN fuel costs. We [have] served over 1000 year to 2500 gallons! The three- year project member. Material and customers. included a large solar array, multiple air- products are not cheap. Using a resource 2. What projects do people try to source heat pumps, air-source water heat- like the EEN will help you save money, lower do themselves that really should ers, and a mechanism called a “vortex.” The your carbon footprint, and have the proper be done professionally? vortex floods the ice sheet with cold water equipment installed properly. This is a win- reducing the run time of the compressors win situation for everyone. Water heaters and kitchen faucet and eliminating the need for another water replacements. It typically ends up with a heater, as hot water was used for every ice- 7. What are ways to finance projects for phone call stating, “We have no water and make. This is a story I want every ice rink in residential or commercial projects? there are guests arriving soon.” If not done America to hear! It is amazing, and we have Efficiency Vermont offers loans through 1. How did you get started in this industry safely or properly, a water heater replace- the numbers to prove it VSECU. Your local bank can also help. and your company? What is your area of ment could seriously hurt someone by be- 5. What is it in your field of specialty that is Plus, Efficiency Vermont is always offer- expertise? ing scalded, poisoned by carbon monoxide, most valuable (re: to energy efficiency)? ing discounts with point of sale or mail-in I have been in business since 2004. We or worse. rebates. These rebates are for many items Experience! We specialize in the best service and install equipment in VT from 3. If you could only choose one type such as thermostats, heating and cooling Manchester to Stratton, Mount Snow, energy-efficient products on the market. equipment, kitchen appliances, and win- of project o reduce someone’s carbon When we arrive to a project, we look at the and Ludlow. In 1987 when I was a kid, my footprint or improve efficiency, what dows. Your local utility company may also mother and father built a house. I helped entire picture, from the thermal envelope, offer incentives. install a heating and central vacuum sys- would it be? to the homeowner’s lifestyle, even what tem. While I was installing the pipes and Air source heat pumps, either a mini-split their next 10–20-year plan is. From there we 8. What are some questions you making the connections, it was then that or a water heater. Both are great ways to offer a design or piece of equipment that is recommend customers ask when selecting I knew I wanted to be a plumber. I was in- reduce the use of fossil fuels and lower right for that particular client. We are always someone to do work to meet energy trigued with making the connections and one’s carbon footprint. They offer a low training on the products we install, and we efficiency goals? figuring out the operation of the system. price point for the homeowner, use latent have the resources from the local supply My suggestion is to ask for referrals of It was at that point that I knew I wanted energy from the mechanical room or the house and the manufacturer to design a previous projects, ask if the staff has proper to be in this business. In my junior year of outside air, do not create a huge dent in high school, I went to a vocational school system that is right for the client. training to install the equipment, and if in the afternoons and was a master your electric bill and will make you feel 6. Why should people use an EEN member they service the equipment they install. plumber by 1998 at 24 years old. good about yourself, as you lowered your over someone else? Ask, “Why did you choose this product or personal footprint. design?” You need to understand the logic Kramer Service’s area of expertise is With the support and training that Effi- home comfort. We specialize in geother- and value of the products being installed, 4. Can you share one job project that really ciency Vermont and the EEN network offer, mal heating and cooling, installation of before you can make a clear decision of the stands out as moving from inefficiency to there is no reason not to use the network. energy saving products, high- efficient investment you are planning to implement. efficiency? If I have a question or situation that needs heating systems, radiant heat, and ultra- Energy-saving upgrades can have high We worked on a great project at Riley Rink another opinion, I can call fellow certified efficient cooling systems. We re-fit large upfront costs, but the return on investment commercial buildings in order to make at Hunter Park in Manchester Center, VT. members. They can give a suggestion. Also, outweighs the overall installation cost. them more efficient and save on their The project reduce[d] the fuel consump- there are amazing rebates that you can only 32 April 2021 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 Sustainable Education SOLAR POWERS PLYMOUTH STATE’S ENERGY EFFICIENCY Peter Lee Miller consumption by the Plymouth State year 2030,” said Brian University’s (PSU) Eisenhauer, director venerable Physi- of PSU’s Office of En- cal Education (PE) vironmental Sustain- Center has under- ability. “It’s truly a gone an energy win-win scenario that efficiency transfor- will save money while mation. It joins the helping to meet our University’s new climate goals.” climate studies ma- In 2009, the Univer- jor and “no charge” sity became a charter electric vehicle (EV) signatory of the chargers as the lat- American College and est evidence of the University Presidents’ school’s longstand- Climate Commit- ing commitment ment. As part of that to campus sustain- commitment, the ability. Located Plymouth State University’s new rooftop solar array features nearly an acre of state-of-the-art solar panels. It is University developed in Plymouth, NH, anticipated to offset more than 90% of the Physical Education Center’s annual electricity consumption. a Climate Action Plan amid the White in 2010 and pledged Mountains and the to reduce campus Lakes Region, PSU is currently celebrat- with similar rooftop solar projects across greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 50% ing its 150th anniversary. New England. KW Management was sup- percent by 2025 and to make its opera- Nearly an acre’s worth of state-of- ported by Ted Vansant of New England tions GHG-neutral by 2050. the-art solar panels were installed in fall Commercial Solar Services of Holderness, In 2013, PSU worked with Greener U to 2020. Covering all available roof space, NH, throughout the project. develop a Climate Action Implementation the solar photovoltaic (PV) array offsets “Most of the electricity produced will Plan. The PE Center Solar Array Project more than 90 percent of the center’s be used by the PE Center,” noted Vansant. is in accordance with that plan, which annual electricity consumption. “But on a sunny weekend day when there provides tangible steps and timelines for The 518.4-kilowatt system consists is lower energy use, the solar energy achieving sustainability goals. of 1,296 panels rated at 400 watts each. system will produce more energy than Construction of the $822,000 system is “The array is expected to produce more is being used, and the excess will be fed expected to save the University $100,500 than 606,000 kilowatt hours of electric- back into the New Hampshire Electric Co- in electric utility charges in its first year ity in its first year of operation,” notes op (NHEC) power lines. This will be mea- of operation. Transitioning the electric Physical Plant Project Director Walter sured by an electric meter so that NHEC, supply for the PE Center from the regional Durack, who supervised construction. through a net-metering agreement, can electricity distribution grid will reduce the This project was procured through a credit the value to PSU, ultimately reduc- University’s annual carbon emissions by request for proposal (RFP) process and ing PSU’s electricity bill even further.” 473 tons, according to the EPA’s Green- was awarded to KW Management of “This is an important step toward house Gas Equivalency Calculator. This Nashua, NH, based on lowest price and Plymouth State’s goal of achieving carbon is the equivalent of taking 93 passenger KW Management’s deep experience net neutrality for institutional electricity vehicles off the road for one year. Cont’d on p.33 Sustainable Education WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 April 2021 33 Phillips Exeter’s Green Academy Awarded Sixth Leed Certification George Harvey a sustainability and energy signed to fit in visually with other near- Phillips Ex- consultant. by structures, in a way that is similar to eter Academy The design of the the building it replaced. This could have has nearly 1,000 Thompson Field House had been done by using limestone, as older students in grades included good insulation, buildings did. The aesthetic could be nine through efficient heat, and care- achieved at a much lower cost by using 12, and it has an fully engineered lighting. glass-fiber reinforced concrete, which outstanding repu- But it had to go further in can be made to look quite similar. tation. Describ- ways that many people do Crowning the design of the Thomp- ing itself, it says, not think about much. For son Field House is a solar array on the “The Academy example, there were ma- roof. The array has 1,552 panels giving is committed to terials reserved for reuse it a capacity of 535 kilowatts, and it can creating a culture from the deconstruction provide 75% of the building’s electric- of diversity, equity of the previous building at ity needs. It was installed by ReVision and inclusion and the site. One case is wood Energy, a company well known to the being an anti- flooring used for the older readers of Green Energy Times. In the racist community. building’s wooden track, article mentioned above, we learn the Environmental and rather interesting fact that over its fiscal stewardship lifetime, this array will generate enough are also strong val- electricity to provide for a day’s use by ues that we teach New York City. A more conventional and live by. Our Above: The Thompson Field House at Phillips Exeter’s Academy. statement is that each year it will offset built environment Right: the solar array on the roof of the Thompson Field House. the equivalent of driving cars about should support All photos courtesy of Architectural Resources Cambridge a million miles. This array produced our mission, values 608,000 kilowatt-hours in 2020, and is and programs.” also become part of the expected to save the school about $2 For athletics, the academy has 22 curriculum and the way of million over its lifetime. different sports with 62 interscholastic life at the school. Anyone Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, teams. Some attention has to be put interested in this might the Thompson Field House has not had into both the buildings used for sports enjoy reading an article a formal post-occupancy evaluation. and the efficiency of those buildings. that appeared in the Nevertheless, it is clear that both Phil- One of these is of particular interest. spring 2020 issue of The lips Exeter Academy and Architectural In early 2018, the academy opened Exeter Bulletin, “How green is Exeter?” This which ended up being given a new life in Resources Cambridge intend to use the its new William Boyce Thompson Field can be seen online at www.bit.ly/Exeter- the new facility’s multi-purpose room. field house as a model for later design House. In its 85,000 square foot area, it green. As we might imagine, water use was an projects, both on this campus and at has a 200-meter, six-lane indoor track, Among the things we learn from that issue that needed to be addressed, but other schools. within which are four tennis courts. It article is that the school has a number of in this case, there were special has separate dedicated areas for shot LEED-certified buildings. The Thompson considerations. Because of put, high jump, long jump, triple jump, Field House follows other buildings that the proximity of two rivers, and pole vault. The mezzanine has an have been awarded LEED certification; pervious pavement was used 8,000 square-foot area for wrestling there are now six all told. and areas devoted to cars were along with 4,000 square feet for other The new field house was designed reduced to allow for a more purposes. There are bleachers for 500 by Architectural Resources Cambridge natural landscape. This was spectators. Beneath the building is a (ARC), which was given instructions to be a reason why an area for cars parking area for 169 cars. “flexible and creative to develop beautiful was included in the base- The environmental approach of Phil- and functional and regenerative land- ment. Also, buffer areas are lips Exeter Academy is impressive. On scapes surrounding the project.” It was maintained on the bank of the a campus of this size, there will always also designed to meet the LEED standard nearby Little River. Part of the be projects in development. For several for gold certification. This is not a trivial effort is a 10,600 cubic foot years, the school has undertaken to process, and the project under design bio-retention facility to handle see that the environment is a central was very large, so ARC also used the ser- stormwater runoff. The pole vault area in the Thompson Field House at the academy. issue for each. It is an issue that has vices of Steven Winter Associates, Inc. as The new building is de-

PLYMOUTH STATE’S SOLAR – Cont’d from p. 32 environmental and tion, adaptation, policy, communication, collaboratively—all essential attributes social justice organiza- and education are some of the most for our fast-changing world.” tion, and I received a important issues of our time, and PSU is Those wishing to check out Plymouth minor in sustainabil- addressing the need for trained profes- State’s green initiatives (or just traveling ity,” said PSU graduate sionals for private industry and govern- up I-93 through central New Hamp- student Briana Stewart. ment jobs working in the various aspects shire) are invited to bring their electric “These experiences of the climate crisis. Plymouth State’s new vehicles and charge up for free! Two EV helped me evolve into a bachelor’s in climate studies program is chargers are now available on campus. more environmentally- the first of its kind in New Hampshire and Thanks to NHEC, the installation came at conscious person in one of very few in the country. no cost, and, thanks to PSU, the charg- my everyday life and The program will prepare students ing is free as well. local community, and for private and public sector careers in To learn more about Plymouth State the new PV array is just fields such as emergency management, University online, visit www.plymouth. another great example conservation, public policy, tourism, sci- edu. of sustainability here on ence journalism, planning, and a variety Peter Lee Miller is Plymouth State campus.” of other fields in which climate concerns University’s associate director for Plymouth State University recently launched a new bachelor’s program in “I hear a lot of institu- play a role. communications and marketing. climate studies , becoming the first institution in NH, and one of very few in tions committing to “Climate study is a rapidly-evolving His background includes freelance the country, to offer it as an undergraduate degree. be carbon-neutral in X and expanding field, and our program writing for the American Wind Energy number of years, but will give students a strong foundation Association (AWEA), advising the Lake The project provides students with PSU is demonstrating through this solar of knowledge and skills,” said Profes- Sunapee Protective Association and other a first-hand view of renewable energy array project that it is serious about mak- sor of Meteorology and Climate Studies organizations, and co-hosting the Society and furthers their understanding of ing carbon net neutrality happen,” added Program Coordinator Lourdes Avilés. “The of Environmental Journalists national the technology behind it. “During my Alyssa Griffin, a meteorology undergradu- University’s Integrated Clusters interdis- conference. He teaches a PSU journalism undergraduate career, I served as presi- ate student. ciplinary approach will help students course and hopes to offer Environmental dent of Common Ground, the student Climate change causes, effects, mitiga- learn to think critically, adapt, and work Journalism next spring. 34 April 2021 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE Elmore Roots’ Permaculture Know-How See what The Rain in Spain Falls Mainly on The Plain YOU could be growing David Fried at elmoreroots.com I hear the ice dripping as it is finally the time. As a grower of plants, I notice above freezing after a long winter. the delicate balance for a tree or smaller The hail bouncing off my coat on my plant. If they are too hot and dry, they let morning walk has turned to rain. us know by wilting that they need water On the first warm day each rain drop badly. leaves an animal at the spot where the Tomato plants can perk up from nearly raindrop touches the earth. being dried into dried herbs by letting summer’s day during a downpour. At their roots sit in water for an hour. Most first, I resisted the rain, as I had learned Drip, drip, there are two otters. trees will also come back from a drought as a kid that you are not supposed to Plunk, plunk, there are two beavers. after leaving a slow dripping hose next get wet unless you are taking a bath. Splash there is a porcupine. to them or giving them one or two five- Not having a choice, I got soaked really As soon as they touch ground, they gallon buckets of water. quickly and remember lying down on start walking. But plants in the Ericaceae family the warm sidewalk in a puddle, stretch- cannot come back from being dried out. ing out my arms and legs in the pour- Didn’t you always wonder where they This is probably due to them not having ing rain to just feel that awesome rain came from? root hairs that absorb water. Plants in all over me. I was one with the rain and Thunk, there is a fisher cat, all you this family include lowbush cranberries, I was very, very happy. others better watch out! lingonberries, azaleas, rhododendrons This is how plants probably feel all The animals find somewhere to go in and blueberry bushes. They must be the time. They are just waiting for the the rain.They are already wearing their used to growing where the conditions next rain. All us two- legged ones go in- A beaver scampering through the rain drops. are favorable for a plant like them. Mossy, side somewhere, and they get to be out coats that shed water (while we have to Painting by Vermont artist Gabriel Tempesta get ours from the store or our brother spongy, acid soil, well drained but moist there in all the majesty. Dripping wet who outgrew his). most of the time, seems to be what they and stretching their roots deeper into In my early days in Vermont in the late like. It is very important when growing the earth than last time it rained. They The plants do not have a choice. They 70s, I lived behind my friend’s house in a these plants to not let them dry out when keep growing from their experiences. are here for the long haul, like rocks and tent on the Missisquoi river up north in they are first transplanted or during seri- They keep hoping we two-legged ones postal service people. They are out- Westfield. The river waswhere I dunked ous dry spells. Mulching with tree bark or will also grow from ours. doors in sun, rain, sleet or snow. “Makes into to get clean. compost or leaves is a good way to help us tougher for it,” they say. David Fried is a writer and grower of When it rained and I was in the water, maintain moisture around the roots of fruit and nut trees and berry plants at Some refer to snow as “poor man’s I did not get wet or mind it, as there these plants. Elmore Roots. fertilizer.” So, what is rain, a poor man’s was no separation between me and the As a boy, I remember getting stuck spa? water. This is probably how plants feel all outside in my neighborhood on a warm

The third test was a big one. Like An E-mower User Experience many zero-point newbies, I soon drove Larry Plesent it into the pond. Well more like I got I don’t know about purchase. Starting too close and it slipped into the pond you, but mowing lawns with the biggest but let us not make excuses. “Learning is my least favorite chore. I save up proj- purchase, a leased curves” can be brutal. Running for the ects to do on my weekends and truly 2020 Chevy BOLT tractor, I pretty much convinced myself resent the time involved in maintaining (which I genuinely that I had just destroyed my new toy. the lawns at our two business locations enjoy driving), it I quickly returned to find the mower in Rochester, VT while keeping another became clear that bobbing in the water pretty much two acres of grass and fields in check on the next step in where I left it. The thing actually floats! our rural homestead. I will build decks, the chain had to be Winching it out, I dragged the thing gardens, patios, ponds and expand the electric mowing. up towards the house and toweled it parking area; anything to lessen the And so, I switched down. Cautiously I turned the key, and mowing chores. Goats or pigs are prob- gears and decided it started immediately! Test# 3: Passed ably in our future somewhere. to go electric. the drive-into-the-pond test with flying Despite my best efforts last year, I Electric lawn care colors. Amazing. paid $1500 in mowing services. This did has taken a huge Now I look forward to riding my not make me particularly happy either! technological step electric go-cart speed mower. It is fun After researching options online, forward this year. and does a great job at anything short here are my conclusions. Most major brands of a brush hog’s work. It took out young First, for us a standard push or self- have at least a canes just fine but shut down the propelled mower is out. Too much real couple of electric blades when they came in contact with estate to cover and though I often act offerings in their Spring is here and Larry Plesent is ready to use his e-mower again. Courtesy photo. small saplings. Smart machine! Appar- like one, I am not a kid with bound- mix. Maybe you ently smarter than the owner operating less energy anymore. Looking at the enjoy fussing with finicky small engines electric go cart with two grass cutting it. The RYOBI charges quickly at twelve ride-on mowers made me somewhat that sit in a cold garage eight months out fans underneath. It is steered by using volts (compared to the car) and runs for depressed. Was I turning into yet an- of the year, but for most of us; probably two levers rather than a wheel, which 2-1/2 hours or more on a single charge. other silver-haired guy endlessly riding not our favorite hobby. What if there was takes a couple of hours of practice to That’s over two acres of mowing. around on his mower waiting for his no gasoline to mess around with and to master. The RYOBI mower has a low-speed If you want to reclaim YOUR week- next medical emergency? inhale, no oil to change, no spark plugs to button which is terrific for newbies like ends while having fun and reduce I came dangerously close to buying a check, clean and replace, no starter fluids me still developing his chops. Despite not only your carbon output but your well- rated and reliable $2,000 ride-on and no replacement starter ropes or dirty my best efforts, I quickly drove the new cancer and asthma loads through zero with a 52” deck before finally coming to carburetors? And especially, what if we mower into the ditch alongside our wind- emissions, I highly recommend the my senses. What I needed was a small eliminated the unfiltered emissions that ing rural driveway. It turned out that the RYOBI zero-point mower as an afford- zero-point turn mower. These are those we exhaust into the same atmosphere machine was light enough to muscle out able residential and small-business- often-giant mowers that the profes- that all of us depend on to stay alive? without a tow. Test #1: Passed the drive- property option. The RYOBI is reliable sionals ride or stand on that zip around Fortunately, one company has risen to into-the-ditch test. enough for professional use in high the yard in about one-third the time of the challenge. RYOBI makes a simply awe- Test #2 came when I plugged it in to density residential areas where noise conventional ride on mowers. A smaller some lower cost rechargeable zero-point charge overnight. I had not yet cleaned can be an issue and a smaller mower is nonprofessional gasoline zero-point turn mower. It is carried by Home Depot. out the barn to make room for the new called for. You know, considering how mower starts at about $3000. I bought mine at pre-season sale prices machine, so I kept it outside its first night much I enjoy the mower, maybe I won’t Now for the hard part. and paid $3150. The sales tax was mostly on campus. And of course, it rained. A expand the deck this year after all. I made a personal commitment this covered by the additional 5% discount hard and steady rain at that. Cautiously Larry Plesent is a writer, philosopher New Year’s to systematically phase out received by putting it all on a new Home I wiped down the seat and body with a and natural products formulator living internal combustion engines in my Depot credit card. towel. It started immediately and without and working in the Green Mountains of world. Whenever I buy a new motorized How good is it? Well, a zero-point complaint. Test #2: Passed the left-out-in- central Vermont. Read more at www. device, I pledged to go electric with my mower is very fast, a kind of souped-up the-rain test. vermontsoap.com/category/blog/. SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG April 2021 35

SuccessfulDebra Heleba Farming Practices in the Face of Climate Change already using strategies to soil health—it will support your capac- used cover crops. They can be found at manage their farms to adapt to ity to deal with both extremes. Keep the www.sare.org/resources. extreme weather conditions. ground covered, with roots or mulch In addition, a new interactive online More than 60% said they used or cover crops, to limit erosion during cover crop selection tool is now cover crops and soil health heavy rain events and reduce evapora- available to support decision-making improvements to mitigate risks tion during drought. If you can plan it around cover crops; find it at http:// associated with both heavy into your landscape, [try to] slow and covercrop.tools. precipitation and drought. In catch water from heavy rain events—this Debra Heleba is the regional commu- particular, cover cropping— will limit the damage it does and maybe nications specialist at Northeast SARE. used by 88% of farmers in you’ll be able to store it for when you Funded by the USDA, Northeast SARE the study—was named as an need it during times of drought.” offers competitive grants and sustain- effective strategy to safeguard SARE has published several books and able agriculture education to address vegetable and fruit crops from bulletins on successful farming strate- key issues affecting the sustainability of erratic weather events. gies that may be used in the face of agriculture throughout our region. More White’s research results have climate change, including the bulletins, information: www.northeastsare.org. important environmental and “Cultivating Climate Resilience on Farms Alissa White shared results of her Northeast SARE-funded social implications. The prac- and Ranches” research project looking at climate change impacts on vegetable tices farmers are using protect and “Smart Wa- and berry farms at a national conference. soil and water quality and pro- ter Use on Your vide additional environmental Farm or Ranch.” When farmers and growers through- benefits. White also recognized that Both highlight out the Northeast go to work, they farmers appreciated discussions with SARE-funded know they will face unpredictable other farmers about climate change. She research on weather. After all, Mark Twain’s adage, said, “…farmers thanked us for bringing practices like “If you don’t like the weather in New up climate-impacts because no one else conservation till- England, just wait a few minutes,” was talking about it.” White found that age, cover crops, referred to New England’s erratic farmers rely on farmer-to-farmer knowl- composting and weather conditions. However, experts edge exchanges as the primary ways crop rotations. predict that global climate change they learn about these practices and SARE’s popular means that the Northeast will see even noted that farmer networks are critical books, “Building more volatility in both the intensity for continued learning and peer support. Soils for Better and frequency of weather extremes Results of White’s project are available at Crops 3rd Edi- over the coming decades. https://projects.sare.org/sare_project/ tion” and “Man- Since excessive wet and dry condi- gne17-163/. aging Cover tions can lead to crop losses, it is im- Based on what she learned, White Crops Profitably,” portant to understand the strategies advises farmers and gardeners to plan provide practi- farmers can use in the face of climate for both wet and dry conditions. She cal information change. The University of Vermont’s said, “These weather extremes are hap- on ecological soil Cover crops in a melon field. Cover crops can increase water infiltration and water- Alissa White sought to do just that. pening more frequently and that’s not management holding capacity making them an effective strategy for mitigating risks related to cli- She secured a grant from the North- going to change anytime soon. Invest in and commonly mate change. Photos: Candice Huber, Northeast SARE. east Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program (SARE) to uncover practical strategies farmers

may use to proactively address climate FILM FESTIVAL EARTH DAY change-related risks on their farms. White reached out to more than 350 MONADNOCK REGION vegetable farmers and fruit growers through surveys and focus groups to learn what farmers were currently doing and how they were planning to manage weather-related risks. She said, “The project started from a place of recognizing that farmers were already adapting and innovat- ing in the face of the extreme weather impacts of climate change. I think they really appreciated being recognized as experts in what they do and being acknowledged for being on the front lines of climate change. Farmers are adapting to climate change in many different ways, and there are a lot PRESENTED BY: of successful strategies being used • MONADNOCK INTERNATIONAL within the farming community that we FILM FESTIVAL can learn from.” Her research revealed that the • FEAST ON THIS! FILM FESTIVAL majority of farmers she reached were Shop Co-ops APRIL 22-24 Co-operativesShop are businesses Co-ops that are member- Co-operativesowned collectively are businesses managed thatby paid are staffmember- and A FREE VIRTUAL EVENT TO owneda member-elected collectively managed board of directors.by paid staff Values and includea member-elected democracy, boardself-help of directors.and a concern Values for CELEBRATE & CULTIVATE A include democracy, self-help and a concern for families and the community. MORE RESILIENT WORLD

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good.local.people. Monadnock Food Co-op, 34 Cypress St., Keene 36 April 2021 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 NEW ‘MOW ELECTRIC!’ CAMPAIGN The Mow Electric! campaign is a grass-roots, GUIDE TO ADVERTISERS RESOURCES community-powered initiative promoting the Apex Solar Power 13 350-Vermont: General group that coordinates a variety of statewide actions. transition to battery-electric lawn care equip- ment uses for both residential and commercial AWEB Supply 40 To join this group go to: http://350vermont.org applications. This campaign is based on the Ayer Electric 11 understanding that human-caused climate American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy: aceee.org change poses an existential threat, and that Camp W 20 American Solar Energy Society (ASES): www.ases.org the US lawn care industry’s annual consump- Catamount Solar 8 tion of billions of gallons of fossil fuels is no ClimateMaster 23, 24 Backwoods Solar: Specialty: solar, off-grid - www.backwoodssolar.com longer acceptable now that practical and cost-effective electric alternatives are widely Cyclewise 4 Carbon Tax: carbontax.org available. This transition to electric lawn care Dexter Brown 25 equipment will reduce the vast sums of money Clean Energy NH: www.cleanenergynh.org/ EarthKind Homes 29 leaving the region to pay for imported fossil Eden Renewables 13 CO2.Earth: See emissions harms, scientific advice, and pathways to follow. www.co2.earth fuel and will also improve the quality of life in our communities by reducing noise and air EEI 23 Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings, Heating, Appliances, Refrigerator Guide, Building pollution. Efficiency Vermont 31 The Mow Electric! campaign is focused Envelope, Driving: http://aceee.org/consumer on raising the awareness among Vermont- Egg Geothermal 16 Dept. Public Svc. (CEDF): publicservice.VT.gov/energy/ee_cleanenergyfund.html ers regarding the significant ecological and Elmore Roots 34 economic benefits of electric lawn equipment, Energica of New England 4 Dsireusa.com: Renewables & Efficiency. Find state, local, utility, & federal incentives for renewable ener- with the goal of rapidly and dramatically increasing the use of e-lawn care equipment Farmway 20 gy & energy efficiency. www.dsireusa.com by homeowners and renters, businesses, multi- Farmyard Store 24 Efficiency VT: A must-go-to site for immeasurable amounts of info. www.efficiencyvermont.com family property owners, institutions, local and Foodscraps360 18 state government, and lawn care contractors. Fortress Power 11 Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Clearinghouse (EREC): eetd.lbl.gov The campaign also hopes to influence policy efforts and legislation that would expand Froling Energy 22 Energy Guide: Unbiased advice about today’s energy choices. Find ways to save, lower your bills & help the use of electric lawn equipment, as well as Green Mountain Bikes 4 the earth’s environment - www.energyguide.com other emission-reducing technologies within Green-E-Mowers 38 the public and private sectors. Energy Star Federal Tax Credits: www.energystar.gov/about/federal_tax_credits. Here are some ways you can get involved Greenvest 19 EFFICIENT COMFORT in the Mow Electric! campaign: Hanover Consumer Coop 39 Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC): www.ferc.gov • Provide a product review if you use Heritage Natural Finishes 37 Fossil Fuel Freedom: Group working to make Vermont’s energy plan 100% free of fossil fuels: battery-electric lawn care equipment. • Provide an e-lawn care testimonial if you High Peaks Solar 13 To join this group go to: groups.google.com/group/fossil-fuel-freedom- use battery-electric lawn care equipment or Iron Edison 10 hire an e-lawn care contractor and inspire Kramer Services 30 Home Energy Saver: Interactive site to help you identify & calculate energy savings opportunities in your home. other Vermonters to make the switch. Kroka Expeditions 20 A lot of great information! - hes.lbl.gov • Become a local Mow Electric! ambas- sador to answer questions and demonstrate KW Management 32 IREC/ Interstate Renewable Energy Council: RE educational info. www.irecusa.org equipment to residents in your town who are LEDdynamics 30 considering making the switch. NABCEP/ North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners: This organization that tests & Littleton Food Co-op 35 • Encourage lawn care contractors to start Loewen Window Center 28 certifies PV system installers. Individuals are Certified, companies are not. www.nabcep.org using battery-electric equipment. • Become a Mow Electric! champion. Mean Green Mowers 37 NESEA/ Northeast Sustainable Energy Assoc.: www.nesea.org The Mow Electric! campaign offers a variety Middlebury Natural Foods Co-op 35 of tools and resources to individuals who want Monadnock Food Co-op 35 National Association of Energy Service Co. (NAESCO): www.naesco.org to help advance the goals of the Mow Electric! National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL): www.nrel.gov campaign in their local communities. These Montpelier Construction 29 include: an interactive spreadsheet comparing New England Comm. Solar Services 32 NeighborWorks® Alliance of Vermont: Low-cost energy loans - www.vthomeownership.org the operating costs and environmental impacts NH Electric Co-op (NHEC) 6, 22 of battery-electric versus gas-powered lawn New York Solar Energy Industries Association/NYSEIA www.nyseia.org care equipment, sample newspaper articles or NH Rural Renewables 19 New York Solar Energy Society (NYSES): www. nyses.org letters to the editor, and contact information for Norwich Solar Technologies 12 the national e-mowing advocacy organizations O’meara Solar 8 NFRC independent rating & labeling system for the windows, doors, skylights www.nfrc.org/ Quiet Communities and the American Green Zone Alliance (AGZA). Open Sash 28 NH Energy Divison: www.nh.gov/osi/energy/index.htm Visit the Mow Electric! website to learn PlugOut Power 6 Renewable Energy World: www.renewableenergyworld.com more: www.mowelectric.org. Power Guru 9 Renewable Energy Vermont: www.revermont.org RELiON Batteries 9 SUBSCRIPTION FORM RenewAire 25 SEIA/ Solar Energy Industries Association: The SEIA Tax Manual to answer your solar related tax ques- Resilient Buildings Group 30 1 YR…$30 2 YRS…$50 3 YRS…$65 tions. www.seia.org R R R ReVision Energy 11 SmartPower: www.smartpower.org name______Rock Art Brewery 38 SnowDragon Solar 11 Solar Components: www.solar-components.com address______Solaflect Energy 10 Solar Jobs: Listed by city, state, and district, SolarStates.org Solartech 9 Solar Power Rocks: Impressive data and info ,including per state. www.solarpowerrocks.com/ city.state.zip______Southern VT Solar 8 Solar Store of Greenfield, MA Stock & install a wide variety of solar & environmentally friendly tech- Steven Winter Associates 29 phone______SunCommon 12 nologies. SolarStoreofGreenfield.com Sustainable Heating Organization 22 email______Tax Incentives Assistance Project (TIAP): www.energytaxincentives.org TARM Biomass 40

The Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE): develops & deploys efficient & clean website______Tiny Solar Vermont 9 Tradewater 37 energy technologies that meet our nation’s energy needs - www.eere.energy.gov Offer good in U.S. only. Canada: $US 34.00. Foreign: $US 40.00. Upper Valley Co-op 35 Vermont Energy and Climate Action Network (VECAN): works to start and support town energy Gift subscriptions available! Vermont Custom Seeding 37 committees as a powerful, people-powered response to realizing a clean energy future. www.vecan.net. One year = 6 Issues. Vermont Passive House 28 VPIRG: understand the clean energy resources available to VT - www.vpirg.org/cleanenergyguide Please send check to Vermont Soap Organics 38 1749 Wright’s Mountain Road, W.S. Badger 21 VT Energy Investment Corporation (VEIC): nonprofit organization that issues home energy ratings for Bradford, Vermont 05033 We Clean Heat Pumps 24 new & existing homes. 800-639-6069 - www.veic.org 802.439.6675 Wright Construction Co., Inc. 25 [email protected] Weatherization, Energy Star & Refrigerator Guide: www.waptac.org www.greenenergytimes.org Zone 6 Energy 30 IT’S A GREEN LIFE - AFTER ALL WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG April 2021 37

scure. Cleaner, safer paints tend to be more have animal origins, such as casein, a milk expensive, but Behr puts out a zero VOC line protein, and shellac, a resin exuded by the Green, Clean Paint of paint that is more affordable. Green paints female lac beetle. Jessie Haas are especially important in well-insulated For an eco-friendly ethical design con- Spring light always the greenhouse houses with a tight thermal envelope, so if effect. tractor look for National Association of the seems to reveal mess you’ve done your work in that regard, you Remodeling Industry (NARI) certification, and dinginess that has But it’s their owe it to yourself to choose paint wisely. contribution or Leadership in Energy and Environ- accumulated over the Look out for biocides/fungicides, toxic pig- mental Design (LEED) certifications and winter and, for centu- to poor indoor ments, and VOCs. EPA requirements allow no air quality that experience. ries, has kicked off the more than 250 grams per liter (g/l) of VOCs Source links available on our website. ritual known as ‘spring has given VOCs in latex paint labeled low VOC, no more than their bad name, Jessie Haas lives in an off-grid cabin in cleaning.’ Painting has 250 g/l in oil-based low VOC paint. Some Westminster West, VT.. She is the author of long been a part of and they have makers including Behr and Sherwin Williams over 40 books for children and adults. spring cleaning. In the other common have lower options between 50 and 150 g/l, old days it was most Flickr/United Soybean Board sources which and some have zero. Low VOC interior latex often whitewashing, accumulate in paints come in matte, eggshell, and semi- which used a solution of water and slaked the home. Paints, strippers, solvents, wood gloss finishes. For exterior use, Behr has an lime or calcium carbonate. In older houses preservatives, aerosol sprays, cleaners acrylic, low VOC paint that resists mildew, you may still see traces of this white paint and disinfectants, moth repellents and air fading, and staining. in dirt cellars or old dairy barns, but it was fresheners, stored fuels and automotive Other options include milk paint, which is used as exterior paint too. Whitewash is products, hobby supplies, dry-cleaned made of milk protein, limestone, clay, chalk, mildly antibacterial, and when applied clothing, pesticides, building materials and natural pigments. Milk paint is biodegrad- repeatedly on rough surfaces, such as furnishings, office equipment chemicals, able with no VOCs. Powder is mixed with barn interiors, removes debris as it flakes graphic and craft materials including glues, water to a thin creamy consistency and is and drops to the floor. Whitewashing was markers, and photographic solutions, are all used for wood furniture or lime plastered also nontoxic. sources of VOCs. They cause eye, nose, and walls. Chalk paint gives furniture a distressed Today our impulse to whiten and throat irritation, headaches, loss of coordina- matte finish, with no prep needed other brighten our homes is a lot more prob- tion, nausea, damage to liver, kidney, central than cleaning; it offers low VOCs and can be lematic. Paint manufacturing is a signifi- nervous system damage, and cancer. used indoor and out. Ceramic paint is antimi- cant source of pollution, and paints and Luckily there are many ways to avoid VOCs crobial and low VOC. It is durable, repels stains can contribute to unhealthful in- and other harmful aspects of paint. The sim- smoke, dirt, and bacteria, and eliminates door air. The worst of the worst, ironically, plest may be to hire an eco-friendly painting growth of mold and mildew. Linseed oil is the color we associate with cleanness. service and leave it all to them. If you want paint is solvent-free, made of flax oil and ® White paint is most often pigmented with or need to be more minutely involved, check natural pigments, and it can be used on titanium dioxide (TiO2). This has high em- out The Good Trade, which lists eight enviro- wood, masonry, metal and plastic indoors mentally friendly paint lines on its werbsite. All natural, high quality, bodied energy. Emissions during manu- and out. penetrating oil finishes and facturing include CO2, N2O, SO2, NOX, Some are from nationally known companies People living a vegan lifestyle may want CH4, and volatile organic compounds like Sherwin Williams. Others are more ob- to bear in mind that some paint ingredients beeswax-based waxes for (VOCs). The waste stream includes spent preserving and enhancing all acid and metal sulfates. Raw materials types of woodwork. Fine are derived from scarce resources. TiO2 is also implicated in the high rate of cancer finishes for every part of your among professional painters. (Colored home. pigmets can have impacts, but generally are not as intense.) When buying a white or light-colored paint, look for one that Beautiful. Simple. Natural. is water-based paint (the vast majority of paints available to the consumer), with Contact us for free samples: low TiO2 content, low quantities of binder, and low levels of organic solvents. info@heritagenaturalfinishes.com VOCs are the element of paint hazard (541) 844-8748 that most people have heard of. These come from solvents added to help paint P.O. Box 97 dry, to facilitate mixing, or to provide Philomath, OR 97370 better coverage. After application, they can continue to emit for up to a year. VOCs www.HeritageNaturalFinishes.com react with oxygen to form an ozone layer in the presence of sunlight, contributing to smog and to global warming as part of

ReducingNEW INCENTIVES Climate Pollution FOR and ELECTRIC Saving Money LAWNMOWERS for Vermonters 38 April 2021 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 IT’S A GREEN LIFE - AFTER ALL

1.56Dr. Teale Phelps BondaroffBillion Face Masks tives,are and encourage Just other companies the to point.B Othereginning policies should include As a result of the reduce their use of plastic. such measures as educating the public COVID-19 pandemic, the Governments have a central role about, and removing barriers to, safe production and use of to play in efforts to reduce single-use mask disposal, coupled with effective personal protective equip- plastic. There are a wide range of policy fines for littering. Governments should ment (PPE), such as masks instruments that can be implemented, also support innovation and the de- and gloves, has skyrocket- which include measures designed to velopment of reusable and sustainable ed. While PPE offers impor- change consumer behaviour, bans on alternatives to single-use plastics and tant protection from the unnecessary products, market-based accelerating efforts to reduce their use. virus, its improper disposal instruments, legislation designed to hold Dr. Teale Phelps Bondaroff is the has led to a surge in plastic producers accountable, and incentive Director of Research for OceansAsia, a pollution. and support programs. With respect to marine conservation organization based In late February 2020, masks, governments should implement in Hong Kong. You can learn more about about six weeks after Co- policies designed to encourage the use the organization at www.oceansasia. vid-19 had reached Hong of reusable masks. The release of guide- org and about Dr. Phelps Bondaroff and Kong, OceansAsia team lines regarding the proper manufacture his research at www.teale.ca. members visited a remote and use of cloth masks is a good starting beach on the Soko Islands, south of Lantau. Along Gary Stokes, Director of Operations for OceansAsia, holds up dozens of 100 meters of beach they face masks collected on the Soko Islands, Hong Kong (Image: Naomi found 70 single-use plastic Brannan/OceansAsia.org) face masks. On every subsequent visit to a beach, our teams systems, leading to the loss of more have found dozens of masks. plastic into the environment. PPE also After breaking this story, we set presents challenges to waste manage- about to determine how many face ment systems as it is very difficult to masks were likely entering our oceans. recycle, particularly because it is often From a global production projection made from multiple materials, and due of 52 billion masks for 2020, and as- to safety concerns. suming a conservative 3% loss rate, Our oceans are filling with plastic and we estimate that at least 1.56 billion we must act now. Action is needed at ev- masks entered our oceans in 2020. This ery possibly level to address the serious amounted to between 4,680 and 6,240 threat posed by marine plastic pollution. metric tonnes of plastic pollution. When possible, individuals should Unfortunately, face masks are just choose to wear reusable masks and a small part of marine plastic pollu- masks made from sustainable materi- tion, and they constitute a fraction of als. Masks should always be disposed the more than 8 million metric tons of responsibly. In general, we should of plastic that enters our oceans each all strive to reduce our consumption of year. This plastic does not go away, unnecessary single-use plastic, purchase but rather accumulates, breaking up from companies that offer these alterna- into smaller and smaller pieces. The typical surgical mask, for example, is made from melt blown polypropylene and could take as long as 450 years to break up in the marine environment, all the while serving as a source of micro plastic and having a negative impact on marine wildlife and ecosys- tems. Plastic pollution has impacts on wildlife and ecosystems in a number of ways. Larger pieces of plastic can en- tangle wildlife, leading to limb ampu- tation, suffocation, and death, as well as scour and destroy corals. Smaller pieces of plastic are easily ingested, and can bioaccumulate in animals and bio magnify in predators. Plastic ad- sorbs toxins, so that when ingested it can poison animals, sometimes killing them outright, and in other instances weakening them so that they are more susceptible to disease and predation. It is estimated that annually marine plastic pollution kills 100,000 marine mammals and turtles, over a million seabirds, and even greater numbers of fish, invertebrates and other marine life. Plastic pollution also has profound impacts on coastal communities, fish- eries, and economies. Unfortunately, not only has the consumption of single-use plastic PPE increased dramatically during the pandemic, but so too has the consumption of plastic in general. Concerns about hygiene and a greater reliance on take-away and home- delivered food have led to increased plastic waste production. At the same time, a number of measures designed to reduce plastic consumption, such as single-use plastic bag bans, have been delayed, paused, or rolled back. Increased waste production has over- whelmed many waste management Local Ski Areas Get Green Done Cont’d from p. 1 OOho Pods Cont’d from p. 30

IT’S A GREEN LIFE - AFTER ALL WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 April 2021 39 The Environmental Impact of Our Choices Marc Morgan We are all familiar with the Disposal is not the only issue with practices and to choose to reuse for the 3R’s: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. single use water bottles. According to entire month. For the 2021 Refill NOT This concept of managing a 2017 report by Food & Water Watch, Landfill campaign, we are focusing on our waste is now taught to nearly 64% of bottle water comes from a reducing the consumption of bottled our children as soon as they municipal water source. That means that water and asking folks to drink local… get into school. Many young- consumers in the Upper Valley are spend- at the tap. sters are learning it at home, ing more than 700 times the price of tap This month, do your part to reduce before they get to school. water because it comes in a bottle. This single-use bottled water by: buying The 3R’s are the pre- water is also traveling long distances. In in bulk; if you need to, carry a water amble to what is commonly some cases, bottled water is coming from bottle, and if you are eating out, ask for referred to as the solid waste the other side of the country; Nestle water tap water. management hierarchy. The has bottling plants in California. The envi- For more information about partici- hierarchy presents man- ronmental impact of transporting water pating in this year’s campaign, check agement options in order thousands of miles cannot be ignored. out www.lebanonnh.gov/1290/refill- of preference. Reducing So, what is the alternative? Simple. not-landfill. waste is the option given 43.7 gallons of bottled water; Use a reusable water bottle. In one year, Marc Morgan is the Lebanon, NH Solid highest preference and up nearly 4% from 2018. using a reusable water bottle prevents the Waste Manager for the Department disposal is obviously the That amounts to more than creation of nearly 1,500 plastic bottles. of Public Works. To learn more, check least preferred option 40 billion bottles annually. That is a whole lot of plastic. Avoiding the their website at https://lebanonnh.gov/ for waste. Unfortunately, The production of plastic creation of the bottle reduces the amount Waste-Recycling or call 603-298-6486. these options are not bottles alone accounts for of waste making its way always easy to implement. the equivalent greenhouse gas into a landfill. Recycling provides a great emissions of 800,000 cars on the Refilling at the tap also compromise. road annually. reduces your transporta- It is clear why reducing There is no doubt that drink- tion footprint. Since many waste is more preferred than ing water is a healthy choice, but brands of bottled water are disposal, but why would reuse be what is the impact of all those bottles and produced far from consum- better than recycling? Both options is there a better option? ers, using local municipal reduce the amount of waste making its Single use plastic bottles are recyclable. water resources is not only way to a landfill. Right? According to the National Association for good for the environment To illustrate the environmental PET Container Resources (NAPCOR), the but will save you money. impacts from reuse vs recycling; I will recycling rate for PET containers (plastic The City of Lebanon’s use single-use bottled water as an beverage bottles) is less than 30%. Most Solid Waste Division sets example. We are all familiar with these single-use bottles are making their way the month of April aside as small plastic bottles. They can be found into landfills and incinerators. Very often “Refill NOT Landfill” month. at conferences, gas stations, vending single-use water bottles are consumed During this campaign, machines and in our home refrigera- away from home where recycling options Lebanon partners with the Coop Food Stores by ask- Green-minded grocery shoppers spend more time in the bulk-products aisle tors. The Beverage Marketing Corpora- may be limited. More than 45 million than your average consumer, given their preference for avoiding disposable tion stated in a recent report that in barrels of oil are required annually to pro- ing upper valley residents single-use packaging on products. Image: leyla.a, FlickrCC. 2019 the average American consumed duce our bottled water packaging. to think about their waste

Take the Refill NOT Landfill Pledge!

The Co-op Food Stores has teamed up with the City of Lebanon’s Solid Waste Division to encourage Upper Valley residents to choose to reuse during April. This year’s focus is reducing bottled water consumption and asking folks to drink local…at the tap.

For more information about participating in this year’s campaign, check out lebanonnh.gov/1290/refill-not-landfill

<< Sign up for the REFILL pledge and be entered to win a reusable/refillable prize package (like the one shown here!). Each week during April, winners will be randomly selected from those who have taken the pledge.

www.coopfoodstore.coop Hanover, Lebanon, and White River Junction 40 April 2021 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675

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