ISSUE 44 • June-Aug 2017 SUMMER EDITION - CONGRATULATIONS HANOVER, NH: 100% RENEWABLE GOAL! FREE! SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS FOR VT, NH, MA, NY and Beyond R S! EA Y 8

Energy Independence, Energy Efficiency, Sustainable Living and MORE! www.greenenergytimes.org | 802.439.6675 Lobsters in Trouble Hanover Pledges to Go 100% Renewable HOW ARE THEY GOING TO DO IT?

Is climate change affecting New England Lobsters? Turn to p.35 Rebellion! By George Harvey Donald Trump would abdicate America’s climate leadership. But states, towns, cities, schools, busi- nesses, and ordinary people are stepping up to make America great again. And that just may be the year’s biggest Hanover, NH, 29th US municipality to commit to replacing fossil fueled energy with renewable energy. Image: Dartmouth Flickr story. By Rick Wackernagel By withdrawing from the Paris Agreement, Donald Trump left America’s seat at the table On May 9, 2017, the townspeople of ies and towns adopting 100%-renewable Club’s “Ready for 100” program to the empty. But the states of California, Washing- Hanover, New Hampshire voted to make goals are San Diego, Atlanta and Moab, Upper Connecticut River Valley region of ton, and New York formed the U.S. Climate their town the 29th municipality in the Utah. Burlington, Vermont, also on the list, Vermont and New Hampshire. Communi- Alliance to take up leadership, representing United States to commit to getting all its is the first city in the U.S. to derive all its ties participating in the program commit America. They have been formally joined by energy from renewable sources. It was the electricity from renewable sources. to working individually and collaboratively nine other states in the alliance, including first U.S. municipality in which residents This renewable Hanover tale begins to transition away from fossil-fuel energy the New England states of Connecticut, Mas- approved this goal by popular vote. That about two years ago. Judi Colla, of the to clean, renewable energy. The Sierra Club sachusetts Rhode Island, and Vermont. vote was unanimous. Sierra Club Upper Valley Group, saw an provides its expertise in helping communi- Ten other states that have not yet formally Hanover plans to be 100% renewable opportunity in a request for proposals ties organize to deal with environmental joined announced they would meet the cli- in electricity by 2030, and in heating and from the Sierra Club national organization problems, and access to its national re- mate targets, as did the District of Columbia. transportation by 2050. Among other cit- and applied for a grant to bring the Sierra search and grant-making Cont’d on p.20 Hawaii went even further, making its target legally binding. A second organization working on meet- ing the Paris Agreement climate targets is Reprinted with permission from Union of Concerned Scientists, Catalyst, the Mayors National Climate Action Agenda. Clean Energy Momentum Volume 16, Spring 2017. Read more at http://bit.ly/ics-state-report. Cities and towns have joined this group so New Union of Concerned Scientists fast that it is hard to know how high the analysis shows that renewable energy number has gone. The last official count - Ratings for the Top 10 States - we could find was 323. These communities is riding a wave of momentum in states represent over 64 million Americans. across the country. Which states are Yet another group that has taken up the leading the way to a cleaner future? cause is We Are Still In. On June 5, this group announced that it had 1,219 members, in- Cont’d on p.23 cluding states, mayors, businesses, investors, and institutions of higher education. A press IN THIS ISSUE: release said the organization represents 120 million Americans, and $6.2 trillion in invest- E-bikes, buses, and EV’s pp. 4-6 ments. Solar Projects Growing in NH-VT p.8 The European Union, China, and India have all indicated willingness to take up NY Solar PV Happenings pp. 10-11 America’s leadership position. But they also Local Area Energy Initiatives p.12 said the place at the table abdicated by Don- ald Trump could be filled by other represen- Wind Needed in Northeast p.14 tatives of the country. Hanover 100% Renewable pp. 20-21 This issue of Green Energy Times has several relevant stories. Please see Carl NH Zero Energy Builders pp. 26-28 Pope’s article, “Withdrawal from the Climate Schools Turn To Renewables p. 33 Accord,” on page 3; a staff article, “Governor Cuomo Announces a Major Climate and Jobs To determine the clean energy momentum state ranking, UCS analyzed the 50 states on 12 metrics, such as job Sustainable Businesses pp.18,38 Initiative, on page 10; Chris Gillespie’s “More creation, pollution reduction, renewable energy in the electricity generation mix, and policies to advance clean energy. California leads the way, with strong showings on eight metrics and the number one position in electric States Aim to Go 100% Renewable,” on A SolAr vehicle adoption. (A state’s overall score is the total of their metric scores. The highest possible score is 120.) page 14; John Gage’s “Climate Activity that G.E.T. IT! Powered Makes a Difference,” on page 18; an article ComPAny by Dr. Alan K Betts, “Clarity and Courage Are Needed Now,” on page 25; and Kirsti Blow’s “Trump, Ticks, and Wind,” also on page 25. This edition of Green Energy Times REEN ENERGY T MES And hold your head high. is brought to you with support from: G ... be energy independent! ™ GREEN ENERGY TIMES (G.E.T.) the other side of the fence. Enjoy it. Ck out our Ad Size Dimensions GREEN ENERGY TIMES (G.E.T.) Sustainable Sports section on pp. 38-39. TABLETABLE OF OF CONTENTSCONTENTS 17491749 Wright’s Wright’s MountainMountain Road • Bradford, VTVT 0503305033 Please have fun responsibly, not only EDITORS’ PAGE, SUBSCRIPTIONS ...... 2 t/f: 802.439.6675 • [email protected] for the sake of a future, environmentally but Button 2.3125 x 1.375 t/f: 802.439.6675 • [email protected] NET METERING EXPANSION ...... 3 G.E.T.’G.E.T.’s COMMUNICATIONSs STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS TEAM: TEAM: Summer! What a great season we have in also with your own health in mind. Check out NEWS & VIEWS … 3 Publisher/Editor/Production ...... Nancy Rae Mallery front of us. Let’s make it a summer of awareness the sunscreen recipe on p. 35, and the tips TRANSPORTATION SECTION ...... 4 6 Publisher/Editor/Production ...... Nancy Rae Mallery CARL POPE - TRUMP WITHDRAWAL...... 3 1/16 Page vert. 2.3125 x 3 General Factotum ...... George Harvey and not forget the planet or our future while we throughout the It’s a Green Life ... after all section RHOADES CAR, NO IDLING IS A LAW ...... 4-6 General Factotum ...... George Harvey Copy Editor ...... Ray Brewster are doing all of the summer things we do! in the back of this issue. WINDEV FORUM, TURBINE SMART GENOCIDE COMMUTING...... 36 Copy Editor ...... Ray Brewster Awesome Saucegirl ...... Michelle Harrison This issue is full of ways to accomplish just While i love sports, for me gardening also TRANSPORTATION SECTION ...... 4-8 1/8 Page horiz. 4.875 x 3 Coordinating Director...... Michelle Harrison that - with our main feature all about Building Brings me such contentment and wonderful COMMUNITY NEWS ...... 6 7 Web Editors ...... George Harvey, Daniel Hoviss NISSAN LEAF - FUEL CELL CARS...... 4 ADesign/Layout huge special thank...... you to allCarrie of our Fradkin, contributing Nancy Rae writers! Mallery, Effi ciently, which is one of the two big issues organic food for the summer and winter that SOLAR FARMS; GREEN BIKES PROJECT ...... 7 1/8 Page vert. 2.3125 x 6.1875 Ad Design/Layout ...... Nancy Rae Mallery, P.J. Fischer that we all need to tackle for a carbon-free will be coming along. Our Agriculture section is WHYRENEWABLE RIDE E-BIKES ENERGY - ELECTRIC GENERATION BUSES ...... 8 17 5 Printing Valley News Lebanon, NH Using Recycled News-print & future. full of great info you will enjoy and fi nd helpful. Printing...... Valley NewsSmudge-Free Lebanon, NH UsingEnvironmentally 100% Recycled Safe News- Inks* GUIDESOLAR TO PHOTOVOLTAICS PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION ...... 8 126 1/6 Page 4.875 x 4.125 print & Smudge-Free Environmentally Safe Inks* On the front cover, you will read just how While we did not cover the terrible news Advertising: .....Nancy Rae Mallery, Bradford, VT 802.439.6675 about Michael Rupert’s passing, we do want to MARCHIONNE’SG.E.T. TO KNOW YOUR BET SOLARAGAINST INSTALLERS HISTORY ...... 78 [email protected] some are tackling this problem with the effi cient Advertising Team: make-overs in Rutland, Vt. A cover article also take a moment to honor the legendary life that ...... Michelle Harrison, Londonderry, NH 603.437.0167 RENEWABLESOLAR IS INEXPENSIVE ENERGY GENERATION ...... 8-1510 1/4 Page vert. 4.875 x 6.1875 helps to simply the IPCC Report and the climate he devoted to what he foresaw for our planet ...... Nancy Rae [email protected], Bradford, VT 802.439.6675 SOLARFEST - 20 YEARS! ...... 12 [email protected] mitigations that we need to take note of and DO and our future before many of us even had a COMMUNITY SOLAR GROWS IN NH & VT...... 8 ...... DanaMichelle Rubin, Harrison, Burlington, Londonderry, VT 802.922.6534 NH 603.437.0167 dana@ GEOTHERMAL & MICROHYDRO NEWS ...... 14 1/4 Page horiz. 10 x 3 greenenergytimes.org something about. clue. I know that he was responsible for opening GMP & TESLA BATTERIES...... 9 [email protected] Solar is feverishly moving forward with my eyes, from an old A.M. Coast to Coast a good WIND: ...... LindsayVicki Miller,Moore ,Sheffield, Danville, VT 802.748.2655802.626.9440 NY SOLAR -COMMUNITY...... 10 [email protected] examples all over the region -- beit on a com- 15 yrs ago. It made me cry with horror of the WHY VT & NOT KANSAS? ...... 15 1/3 Page horiz. 10 x 4.125 [email protected] munity scale, homes, as well as businesses - it’s future that we are not facing. I only hope that SOLARIZE ALBANY...... 11 ...... Don Smallwood,Mary Yuryan, No. Keene, Hero, VTNH 802.373.3309603.762-9314 INCENTIVES ...... 16 17 [email protected]@greenenergytimes.org happening! We have a lot of great news about he understood the impact he had on so many NEW YORK SOLAR - OXFORD LIBRARY...... 11 1/2 Page horiz. 10 x 6.1875 ...... Bill Driscoll, Bath, NH 603.747.2160 solar, wind and some exciting info for micro- of us. If you never read his book , Collapse, I LOCALHEATING AREA & ENERGY COOLING INITIATIVES ...... 1812 Distribution: Larry Chase, [email protected] Hinrichs, Hippo Distribution, hydro, for all of you with a potential site. recommend reading it or watching the video. Manchester, NH, Daniel Hoviss, George Lawton, Kika McArthur, SHADE + SHADING _$AVINGS ...... 19 ...... George Keller, So. Randolph, VT 802.763.7472 But, summer is not all about work. We It was printed by our own local Chelsea Green NHEC - NH STATE’S LARGEST SOLAR...... 13 1/2 Page vert. 4.875 x 12.5625 Carl Michaels, Rosalyn Moore, our New York Team, Ray Nuttle, BUILDINGS FOR OUR FUTURE - FEATURE! ...... 20-24 Jodi Ovens, Alan Phenix, [email protected] Philbrick, Larry Plesant, George must not forget to G.E.T. Outdoors! There are Publishing Co. WIND IN VERMONT...... 14 ...... Plumb, AllyBrendan Samuel, JeffD’angelo, & Wenda CT Skelsie,River Valley Don Smallwood, 802.683.5226 Eric many topics that you might fi nd interesting to CORRECTIONSLast but not least: FROM G.E.T. going APRIL, to SolarFest! 2017 GREEN BUILDERS IN OUR MIDST ...... 21 [email protected] INCENTIVES ...... 16-17 2/3 Page 10 x 8.25 Stevens, Mona Sweat, David Van Houten, Jim VanValkenburg, help you survive the season that is upon us. Congratulations to them for 20-years of helping WINDOWS; BUILDING SCIENCE ...... 22-23 Distribution:Barb & Greg Roslyn Whitchurch, Moore, Mona and JuliaSweat, Lloyd George Wright... Plumb, Bill Vacationing and playing locally is a great way to advanceOn page solar 31 in of our the state April and 2017 beyond. issue It’s of a BUSINESS & FINANCIAL...... 18-19. HopefullyPearson, Martywe have Philbrick, not forgotten Larry Plesant, to mention Jessica anyone. Goldblatt, It is Debyour Green Energy Times, the article “Colby- LOW HANGING FRUIT-NEW COLUMN ...... 24 Full Page 10 x 13 help that paves the way to a sustainable, resilient planet! to keep emissions lower. From hiking, to biking, great way to combine play and education and SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS - BAE SYSTEMS...... 18 DeMoulpied, Michael Clark, Larry Chase, Patty Kenyon, Lighthouse Sawyer College Students Partner with NEWS, CLUES, & PRODUCT REVIEWS 25 Distribution,Thank Portsmouth,you all for your NH... help, Hopefully and for we all have you allnot do! forgotten camping, picnicing, swimming, it’s right here - relax and dance the night away with music that CLIMATE ACTIVITY MAKES A DIFFERENCE...... 18 to mentionLet G.E.T. anyone. know It iswhat your YOUhelp that are spreadsdoing forthe ourway planet!to a sustain- where we live, and work. We ARE the ‘greener’ on willPermaCityLife” probably not let incorrectly you stay seated identified out there ENERGY EFFICIENCY: PP 26 27 the instructor in the top left field stud- GREEN DESIGNATED REALTORS...... 19 Please supportable planet, our advertisers. starting here They in the make northeast! G.E.T. happen! under the stars. G.E.T. will be there this year WEATHERIZATION IN NH ...... 26 Thank you all for your help! andies we picture are looking as Todd to help Workman them celebrate instead all of FEATURE: HANOVER = 100% RENEWABLE...... 20-21 ofProfessor their hard workNick andBaer. eff orts. There is only one SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE: PG 28 30 ABOUT G.E.T. HANOVER IS GOING 100% RENEWABLE...... 20 A New De nition of SolarFest.We also If you wanted have never to share been with there our before, START A VEGGIE GARDEN ANYWHERE ...... 28 2 Green Energy Times is produced by 100% solar power, off-grid readers a picture of the ribbon cutting SUSTAINABLE HANOVER’S HISTORY...... 21 with a 3.8 kW PV system. We live and know that Energy Inde- this is the year to make it happen! EMERGING FRONTIERS:GRASS ...... 29 SUSTAINABLE ceremony for the PermaCityLife store- pendence is indeed possible - with clean, sustainable renewable HEATINGPERMACULTURE & COOLING ...... 22-2330 energy along with reducing your needs. We walk the talk! Sustainable means that the people liv- front and field studies office for the Sustainable Learning Initiative. RIVER-SOURCED DISTRICT HEAT PUMP...... 22 Our mission is to create Energy Awareness, Understanding ing in a given politically or geograph- SUSTAINABLE EDUCATION...... 31 and Independence - Socially Responsible Living. CLIMATE CHANGE NEWS...... 24-25 Yellow Black Yellow Magenta Cyan Solar Power works! … anywhere! under the sun! ically䄀唀䜀 defined ㄀㄀ⴀ㄀㌀Ⰰarea do not live㈀ ㄀㜀 beyond TEACHING TEENS; INDIAN MUSEUM ...... 31 DRAWDOWN/CLIMATE OF HOPE...... 24 G.E.T. is published bi-monthly, Feb.15, Apr. 15, Jun.15, Aug. 15, the䨀漀椀渀 limits of 甀猀 the renewable椀渀 䈀漀猀琀漀渀℀ resources CLIMATE CHANGE PG 32 Oct. 15 & Dec.15, by NRM Advertising Company. It is free and of that area for either input (energy DR.REASON ALAN IN K. A BETTS: DARK PLACE-BOOKCLARITY & COURAGE REVIEW...... 2532 available throughout 90% of VT & 80% of NH: the Upper Valley- and matter) or output (food, material St.J.down to Brattleboro,Windsor-Ludlow, Barre-Montpelier-Bur- VTIPCC CLIMATE REPORT RESEARCH -MITIGATION...... EXPLAINED ..... 2532 goods,⌀倀漀猀椀琀椀瘀攀匀漀氀椀搀愀爀椀琀礀 and absorption of pollution). lington, Stowe, Mooretown-Waitsfield, Morrisville, Hardwick, BUILDINGDINING …IN & ENERGY THE GREEN EFFICIENCY ARIANA’S ...... 26-3233 Danville, NEK, Grand Isle, Woodstock-Rutland-Bennington; NH: They purchase or trade from environ- Woodsville-Hanover-W. Leb.-Plainfield, Enfield-Claremont, Newmentally Hampshire’s conscious sourcesLegislature for those Votes NHRESOURCES: ZERO ENERGY PG 34 BUILDERS...... 26-28 Keene-Concord-Plymouth-Laconia, Littleton, & towns in between, necessities that cannot be locally sat- GUIDE TO ADVERTISERS ...... 34 Greenfield Center, MA. New: Rye & Portsmouth, NH to Accelerate Solar Deployment VT’S ZERO ENERGY NOW PROGRAM...... 29 If you would like to have G.E.T. available somewhere you have not isfied. They live both in numbers and SEQUESTERINGINGRED.OF MONTH CARBON - PLASTIC IN BUILDINGS ...... 30-3135 in a manner that allows present and seen it, let us know! Solar advocates throughout the Granite SAVINGSUNSCREEN WATER RECIPE IN SHOWER? ...... 3235 G.E.T. is also online at www.greenenergytimes.org. Statefuture helped generations convince of the all Newlife in Hampshire that SUSTAINABLE LIVING PP 36 39: We encourage you to patronize our advertisers. We strive to selec- legislaturearea to enjoy to vote a healthy in overwhelming habitat over favor Ribbon cutting: Executive Director of PermaCity- SUSTAINABLE EDUCATION...... 33 tively include trust-worthy services & products. G.E.T. cannot be forthe SB129. long This term. historic vote shows that Life Todd Workman, City Manager Elizabeth SCHOOLFOOD COOPS; HAS SOLAR, HOME, WIND SWEET + DREAMING STORAGE ...... 3336 held responsible for advertising claims. Dragon, Mayor Ken Merrifield, Assistant Profes- thereAdopted is wide by thebipartisan Executive support Committee, for clean VT GRILLING; GREENING OF EYECARE ...... 37 Please support our advertisers. Keep it Local! sor of Environmental Studies and Director of RESOURCES, LISTINGS & CLASSIFIEDS ...... 34 energy.Chapter The of thebill Sierramore Club than on doubles Apr11, 2014 the re. - SUSTAINABLE SPORTS PG 38 39 To advertise in G.E.T. contact Account Executives listed above. quirements for solar procurement, removes Sustainability Jen White ’90, Colby-Sawyer Pres- GUIDE TO ADVERTISERS...... 34 By advertising in Green Energy Times or sponsoring us, The same or very similar de nition has ident Susan D. Stuebner and Community Devel- KEEP YOUR EVENT OUT OF LANDFILL ...... 38 the ten kilowatt limit for the residential so- IT’S A GREEN LIFE AFTER ALL...... 35-39 you not only help to create energy awareness, understanding and also been adopted by: Vermonters for opment Coordinator of PermaCityLife Jenisha independence for a sustainable future, but also help to support lar rebate program, and funds Renewable G.E.T. 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ELMORE ROOTS: PLANTS REPEL INSECTS..... 37 Subscriptions: $30/yr. Online or with the form on this page. NH PERMACULTURE DAY...... 37 Green Energy Times would like to thank everyone who has Solarize Rockingham, VT submitted articles or helped in any way to make this all a real- LEGO REACHES 100% RENEWABLE GOAL...... 38 ity. We want to also thank our advertisers & ask that you sup- A unique program to lower cost and increase adoption of renewable energy port them. Say that you saw them in Green Energy Times. Now ECO LAWN MOWING...... 39 let’s all G.E.T. moving ahead towards a clean, renewable future - Starting May 1, 2017 and ending residents, who may not be eligible for one where our children & grandchildren will be able to breathe & December 15, 2017, four local solar loans. Please visit http://solarize.it for grow, live & love on this beautiful planet where we live. SUBSCRIPTION FORM Thank you for reading G.E.T. Please send your comments & sug- companies have agreed to lower their more information. For questions and to 1 YR…$30 2 YRS…$50 3 YRS…$65 gestions to: [email protected] prices and offer the residents and busi- sign up, contact Daniel Hoviss, program JOIN OUR G.E.T. TEAM Disclaimer: G.E.T. allows space to, but does not endorse, contrib- nesses of Rockingham, Vermont a chance coordinator, at 802-254-1410 or daniel@e- name ______uted content from professionals or vendors. to purchase solar at a discount. For this Solutions.org We have numerous positions open to help *G.E.T.’s Carbon Footprint Disclosure. Green Energy TImes is program, installers are working together Rockingham Vermont is on the Con- addressGreen ______Energy Times g.e.t. our message printed on as high of a recycled content paper as one can get - to pool their resources in reaching out to necticut River in Windham County. It city.state.zipout. We ______have positions available for help locally. The printing process uses eco-friendly water-based inks. potential customers. A 15% discount is includes the incorporated villages of Bel- There are not any totally green printers in the area that we are phone ______with many things such as: aware of, so it would mean trucking them MUCH further to have offered on standard installations or pan- lows Falls and Saxtons River. G.E.T. published in a totally green manner, thus increasing car- els in community solar installations. email ______• Distribution • Ad Sales bon emissions, as a consequence. We chose to move from printing Any local business or resident can take • Writing Contributions that used soy based inks because the soy is only used for the col- advantage of the discounts. In addition website ______ors - not black, which is the most prominent color.... G.E.T.’s dis- to the discounts the program is focusing If you have some free time and a desire to help tribution emissions are also kept to a minimum, as well. With the Offto makeer good a in difference, U.S. only. Canada: please $US let34.00. us Foreign:know. $USPerfect 40.00 on providing additional money saving Gift subscriptions available! One year = 6 Issues! wonderful help that we g.e.t. within many communities, it keeps for a retired person looking for something to do, our carbon footprint a bit lower. Hopefully our footprint is offset opportunities for low or middle income please send check to 1749 Wright’s Mountain Road part-time Bradford,or as much Vermont time as 05033 you can give. because we are 100% solar powered! Our Graphic designer, Amy 802.439.6675 Niebel, who owns and operates Double Plus Green, in Brookline [email protected] is also Solar-powered. Because all of our employees work from Help our mission to create a sustainable future for home, our carbon footprint is kept to a minimum. We all grow SOUTHERN VERMONT SOLAR the planet.www.greenenergytimes.org Serious inquires only. Reply to info@ and harvest organically and live as sustainably as possible. We DO Local Clean Energy Solutions Energygreenenergytimes.org Awareness, Understanding or call 802.439.6675. & Independence! walk our talk! Peace! NEWS & VIEWS WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 June 2017 3 including Exxon-Mobil and Chevron? Why make his climate denial such an Withdrawal From the Paris Climate Accord embarrassingly big story? by Carl Pope It’s hard to know through the collaborative response of a wide So this announcement is largely exactly what motivates Donald Trump has array of actors – other countries, U.S. cities, symbolic. Trump also made clear President Trump. My done what Al Gore, many of America’s most powerful states, that he would not honor the guess, though is that he Jim Hansen, climate and hundreds of businesses and civil society commitments President Obama withdrew from Paris pre- scientists, the Sierra organizations. made in his Paris pledge – but cisely because he needed Club and the rest of Trump’s decision to abandon Paris has he was already busy undoing to show his isolationist, the environmental catalyzed, amplified and intensified this as many of those as he could. (Fortunately, America-first followers that he would walk movement could never do – make climate response. We actually, ironically, owe him a far fewer of these climate solutions than the away from a passel of treaties, and that he disruption breaking cable TV news. Trump’s favor. media has implied are actually things Trump rejected diplomacy as a tool of global lead- histrionic, largely symbolic and recklessly Let’s begin with the depressing decision, can reverse – we’re already half-way to meet- ership – in a way that would have fewer self-destructive decision to abandon the and then look at the hope we can all take ing our Paris pledge, and Trump can’t undo real world repercussions than keeping his Paris Climate Agreement means, among from the resistance. history.) And since Paris is a coalition of the campaign promise to terminate NAFTA. other things, that far more Americans knew Trump’s decision to use the established willing, not an enforcement-based agree- Trump ignored the fact that the Paris about the Paris Climate agreement the process to exit Paris, but to remain in the un- ment, Trump was always free to walk away Accord was, for the United States, an unbe- morning after his announcement than 24 derlying Rio Treaty on climate, means it will from our pledges, and knew it. lievably favorable deal, in which everything hours earlier. Never has climate dominated take four years for the U.S. to get out – and So as a practical matter, withdrawing from we agreed to do was something most a news cycle as it did yesterday – even the American people will have a chance to Paris in four years will have no impact on U.S. Americans wanted to do anyway: replace when the Paris Agreement was signed by vote for the next President before we leave. climate emissions between now and 2025. outmoded, expensive and dirty coal power all of the world, (Nicara- Yesterday’s announce- with cheaper, cleaner renewables; stop gua and Syria excepted). ment doesn’t give Trump wasting valuable natural gas by letting it Trump did this by pro- a single additional tool to leak or be flared; provide motorists with viding the climate crisis roll back Obama’s climate cars and trucks and waste less fuel and with what it lacked – a legacy. go farther on a dollar’s worth of gasoline; single villain. He has now So why do it? Why modernize our building stock to reduce cast himself, for most of alienate virtually the utility bills and increase comfort; and re- the global community, as entire global community, place climate-destructive HFC refrigerants a James Bond-style villain, and abandon America’s with modern, American-developed safe a Dr. No or Goldfinger, good standing as a alternatives. plotting global destruc- diplomatic leader? Why His false and inflammatory remarks tion for personal power let China and Germany about the financial implications of the and gain. But he is, in re- step forward into our Paris Agreement were clearly aimed at the ality, President of the Unit- shoes? Why stiff more minority of Americans who believe that ed States – not a character than 1000 American global cooperation hurts the United States, in a movie. And in the real businesses, including and displayed Trump’s usual callousness world the response to hundreds of the biggest, about what most Americans hear or think villainy doesn’t come from who begged Trump not about him – in this case, they are reading a heroic special agent but Demonstrators at Copenhagen Climate Talks in 2009. Flickr to withdraw from Paris, once again he is just not telling the truth. (For example, U.S. support for the Green Climate Fund under Paris is a tiny fraction of the $100 billion Trump cited. And noth- ing in the Paris Agreement hampers the U.S.’s ability to build any particular energy THE SOUND OF WIND TURBINES project it chooses.) AND THE HORROR OF GENOCIDE But Trump’s entire campaign and presi- dency have been premised on the notion By George Harvey The damage is not just that the passion of the minority which sup- In May, as deaths. Scores of millions ports him will enable him to govern, even debate was going of people who have these as the majority rejects his leadership – so on before the diseases and others suf- this is nothing new. Vermont Public fer because our society What is new, however, is the intensity of Service Board is unwilling to move to the response. Many feared — and Steve on the sound of reduce their burdens. And Bannon hoped — that a U.S. withdrawal wind turbines, many of those people live would create a domino collapse of global we got an email in Vermont. confidence in Paris. Instead it greatly solidi- from Sarah Wolfe, A recent study by fied the commitment of Europe, China, VPIRG’s Clean the California chapter Canada and India to filling the gap left by Energy Advocate. of the American Lung American withdrawal, while isolating and It began, “Last Association concluded marginalizing the U.S. in other key diplo- night, someone that of the states studied, matic forums. India’s Narendra Modi com- compared sound six of which are in the mented, “Paris or no Paris, our commitment from wind turbines Northeast, Vermont’s to preserving the climate is for the sake of to genocide. I wish “clean” air had the highest future generations.” I was exaggerating. health costs to those Domestically, Trump has forced a large But this is the kind who breathe it. The study swath of American business, which had of misinformation was limited to the health welcomed the predictability and global and fear-monger- problems arising from consistency of the Paris Agreement, into ing that has filled the use of fossil fuels in public opposition to his Administration, a this discussion. transportation, for which break companies had been very reluctant When someone Vermont’s costs came to to risk. Elon Musk, who had controver- can be applauded $330,000,000 per year, sially clung to his seat as one of Trump’s for publicly com- about $480 per person. economic advisors, walked out in protest. paring the annoyance of a few neighbors to There have been many genocides. One of Since transportation is 47% of our fossil fuel Jeff Immelt tweeted, “Industry must now the senseless murder of thousands, this has special note is going on today. It is a genocide use, the costs given are probably less than lead and not depend on government.” The gone too far.” of randomly chosen victims around the world, half of the total. These are burdens all of us Governors of California, Washington and We should observe a moment of silence in who are being killed at a far greater rate than bear, in our taxes and insurance premiums. New York began assembling a new coali- memory of the millions of people who have the average in Nazi concentration camps. It Clearly, there are reasons to say the sound tion of states willing to challenge Trump died in genocides. kills another person every ten seconds. Most of wind turbines is genocide. One is to and coordinate their climate leadership, The first Nazi concentration camp was of us do not notice it, because we think it is spread fear, to induce others will take up the expecting at least 10, and perhaps as many opened in 1933, and the last was closed normal. It is a mass murder of people who die anti-wind cause. Another is folly, reacting to as 25 participants. Former New York Mayor in 1945. During that time many millions of of lung cancer, asthma, emphysema, chronic the fear spread by others. But one certainly Michael Bloomberg was pulling together people died in those camps. No one really bronchitis, liver cancer, kidney cancer, or other is to prevent one specific real problem wind a broad coalition of cities, states and the knows how many. But taking a medium esti- diseases. Many of these diseases are caused turbines create, which is the declining private sector to prepare an “American mated value, it comes to another human life by air pollution associated with our cars, oil fortune of the fossil fuels industry, the same Pledge”, a replacement set of strategies to lost about every 25 seconds, for twelve years. heating systems, coal-powered electric gener- industry that is costing heavily, by destroying meet America’s Paris commitment to a 26% emissions cut, using state That is pretty horrifying. ating systems, and other uses of fossil fuels. the health and lives of so many. Cont’d on p.14 4 June 2017 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 TRANSPORTATION Nissan Leaf Power Program Green Mountain Power Teams Up with Freedom Nissan to Give Customers $10,000 Off Leaf Purchases Reduce emissions and lower your trans- portation costs with the 2017 Nissan Leaf. Green Mountain Power (GMP) customers who bring their energy state- ments and a special code to Freedom Nissan in South Burlington now through September 30, 2017 will 2017 Nissan Leaf. nissanusa.com get $10,000 off the manu- facturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of a 2017 Nissan Leaf. The newly more Vermonters. Additionally, some employ- dubbed “Leaf Power Program” is the newest in ers like GMP will give further incentives to em- GMP’s many programs encouraging Vermont- ployees who purchase electric vehicles making ers to go green and reduce costs. them even more affordable,” Powell added. “At GMP, we are committed to helping our The Nissan Leaf offers a battery with a range customers find ways to use clean sources of of up to 107 miles, giving most Vermonters energy and to save money, as we partner on plenty of time between charges. Nissan also a new energy future,” said Mary Powell, GMP’s warrantees the car for the first eight years or President and CEO. “The Leaf, a fully electric 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. car, allows the owner to never have to rely on “Mobile sources, primarily motor vehicles, gasoline or get oil changes again. And with are the largest source of air pollutants in the growing number of charging stations for Vermont, making up 46 percent of the electric vehicles across the state, Vermont is state’s greenhouse gas emissions,” said Abby ready to go electric.” Bleything, Vermont Clean Cities coordinator. Customers who take advantage of the re- “GMP’s Leaf Power program will help increase bate will also receive up to a $7,500 tax credit the number of zero-emission vehicles on the when filing their 2017 taxes making the 2017 road, thereby taking a critical step towards Leaf, which start at approximately $30,000 as reducing our state’s air pollution and depen- low as $12,500. Green Mountain Power cus- dence on petroleum.” tomers who wish to take advantage of the re- Interested buyers may contact Nissan in bate should bring a copy of their GMP monthly South Burlington at 802-864-7400 or visit energy statement to the dealership and give http://bit.ly/Nissan-leaf-program or http://bit. the Fleetail Certification Code of “B66059” in ly/GMP-leaf-program. To explore more about order to get the $10,000 off the MSRP. electric vehicles in Vermont, including where to “This rebate and the tax credit combined find electric charging stations, visit http://www. will make electric vehicles financially viable for driveelectricvt.com/.

Fuel Cell Cars Are Coming To The Northeast EarthTalk® — from the Editors of E - The Environmental Magazine (EVs) can be recharged from any electrical outlet. But FCVs (fuel cell vehicles) may still represent the holy grail of auto travel because they combine the environmental benefits of electric vehicles (no re- liance on fossil fuels and no pollution) with the driving range (about 300 miles between refueling) of conventional cars. While GM, Hyundai and Daimler are heavily in- vested in fuel cell vehicle Toyota’s Mirai fuel cell vehicle is already available in California, the only U.S. production, Toyota and state with any kind of hydrogen refueling infrastructure in place. Image: RynseOut, FlickrCC. Honda are already offer- ing fuel cell vehicles for sale or lease to drivers in For years, green car enthusiasts have been California, given the Golden State’s head start heralding the dawn of a new era of pollution- in creating a hydrogen refueling network. Ac- free driving powered by fuel cells, which com- cording to the California Fuel Cell Partnership, bine readily available hydrogen with oxygen to 27 hydrogen refueling stations are already up power the engine. NASA created the first com- and running around metro Los Angeles and mercial grade fuel cells in the 1960s to power the Bay Area, with 33 more coming online satellites and space capsules, and automakers soon. have been talking up their potential for use in Toyota’s Mirai FCV seats four and offers all cars and trucks ever since. the trimmings of any new car—touch-screen But the idea has never gotten beyond the entertainment, dual climate control, steering prototype stage, due mostly to the lack of any wheel-mounted controls, radar to prevent refueling infrastructure. After all, drivers are accidents and help with parking, and a 312 used to being able to refill their tanks on almost mile range per fill-up. The MSRP on the Mirai is every corner, while the new generation of $57,500, but Toyota is currently electric and plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles offering $7,500 back. Another Cont’d on p.6 TRANSPORTATION WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 June 2017 5 Why Ride an Electric Bike? Is There a Future for Electric Buses By Larry Gilbert in vermont and new hampshire? can occur on two wheels instead of four, it reduces Electric Buses Trials in Vermont and New Hampshire fossil fuel use and gives you some exercise. By George Harvey Fourth, people usually In February of 2017, Green find riding an e-bike to be Energy Times ran a story, “Electric a lot of fun. Behind all the Bus Trials in Vermont and New health, relationship and Hampshire,” describing what environmental reasons were then upcoming trials of for choosing an e-bike, an electric bus in Vermont. The the undeniable truth is bus to be used for the test was a that riding e-bikes can forty-foot unit built by BYD, the be a thrilling experience. Chinese company that provided Getting a little assistance the bus to test. suddenly makes the hilly That bus has now been tested world look a lot flatter by two local transit companies. Tim Maker of Calais tries an e-bike at an electric vehicle demo last year. and a lot more accessible. One is Advance Transit (AT), Courtesy photos. One question I often which operates in some areas hear is: if I have an electric of the Upper Valley of Vermont A BYD electric bus. Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons motor, will I get any and New Hampshire. The other After selling and promoting e-bikes for five exercise? A recent study from Portland State is Green Mountain Transit (GMT), years, I found there are a handful of common University showed that on average, owners whose bus lines are in and around Burlington, were dealt with easily. Another was learning reasons people find an e-bike to be a great of electric bikes ride nearly twice as often as Vermont. Assistance for the program has been to adapt to how electric buses operate on investment. There are four very common when they owned regular bikes. It is true that provided by the Vermont Agency of Transpor- slippery surfaces, an issue partly related to reasons people purchase an e-bike. the workout is not as rigorous, but if you are tation (Vtrans), and the Vermont Energy Invest- regenerative breaking that was resolved by First, many people have stopped riding clocking more miles, you are getting exercise. ment Corporation (VEIC), and the Burlington disabling that system while the bus was on their regular bikes but want to keep riding. Most of the new e-bikes are what’s called Electric Department (BED). winter snow and ice. American garages almost always have a bike pedal assist. This means that when you crank The bus arrived for AT’s trials in late February, From the customers’ point of view, the bus stored inside. But the sad fact is that as we the pedals, the assistance kicks in. If you don’t and was used over a period of seventeen days. served well. It’s noteworthy that it was warm, get older, we find reasons to not use our pedal, nothing happens. So you have to work During that time, it served on a number of even when the temperatures dipped down to bikes. The hills are more daunting, the knees to receive the benefit of the motor. regular routes, including hospital shuttles, the near zero Fahrenheit. just aren’t what they used to be, and the thrill Electric bikes are not a complete solution Blue route running in Lebanon, Hanover, and An important system to test was the battery. seems to have slipped away. It is so easy to to our transportation concerns. Riding in Canaan, New Hampshire; and the Red route in It performed as advertised, with 33% to 37% get in the car and run to town for a loaf of January or in the pouring rain is not much fun Lebanon. of the charge remaining at the end of a twelve bread, that we don’t even consider that there on any kind of bike. But for well over half the The trial produced very few problems. One to thirteen hour day, driving might be another option. year, having a tool that flattens the hills and is was a pair of unexpected noise issues that 130 miles. A test with the Cont’d on p.6 Second, some people have a spouses or a blast to use, electric bikes are a great choice. partners who are avid riders who are very Larry Gilbert is the owner of Zoombikes, fit, and it becomes daunting just to keep up Vermont’s first electric bike dealership. Larry dding an with them. Riding together is a great way to lives in East Montpelier, VT, where he operates A cement a relationship. But when one person his e-bike business. He can be reached through lectric ssist E-BIKES is way ahead and waiting for the other to www.zoombikes.net. E A catch up, it can be less enjoyable for both. There are many super-efficient For Jeb Bouchard of Waitsfield, to Your Bike! electric bicycles available, including an e-bike was the solution: “I By George Harvey cargo e-bikes, which are great for haven’t ridden a bike in 30 years, meeting a variety of transportation because the Vermont hills are Have an old bike you are not using for one reason or another? Maybe you should needs. Visit the VBike coalition or too exhausting. Now I climb the Electric Bike Report for more them with ease and leave my add an electric assist! When I gave up my last car, a 2001 Prius, info: www.vbikesolutions.org and biking enthusiast hubby in the www.electricbikereport.com. dust. We now have a fun outdoor my world shrank to only those places activity we can do together. It within walking distance. I was able to really levels the playing field for expand the range again by buying a used me.” Gary Fisher mountain bike. While I had Third, many people want to been able to walk a few miles at most, The proof of this came shortly after my reduce their use of their cars. A now I could take much longer trips. seventieth birthday. To renew by driver’s smaller carbon footprint is the Even with a bike, however, my range license, I had to visit the closest DMV goal of a lot of environmentally was still limited by any steep hills I might branch, a twelve mile round trip. The concerned riders. If the average encounter. A real breakthrough came clerks at the DMV must have chuckled trip with a car is less than five when I added a Dillenger electric assist to when I walked in, and they saw the con- miles, a bike is a great alterna- my bike. With that, I could go places that trast between my black bike helmet and tive. Or if the daily commute Linda Chesaux of Calais owns three electric bikes. were previously out of the question. my white beard.

Electric Bike Sales 802-272-0425 www.zoombikes.net 6 June 2017 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 TRANSPORTATION 2 Fuel Cell Cars Are Coming To The Northeast Cont’d from p.4 SMART COMMUTING IN NH & VT option is a 36-month lease on the Mirai for accessible hydrogen refueling stations (Mas- Transportation emissions are among the worst offenders that add to the rising CO2 $349 per month plus $2,499 up front. sachusetts, Connecticut and South Carolina levels in our atmosphere. In recent months we have learned that our efforts have begun Meanwhile, Honda’s new Clarity FCV is simi- each have one). But later this year Toyota, in to reduce the detrimental air quality counts (NHDES), but as you may have learned from larly appointed but offers a roomier interior partnership with France’s Air Liquide, will start numerous other reports such as the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), http:// (seating for five) and a longer range (366 miles to roll-out a new network of hydrogen refuel- climatechange2013.org/, global warming is still advancing faster than expected. per fill-up). Californians can lease the Clarity ing stations around the northeastern U.S., so How do we get our emissions down now? By making new commuting choices! (it’s not for sale in the U.S.) for $369 per month drivers there can start to enjoy the benefits of Lots of choices. Smart Commuting is all about knowing your options and planning for 36 months plus $2,868 due at signing, with driving the latest, greatest and greenest tech- ahead. There are many choices to get around in New Hampshire and Vermont, The first Honda covering the first $15,000 worth of nology ever to grace the American road. hydrogen fuel. Contacts: California Fuel Cell Partnership place to start in Vermont is “Go Vermont” for statewide choices to travel more efficiently. Drivers behind the wheel of the Mirai or Stations Map, cafcp.org/stationmap; Honda Whether getting around town, commuting to work or school, or planning a day trip, Clarity qualify for a one-time $5,000 tax rebate Clarity, automobiles.honda.com/clarity; Toyota share the driving or ride with someone else to help save our planet and to save approx. from California for driving a green car, not to Mirai, toyota.com/mirai. $2,000 annually. The statewide VT site also lists services for commuters, tourist, and shop- mention access to HOV lanes statewide even EarthTalk® is produced by Roddy Scheer & pers. with just a single occupant. Doug Moss and is a registered trademark of In New Hampshire you’ll find a similar site at “NH Rideshare” where you can find car- Of course, fuel cell drivers won’t want the nonprofit Earth Action Network. To donate, pools, transit routes and schedules, bike and walk trails and links to statewide transporta- to leave California just yet. Outside of the visit www.earthtalk.org. tion information. Golden State, there are exactly three publicly When carpooling, remember to use the local Park n Ride lots to meet your connec- tions. Start your trip planning at connectingcommuters.org or nh.gov/dot/programs/ rideshare/ for statewide choices. Electric Buses In VT, NH? Cont’d from p.5 IN NEW HAMPSHIRE regenerative braking system disabled showed Sousa said the bus GMT tested was designed UPPER VALLEY RIDESHARE (UVRS) - Carpool matching, benefits and support for com- the value of that system, but also showed it for the inner city and worked well in Burlington. muters in/out of Upper Valley. 802-295-1824 x208. uppervalleyrideshare.com. was not absolutely necessary. It did not do quite as well for longer distance Chris Andreasson, Director of Transporta- rides to Montpelier, but BYD makes different ADVANCE TRANSIT (AT) – Free weekday bus for Lebanon, Hanover, Enfield, Canaan, NH, and Norwich and Hartford, VT. Dartmouth and DHMC Shuttles. ADA & Travel Training tion at AT, expressed appreciation to Michelle models for longer trips. “We are excited about Services. 802-295-1824. advancetransit.com McCutcheon-Schour and Bethany Whitaker at the project and the partners,” he said. “We VEIC who initiated the company’s test project, would love to be able to get electric buses.” CARROLL COUNTY TRANSIT - Services and connections to Belknap County. and to Carlos Antunes and Chris Batiste of BYD, We also talked with Darren Springer, BED’s 888-997-2020 tccap.org/nct.htm who provided help as needed. He also said AT CEO. He also hopes for a purchase of four CITY EXPRESS - Serves Keene. 603-352-8494 hcsservices.org/services/transportation/cityExpress.php was pleased with the overall test result. electric buses in Burlington. He told us of a SCS TRANSPORTATION - Services for Sullivan County.. 603-542-9609. SCSHELPS.ORG The bus left AT on March 17 for the rest of number of other exciting projects at BED that its next tests, which were in Burlington and aim to reduce fossil fuels use for transportation. CONCORD AREA TRANSIT (CAT) - Serves Concord 603-225-1989 concordareatransit.org lasted until April. There, it was tested by GMT. One of these is the utility’s own electric vehicle CONTOOCOOK VALLEY TRANSPORTATION (CVTC) - Monadnock Rideshare for the CEO Mark Sousa summed up the experience rebate program. southwest region 877-428-2882 cvtc-nh.org in that city, saying, “We did a pilot program BED customers who buy electric vehicles COOPERATIVE ALLIANCE FOR REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION (CART) - Serving and captured a lot of data on efficiency. … We that are registered in Burlington can get the Chester, Derry, Hampstead, Londonderry, Salem and Windham, limited service to may possibly purchase four electric buses.” He rebates of up to $1,200 on the purchase. There Plaistow. 603-434-3569 cart-rides.org mentioned that there is a considerable differ- is a limit of one per customer, and the vehicle DARTMOUTH COACH - Services to Boston, Logan Airport and NYC 800-637-0123 dart- ence between the initial cost of electric buses must cost less than $50,000. BED is also looking mouthcoach.com and those operating on diesel. The electric at extending the program to qualify plug-in MANCHESTER TRANSIT AUTHORITY (MTA) - Manchester, with links to Nashua and buses cost more, but are much better for air hybrids, and is even looking at green pricing Concord. 603-623-8801 mtabus.org/services/local-buses quality and operating costs, so GMT is looking options for electricity, which we regard as for grants, with cooperation with BED, VTrans, remarkable for the first sizable city utility to be NASHUA TRANSIT SYSTEM (NTS) - Buses and trolleys with bike racks. 603-888-0100 RideBigBlue.com and VEIC. 100% powered by renewables. NH RIDESHARE – Your Source for Transportation Alternatives. nh.gov/dot/programs/ride- share/ 2 WINNIPESAUKEE TRANSIT SYSTEM (WTS) - Services Belmont, Franklin, Tilton, Laconia. Late Breaking News You May Have Missed 603-528-2496 bm-cap.org/wts.htm Green Energy Times staff IN VERMONT Focusing on more in-depth reporting, Green Energy Times cannot do justice to every news item. Here are some news items that are not reported elsewhere in the magazine. UPPER VALLEY TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (Vital Communi- April 28 – CleanTechnica published an article saying that oil discoveries in 2016 had declined to the ties) - Works with UV employers and communities to promote and improve commuting lowest levels seen since before 1950. options. 802-291-9100 vitalcommunities.org/transport/index.htm April 28 - The Indian Express told us that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is getting a VERMONT PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION PUBLIC TRANSIT - Lists transit, ferries and more makeover to reflect the views of President Donald Trump and EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. This included at aot.state.vt.us/PublicTransit/providers.htm deleting material on climate change from the EPA website. May 9 - The Desert Sun had an article saying the U.S. added over 11 gigawatts (GW) of solar power in AMTRAK - Long distance train service. Discounts for AAA members and student advan- 2016, increasing the amount of solar power by almost 50% in that year alone. Also, wind power had its tage card. (800) 872-7245 amtrak.com best quarter since 2009. CHITTENDEN COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY - Burlington bus service with May 10 – An article in CleanTechnica said Navigant Research projected the global market for distrib- links to Montpelier, Middlebury and commuter route to Milton. cctaride.org uted solar photovoltaics plus energy storage is expected to exceed $49 billion per year by 2026. May 12 – PennEnergy ran an article saying Maryland regulators approved plans for the nation’s first CONNECTICUT RIVER TRANSIT - Services in Bellows Falls and Springfield. crtransit.org large-scale offshore wind projects. They could have a total of 368 megawatts (MW) of capacity. May 13 – An article from Hellenic Shipping News Worldwide said China will suspend approvals for new GO VERMONT - Offers carpool matching and commuter connections in VT 800-685- 7433 connectingcommuters.org coal-fired power plants in 29 provinces to reduce overcapacity because of health risks. May 20 – CNN reported that President Trump’s fiscal 2018 budget request would slash EPA spending by GREEN MOUNTAIN RAILROAD - Day trips from White River, Champlain Valley, Bellows almost a third. Falls and Rutland. rails-vt.com May 24 – An article at Utility Dive said Tucson Electric Power signed a power purchase agreement for a system with 100 MW of PVs and 30-MW, 120-megawatt hours (MWh) of storage. Exact prices are confiden- GREEN MOUNTAIN TRANSIT AGENCY - Local service in Barre, Montpelier, Grand Isle, Stowe and Lamoille. 802-223-7287 gmtaride.org tial, but it was said that the solar portion of the project at below $0.03/kWh. June 1 – The BBC reported that shareholders in ExxonMobil have backed a motion requiring the com- GREY HOUND/VERMONT TRANSIT - Long distance bus services. 1-800-231-2222 grey- pany to assess the risks from climate change. The plan was supported by over 62% of those eligible to vote. hound.com/ June 6 - Environmental Leader reported that New York’s attorney general alleged in new court documents that ExxonMobil’s internal accounting practices were a “sham,” misleading its investors on climate risks. LAKE CHAMPLAIN FERRIES - Transport between New York and Vermont via Lake Cham- plain. 802-864-9804 ferries.com June 14 – An article in pvbuzz media said that according to a newly published report, the U.S. solar market added 2,044 MW of new capacity in the first quarter of 2017. The report said prices continue to fall, MARBLE VALLEY REGIONAL TRANSIT- For Rutland, Killington, rural Manchester, Poult- with utility-scale system prices dropping below $1 per watt for the first time. ney and Rutland to Bellows Falls. City routes Free on Saturday. 802-773-3244 thebus.com/ June 18 - Climate Central said that a new report from Bloomberg New Energy Finance projected world- wide investments for power generation would be $10.2 trillion from 2017 to 2040, with renewable power RURAL COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION (RCT) - Buses, vans, and volunteer drivers. Routes via The Jay-Lyn, The Highlander (Newport - Derby Line); The US RT2 Commuter sources such as wind and solar getting almost three quarters of that. The report also said that $5.3 trillion (St. J. to Montpelier) and Free routes to rural areas. 802-748-8170 riderct.org more for renewable power would be needed to keep global temperatures from rising more than 2° C. June 20 – An article in pv magazine said renewable power hit a series of records in the UK. There were STAGE COACH - Commuter buses from Randolph and Fairlee to Dartmouth, Local village times when no coal was burned for power, and there were times when solar produced more power than buses. 800-427-3553 stagecoach-rides.org nuclear reactors. And, the UK recorded its first negative power prices. Links to the sources of the articles will be included when this article is posted online. TRANSPORTATION – CLEAN ENERGY WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 June 2017 7

and we are going to put all of it into the electric car revolution.” MARCHIONNE’S BET AGAINST HISTORY The head of Shell Oil, one of the ultimate By Carl Pope losers in an electrified transport sector, the inability of small diesels warns, “The energy transition is global. It The news that Fiat-Chrysler in particular to meet pollu- must be embraced. It is unstoppable.” And is the latest auto-maker caught tion requirements. Now he, it means, he spells out, electric vehicles. having massively – and probably like Volkswagen, is nakedly “The world needs to make a massive shift illegally – exceeded allowable exposed as having allowed towards consuming energy as electricity.” emission levels for its diesel cars his company to sell vehicles While short-term the scandal is bad raises a major question: will this whose emissions kill its cus- news for Fiat Chrysler, its shareholders and crisis shake Chrysler CEO Sergio tomers and their neighbors. A its workers, it may give the company one Marchionne’s long standing bet new study this week calcu- last time to catch up with history – and against history, in particular lated that the excess emis- recognize that electrification is the future against the replacement of the sions from diesels that fail of the automobile. internal combustion engine by to meet pollution standards To learn more about Carl’s views on the the electric drivetrain? Mar- already kill 38,000 people a environment, energy and climate, read chionne stands almost alone in year globally. Now the burden Climate of Hope which he has co-authored the auto industry in denying the from non-compliant Fiats and with former NYC Mayor Mike Bloomberg electric future – but now that he Chryslers will be added to and which can be purchased online or too faces an existential crisis over that total. from your local book store. diesel cheating, how much lon- The diesel scandal forced A veteran leader in the environmental ger can he – or his shareholders Volkswagen to make a major movement, Carl Pope is the former execu- – cling to the combustion past? shift away from diesels and tive director and chairman of the Sierra Chrysler, we now know, towards electric drivetrains. Club and is now the principal advisor at installed software designed to Will Marchionne follow? After Inside Straight Strategies. He continues to deceive emission testing pro- all, the other six of the big serve as a board member or adviser for a cedures on 100,000 U.S. Dodge seven auto manufacturers long list of environmental organizations. Ram and Jeep Cherokee diesels are all far ahead of Chrysler in their investment in the elec- Pope is also the author of the books: from 2014 to 2016. It also appar- Sahib, An American Misadventure in India ently pulled similar manipula- tric future. But Marchionne has said that Fiat’s next likely and Hazardous Waste in tions in Europe. The company America. Carl Pope is the has agreed to recall and fix the model of electric car won’t ar- rive until after he has retired; co-author with Michael vehicles, but denies it broke the Bloomberg of the newly law – standard operating proce- he worries that allowing elec- trification to get a firm hold released Climate of Hope: dure for auto companies when How Cities, Businesses, first caught exceeding pollution in the auto market will open the industry up to new com- and Citizens Can Save limits. the Planet, telling how Fiat stands accused of having petitors; and the SUV heavy product line he deploys does to attack climate change installed similar emission “cheat” as a series of manageable challenges, each devices on much larger numbers not offer easy opportunities for early electrification. with a solution that can make our society of cars it sold in Europe – it is not healthier and our economy stronger. yet clear how widespread the But if he stays his electro- issue is, but this feels very much Sergio Marchionne with Fiat. Wikipedia.org. sceptic course, Marchionne like the early stages of what could is betting even more heavily be a major scandal. The European against what appear to be the Union has initiated legal action against cars. (Chrysler has consistently shown the historic trends. The two fastest growing Italy for failing to adequately enforce EU worst fuel economy performance of any auto markets in the world, China and India, standards for auto emissions testing on U.S. auto manufacturer.) have national governments sending strong cars made by Fiat. And the University of Marchionne has historically derided the signals that they plan to phase out market the Ruhr reports that Fiat installed cheat future of the electric vehicle, at one point access for the internal combustion engine devices on the Fiat 500X, a compact diesel urging customers not to buy Fiat’s EV 500 altogether, perhaps as soon as 2030, as widely sold in Europe. because, “I lose $10,000 making every one.” does the biggest market within the U.S., The U.S. violations were clearly part of He is also the major auto executive least California. A recent Financial Times story the company’s strategy to use somewhat interested in producing standard sedans reported that Torotrak, an engineering more efficient diesels to meet increas- for ordinary customers, cancelling many company which a year ago was lining up ingly stringent U.S. fuel efficiency and of Chrysler’s biggest selling sedans and contracts with auto makers to improve the carbon emission rules while clinging to a emphasizing SUV’s even more heavily. efficiency of their internal combustion -en vehicle mix very stuffed full of SUV’s and Without a strong car line, and with no gines, is now being cut off from contracts almost entirely devoid of the zero emission meaningful EV presence, Marchionne because the companies have decided, “the electric vehicles which other auto makers really had no choice but to rely on diesels shift to electric vehicles is accelerating, and are relying on to average out with their big to cut fuel consumption – regardless of we have only limited R&D money to invest,

2 Can President Trump Stall Clean Energy’s Momentum? In March, President Trump signed an executive order aimed that they can continue to run their businesses while generating at dismantling the Clean Power Plan, a 2015 policy that had in- substantial extra revenue by leasing small pieces of their land for centivized the growth of renewable energy by requiring states wind turbines. to lower carbon emissions. It’s unclear how effective this effort Backing like that helps boost bipartisan support for clean en- will ultimately be but, no matter what, it can’t change the reality ergy and keep its momentum going. On February 13, a group of that clean energy is a bright spot for the U.S. economy, providing governors comprising twelve Democrats and eight Republicans more full- and part-time jobs in the electricity sector than natural sent a letter to President Trump asking him to “strengthen Ameri- gas and more than twice as many as coal. The rapid expansion of ca’s energy future” by extending government support for a mod- solar power jobs is particularly noteworthy, tripling since 2010. ernized electricity grid, offshore wind, and more research. The let- Equally important, these are good-paying jobs that benefit ter noted that 70% of U.S. wind farms are located in counties with people in all walks of life: solar installers earn on average $26 below-average incomes, and urged that any major infrastructure per hour, and wind turbine technicians – projected to be the bill put forth by the Trump administration include funding for an fastest-growing occupation from 2014 to 2024 – earn on aver- electricity grid that is more secure and can accommodate more age $48,800 annually. Neither of these jobs requires a four-year renewable energy. college degree, and each is available to people in rural and low- Given the foothold solar and wind power have gained in sol- income areas. Solar and wind power also employ Hispanic or idly red states, the president could pay a steep political price if he Latino people and veterans at higher rates than the overall U.S. doesn’t heed the governors’ advice. workforce. Plus, the solar and wind sectors are winning support Reprinted with permission from Union of Concerned Scientists, Catalyst, in diverse quarters. Farmers and cattle ranchers, for instance, like Volume 16, Spring 2017. Read more at http://bit.ly/ics-state-report. 8 June 2017 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAICS Solar Projects are Growing in New Hampshire and Vermont By George Harvey Vermont and New Hampshire are both smoothly. The select board is very sup- The selectboard of Hartland has been seeing much larger solar developments portive, as are most Hinsdale residents, very supportive of this solar array, as it than any previously undertaken. NextEra according to reports. The expectation is may be of great benefit to the community. Energy Resources (NEE) is developing that the permitting process will take until Hartland Town Manager Bob Stacey said one in New Hampshire, and it will likely sometime in 2018, and the array will be the land “is not used and the array would be the largest solar array in New England. completed in 2019. not be visible.” GroSolar, working with Green Mountain The battery storage will be able to pro- Power (GMP), is also developing what Hartland, Vermont vide power on an emergency basis during might, at least for a short time, be the larg- outages, but its primary purpose is to help est in Vermont, along with considerable even out peak demand loads, stabilizing battery storage. Another array in Vermont wholesale prices and reducing the retail will probably be that state’s largest, but cost to ratepayers. GMP has already tried a similar system in Rutland. Ludlow, VT with Okemo Mountain in the background. will be just the first of five of the same size Photo: preservationinpink.wordpress.com undertaken by Ranger Solar of Yarmouth, The permitting process for the Hartland Maine. project is moving ahead, and it may be finished in 2018. CSP has worked with the Vermont Hinsdale, New Hampshire Agency of Natural Resources to minimize Ludlow and Cavendish, Vermont harm to wildlife. It has also worked on The Coolidge Solar Project (CSP) was landscaping to minimize visual impact of the first of five 20-MW arrays Ranger Solar the array. plans for Vermont to be permitted. When it The Public Service Board has granted is built, it will probably be by far the largest CSP a certificate of public good. Its posi- Damon Hall, Hartland, VT is home to the town offices. solar array in the state, as it is four times tion is that even though the electricity Photo: Wikimedia Commons the size of the next largest planned. It will produced at the array will be sold to utili- consist of 82,000 solar panels on 88.5 acres ties in Connecticut, it will reduce the cost A solar project in Hartland, Vermont may of an old farm in Ludlow and Cavendish, of electricity to Vermont ratepayers. The turn out to be the state’s largest, at least and will need permitting from both com- board also wrote that CSP “will result in sig- for a while. It is being developed by GMP, munities. Similarly-sized arrays are planned nificant economic and environmental ben- with groSolar undertaking construction. for Brandon, Highgate, Randolph, and efits for the state of Vermont.” Construction This array is 4.99 MW. The project is of Sheldon. is expected to start within a year. special interest because it will include two MW of battery storage. The Hartland project is intended to be built on 35 acres of land owned by the Greater Upper Valley Solid Waste District. Green Mtn Community Solar GMP would lease the land for $60,000 http://solarize.it/ 802.588.2063 • gmsolar.us per year for 25 years, with two possible June-December 15, 2017 five-year extensions. The Town of Hartland would receive $25,000 to $35,000 in taxes each year. The Rockingham Solarize Program Has Kicked Off! Saxtons River Solar Electric 802.869.2588 • 15% discount on standard home installations or saxtonsriversolar.com Hindsdale Town Hall. Photo: Wikipedia on panels in community solar installations The Chariot Solar Project (CSP) in Hin- • Additional savings opportunities for low-middle sdale, New Hampshire will likely be the income residents, who may not be eligible for loans largest solar farm in New England when Southern Vermont Solar it is completed. Originally developed by Ranger Solar, the project was recently sold Sign up now - Program ends Dec. 15, 2017 802-387-5544 • svtsolar.com to NEE, which is continuing the develop- uestions and sign up call Q 802.254.1410 SOUTHERN VERMONT SOLAR ment for up to 65 megawatts (MW), as Local Clean Energy Solutions planned. It will be built on 250 acres of Daniel Hoviss • [email protected] land, which is largely out of sight of neigh- bors and passersby. Ranger Solar chose Hinsdale because of its proximity to the Vermont Yankee Nucle- ar Power Plant, which closed down in 2014. The power lines used by that plant to feed electricity onto the grid are still in place and useable. This makes the land where the lines are easily accessed especially valuable for either generating electricity or consuming it in large quantities. The addition of a large solar plant will doubtlessly benefit consumers in the area. The highest demands for power happen during the daytime, when the sun is shin- ing. Solar power can cover much of that demand, especially on hot, sunny days, reducing peak wholesale costs. Since the retail price of electricity is highly depen- dent on the highest wholesale rates paid by utilities, addition of large amounts of solar power benefits all grid-tied power customers. Another benefit of renewable energy projects in general is that they pay taxes but have very little need for services from the towns where they are located. Hinsdale has signed a PILOT agreement (payment in lieu of taxes), under which it will receive about $500,000 each year for twenty years in exchange for hosting the solar array. At present, the project is proceeding For Vermonters and others in New England

SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAICS WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 June 2017 9 GMP and Tesla Batteries Lease one for $15 per month. By George Harvey • INSTALLATIONS • SALES • SERVICE • DESIGN • useable battery storage. Accord- Roof Mounts, ing to GMP, this Ground Mounts provides eight to Trackers twelve hours of battery backup for grid-tie, off-grid, grid-tie an ordinary house- Congratulations battery backup solutions hold, operating at Hanover, NH usual use levels. It 100% Renewable! 802.522.2381 can produce five kWh continuously • Federal Tax Credits • but will produce as much as seven for www.omearasolar.com • [email protected] a short time. The Serving Orange County, VT, Grafton County NH, & the surrounding areas Tesla Powerwall 2 is rated for indoor or outdoor instal- lation, though its operating range is EASTMAN ELECTRIC, LLC -4° F to 122° F, so - Residential - Commercial - in Vermont it may The Tesla Power 2 home battery system can fit inside or outside. Its dimensions are a height of 1.3m, width of 0.86m, and a thickness of 0.18m. Photo credit mcelectrical.com.au be best to install it indoors. There are two EASTMAN ELECTRIC, LLC Green Mountain Power (GMP) is making advantages for the customer who leases an extraordinary offer to its customers. the battery. One is an ability to buy power Full Service Electrical Contractor They can lease a Tesla Powerwall 2 battery at a low price during times when demand Residential & Commercial at the unheard of price of $15 per month. is low, and then use it later at a time when Serving Homeowners & Contractors Since 1996 An alternative to the monthly fee is a demand is higher. Since demand alter- SCOTT EASTMAN, Master Electrician single payment of $1,500. Since the usual nates between high and low cost periods daily, this may be sufficient to reduce Insured & Licensed in VT & NH price to buy the battery is $5,000 plus Master Electrician installation, renting is an amazing deal. electric bills significantly, a pretty good Scott Eastman, The lease is good for ten years, so the total deal for $15 per month. Call• Insuredto schedule & Licensedyour project: in VT & NH • payment will be $1,800, only a fraction of The other advantage for the customer is 603-989-5941 A SolAr the purchase price. that the battery will provide power during - 603-989-5941 - Powered The Tesla Powerwall 2 is advertised as grid outages. These tend to be short in [email protected] [email protected] 446787 ComPAny providing 13.5 killowatt hours (kWh) of Vermont, averaging only Cont’d on p.37

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Bringing G.E.T. A New York Community Solar Project to NY! By George Harvey nyses.org could have solar power even though they do not have good sites of their own. “Everyone Gov. Cuomo with an interest in solar can now participate. It’s Announced a truly incredible. I myself have bought into the Major Climate Community Farm, I live within a historic district in downtown Troy, and and Jobs could otherwise never go green due to lack Initiative of space and building restrictions. I am thrilled By Green Energy Times Staff that my brownstone is New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo now being powered by made a series of announcements soon af- the sun, 15 miles away!” ter President Trump’s announcement that Troy Resident Kerry the United States would withdraw from Fagan also addressed the Paris Accord. The first of these was that the importance of being he had signed an executive order to com- able to use a remote mit New York to uphold the standards set site, saying, “Our roof is forth in the Paris Climate Agreement. Then not suited for solar pan- he announced that New York, California, els, [having] too many and Washington had created the U. S. Cli- trees and not enough mate Alliance, a group of states committed light. I have always to back the Paris Accord. wanted to go green, He then announced the Clean Climate and the solar farm gives Careers initiative, under which the state us access to renewable would invest up to $1.5 billion in major energy without any renewable energy projects, expand energy hassle – we love it.” efficiency, and put solar installations on One of the biggest public buildings. The initiative includes a challenges Monolith So- goal to produce an additional 2.5 million lar had in organizing the megawatt hours of electricity each year. system was to find an This is the largest clean energy procure- appropriate place to site ment in the history of the United States. it. Originally, the com- In a partnership with the ILR School’s The Helderberg Solar Farm is a 200-kilowatt system, with power supplied by 600 solar panels. It was built in Johnsonville, New York, and pany planned to build Worker Institute at Cornell University, and went on line January 2017. Photos courtesy of Monolith Solar. a two-megawatt array, Climate Jobs, NY, the Clean Climate Careers but locating a large initiative will have the following goals: enough piece of land Joanne Coons, who 1. Investing in clean technology and that was close enough speeding renewable energy development has contributed in a to appropriately-sized number of ways to – The investments will enable meeting New power lines proved not York’s Clean Energy Standard target of 50% Green Energy Times, to be easy. A solution to sent us an email updat- renewable electricity by 2030 and set the this is to put up a set of state up to double its solar power capacity, ing the several commu- much smaller systems, nity solar projects in her from the current 800 megawatts to 1,600 distributed through the megawatts, by the end of 2018. area of New York. She countryside. Getting said Kevin Bailey from the individual permits 2. Producing clean climate careers – The High Peaks is building for a number of smaller investment in renewable energy will create the Hope Solar Farm systems is easier than approximately 40,000 jobs in clean and mentioned proj- getting a single permit technology and provide funding to train ects from Solstice. One for a large one. Envi- that workforce. These are lifetime careers solar farm of special ronmental and visual that pay well. interest is the Helder- impacts are more easily 3. Advancing environmental justice – The berg Solar Farm, which managed, and intercon- program will include an Environmental was built by Monolith nections with utilities Justice and Transition Working Group, Solar, an installer based do not place the same which will develop programs and policies to in Rensselaer, New York. burdens on transmis- help historically underserved communities Monolith Solar has sion infrastructure. and those leaving carbon-intensive careers promoted community community solar systems are open to just to prepare for a cleaner and greener future. solar in the New York capital region’s about anyone with an account with the Solarize program. And now, those efforts utility and lives near enough to the solar have paid off. The Helderberg Solar Farm farm, a distance that could be quite a few will be the first community solar project in miles. the Capital Region to go on line. The way a community solar farm works The Helderberg Farm is a 200-kilowatt is that the electric utility customers who system, with power supplied by 600 solar buy the solar power do not use the elec- panels. It was built in Johnsonville, New tricity directly. Instead, it is sold to their York, and its power is being sold through local utility, and their bills are credited National Grid, the local utility. The power based on how much power their shares in is being credited to the electricity ac- the community system produce. counts of the 26 residential off-takers, Lindsey McEntire, the Business Devel- who include both home owners and opment Manager of Monolith Solar is also renters. one of the members of the Helderberg The members are all people who want- Farm. She said, “The installation and ed to have solar power, but were unable activation of this community solar farm is to provide adequate places to site solar going to change the way power is distrib- systems of their own. In some cases, this uted in New York. Now, instead of having was because of a poorly oriented proper- panels located directly on your roof, you ty, in others it was because of shade from can instead buy into a Community Solar trees or nearby buildings. Some members Farm and generate your power remotely.” did not have their own property at all, but McEntire was particularly pleased with were renters rather than owners. Off-site the fact that customers, such as herself, SOLAR PV - NEW YORK WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 June 2017 11

Another aspect of the project was the Oxford Memorial Library installation of LED lighting. Library officials appreciate the reduced energy costs from the solar panels and LED lighting, as well as the A Nineteenth Century Building with Twenty-First Century Energy environmental peace of mind that they offer. By Chris Gillespie through generous private “We were worried a little bit about the donations. Great Brook All public libraries aesthetics,” Library Board member Fred Lanfear Solar also received financial connect history with told WBNG, referring to the solar array. “But, incentives from the New York the present and fu- they look good out there. Environmentally State Energy Research and ture, but the Oxford we are very proud of reducing our carbon Development Authority for Memorial Library in footprint.” their involvement with the Oxford, New York has In addition to utilizing the solar array itself, project. taken that to a new, members of the Library Board can now use “From all accounts, ev- more sustainable, an online program that tracks the building’s eryone at the library is quite level. overall energy use as well as how much energy pleased with the quality of Originally built in is coming from the solar panels. They have also the work that we did, the so- 1811 by Theodore put up informational displays at the library that lar production and the money Burr as a private educate guests and patrons about their array residence, the house and solar energy in general. and its grounds were In fact, the library’s solar panels have been donated to the town The historic Oxford Memorial Library was built in 1811 and recently educating the public of Oxford before they of Oxford in 1900 to completed a project to reduce its energy costs and environmental were even activated. Given the proximity of be designated as a footprint -- an 18.81kW parking lot solar array. Oxford Memorial Library to Oxford Academy free public library. Photos courtesy of Nancy Wilcox, Library Director. Middle School, students were able to look out Since then, the Ox- the windows of their classrooms and receive a ford Memorial Library has undergone various only thirty minutes away from firsthand lesson in renewable energy technol- significant renovations and additions, the most Great Brook Solar, a solar panel ogy and the benefits and importance of clean, recent of which is the installation of a solar installer with nearly forty years sustainable energy. panel array. The panels were just put in place of renewable energy experience. Chris Gillespie is a contributing writer for the last October, so this summer will be the first Originally established as Great Brook Enter- that it is saving them on their electric bills,” Green Energy Times. He can be reached at chris@ that they will reach their peak performance. prises in 1978 by David M. Austin, Great Brook’s Deborah Swann, Great Brook Solar’s Office greenenergytimes.org. The historic library’s journey to acquiring the stated mission is to raise consumers’ standard Manager recently told Green Energy Times. solar panels started in 2014, when library offi- of living by saving them money and freeing Measuring at 110 feet long, the library’s cials were seeking new, creative ways to reduce them from dependence on centralized energy 18.81 kW solar array is made up of sixty-six their energy expenses in order to help balance distribution. individual panels and is expected to gener- the library’s budget. The Oxford Memorial Library signed a con- ate 19,510 kWhrs per year. By switching to “We knew we needed to do something with tract with Great Brook Solar in late 2014 and solar power, the Oxford Memorial Library will the energy cost,” Library Director Nancy Wilcox applied for funding from New York State’s Li- prevent ten tons of carbon emissions from told Binghamton, New York’s WBNG 12 News brary Construction Grant. The state eventually being dumped into the atmosphere per year. in March. approved the library’s project, allocated nearly At current electricity rates, the solar array will It was important to the Oxford Memorial $50,000 for the installation of solar panels and save the library over $2,000 per year in energy Library Board to hire a local company for the released the funds in July 2016. The library was expenses. project and, as luck would have it, they were able to cover remaining costs for the project SOLARIZE ALBANY Launches Third Campaign One Less Bill. Solarize Albany is a vol- unteer group of concerned citizens. It is a non-profit which facilitates the relation- ship between installers and customers. The first solarize campaigns debuted in 2009 in Portland, OR. This first project Here’s what you can be doing was a collaborative effort while your solar system is paying your electric bill: between the U.S. Department Play with your kids • Ride your bike • Hike • Fish • Hunt of Energy (DOE) and the City Go out on the lake with a friend • Kayak • Nap of Portland. It was such a suc- cess that Solarize campaigns Call us today to plan for your installation this summer •Purchase your system with no upfront costs! began to spread across the U.S. Today in New York, there are about 27 community Solar- RevolutionsolaRny.com • 607-441-0367 ize campaigns sponsored by Amy Pokorny and Kevin Johnson educate attendees on the Solarize NYSERDA. Albany program at the Punkintown Fair. Photo courtesy Russ Pokorny. Why is the Solarize model popular? Because it addresses Solarize Albany and Capital Region is three potential hurdles to solar: pleased to announce the launch of its third • Cost – prices are lowered by organizing campaign! After successful campaigns in bulk purchasing with dozens of community 2015 and 2016, the volunteers of Solar- members buying from the affiliated ize Albany are again working to facilitate installers. the installation of solar power in the eight • Technical complexity - only quality counties of the Capital Region. Three solar equipment is recommended. installers will be doing the work for the • Expedited decision times - information third campaign. In addition, the benefits of is provided to make a decision within the community net-metering are being brought four month enrollment window. to the Capital Region. Many households and Solarize campaigns also encourage small commercial businesses—tenants or neighbors to get to know one another. As those with unsuitable roofs—cannot install individual homeowners and businesses solar. Community net-metering, where one install solar power, neighbors are inspired can buy a share in (or buy the electricity by their example. from) a solar farm is a great solution. New More information can be found at www. this year, Solarize Albany and Capital Region solarizealbany.org or contacting solarizeal- is educating the public about electric [email protected], (518) 328-4SUN vehicles and charging stations and energy efficiency. 12 June 2017 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 SOLAR PV –NEW HAMPSHIRE education program too. possible through funding from the Thomas Local Area Energy Initiatives Each array will be inspired by a task Haas fund at the NH Charitable Foundation force of local volunteers and be built using (NHCF), USDA Rural Development and the funds from grants, crowd funding, indi- CDFA Business Tax Credit program. PAREI Lead the Charge for Affordable Renewables in NH vidual donors, fundraisers and the state’s acknowledges the key role NHCF’s funding By Hope O’Shaughnessy solar incentive. The first goal is to build one played in supporting PAREI’s work as the Three New Hampshire PV array in Plymouth, NH and two more designated project coordinator. area energy initiatives are in near-by communities with the goal of Ultimately, the Bridge House and Whole actively leading the way to installing 125kW worth of solar by the fall Village Family Resource Center’s energy provide easier and more of 2018. The solar will be installed by NH project will result in over $22,000 annu- affordable access to re- solar installers (who will have an opportu- ally in energy savings, according to PAREI’s newable energy through- nity to bid on the projects) with the help of news release. PAREI’s deliverables for the out several areas of the volunteers to prep the site. energy project’s work plan included: (1) a Granite State. One of these Another example of an ambitious PAREI 24kW solar PV array at the Bridge House, projects has received fed- project came as a result of two other (2) volunteer DIY weatherization tasks, eral technical assistance as community organizations seeking PAREI’s (3) inside lighting retrofit for both build- part of a national energy assistance and expertise. More than two ings, (4) parking lot lighting retrofit, (5) challenge. years ago, the directors of the Bridge day lighting tubes at the Bridge House, (6) The Plymouth Area House Homeless Shelter and the Whole Vil- energy efficient air conditioning system for Energy Initiative (PAREI) lage Family Resource Center sought advice the Whole Village Center and (7) a 38kW began informally in 2003 from PAREI about how solar PV could help roof mounted solar PV array for Whole Vil- in Plymouth, NH and today them save money. lage to be installed in October/November, Installation of a 24 kW solar PV array at the Bridge House Homeless Shelter According to a press release about the 2017. has grown to an organiza- and Veteran’s Support in Plymouth, NH. Photo: PAREI. tion of over 600 families project, the directors were looking to see PAREI GROWS and businesses. PAREI’s “if we could save $20,000 a year in energy As an exemplar of what a non-profit membership includes the communities this June including the NH Solar Shares costs and instead apply those funds to pro- energy initiative can do, PAREI has inspired surrounding Plymouth – from Sanbornton program. grams for our clients.” By leading with PA- spin-offs in other areas of the Granite State to Thornton and from Wentworth to Mer- The U.S. Department of Energy’s Sun REI’s motto of “Reduce (energy) before you including the Seacoast Area Energy Initia- edith. Under the leadership of Co-Directors Shot Division selected NH Solar Shares as Produce.” the three non-profits developed tive (SEAREI) and the Hillsborough Area Sandra Jones and Volunteer Co-Director a national team for the Community Solar a whole building energy savings plan for Energy Initiative (HAREI). Peter Adams PAREI has organized over 150 Challenge. NH Solar Shares in partner- the two buildings. Their vision was made Scott Lawrence leads the Cont’d on p.14 solar thermal, neighbor helping neighbor, ship with the NH Electric Cooperative is a energy raisers, has brought multiple grants program that will design and install solar to their community that have funded PV arrays one community at a time for the projects such as solar PV on the school and purpose of sharing solar energy with low- Providing services that help library, an energy audit for the town hall, income families, increasing the portion of communities and families plan a 120kW solar PV system at the Plymouth clean renewable energy on our grid and for their energy future Water and Sewer Treatment Plant, solar contributing to building healthier, more thermal collectors for a residential home sustainable communities. 79 Highland Street, PO Box 753 for the disabled and off grid solar PV hands The value of the solar energy produced Plymouth, NH 03264 on educational program for the Circle by each array (85%) will be credited to a 603-536-5030 Program’s summer camp. In addition to predetermined number of low income www.plymouthenergy.org their achievements in the Plymouth area families’ electric bills per solar array. NH So- www.localfoodsplymouth.org thus far, PAREI is rolling out new efforts lar Shares will also provide a basic energy

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age that can help further reduce the financial NHEC Breaks Ground on State’s Largest Solar Array impact of periods of peak demand when wholesale power prices to the utility spike. to purchase and pay to have im- at a fixed cost for at least the next 25 years. The total cost of the Moultonborough solar ported from outside its system, The Moultonborough solar project will allow array is approximately $5 million, which is and will generate Renewable NHEC to build on its experience operating two financed by low interest New Clean Energy Energy Certificates (RECs) that smaller solar PV systems that currently power Renewable Bonds (NCREBs) made available by NHEC can either use to meet its our district offices in Raymond and Sunapee the U.S. Treasury Department for public sector requirements under the state’s by exploring how a larger system will work in renewable energy projects. NHEC has engaged Renewable Portfolio Standard conjunction with our facilities and whether Ameresco, Inc. of Framingham, MA to build the or can sell to other electricity such installations elsewhere on our system 2 MW array. Engineering services are being pro- providers. might make sense.” vided by McCourt Engineering of Henniker, NH. Costs for wholesale generat- The project will also support NHEC’s efforts NHEC is a member-owned electric distri- Site work is underway in Moultonborough at the future location of ing capacity and transmission, to explore new initiatives that can benefit bution cooperative serving 84,000 homes NHEC’s 2 MW solar PV system. Courtesy photo. which have risen dramatically members, including utility-scale power stor- and businesses in 115 NH communities. in recent years, have been of considerable concern to New Hampshire Electric Cooperative (NHEC) NHEC and its members. At current costs, the has begun construction of what will be the Moultonborough project’s output is expected largest solar electric array in the state, a two to save NHEC more than $280,000 per year in SNOW DRAGON mountain megawatt (MW) system that will provide its costs it would otherwise incur for purchase members a clean source of electricity located and delivery of the same products at wholesale B U I L D E R S on NHEC’s own distribution system. from sources outside its system. After factoring SNOW DRAGON The ground-mounted solar photovoltaic in the cost of construction and the expected (PV) system, consisting of approximately 8,000 savings, the power from the project is expected S O L A R panels, will take shape over the next several to immediately have a net cost comparable to months on land owned by NHEC adjacent to its conventionally produced power imported by substation on Moultonborough Neck Road in NHEC from the regional market. Moultonborough. It is expected to be online by NHEC President and CEO Steve Camerino the end of 2017 and producing approximately noted, “Although it will cover a small portion 3.5 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity of our members’ total electricity needs, one of per year for the next 25 years or more, enough the biggest benefits of this project is the price ALBERT DUCHARME power for approximately 600 homes. stability it offers. Wholesale power prices can The Moultonborough solar array will dis- vary widely, but this project will provide NHEC’s place electricity NHEC would otherwise have members a reliable source of renewable energy www.snowdragonsolar.com 603-630-3003 Meredith, N.H.

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www.snowdragonsolar.com 603-630-3003 Meredith, N.H. 14 June 2017 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 RENEWABLE ENERGY - WIND Why We Need Wind Power in Vermont and in the Northeast By George Harvey they were told infra-sound Local Area Initiatives The Vermont was present, Public Service Board regardless of Cont’d from p.12 has sent recom- whether it was Hillsborough (NH) Area Energy Initiative mendations to the or not. Those in (HAREI) as the president of this initiative legislature for new the other group reaching southwestern New Hampshire. sound standards for did not experi- HAREI currently has 11 residential solar utility-scale wind ence increased power projects in the pipeline now, rang- projects. Critics say symptoms. ing from 10 to 60 panels. the standards are The Austra- As Lawrence explains, “What we do is so strict that the lian Medical help people understand the process of effectively kill de- Association designing and installing solar power so velopment of wind ultimately that they can make good decisions about power in the state. published a what to do. In some cases, that just means This has come as a position paper understanding it well enough to be an Sheffield wind farm Image: Wikimedia Commons surprise to a num- on the human informed consumer when working with a ber of people, who health effects commercial installer, but most of our focus have regarded Vermont as very progres- an abandoned factory building and rail- of wind turbines. They had concluded that is on helping those able and inclined to sive in pursuing clean energy. Those more road tracks on it. A group of about thirty the effects were real, but were not caused design and install for themselves.” familiar with what has been going among people stormed into a meeting where a by wind turbines. They were caused by Lawrence credits the strong community the Green Mountains have found it more town committee was discussing the array, stress, which one person said was the re- of volunteers for the initiatives success in predictable. loudly demanding, among other things, sult of “scare tactics by anti-wind activists.” enabling new members to learn and even- People who hate wind power in Ver- that committee members give them a The problem of the human health ef- tually produce the installation nicknamed mont really hate wind power. That is a year’s email traffic and financial records. fects of wind turbines would not go away, “Solar Raisers,” which echoes the tradition statement I will ask you to remember. The thing that precipitated the Pownal even if all the wind turbines were removed. of a barn raising. He adds, “This process not As I see it, there are two kinds of orga- attack on solar power was a rumor that The reason is that the hatred people use only saves everyone money, it allows each nizations that are actively anti-renewable seems to have been actively pushed to to motivate anti-wind activity will not go member to learn each step in the process in this country. There are those that are frighten people into political action. The away — with any success, it will merely be while helping others.” tied to right-wing politics, and possibly rumor was that rain would leach poison- directed at something else, which could be Lawrence, who has been with HAREI financed with money from fossil fuels. They ous heavy metals from the solar panels solar power or, just as easily, the dairy in- since 2015, acknowledges the work of the are fairly predictable, in their unrelent- into the soil, contaminating ground water. dustry. Wind turbines are not the problem. group’s most active founding members as ing and outrageous way, in pushing their Organizing the demonstration was done, Hatred is the problem. And that hatred is integral to their success. Paul Button of En- agenda. They are represented in Vermont I have been told, by people in one of the a problem we need to address, if we are to ergy Audits Unlimited, who was President by the Ethan Allen Institute, one of the anti-wind groups, using the same tactics save ourselves from climate change. until last year, and Andrew Gillis, current many state organizations associated with they use against wind power. Another thing that needs to be ad- HAREI Vice President both “pioneered our the State Policy Network, whose leading That demonstration was severely abu- dressed is reality itself. I had the good for- Solar Raiser model, and really organized members include the American Legislative sive of the local committee, to the point tune of sitting next to a leading anti-wind our process and much of our technical Exchange Council, Americans for Prosper- that not only was the array successfully information resources,” said Lawrence. Block Island Wind Farm activist at a dinner and subsequent panel ity Foundation, the Cato Institute, the blocked, but four of the five members discussion. As we were getting up from “One of the best predictors of whether Heritage Foundation. resigned within three days. (It is interesting the dinner, she turned to me and said, “You or not a home will add solar is whether Nevertheless, to my way of thinking, it to note that whatever imaginary problems know, we shouldn’t even be talking about or not they have a neighbor who’s done is the “grassroots” organizations that are could have developed from leaching from wind and solar.” so,” Lawrence adds. “What we’re doing is a more interesting. We may only speculate solar panels were miniscule compared to Surprised, I asked, “What should we be great example of ‘acting locally’ and being on how they are funded. Some possibly are the very real problems the town already talking about?” good neighbors. It’s an easy model to not funded at all. We certainly can observe had but was unaware of. Just about all of “The secret energy sources the govern- copy, and we’re more than happy to help that they are passionate, disciplined, and the town’s wells were soon found to have ment has developed, of course.” any other groups that want to learn how energetic in achieving their goals. Their been long since contaminated with PFOA “What energy sources?” we make it work so they can adapt it to methods can even include actions that can from a local factory. No residential wells She was getting up. “There are too many their own area.” be described as intentionally intimidating. could safely be used, and water from the to talk about now.” In the southeastern part of the state, In the work I do for my blog, geoharvey. town well could not be consumed until “Can you give me one example?” I asked. the Seacoast (NH and Maine) Area Energy com, I spend about four hours every day it had been fitted with a special filter to “Anti-gravity.” Initiative (SEAREI) is serving up innovative just reviewing news relating to energy and remove those toxins.) No, I am not kidding. and engaging events. SEAREI was formed climate change. One of the things I have My belief is that many people in Ver- This piece first appeared at https:// in 2009 by members of the Piscataqua observed is that every technology that mont have become victims of an anti- cleantechnica.com/2017/05/24/whats-wind- Sustainability Initiative (PSI) in partnership has some hope of replacing fossil fuels wind movement intentionally driven by power-vermont/ with Plymouth Area Renewable Energy has some “grassroots” organization that instilling fear in them. People are afraid of Initiative. SEAREI held a hot-air-panel arises at the state level in opposition to it. “Big Wind.” But they are not afraid of “Big installation in early 2017 at the downtown Wind power, which those in the fossil fuels Oil,” which actually is making them sick, Portsmouth Port City Makerspace. The industries may see as the biggest threat, according to medical professionals. solar hot air panels were gleaned from a seems to have the greatest opposition. The human health effects of wind power large decommissioned solar heating sys- Certainly, utility-scale solar power also has are one of the subjects I keep a special eye Withdrawal From the Accord tem in Colorado. The 95 refurbished panels opposition, as do, to a lesser extent, hydro out for, as I do my daily blog post. Several Cont’d from p.3 led the group to produce a “how-to” instal- power and bio-mass. Even rooftop solar years ago, I started noticing a growing lation manual that includes step by step has grassroots opposition, based on the body of papers were being published in and local policy tools and corporate commit- instructions, photos, and cost estimates for false belief that only rich people can afford Australian medical journals relating to ments, all aggregated and formally reported this DIY project. SEAREI plans to provide it, and it gives them a way to save money those effects. It was clear that some people to the United Nations in place of the federal the manual and more discussion about while costing the rest of us more money were getting sick around some wind farms, government reports previously envisaged. how they can be adapted to your residen- for our electricity. but not around others. Looking for the American society is replacing the Trump tial heating needs at future events. The intensity and savagery of the op- “smoking gun,” various obvious common- Administration in climate diplomacy – some- SEAREI also kicked off the spring with position to renewables in Vermont can alities were tested and rejected until one thing unprecedented but very powerful, and an ambitious Energize 360 Campaign with be seen by two incidents that took place was found that produced a match. People something which begins to marginalize the various outreach events throughout the here. In one, David Blittersdorf, who has around wind farms were showing more President in a disruptive and one expects seacoast including Dover, NH, which will developed wind and solar power in Ver- symptoms in proportion to the amount of unwelcome way. expand solar to residential customers. The mont, got an alert from a motion sensor exposure they got to anti-wind activists. This kind of a pathway to climate prog- Energize 360 event for SEAREI was featured at a cabin he owned. A camera got a fuzzy Careful to complete their work accord- ress was laid out and anticipated by Mike in the April 2017 issue of Green Energy picture of a woman breaking into the ing to scientific procedures, researchers Bloomberg and myself in our recent book, Times (page 11). property, through a gate. Later, the police next tested groups of people to find out Climate of Hope. But we never imagined that As New Hampshire builds its energy reported that a deer’s head had been left whether the activists might actually be the it would be Donald Trump whose desire to independence, these three local area at the gate. This was taken to be an obvi- source of the problem. One group of vol- remain center-stage for his base would ac- energy initiatives will continue to contrib- ous threat against Blittersdorf. unteers was exposed to an anti-wind mes- celerate and jump-start the process. ute substantially to the statewide success Another example is an event in August sage on infra-sound. Another group was To learn more about Pope’s views on the at the grassroots and consumer level. of 2015 in the town of Pownal. The local told by a scientist that infra-sound was not environment, energy and climate, read Cli- fire department had wanted to put in a known to be connected to any symptoms. mate of Hope which he has co-authored with Hope O’Shaughnessy is a Massachusetts- 150-kW solar array to provide power for a Both groups were tested with and without former NYC Mayor Mike Bloomberg and which based freelance writer who has written for pumping station. The array was to go up infra-sound. Those who had seen the anti- can be purchased online or from your local the Daily Hampshire Gazette (Northampton, on compromised land, a five-acre plot with wind video had increased symptoms when book store. MA) and The Republican (Springfield, MA). 15 June 2017 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 RENEWABLE ENERGY

would benefit the health and well-being of our More States Aim to Go 100% Renewable citizens in immeasurable ways.” “More importantly,” Garballey adds. “It signals Massachussetts and California to Join Hawaii? to the country our commitment to long-term solutions in meeting the very real challenges of By Chris Gillespie “Delivering this amount of renewable climate change, and lights the way for similar While the new presi- electricity strongly confirms PG&E’s continued efforts across the nation.” dential administration and commitment to a cleaner energy future for our If passed, HD. 3357 and SD. 1932 would join congressional majority are customers and all of California,” said Geisha Massachusetts’ current commitments to clean hard at work in Washington Williams, CEO and President of Pacific Gas and energy, such as the Global Warming Solutions D.C. stripping environmental Electric in the recent press release. “We embrace Act of 2008, which requires the state to reduce agencies of their federal our role as our leader in renewable energy, and carbon emissions by at least 80% below 1990 funding, some state leaders, we are full speed ahead in reaching our next levels by 2025. Massachusetts is also a founding bolstered by economic targets.” member of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initia- evidence, are already busy Across the country, legislators in Massachu- tive, a cap-and-trade program that has reduced introducing legislation to setts have also proposed laws that would put carbon emissions from the electricity sector by lessen and abolish their their state on track for reaching 100% renew- 15% since 2011, saving $460 million in electric- states’ use of fossil fuels. able energy in the coming decades. State ity bills across nine states in the Northeast. Legislators in California, representatives Sean Barballey (D-23rd Middle- If their propositions are passed, California for instance, are working sex) and Marjorie Decker (D-25th Middlesex) and Massachusetts will join Hawaii in being towards setting up a time- introduced HD. 3357 in the House while State legally held to a 100%-renewable-energy line for drastically reducing, Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Middlesex and standard. In 2015, Hawaii became the first state and ultimately eliminating, Worcester) introduced SD. 1932 in the Senate. in the nation to pass legislation to commit to fossil fuels from the state’s Together, the legislation would require the Bay obtaining a carbon-free energy grid with HB. electric “grid.” California State to get 100% of its electricity from renew- 623, which requires all of Hawaii’s electricity Senate leader Kevin de León able sources by 2035 and all of its other energy to come from renewable sources no later than Leonardo DiCaprio shares his support of California’s proposed SB 584 on social 2045. Given the drastic growth of Hawaii’s clean (D-Los Angeles) recently media: http://bit.ly/Leo-Dicaprio_Twitter_CA-100 needs, such as heating and transportation, from introduced SB 584, which renewable sources by 2050. energy resources, however, the Blue Planet requires the Golden State to A key component of HD. 3357 is the Clean Foundation has said that Hawaii could reach have a carbon-free grid by 2045 and accelerates environmentalist Leonardo DiCaprio who Energy Workforce Development Fund, which 100% renewables as early as 2030. the state’s current goal of powering 50% of the tweeted his support for the mandate. provides economic benefits by increasing Chris Gillespie is a freelance writer based in total carried by the grid with renewable energy Although SB 584 stands to be an improve- access to employment opportunities work- southern New Hampshire. by 2030. ment on SB 350, the success of SB 350’s ‘50% ing with solar, De León, who pushed SB 350—the state’s renewable by 2030’ timeline suggests that offshore wind, initial ‘50% renewable by 2030’ law—into effect powering a state with nearly 12% of the and other clean in 2015, recently suggested to the Los Angeles national population without using fossil fuels energy technol- Times that aiming for a half-renewable grid by by 2045 is an obtainable goal. Pacific Gas and ogy. 2030 was a modest goal, saying that he and his Electric Company, a leading energy provider in “This legisla- colleagues should have “reached for the stars” California, announced in 2016 that they are well tion provides when it came to laying out California’s renew- ahead of schedule in meeting the state’s current a bold step by able future. The newly proposed SB 584 is a 33% renewable target by 2020, and followed up placing the Com- big step forward from SB 350 and has received in March 2017 by announcing that nearly 70% monwealth on a praise from clean energy leaders and experts, of the electricity they delivered to customers in path to a cleaner including Academy Award-winning actor and 2016 came from greenhouse gas-free resources. and more sus- tainable future,” said Represen- tative Garbal- ley in a recent statement. “It encourages job creation, protects and sustains our Discover why the TOP INSTALLERS in the U.S. rely on us! natural resources, reduces our carbon California’s Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan, a major component of the state’s renew- footprint and able energy planning: photo by Tom Brewster Photography, http://bit.ly/flickr-RE-CA-Desert

Solar Roof Mounts & Rail-Free Racking Systems www.ecofastensolar.com • 877.859.3947 • [email protected] 16 June 2017 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 UP TO DATE INCENTIVE INFO: WWW.DSIREUSA.ORG INCENTIVES outside wood systems) - $2,000 • Rebates for solar electric/thermal proj- • circulator pumps - $15-$600 point of ects 10kW (or thermal equivalent) or less FEDERAL VERMONT purchase discount • New Solar PV = $0.50/Watt DC or 30% of CLEAN ENERGY • cold climate heat pump $600-$800 point total project cost, whichever is less. Max FEDERAL INVESTMENT of purchase discount $2500. TAX CREDIT DEVELOPMENT FUND Contact [email protected] The federal investment tax credit (ITC) The Small Scale RE Incentive Program, Residential New Construction for most technologies, including solar, administered by Renewable Energy • enroll in Residential New Construction Residential Solar Water Heating wind, heat pumps, and fuel cells, is 30% of Resource Center (RERC), provides funds to Service – up to $2,000 in incentives and free Rebate Program expenditures. For commercial geothermal help defray the costs of new solar thermal home energy rating and expert technical and advanced wood pellet heating systems. • $1500 - $1900 per system based on generating systems, microturbines, and assistance throughout construction and annual system output combined heat and power the ITC is 10% For more information: www.RERC-vt.org or eligible for ENERGY STAR label of expenditures. call (877)888-7372 • Washington Electric Coop and Vermont Commercial Bulk Fuel-Fed Wood SOLAR THERMAL INCENTIVES – PER Gas Systems customers may also receive C&I Pellet Central Heating Systems USDA RURAL RATED CAPACITY OF SYSTEM additional incentives (contact EV*) • 40% of the heating appliance(s) and DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM • $0.40 per kWh/year for residential and Other Opportunities To Save installation cost, up to a maximum of USDA Rural Development Program - Rural commercial customers $65,000. An additional 30% up to a maxi- Energy for America (REAP) • Advanced Power Strips – coupons at mum $5,000 is available for thermal storage. • $0.80 per kWh/year for Special Category register at participating retailers* Finance the purchase of renew- customers Systems must be 2.5 million BTU or less able energy systems, and make energy **special customer category limited to municipalities, • Pool Pump – up to $600 rebate on improvements; energy audits. Funding non-profit housing authorities, public schools., and qualifying ENERGY STAR models Residential Wood Pellet Boiler/Furnace non-profit hospitals and health care centers. All incen- • Meter Loan – borrow “Watts Up” meter is awarded on a competitive basis; grant • 40% of installed system up to $10k funding cannot exceed 25% of eligible tives are subject to availability and may change. to measure the electric consumption of project costs and combined loan guaran- Pellet Heating your appliances • Must meet thermal efficiency and par- tees and grants cannot exceed 75% of eli- • Commercial Refrigeration Evaporator ticulate emissions standards gible project costs. • Advanced wood pellet heating systems -- $3000 per boiler Fan Motors - $60-$100 each w/ point of Contact [email protected] Applicants include Feasibility studies/ purchase discoun regular REAPs: agricultural producers • Custom Rebate $1.25/ft2 of heated space, www.puc.nh.gov – Sustainable Energy and rural small businesses. Energy audits $60,000 max or $80,000 max for public/ 1. *all rebates/incentives subject to availability, lim- or tel. 603-271-2431 for more informa- non-profit sector its and may change – for complete incentives and tion and current program status and renewable energy development requirements, and for participating retailers/contrac- assistance: local governments, tribes, land • Details at www.RERC-vt.org tors, visit efficiencyvermont.com or call 888-921-5990 grant colleges, rural electric coops, public or call (877)888-7372 LOCAL INCENTIVES power entities. Grant must be used for VT TAX CREDITS Some towns provide property tax exemp- Construction or improvements, purchase tions for renewables – visit www.bit.ly/ and installation of equipment, energy • Vermont offers an investment tax credit NEW HAMPSHIRE NHtownRenewablesTaxBreaks audits, permit fees, professional service for installations of renewable energy equip- fees, business plans, and/or feasibility ment on business properties. The credit is Renewable Energy Incentives • These are offered on a town-by-town studies. Find more at www.rurdev.usda. equal to 24% of the “Vermont property por- Offered Through the NH Public basis. gov/NH-VTHome.html or call 802-828- tion” of the federal business energy tax • The state also has passed PACE (prop- 6080 in VT or 603-223-6035 in NH credit from 2011 to 2016. For solar, small Utilities Commission erty-assessed clean energy) enabling wind, and fuel cells this constitutes a 7.2% Commercial Solar Rebate Program legislation which will allow towns to use BIOREFINERY ASSISTANCE state-level credit for systems and for geo- the PACE mechanism to finance clean thermal electric, microturbines, and com- Category 1: energy projects through property taxes PROGRAM bined heat and power systems, this ≤100 kW AC incentive levels for PV systems: • Visit http://www.nh.gov/oep/programs/ USDA Rural Development offers oppor- constitutes a 2.4% state-level tax credit. • $0.70/watt (lower of AC and DC) for new energy/pace/index.htm tunities to producers to develop biofuels Tier III programs solar electric facilities for more information. through the Biorefinery Assistance Program. • 0.65/watt (lower of AC and DC) for new The program provides loan guarantees for • Additional incentive offers may be avail- solar electric facilities NH Electric Cooperative the development, construction, and retrofit- able through your local utility provider, con- ting of commercial-scale biorefineries. tact your utility for more information. • Expansions to existing solar systems are Incentives for Electric not eligible. The Biorefinery Assistance Program was EFFICIENCY VERMONT Vehicles and Electric Car established to assist in the development ≤100 kW AC equivalent incentive levels of new and emerging technologies for the Lighting (must be ENERGY STAR®) for solar thermal systems: Charging Stations • NHEC offers a $1,000 incentive on a development of advanced biofuels and • ENERGY STAR LEDs supported by • $0.12/rated or modeled kBtu/year for Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV), $600 on a aims to accomplish the following: Efficiency Vermont incentives available at new solar thermal facilities fifteen collectors Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV), and • Increase the energy independence of Vermont retailers for as low as $.95. in size or fewer; the United States • $0.07/rated or modeled kBtu/year for $300 on Electric Motorcycles. • Promote resource conservation, public Home Efficiency Improvements new solar thermal facilities greater than fif- • NHEC offers incentives on Electric Vehicle health, and the environment • improvements: air sealing, insulation teen collectors in size; and Supply Equipment (EVSE) of up to $2,500 and heating system upgrades - up to • Expansions to existing solar systems are (only Commercial and Municipal members • Diversify markets for agricultural and are eligible for incentives) forestry products and agricultural waste $2,500 in incentives - using participating* not eligible. Category 2: materials contractors • Pre-approval is required. > 100 kW AC and ≤500 kW AC incentive level • Visit: https://www.nhec.com/ • Create jobs and enhance economic Appliances (must be ENERGY STAR) for PV systems development in rural America For more information go to • Dehumidifiers - $40 mail-in rebate • $0.55/Watt AC for new electric facilities. NH Home Performance with www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_Biorefinery • Clothes Washers - $40 rebate for CEE Tier • Expansions to existing solar systems are ENERGY STAR 1 qualifying models, $75 rebate for CEE Tier not eligible. Sponsored by all NH electric and natural 2, 3 or ENERGY STAR Most Efficient Contact [email protected] or gas utilities in partnership by the U.S. Dept. • Refrigerators - $40 rebate for CEE Tier 1, at (603) 271-2431. of Energy. Fuel-blind eligibility using the REGIONAL $75 for CEE Tier 2, 3 & ENERGY STAR Most Note: The C&I Category 2 solar rebate pro- Home Heating Index (BTUs of heating fuel NEW ENGLAND GRASSROOTS Efficient gram currently has a waitlist. / conditioned square feet / heating degree • Clothes Dryers - $50 to $400 rebate on For C&I solar program details, go to: http:// days). Must provide at least 12 months of heating fuel history. Once qualified, eligi- ENVIRONMENTAL FUND select ENERGY STAR electric models www.puc.nh.gov/Sustainable%20Energy/ MODEST GRANTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR RenewableEnergyRebates-CI.html ble homes get a $450 value compre COMMUNITY-BASED ENVIRONMENTAL Heating/Cooling PACE hensive energy audit for $100 (rebated if WORK IN CT,MA,RI,NH,VT,ME improvements installed), and 50% instant • LP/Oil boilers & furnaces - $250 rebate* The state also has passed PACE (property- • Must be volunteer driven or have up to 2 rebate for eligible weatherization improve- • Select smart thermostats - up to $150 assessed clean energy) enabling legisla- ments up to a $4,000. full time paid staff or equiv. tion which will allow towns to use the PACE mail-in rebate • Visit www.NHSaves.com/HPWES for • have an annual budget up to $100,000 mechanism to finance clean energy proj- • solar hot water - $950 rebate post ects through property taxes. more information and an online Home • “Seed” grants of $250-$1,000 and “Grow” installation Visit http://cpace-nh.com/index.html for Heating Index calculator grants of $1,000-$3,500 • heat pump water heater - $300-$500 more information. • Go to www.grassrootsfund.org/grants/ point of purchase discount NH ENERGY STAR Homes or call 802-223-4622 for more info. • central wood pellet boilers (excluding Residential Solar PV Rebate Program • Incentives for new homes which meet While we at Green Energy Times try to keep things up to date, incentives are always changing. Be sure to check with the appropriate sources for the latest information. INCENTIVES UP TO DATE INCENTIVE INFO: WWW.DSIREUSA.ORG WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 June 2017 17 ENERGY STAR guidelines. Incentives include HERS rating fees paid by the utility, rebates DEPT OF ENERGY RESOURCES for ENERGY STAR lighting, appliances –up to MASSACHUSETTS • Solar renewable-energy credits (SRECs) NEW YORK $4,000 based on the HERS score. associated with system generation belong • Visit www.NHSaves.com/newhome for Commonwealth Solar Hot to the system owner and may be sold via RENEWABLE ENERGY INCENTIVES more details. the Department of Energy Resources OFFERED THROUGH Water (SHW) Programs (DOER) SREC 2 program. Systems sized Welcome to the 2017 New York solar incentive NH ENERGY STAR • Applicants must be served by National under 10kW single phase or 25kW three phase have an extension until the new and rebate information: 169 programs and Grid, Unitil (Fitchburg Gas and Electric), incentives at: Appliances & Lighting Eversource or a participating Municipal incentive program starts in 2017. Note: appropriate, approved Data Acquisition http://dsireusa.org (enter your zipcode) • Mail-in rebates for ENERGY STAR-certified Light Plant community Programs and Services from NYSERDA: clothes washers ($30), clothes dryers ($40) • Homeowners are eligible for a base System monitoring must be utilized for PV room air conditioners ($15), room air rebate amount of the lesser of $4,500 or systems >10kW in order to qualify to sell https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs purifiers ($15) and refrigerators ($20), 40% of the installed cost. The system may SRECs. dehumidifiers ($25), 2-speed pool pumps also be eligible to receive additional • Next solar incentive information can be New York State Energy Research ($200), and variable speed pool pumps funding (“adders”) which increase the found at http://www.mass.gov/eea/ and Development Authority. ($500). Refrigerator/freezer recycling amount of the rebate. Adders are detailed energy-utilities-clean-tech/renewable- • Business & Industry available – unit must be in working in the program manual at http://files. energy/rps-aps/development-of-the-next- • Communities & Governments condition – includes free pickup and $30 solar-incentive.html masscec.com/get-clean-energy/residen- • Partners & Investors rebate. tial/commonwealth-solar-hot-water/ • MA State Income tax credit for residen- • Cleantech & Innovation SHW_Program_Manual_Small_Scale.pdf tial solar hot water or PV systems are • Visit www.NHSaves.com/ appliances for • Residents& Homeowners more information and rebate forms. • Visit http://www.masscec.com/pro- eligible for a one-time 15% off system cost, • Instant rebates available for ENERGY grams/commonwealth-solar-hot-water capped at $1000 max tax credit. Home Energy Waste • No sales tax on residential solar hot STAR-certified LED light bulbs purchased Getting a home energy assessment water or PV system. through participating NH retailers (varies MassSave Heat Loan SHW can help you take control of your energy by retailer). Mail in $5 rebates on Energy • Through this loan program, customers • There is no increase in property tax costs. It can identify where your house Star certified light fixtures may borrow at 0% interest the costs of a assessment for residential solar hot water is using the most energy and which • Visit www.NHSaves.com/ lighting for Solar Domestic Hot Water and/or Thermal or PV systems for 20 yrs. improvements would have the biggest more information. Heating system. Apply through receiving impact on your bottom line. Heating and the MassSave Energy Audit. You can borrow MA SREC II POLICY cooling costs frequently account for 50% PAREI up to $25,000 at 0% interest for a 7 year of residential energy bills. Identifying your • To explore the possibility of a solar Massachusetts’ Solar Renewable Energy term. Credits Program, SREC II prioritizes sites, by energy waste can lead to big savings. installation. Plymouth Area Renewable Visit: http://bit.ly/ny-nrg-waste. Energy Initiative. www.plymouthenergy.org Energy Efficiency using an SREC factor based on the type of installation. • www.nhsaves.com RENEWABLE ENERGY INCENTIVES • After conducting a free residential Energy • The credits provided for energy produced NHSAVES Lighting and Audit, residential customers are eligible for by a system are calculated by multiplying OFFERED THROUGH NY-SUN up to $25,000, commercial loan up to $100k the factor times a full credit value. http://ny-sun.ny.gov/ Efficiency Catalog at 0% interest heat loan with terms up to 7 Extensive catalog of efficient lighting prod- years to cover the following energy • Full credit is given for residential, parking NY-Sun is structured around customized ucts, from stylish lamps to hard to find efficiency improvements: atticwall-base- canopy, emergency power, or community- Megawatt (MW) Blocks targeted to specific specialty bulbs. Catalog includes other effi- ment insulation, high efficiency heating based systems, or any other system of less regions of the state. To learn more, see the ciency items such as smart strips, power systems, high efficiency domestic hot water than 25 kW. Megawatt Block Incentive Structure. monitors, and water-conserving devices systems, solar hot water systems, 7-day • Larger systems get a factor of 0.9, if they The Megawatt (MW) Block Dashboard provides real time information on the status Offered at discounted pricing for NH elec- digital programmable thermostats, Energy are building-mounted or at least 67% of the Star replacement windows power produced is used at the site. If a of block and current incentive levels by sector tric utility customers, and fulfilled by EFI. and region. Block status is updated as applica- • Available only to utility customers of W. larger system meets neither of these Visit www.NHSaves.com/lighting-catalog. criteria, but is built on a landfill or brown- tions are submitted, so click the refresh button Mass Electric, National Grid, Berkshire Gas, to see the current status. Nstar, Unitil and Cape Light Compact field site, or if it is less than 650 kW, then it Energy Star® Residential gets a factor of 0.8. Systems that qualify for • https://www.powerclerk.com/nysunini- • Visit www.masssave.com/residential/ none of the foregoing get a factor of 0.7. tiative/dashboard.aspx Heating, Cooling, & Water heating-and-cooling/offers/heat-loan-pro- Heating Equipment Rebate gram Please call 866-527-7283 to schedule - Expect changes in spring 2018. Residential and Small Business a free home energy assessment. • http://bit.ly/Mass_SREC_II. http://ny-sun.ny.gov/Get-Solar/Resi- • Rebates of up to $500/ton on Air Source • MA State Incentives can be found at: dents-And-Small-Business and Geothermal Heat Pumps. Rebates of www.masscec.com/get-clean-energy $500 - $600 on Heat Pump Water Heaters. Massachusetts Solar loan Commercial and Industrial Rebates of $100 on WiFi Thermostats Program • http://ny-sun.ny.gov/Get-Solar/Com- Woodstove Change-out mercial-and-Industrial • Program details and application at www. Mass Solar Loan focuses on connecting NHSaves.com/heating cooling homeowners who install solar PV systems Program Community Solar with low-interest loans to help finance the • The Commonwealth Woodstove • http://ny-sun.ny.gov/Get-Solar/Com- Other NH Electric Utility Programs projects. Change-Out program, a partnership munity-Solar See also individual utilities for additional between MassCEC, the Massachusetts Commercial/Industrial PV Installer programs and variations. NH electric util- • The $30 million program, a partnership between the Massachusetts Department Department of Environmental Protection • http://ny-sun.ny.gov/For-Local-Govern- ities may offer low or no interest on-bill and the Department of Energy Resources, financing for energy efficiency projects. of Energy Resources (DOER) and MassCEC, ment/Local-Government will work with local banks and credit offers rebates to assist Massachusetts • Visit www.NHSaves.com/resource/ for residents in replacing non-EPA-certified Residential/Small Commercial unions to provide financing to homeown- individual utility contact information. wood stoves with cleaner, more efficient Solar PV Installer ers interested in solar electricity. DOER’s EPA-certified wood or pellet stoves. • http://ny-sun.ny.gov/Get-Solar/Find-A- Business Programs program works with banks and credit Solar-Electric-Installer unions to expand borrowing options • Standard rebates range from $500 to Includes programs for: small and large busi- $1,750 per change-out, and low-income Financing Options ness, new equipment and construction, through lower interest rate loans and encourage loans for homeowners with rebates range from $1,500 to $3,000, based • http://ny-sun.ny.gov/Get-Solar/NY- seminars, lighting incentives, and catalog, on stove specifications Sun-Financing and low and no interest financing programs. lower income or lower credit scores. • http://www.masscec.com/get-clean-energy/ Clean Power Estimator • Visit www.NHSaves.com/ for informa- • Since 2008, the solar electric industry in Massachusetts has grown into a robust residential/commonwealth-woodstove- • http://ny-sun.ny.gov/Get-Solar/Clean- tion about NH business incentives for changeout?utm_source=Woodstove%20 electricity efficiency. economic sector with over 1,400 busi- Power-Estimator nesses and 12,000 workers, with enough Change-Out%20Announcement&utm_ Geothermal NH Weatherization Assistance solar electricity installed in the Common- campaign=Woodstove%20&utm_ • rebate of $1500 per ton of installed ca- Income-Eligible Programs wealth to power more than 100,000 medium=email pacity for residential/small-scale systems, homes. $1,200 per ton for commercial/large-scale Home Energy Assistance and NH commu- systems up to $5000 nity action Weatherization Assistance Pro- • Mass Solar Loan will continue to grow gram. Financial assistance paying fuel bills, this sector, while allowing more homeown- Electric car and free weatherization improvements ers the ability to achieve the cost savings UP TO DATE INCENTIVE • buyers in New York State can now get for qualified applicants. Funding from U.S. and environmental benefits of this clean, a rebate of up to $2,000 on qualifying Dept. of Energy, NH utilities. renewable energy source. www.masssolar- INFO CAN BE FOUND AT: EV models from participating dealers. loan.com. The most updated loan principal See https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All- Visit www.nh.gov/oep/programs weath- buy down rate based on household erization/index.htm for application criteria, WWW.DSIREUSA.ORG Programs/Programs/Drive-Clean-Rebate/ income can be found at www.masssolar- How-it-Works. FAQs and local program contacts loan.com/loan-support-incentives. 18 June 2017 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 BUSINESS & FINANCIAL new green technologies, however. One of their most successful sustainability BAE Systems’ Business Sustainability Initiative projects is an employee garden at their Finds Success in New Hampshire and Beyond Greenlawn, NY location. Established in 2015, the garden covers 150 raised beds By Chris Gillespie ing station and installed it in August 2016. diverted 98 tons of waste from landfills. and has more than eighty employees who South Nashua was selected after BAE Since the start of Business Sustainability in actively use it each season, growing every- Systems surveyed their locations across 2010, BAE Systems has conserved 40 mil- thing from vegetables to flowers. Besides the country and found that South Nashua lion kilowatt-hours of energy and reduced giving employees a stress-free outdoor had a tremendous amount of employee its water consumption by 60 percent. environment to socialize and bond, the interest in the electric vehicle charging BAE Systems has found success with garden also allows Greenlawn employees station. conserving energy by making a number of a place to responsibly compost food waste Harrison Williams of the South Nashua improvements to the way their buildings from their onsite cafeteria. staff, for instance, charges his Chevrolet use energy, such as installing and using an Moving forward, BAE Systems Elec- Volt in the parking lot while he works in advanced cloud-based Building Automa- tronic Systems has plans to roll out more the office. Williams commutes a total of a tion System, upgrading HVAC units and environmental projects and expand many hundred miles every day for work and is their controls, utilizing high-efficiency mo- of their current successful programs. As able to drive nearly fifty miles of it using tors and frequency drives as well as retro- a company, BAE Systems is constantly only battery power. evaluating and incor- In the last six months, BAE porating new technolo- Systems employees with gies as they progress electric cars have plugged in their mission to reduce more than 900 times, reduc- resource consumption ing fuel consumption by 1,200 and lower operating gallons. By doing this, they’ve expenses. They are also also eliminated more than four actively pursuing studies tons of scope III greenhouse of many of their facilities gas emissions—roughly the to see which might be same amount of air pollutants most suited for a large- that the average home releases scale renewable energy over the course of a year. BAE project, such as an array Harrison Williams, a BAE Systems employee uses the Systems is anticipating the of solar panels. EV charging station at the company’s South Nashua, number of employees who In addition to their New Hampshire location. Courtesy of BAE Systems’ - mission of finding new Electronic Systems. utilize the electric charging sta tions to continue to grow. technologies to defend The electric vehicle charg- and protect our country, BAE Systems is a company known for ing stations in South Nashua BAE Systems is also com- being on the cutting edge of military and are only a small part of BAE mitted to reaching their surveillance technology, and they are also Systems’ nationwide Business long-term sustainability making strides to be on the cutting edge Sustainability initiative. Started goals because they un- of companies which implement large- in 2010, the Business Sustain- derstand how important scale sustainability practices. The compa- ability initiative has functioned BAE Systems’ Electronic Systems employee garden in Greenlawn, New York incorporates 150 and multifaceted the ny has sites across the country; however, with the mission of actively raised bed boxes for employees to grow flowers, plants, and vegetables. Courtesy of BAE Sys- benefits of going green the BAE Systems Electronic Systems site reducing the company’s carbon tems’ Electronic Systems. are. Said one facilities in South Nashua, New Hampshire offers a footprint while simultaneously planner specialist for glimpse at what all of the company’s park- lowering the sector’s operat- BAE Systems Electronic ing lots could look like in the future. ing expenses. As of 2017, BAE Systems fitting lighting fixtures with LEDs. In order Systems, “We are committed to being Following the success of an initial has completed nearly thirty sustainabil- to conserve water, they have improved socially responsible, not just because it electric vehicle charging station at BAE ity projects, ranging from energy and their sites’ irrigation control in addition to lowers costs, but because it’s good for our Systems Electronic Systems’ San Jose, water conservation to waste and site installing low/no flow bathroom fixtures employees.” California location, the company selected impact minimization. In 2016 alone, they and HVAC condensate recovery systems. Chris Gillespie is a contributing writer for their branch in South Nashua, New Hamp- conserved 2.7 million kilowatt-hours of Not all of BAE Systems’ sustainability Green Energy Times. He can be reached at shire to receive an electric vehicle charg- energy, 3.5 million gallons of water and programs depend on the installation of [email protected].

CLIMATE ACTIVITY THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE by John Gage Lobby and organiza- tions like The Union of Concerned Scientists are founded on the enormous potential and benefits of using scientific knowledge and vision to help direct policy decisions for the United States, and the grave risks to the country and world in not doing so. The conclusions of climate science Citizens Climate Lobby’s (CCL) NH South Central chapter leader volunteer, John about man-made Gage with his daughter meet with Representative Ann Kuster of New Hampshire global warming and in Washington D.C. They were among the 1000 CCL volunteers who lobbied 500 ocean acidification are congressional offices in teams on June 13, 2017. Photo courtesy John Gage. certain, and neces- sitate a rapid reduc- Recent federal administration decisions tion in greenhouse gas emissions from that ignore the strong recommendations of burning fossil fuels. Nearly every other science, and proposals to remove funding country in the world sees this clearly, as from basic scientific research are provoking indicated by the near-unanimous global a strong reaction from educated, con- participation in the Paris Climate Accord. cerned citizens across the country. People By deciding to drop out, our country is are being moved by events and increasing ignoring a leadership opportunity that their civic engagement, and many are feel- the whole world knows will require US ing the call to get involved for the first time. participation to solve. It will Volunteer groups like Citizens Climate take the technological and Cont’d on p.23 BUSINESS & FINANCIAL WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG June 2017 19

Green Designated Realtors your realtor can enter things like third party home certifications and geothermal heating. Sustainability Advocates in Real Estate -There is an online tool called PV Value which does exactly that. It asks for your address and some basic information about By Madeline McElaney your solar photovoltaic system and then estimates the value of an installed photo- Energy efficiency voltaic system. Find this free tool at www. and sustainable pvvalue.com. energy in buildings -Property owners also have the right has been my passion to request a competent appraiser. This and my career for means that if you are selling your property over 15 years. Dur- and you know that your property has high ing that time I have performance features like a LEED certifi- seen countless prop- cation or a state-of-the-art pellet-fueled erty owners in the boiler, you or your realtor or real estate central New Hamp- broker can request that your appraiser shire region where has completed the Valuation of Sustain- I live make energy able Buildings Professional Development improvements to Program and uses the Green Addendum their homes. From as part of the appraisal process to ensure spray foam and pipe that your building is properly evaluated. insulation in the (http://bit.ly/green_appraisal) basement, to shiny If you are thinking of buying or selling sexy PV panels on a green home, look for a realtor who can the rooftops, central respond to your specific needs. Your Green NH has a reputa- I remember five years ago when I It was kind of like that classic moment Designated Realtor has a comprehensive tion for being ahead of the curve when it understanding of how homes with green comes to energy efficiency and renewable was refinancing my mortgage, I proudly in “The Wizard of Oz” where the movie showed the appraiser the solar hot water shifts from black and white to technicolor. features should be marketed differently energy in our buildings. than traditional homes. He or she can When asked why they made these panels on my roof and told him about the The real estate world now has tools and attic insulation we had added with a R programs in place to help you buy or sell a work as your advocate throughout the changes to their buildings, the property process of helping you buy or sell a high owners’ reasons ranged from money saved value of 60, and the spray foam under the high performance (aka green) home. And house with a R value of 30. “It takes a cord high performance homes are selling at a performance building. There are many on heating and cooling costs, to creating a realtors throughout the distribution terri- more comfortable and cozy home, to bet- and a half of wood per year to heat our higher price and spending less time on house!” I said. “That’s nice, but I can’t see the market. tory of Green Energy Times who proudly ter indoor air quality, to energy indepen- carry the National Association of Realtors dence, to “it’s just the right thing to do as the insulation and it doesn’t change your Here are some of the tools available to home value” was our appraiser’s reply. give your green home a fair value at the Green Designation. You can find them all stewards of this planet.” at http://www.greenresourcecouncil.org. But what happens when it’s time to sell Recently I learned that this is no longer closing of a real estate transaction: your energy efficient home? How would true. I was attending the National Realtors -There is a national effort to green Madeline McElaney received the National your homes’ HERS rating, LEED certifica- Association Green Designation course the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), the Association of Realtors Green Designation. tion, or solar photovoltaic system affect in Nashua, NH and learned of multiple platform where all realtors list property for You can reach her at madeline@hammond- the resale value of your home or business? resources available to appraisers, Real- sale. There are fields within a listing where wheelerrealty.com or 603-306-4348. The answer used to be kind of vague and tors, and property owners to help people discouraging. buy and sell high performance buildings.

Grid-tied Solar Energy System

Located on a very peaceful and extremely private 38 acre parcel in Orford, NH, with long sweeping mountain views, walking trails and gardens. This natural sunlit 2,765 SF home has 2-3 BR, 3 BA, a wraparound deck, screened patio and finished walk- out basement. Automatic GE 8,000 watt generator for back-up power. Detached heated 2-car garage. $419,000.

GreenHomesForSale.com The premium venue for buying and selling green, energy-efficient, sustainable and ecological homes, developments and land since 2004. 20 June 2017 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG Feature: Hanover, NH is Going 100% Renewable

Hanover Pledges to Go 100% Renewable impact on property-tax rates. Savings HOW ARE THEY GOING TO DO IT? in energy costs in the future will reduce the impacts of future invest- Cont’d from p.1 ments in facilities and equipment. serve as a model. The These plans assume no special state roughly 400 residents or federal funding for Ready for 100% Renewables attending the town the conversion. meeting voted unani- Some sections of mously to adopt the the path ahead are less 100%-renewable goal. clear than those just A good goal is a described. Transitioning catalyst for new activ- low-income house- ity. Hanover’s case, holds to renewable en- however, shows the ergy is one of these sec- interplay between tions. Energy efficiency activity and goals. and renewable energy Hanover has a legacy save money in the long of environmental run. However, they stewardship. About often have high upfront six years ago, its town costs. Hanover’s Afford- government started able Housing Commis- budgeting $50,000 sion will be looking for per year for energy ways to make the tran- efficiency and other sition more affordable sustainability im- for these households. provements to town Financing sustain- facilities. These efforts ability investments reduced Hanover’s through property-tax, Judi Colla urges Hanover residents to support transitioning to renewable energy. municipal energy electric-meter or gas- Hanover residents show their commitment to renewable energy. spending by 31%. In meter assessments is 2014, the Sustainable a possibility. The Twin Hanover Committee Pines Housing Trust has resources. After the application was ap- successfully campaigned for the town to tapped funds from the proved, the Upper Valley Group brought become a Green Power Community, as Federal Rural Utilities Ready for 100 to the Sustainable Hanover well. These experiences made the new Service for weather- Committee, and the two groups decided goal look attainable. The vote was a formal ization and energy to collaborate. They began by working to stamp of approval for work already con- improvements. Vital expand public support templated. The head of the Department of Communities, a local for renewable energy. Public Works respond- nonprofit organization, Preparing for the ed to the affirmative seeks and develops town meeting took time “Hanover was the first vote saying, “Now we programs for mak- and a team. The Sustain- U.S. municipality in can start doing all the ing sustainability able Hanover Commit- things we’ve been talk- easier and cheaper to tee had a track record which residents approved ing about.” achieve. While the town of running successful New activity started recognizes the need programs and extensive the 100%-renewable goal quickly. After the town to replace fossil fuels connections within the by popular vote. That vote meeting, town man- used in transportation, Hanover residents say “Aye” to renewable energy. community. Hanover’s ager Griffin established action is limited by lack was unanimous.” a transition team for town manager, Julia of commercially available technology for 10-MW solar farm on land that they own municipal operations, Griffin, and heads of vehicles with high power requirements, jointly. focused on finding departments such as such as snow plows, dump trucks, fire Yolanda Baumgartner, co-chair of renewable sources of energy and further Public Works and Zoning and Planning trucks and ambulances. the Sustainable Hanover Committee, reducing energy use. Since the meeting, joined the effort whole-heartedly. The Dartmouth College has a big footprint in says, “When the vote was called at town Hanover has started revising its building Sierra Club Upper Valley Group and Sierra Hanover. It is also committed to renewable meeting, the ‘Ayes’ that came back were codes to require new construction to in- Club community organizer Ally Samuell energy and has implemented a variety of enthusiastic and unanimous. One could clude renewable energy. The Select Board continued their efforts - learning about measures. It began investing in improv- say it was an electrifying moment!“ Town has authorized the town manager to bud- transitioning to renewable energy and ing energy efficiency in its buildings a manager Julia Griffin says, “This project is get funds for converting town buildings to sharing their knowledge at meetings. In few years ago and has reduced electricity a perfect example of how one small group 100%-renewable electricity. Heat pumps the summer of 2016, representatives of consumption by 30%. This past Earth Day, of citizens can make a difference in the are being installed to replace fossil-fueled Hanover’s town government attended Dartmouth president Phil Hanlon an- community.” Other towns the first North American 100% Renewable heating systems. Solar panels will be in- nounced the results Cont’d on p.21 Cities Dia- stalled on of a task force devel- logue. At municipal oping recommen- that roofs. The dations for moving gathering, Town’s the campus toward Hanover’s Ready for sustainability. Dart- represen- 100 team mouth will replace tatives and the its steam heating started Sustain- system, fed with No. connect- able 6 fuel oil, with a hot- ing with Hanover water system using Sierra Club Commit- renewable energy. resources tee are Dartmouth’s forests and with identify- in the White Moun- partici- ing other tains are a possible pants from measures source of sustain- cities and that can able biomass for the towns be taken energy. Solar panels across right will be installed on North away. rooftops of Dart- Hanover, NH ranked in the top 30 college towns of America. Dartmouth College America. For- mouth buildings, The collec- is an integral part of the Hanover community and is also committed to the 100% ward renewable goal. Photo by Eli Burakian ’00 - Dartmouth Direct, July 20, 2016. starting with the tive results plan- alumni gymnasium of every- ning is and a classroom body’s research and planning found a allowing the town of Hanover to limit the building this sum- receptive audience. Hanover is a relatively financial impacts of converting to renew- mer. Dartmouth is well-educated community, with many of able energy. Initial funding for efficiency also partnering with its residents looking for ways to do some- upgrades and energy investments is the town of Hanover thing about climate change and eager to coming from capital reserves, minimizing in developing a Hanover, NH has committed to transition to clean, renewable energy Feature: Hanover, NH is Going 100% Renewable WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG June 2017 21 The Sustainable Hanover Committee - Instrumental for the Unanimous Vote To Go 100% Renewable By Larry Litten and Yolanda Baumgartner materials, enough to cover a football field energy, visit https://www.hanovernh.org/ with a five foot high blanket. The annual sustainable-hanover-committee. Hanover - Dartmouth College community Larry Litten is a retired Dartmouth College yard sale held in September draws a broad administrator, member of the Sustainable range of residents, visitors and students Hanover Committee since 2002, member of whose purchases give new life to usable Hanover’s Sustaining Landscapes committee items that might otherwise end up in and an Upper Valley resident since 1999. landfill. A new program in 2017 success- Yolanda Baumgartner is a retired fully employed Google map technology to Dartmouth administrator, co-chair Sustain- direct people in search of usable items to able Hanover, Core Team Ready for 100, and yard sales at the seller’s location through- a Hanover resident. out Hanover and Etna, a village on the east side of Hanover. The Landscaping subcommittee has de- veloped a new Sustain- ing Landscape project which will be launched with a public presenta- tion in June 2017. This project will engage businesses, neighbors and students in devel- oping a demonstration garden in downtown Hanover to encourage Ready for 100 meets with Sustainable Hanover and Hanover town officials . Photos from Ally Samuell (pp. 20- 21). the use of rain gardens and pollinator-friendly History and native plants. require much more than some recycling. To learn more about The Sustainable Hanover Committee SHC and the town of partnered with the Upper Valley Sierra The committee followed with a town-wide environmental summit. Subsequently, the Hanover’s commitment Club on the successful 2017 town meet- to 100% renewable Sustainble Hanover’s successful communiy yard sale. Courtesy photo. ing vote to commit Hanover to renewable Committee decided to broaden its focus to energy goals as part of the national “Ready include climate change, energy efficiency, for 100” campaign. This committee began renewable energy, and pollution issues as well as recycling. In 2007, the Board of at least 40 years ago as the town Recycling Our feature section is brought to you with support from: Committee. Volunteers had been collect- Selectmen approved a broader mission for ing recyclables at the middle school on the committee, and the committee held Saturday mornings for a couple of decades a community workshop on sustainability, before that. Initially its efforts were advised by a steering committee com- focused on weekly collection days during posed of representatives from the schools, which residents dropped off recyclables Dartmouth College, town government, at the Recycling Center at the Depart- and other local institutions. The Recycling ment of Public Works. Curbside recycling Committee became the Sustainable Ha- D a n & W h it’s Open daily • 7am - 9pm began in 1990 for glass, some plastics, and nover Committee (SHC) in 2008. metal containers, and newspapers with In the meantime, another group of collections of glossy paper and cardboard concerned residents formed the Climate OpenJust daily in! …… continuing at the Recycling Center until Protection Campaign (CPC) to address Dan & Whit’s skirts today’s bi-weekly single- sort curbside climate change and had been working 7amdesigned - 9pm by Up-Pup VT system was introduced. Over the years, the diligently on that front. When the Sustain- committee has also held drop-off days for able Hanover Committee emerged out of If w e don’t have it, you don’t need it! large metal items, electronics, and Christ- the Recycling Committee, members of the 319 Main St, Norwich VT 05055 (802)649-1602 danandwhitsonline.com mas trees. CPC joined the town committee. In 2002, the Committee invited Professor Recent Energy Initiatives Benoit Roisin of Dartmouth’s Thayer School The program to increase the use of of Engineering to help it explore the na- electricity from renewable sources began ture of its mission. Professor Roisin empha- in 2014 when the Committee invited the sized that the future health of the earth town’s largest electric users to purchase and the well-being of the town would certified green power to support Hanover as an EPA Green Power Community. Six leadership businesses and non-profits (Dartmouth College, Dartmouth Printing, Hanover Pledges Renewables Kendal at Hanover, the Hanover Co-op Cont’d from p.20 Food Store, Hypertherm and the Town) in the Upper Valley are watching. A couple joined the effort. The following year, with of people from Lebanon, New Hampshire the addition of SAU #70 and two other may accompany Hanover’s Ready for 100 programs focusing primarily on residents team at the 2nd Annual North American and small businesses (Solarize Hanover in 100% Renewable Cities Dialogue this July. conjunction with Vital Communities, and The work done in Hanover is a model for a purchasing group buying 100% green towns in the region to follow. Ally Samuell certified electricity for residents and small and the Sierra Club Upper Valley Group are business accounts) Hanover increased ready to help. to 22% green for all the electricity used Green Energy Times extends congratula- community-wide. Feedback from the com- tions and thanks to the citizens and Town munity about these projects was extreme- of Hanover for this outstanding decision! It ly positive. The Committee felt there would is an example for all of us working to make be strong support in the community for a a carbon-free energy system a reality. We “Ready for 100” campaign. support your decision and efforts whole Other current SHC Programs heartedly! The SHC has a Recycling subcommittee Rick Wackernagel is a member of the which continues to oversee recycling and Energy and Climate Committee, Sierra Club reuse efforts. In 2016 curbside recycling Vermont Chapter in Hanover collected 5,500 cubic yards of 22 June 2017 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 HEATING & COOLING The U.K.’s First Water-sourced Heat Pump for District Heating By George Harvey One of the River, but in Long interesting things Island Sound and about this is that New York Harbor. most cities are There are built on rivers or limitations to the large bodies of amount of heat circulating water, we can reason- such as the sea or ably extract from the Great Lakes. rivers. It would This means that make good sense the special ad- to bear these vantage Glasgow A Star Renewable Energy heat pump. SRE image. in mind as we gets from its first move forward. river-sourced heat Nevertheless, pump could be realized by many cities in the large heat pumps built by SRE look like exactly the same way. New York City could they may represent an important heating be heated by water not only in the Hudson solution.

The River Clyde will be used as the source of heat. Image: Thinkstock.

One of Scotland’s greatest cities, SRE is using river-sourced heat pumps Glasgow, sits on the banks of the River for district heating, so a number of build- Clyde. Its situation on that river is a re- ings can benefit from the efficiency a source that Star Renewable Energy (SRE) large unit can provide. This may be the is taking advantage of to provide district least expensive heating most of us would heating. encounter, outside of a Passive House. SRE is an offshoot of Star Refrigera- The heat pump SRE is providing in tion, which was founded in 1970 and is Glasgow will cost £3.5 million. The fluid it one of the largest industrial refrigeration uses to deliver heat to nearby buildings engineering companies in the United will be heated to 80° Celsius (176° Fahren- Kingdom. The company started producing heit). Carbon emissions are reduced by at heat pumps to capitalize on a number of least half, and possibly to zero. There are technological advantages. . no oxides of nitrogen emitted, and there General technologies for heat pumps are no particulates. The result is a system are not new, but it was necessary to get that is kinder to the environment, safer for away from the use of chlorofluorocarbons, the health of the people, and nonthreaten- which produced the hole in the ozone ing to the climate. layer, and chlorofluorocarbons, which are greenhouse gases, and the engineers at SRE knew they could do this with ammo- nia. With half of northern Europe’s fossil fuels used for heating, heat pumps had great potential importance. Efficiencies of scale made district heating increasingly important. Heating with fossil fuels is ex- pensive and contributes to climate change. All of these made large heat pumps a good option to consider. SRE solved all these problems by work- ing on the idea of doing district heating with a river-sourced heat pump. The sys- tem using ammonia is much kinder to the environment than the synthetic carbon compounds usually used for refrigeration. A COOLING AND HEATING SYSTEM SO POWERFUL The result was a system that does not need to release any greenhouse gases at IT CAN KEEP ANY ROOM COMFORTABLE. all, if the electricity that drives it is entirely carbon-free. It is also considerably less A COOLINGMitsubishi AND Electric HEATING Hyper- Heating SYSTEM INVERTER SOTM POWERFUL systems expensive to run than using natural gas. keep you toasty down to -13° while cutting energy bills. For those who do not understand heat IT CAN KEEP ANY ROOM COMFORTABLE. pumps, nearly all of us already live with at least one. Heat pumps power the refrigera- MitsubishiRevolutionary Electric hyper-heating Hyper- Heating systems INVERTER are more TMefficient systems and tion and air conditioning in most homes. morekeep effective you toasty than down traditional to -13° furnaces. while cutting You can energy transform bills. one The heat pump in a refrigerator extracts room at a time or the whole home. And you’ll enjoy single-room what heat it can get from inside the refrig- erator, and discharges it into the kitchen. Revolutionarycontrol, so youhyper-heating only pay to systems heat the are rooms more you’re efficient using. and In the American northeast, we have seen more effective than traditional furnaces. You can transform one a strong movement toward air-sourced room at a time or the whole home. And you’ll enjoy single-room heat pumps, which are among the best For a NO COST, NO OBLIGATION QUOTE, stop in our showroom. control, so you only pay to heat the rooms you’re using. choices for saving money in heating. More HOME COMFORT WAREHOUSE efficient, but often much more expensive 54 Bridge Street, White River Junction Vermont initially, are ground-sourced heat pumps. A good choice for those who have a good www.homecomfortwarehouse.comFor a NO COST, NO OBLIGATION QUOTE, | 802.295.8778 stop in our showroom. body of water nearby is a water-sourced A MitsubishiHOME “Diamond”COMFORT Dealer WAREHOUSE heat pump, which has most of the advan- 54 Bridge Street, White River Junction Vermont tages of both; its special problem is that if the water is in a pond, it must be large www.homecomfortwarehouse.com | 802.295.8778 enough or it can freeze. The river-sourced A Mitsubishi “Diamond” Dealer heat pump may provide a best case for heating, because when the water gives up its heat, it just flows on, and new water provides its heat to the pump. AMERICA’S #1 SELLING DUCTLESS BRAND © 2014 Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc.

AMERICA’S #1 SELLING DUCTLESS BRAND © 2014 Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc. CLIMATE ACTIVITY & STATE’S ENERGY RANKINGS WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG June 2017 23 CLIMATE ACTIVITY lution that both parties can support, CCL is creating a substantial forum for leaders Cont’d from p.1 Cont’d from p.18 of both parties to come together to dis- Clean Energy Ratings for the Top 10 States investment power of the United States cuss the problem and possible solutions. Clean Energy Takes Hold Here are some highlights: to lead the world on a clean energy path “Americans from across the political Largest increase in percentage of renew- on the timeline that science indicates is spectrum are demanding that Con- By Bryan Wadsworth able energy: Kansas tripled its wind power required. The United States could ensure gress put politics aside to act on climate Across the United States, falling costs and production between 2011 and 2015. Wind continued growth of our economy and change,” said Representative Deutch of improving technology are driving record power also propelled Maine, Iowa, and Okla- jobs throughout this century by lead- Florida, one of the co-founders. “The growth in generation of electricity using homa to top rankings by this measure. ing in new, clean energy solutions, and remarkable growth and diversity of this renewable sources. Consider the astounding Renewable energy capacity now being leadership in energy in the 21st century Caucus sends a clear signal to the White surge in solar power: in 2016, the amount built: Wyoming leads the nation with 1,600 is ours to lose. China and others, by fo- House and the American people that Con- of new solar power coming online nearly watts of new renewable energy capacity per cusing on the problem more directly, are gressional Democrats and Republicans doubled from the previous year – enough capita under way, followed closely by North now in position to take the lead. are ready to work together on paramount to power 2 million typical U.S. homes. For Dakota with more than 1,000 watts. The response across our country to issues like climate change.” the first time ever, solar energy accounted Increases in state renewable electricity these “isolationist,” anti-science, irrespon- Another group taking an active role for more new electricity generating capacity standards: New York and California rank first, sible actions is reflected in the volunteer in the effort is the Union of Concerned than any other resource. And with more than each having pledged to produce an impres- growth rate of Citizens Climate Lobby Scientists (UCS). UCS is nearly fifty years 50,000 new jobs added last year, solar energy sive 50 percent of their electricity from clean now accounts for nearly twice as many elec- energy sources by 2030. tricity sector jobs as all fossil fuels combined. Residential solar capacity per household: A recent analysis by the Union of Con- Hawaii is the runaway winner, as abundant cerned Scientists (UCS) crunches all these sunshine and the highest electricity prices numbers – and many more – to determine in the nation have encouraged one in seven which states are driving clean energy momen- Hawaiian households to install rooftop solar tum. One key finding: support for renew- panels. California comes in second (and able energy transcends our nation’s divided boasts the nation’s highest total capacity of politics. The Trump administration may have residential solar power overall). It’s also worth installed former fossil fuel industry insiders noting that some states not known for their in key positions of power, but the decisions sunshine, such as Massachusetts, New Jersey, states have made about their energy future and Vermont, also rank in the top 10. tell a very different story about where our Renewable energy jobs: Nevada leads in electric sector is headed. solar power jobs per capita, North Dakota Wind and solar energy are winning in the in wind power jobs, and Vermont in energy marketplace even in states whose leaders efficiency jobs. Massachusetts, however, ranks haven’t explicitly promoted the health and first in clean energy jobs overall based on climate benefits. To be sure, strong results in both solar and efficiency. many coastal, urban states Reducing pollutants: New Hampshire are showing strong clean energy growth. and Delaware lead the nation in percent- But solid-red states in the heartland – Idaho, age reductions of airborne pollutants, while Iowa, Kansas, North and South Dakota, and Rhode Island and New Jersey boast the lowest Wyoming – also rank among the clean energy per capita emissions of sulfur dioxide, which leaders by some measures. contributes to toxic smog. Vermont has the Texas offers another powerful example. most aggressive target for reducing the heat- Politicians in the Lone Star State sought to en- trapping carbon emissions that drive global Major volunteer growth since election (data courtesy of Citizens Climate Lobby) courage competition in 1999 by deregulating warming – a 60% reduction below 2005 levels the state’s electricity market, setting a modest by 2030 – followed by Oregon at 50%. target for clean energy generation. The boom Adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and (CCL). CCL is a ten years old, grassroots, old, and since its creation has focused on in wind power they spurred led state legisla- plug-in hybrid vehicles: California is miles nonprofit, nonpartisan organization helping enable Congress to make science- tors to raise the renewable electricity standard ahead, with EVs or plug-in hybrid vehicles that formed to help Congress address based policy decisions in a wide variety in 2005, and Texas sped past that revised now accounting for more than one of every 30 human-caused climate change. It is one of areas, and to promote policies to use target 15 years ahead of schedule. It now new cars sold last year in the state. of the fastest growing of such groups, scientific research responsibly and for pur- leads the nation in wind capacity, with almost Putting it all together working to create the political will for cli- poses that benefit society. It was founded three times as much as any other state. And As these data show, clean energy is taking mate solutions through public outreach, to help redirect research from military last year, when the Texas electric grid operator hold around the country. But which states collecting business endorsements, and technologies and toward solving pressing looked at a range of scenarios to determine its are showing the most progress overall? That directly lobbying Congress to provide environmental and social problems. Most cheapest source of electricity for the next 25 requires further analysis. For instance, despite the tools and support necessary to ad- recently, climate change has become a years, solar power came out on top in every Texas’s unquestionable success with wind dress the problem in a way that will help focus of many of the group’s efforts. scenario. In other words, the people respon- power and its status as a clear national leader the U.S. economy and households. Using Over 30 nations have already put a price sible for supplying Texas with its electricity in total wind capacity and jobs, the state does the RESULTS methodology, CCL takes a on carbon emissions. For example, British are now predicting that the state can meet not rank among our winners, because it has respectful approach to government lead- Columbia passed a carbon tax in 2008. its electricity needs without adding any new more work to do to boost clean energy as a ers, and by making personal connections CO2 emissions fell, fossil fuel consumption fossil fuel capacity. percentage of its overall electricity mix. And, to build trust and a collaborative partner- decreased, and the economy remained ro- Ranking the states in the years since Texas met its renewable ship with Congress, CCL has gained bust. Last year, the rest of Canada decided Accurately charting state momentum on electricity target well ahead of schedule, it has respect and developed strong relation- to follow suit. In fact, of the ten largest clean energy – to determine who the leaders failed to set a new, higher target, costing it ships in Congress. economies in the world, only three have are – is a bit trickier than it might seem. You momentum. The lesson: policies matter, and CCL membership growth has acceler- not put a price on carbon: Russia, Brazil, could of course measure how much installed state leadership is vital, especially now in the ated this year. Before the election, CCL and the U.S., and Brazil is considering do- renewable energy capacity a state has already face of a Trump administration that, as UCS averaged 395 new supporters per week. ing so. China has taken the lead in clean put into place, and how it’s doing on energy President Ken Kimmell puts it, appears to have Afterwards growth climbed to nearly 2.5 energy technology and manufacturing efficiency. But to get a sense of where a state created a government “of, by, and for the fossil times that rate, and by the end of May, because their directed economy has been is headed, you also need to track how much fuel industry.” membership exceeded 68,000 volun- focused in this growth area. We need a renewable energy has come online recently, The good news is the new UCS analysis teers. Much of this growth comes directly market based solution to steer investment and how much capacity is being built. A demonstrates that any state can become a through the CitizensClimateLobby.org and manufacturing might of the United variety of other measures merit consideration leader and reap all the economic and environ- website. States from fossil fuels to clean energy, for too, such as whether a state has an ambitious mental benefits that clean energy brings. All This growth in membership is translat- the good of the climate, and to position renewable electricity standard, how many that’s needed is to establish a suite of strong ing into more letters to the editor, more our country as a leader in energy for this clean energy jobs it has added, or even the clean energy policies that allows for multiple public outreach, more meetings with century. amount of airborne pollution from power approaches and technologies. Congress, and more effect on Congress. Given the need to greatly reduce green- plants a state has managed to reduce through Our overall state leaders in clean en- For example, two years ago CCL worked house gas emissions to protect the cli- its energy choices. ergy perform well across a range of metrics with Congress to create the bipartisan mate for the near and distant future, and The new UCS analysis, “Clean Energy (see the figure). First-place California and House Climate Solutions Caucus. This the enormous potential for jobs in clean Momentum: Ranking State Progress” (online runners-up Vermont and Massachusetts, for caucus had 16 members at the end of energy solutions, it is encouraging to see at www.ucsusa.org/EnergyProgress) takes an example, each rank in the top 10 on at least December, and grew to 42 members an acceleration of the interests in address- in-depth look in order to give credit where it eight separate metrics. These and other state by the beginning of June this year. To ing climate change from fossil fuels with a is due on a range of variables. The result is a leaders show how smart energy policies can enable this caucus to remain bipartisan, market-based, revenue neutral solution. unique, easy-to-understand scorecard that yield swift and demonstrable results for their membership is kept even at 50% Demo- John Gage is a volunteer for Citizens assesses all 50 states on 12 different metrics residents. They also point the way forward for crats and 50% Republicans. By raising Climate Lobby and is the CCL NH South – and finds a heartening amount of clean others. As clean energy continues to take hold awareness of this caucus to all members Central chapter leader, http://bit.ly/ energy momentum even in some surprising across the United States, we need to ensure all of Congress, and promoting a policy so- CCL-NHSC. places. Americans share in its benefits. 2424 June JUNE 2017 15, 2014 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 802.439.6675 CLIMATE NEWS

Leaf, Autonomous Vehicles, Solid-State Drawdown Wave Energy, Living Buildings, Direct Air Capture, Hydrogen-Boron Fusion, Smart THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE PLAN EVER PROPOSED Improved Rice Highways, Hyperloop, Microbial Farming, TO REVERSE GLOBAL WARMING Cultivation, Industrial Hemp, Perennial Crops, Ocean Silvopasture, Farming, Smart Grids, Building With Wood. Edited by Paul Hawken, Penguin Books, 2017, 240 pages, $22.00 Regenerative I will leave it at that and let the experts Review by Nancy Rae Mallery, Publisher, Green Energy Times Agriculture, show you. With the cost of just $22, for this Nutrient Man- very thorough guide, it certainly is worth Most of us do we go from where we are at agement, Tree every penny. This is a book that every- realize that we are right now, if you are already doing Intercropping, one should own, as well as libraries and facing the greatest all you think you can? Conservation schools, and that every book store should challenge human- The solutions are here in this Agriculture, Com- be displaying in the front of the store. ity has ever had book, Drawdown. This book really posting, Biochar, G.E.T. it! to deal with. It is has the answers as to how we are Tropical Staple climate change. going to make it. To do this book Trees, Farmland Ir- It is a scientifi- justice would take the entire is- rigation, Managed cally proven fact that the world is warming sue of Green Energy Times. It is the most Grazing. and at an alarming rate. Doing nothing is comprehensive plan I have found in one Women and Girls: Women Smallhold- not an option — at least if you have any- place — a plan that shows how we can ers, Family Planning, Educating Girls, one that you love and want to be able to win the war on climate change. We at Buildings And Cities, Net Zero Buildings, survive what the future holds. As with Dr. Green Energy Times agree with almost Walkable Cities, Bike Infrastructure, Green James Hansen, world-renowned climate everything in the book with the exception Roofs, LED Lighting, Heat Pumps, Smart scientist, I have my own grandchildren to of nuclear power. You could read all of our Glass, Smart Thermostats, District Heating, be concerned about. I am not willing to articles since May, 2009 at our website, but Landfill Methane, Insulation, Retrofitting, watch them take the consequences of our this book covers everything in a nutshell. Water Distribution, Building Automation. current lack of action. Green Energy Times will continue to cover Land Use: Forest Protection, Coastal I am guessing that if you are reading these subjects in depth, so keep reading it. Wetlands, Tropical Forests, Bamboo, Peren- this, that you feel the same. Although I am This is why I can say the book is truly nial Biomass, Indigenous Peoples’ Land the publisher of Green Energy Times, and comprehensive —simply from this list of Management, Temperate Forests, Affores- live a very low-carbon lifestyle, I know it is topics in each section that the book cov- tation. not enough. I long for more solutions and ers: Transport: Mass Transit, High-Speed the ability to share them with you all, in Energy section: Wind Turbines, Mi- Rail, Ships, Electric Vehicles, Ridesharing, hopes that it will make a difference in each crogrids, Geothermal, Solar Farms, Rooftop Electric Bikes, Cars, Airplanes, Trucks, Telep- of your lives. Solar, Wave And Tidal, Concentrated Solar, resence, Trains. Together, we need to draw down the Biomass, Nuclear, Cogeneration, Micro Materials: Household Recycling, carbon in our atmosphere and somehow Wind, Methane Digesters, In-Stream Industrial Recycling, Alternative Cement, get the whole earth’s emissions down Hydro, Waste-To-Energy, Grid Flexibility, Refrigerant Management, Recycled Paper, below 350 ppm. It is not going to be easy Energy Storage (Utilities), Energy Storage Bioplastic, Water Saving – Home. — and we all need to take it as serious as (Distributed), Solar Water. Coming Attractions: Repopulating the this situation is. Food section: Plant-Rich Diet, Farm- Mammoth Steppe, Pasture Cropping, En- We need to do more. What does doing land Restoration, Reduced Food Waste, ‘Smoke and sunlight in forest’ is the picture shown on hanced Weathering Minerals, Marine Per- p. vi in Drawdown. Photo coutesy of Penguin Books. more mean? Where do we start? Or where Clean Cookstoves, Multistrata Agroforestry, maculture, Intensive Silvopasture, Artificial

is one of the world’s most co-author with Bloomberg is a Climate of Hope prominent philanthropists, perfect complement to tie this How Cities, Businesses, and Citizens CAN SAVE THE PLANET and the environment is one all together with the author- of the five main focus areas ity and expertise necessary to By Michael Bloomberg and Carl Pope, St. Martin’s Press, 2017, 263 pages, $26.99 of his foundation, Bloomberg give us a road map as we move Book review by N. R. Mallery Philanthropics. forward with the hope they Climate of Hope was believe is real. Pope have the background, experi- co-written by Carl Pope. You Together, in alternating ence and passion to work together are probably somewhat chapters, they not only share beautifully. They approach the familiar with him as the their past experiences, but also catastrophic future that we face former executive director are able to carve a path for how from a collaborative understand- of the Sierra Club. You may to tackle the most complicated ing. The leadership that each of have read his biography at challenge the world has ever them brings to the book is refresh- the end of the numerous faced. ing. articles he wrote that we The book shows that Michael As mayor of New York City from have published in Green Bloomberg and Carl Pope have 2002 to 2013, Michael Bloomberg Energy Times. the background, experience and has a background with how cities Pope’s passion could not stay contained passion to work together beautifully. They operate. The fact that he knows when he retired from the Sierra Club, and to- approach the catastrophic future that we what works and what doesn’t is day he continues looking for the underlying face from a collaborative understanding. shown from personal experiences economics that link sustainability and eco- The leadership that each of them brings to Michael Bloomberg speaking with Elon Musk at the Climate Sum- he freely shares. His understand- nomic development, as the principal advisor the book is refreshing. mit for Local Leaders. All images courtesy of St. Martin’s Press. ing, experiences, and vision at Inside Straight Strategies. He has a long The United States may leave the Paris Cli- relating to the global climate list of his accomplishments, along with three mate Accord, but maybe there is a gift in this This is the second book I want to share dilemma — from the point of view other books that he has written. Being a happening to our country — it has served with readers in this important edition of of a mayor of such a large metropolis — is to create a higher level of awareness and Green Energy Times. These book reviews invaluable to help us move forward with understanding about the dangers of a may be the most important we have ever hope. Perhaps, working on the level of a warming planet to thousands who never shared with you. It may be because of the town or city will prove to be more powerful really paid attention to the changing cli- timing, as we live in a country run by an ad- than we all realize. mate. There is indeed hope and this book ministration that is denying climate change Bloomberg is also the founder of Bloom- helps to show the way out of our mess. and has threatened to remove the USA from berg LP, a global media and financial infor- It’s time for cities, businesses and every the Paris Climate Accord commitment. mation company. HIs knowledge of how citizen to follow the practical solutions The timing of Climate of Hope is impec- finances work help to create a reality of what laid out in Climate of Hope. The book is cable. Just when we need hope, here it is! and how it will be possible to transform cit- sure to be an inspiration for all who read Co-authors Michael Bloomberg and Carl ies and at a business level, as well. He leads it — with the information that is sorely Pope show us how we need to handle the us to understand that it is the responsibility needed now, more than ever. It is time for planetary crises ourselves. Cities, businesses, of each one of us to work with the practical action that will produce immediate and and citizens can all together save the planet. solutions that are presented in the book. solid benefits now and into the future. It is significant that Bloomberg’s history Released in time for Earth Day, the book of- Carl Pope meets with then Vice President Al Gore at the Let’s save the planet together. I recom- fers real solutions on how we can still tackle includes the fact that in 2014, the U.N. Sec- mend that you get yourself a copy of this retary-General appointed him Special Envoy WhiteHouse, 1996. (Presidential Materials Division, National climate change. Archives, and Records Administration) book and share it widely. The book shows that Bloomberg and for Cities and Climate Change. Bloomberg CLIMATE NEWS WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 June 2017 25

Clarity and Courage Are Needed Now moral and intellectual collapse is illustrated by the fact that democracy, science and After a cool ceutical industry. But now they watched in litical, economic and financial power in the ethics were valued only as long as they March, the horror as the legal protections for clean air hands of the elite. Underlying it are deeper, served the interests of the powerful. daffodils and for- and clean water were denounced, simply ego-based power struggles. These cannot So it is not surprising that opposition is sythia bloomed because they interfere with the profits of be resolved without a change of mindset, on the rise. Many are justifiably fearful of relatively late those exploiting the Earth. It is deeply ironic because no amount of power and wealth what they may lose. What is needed how- around mid-April. that the Environmental Protection Agency will console and satisfy fearful egos. ever is a conscious opposition that is rooted But the maple itself is now threatened, as it was set up and What is happening is that many tradi- in a compassionate awareness that we must trees bloomed strengthened by Republican presidents, tional patriarchal, libertarian, religious, stand up for an inclusive view, where all early and leaf- who understood the need to protect and racial, economic and financial frameworks people and all life on Earth matter, because By Dr. Alan K. Betts out started in conserve our natural resources. are crumbling. Fear and desperation has we are all deeply connected. late-April, as if Now our phony Certainly, rooted they were unaware of the cool tempera- conservative lead- awareness is a real tures in March. A long period of unusually ers would like to threat to the fearful, cool, cloudy, wet weather with very slowly sweep it all away egotistical plutocrats moving jet stream patterns followed in May. in their rush to the in power; but this Potatoes, broccoli, peas and lettuce are dark side. On June should not be seen flourishing in our garden. 1, they had a mo- as yet another battle The most exciting aspect of giving talks ment of triumph where the powerful on climate change this year is that a public with the an- could simply crush awakening is underway. I have seen capac- nouncement that us. The moral and ity audiences with a new intense enthusi- the U.S. will with- practical choices are so asm. This took quite a shock, but now more draw from the clear, that if we stand people realize they must stand up, and they 2015 Paris climate up in our communities must act. For the faint-hearted, it helps that change agree- and align ourselves this is the final decade to drop our global ment. In reality, with the Earth, their emissions of fossil carbon, and still have an their ignorance foolishness will likely even chance of just squeaking below criti- of the global crumble. But first we cal earth system thresholds. issues we all face must confront the The March for Science on Earth Day just confirms the threat to the soul of exemplified this. Most scientists never irrelevance of our democracy from thirty thought they had to stand up and be count- national leaders. It years of corruption ed. They were a rather comfortable part of is another call for by dark money. Next the Establishment; perhaps too comfort- states and citizens year will be the test to able in their academic worlds. Now they to wake up and see whether democ- realize that they bear some real responsibil- act. The March for Science in Washington, D.C. on Earth Day, 2017. Photo source: Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), racy still stands across ity for the truth, not just in science, but a The wider www.ucsusa.org. America. social responsibility for the truth in society. conflict going But summer is They must protect the concept of honesty on both in our coming, so don’t stop against a corrupt political system; and make society and around the world needs explicit been rising as groups fight for the survival planting because we need to feed each a lot more effort to reach out since we need discussion, because it must be faced con- of their threatened mindsets. Finally we other. Let us cultivate the strength and vi- a knowledgeable public. Otherwise the sciously. It is a broad struggle for the soul have in Washington a pathetic but desper- sion of our communities. democratic enterprise collapses. of humanity that has been ongoing but ate parody of the patriarchal system, which Dr. Alan Betts of Atmospheric Research It has been a slow awakening. Too many continually changing since the catastrophe is willing to jettison everything rather than in Pittsford, Vermont is a leading climate scientists tolerated, for example, the sub- of World War I a century ago. One aspect in face themselves and their responsibilities scientist. Browse alanbetts.com. stitution of profit for truth by the pharma- recent decades is the consolidation of po- to either the people or to the Earth. Their

Vermont Research Climate Change News arguing that development would The risk won’t discourage the adventurous be forced to cease, as wind towers from spending the summer in the woods— would undoubtedly be unable after venturing outdoors, Vermonters should to meet the stringent regula- just be sure to take the extra step of checking Trump, Ticks, and Wind tions. Those on the other side of the debate their clothing and person for ticks.. By Kirsti Blow, Center for Research on Vermont maintain that the guidelines are necessary to Kirsti Blow is a sophomore public com- Although the accord states that no protect human health. munication major at University of Vermont. She June has thus far been a step backward for country can leave until November 4, 2020, As of June 8, the Public Service Board writes the briefs for UVM’s Vermont research the nation—and for Vermont—in terms of the decisive speech—and the backlash that opted to delay further decisions regarding newsletter published by the Center for Research combatting climate change. followed—marked the U.S. as a global outlier implementation. The sound guidelines are on Vermont. Learn more at http://www.uvm. President and reiterated set to be revisited on June 22 by the Legisla- edu/~crvt/. Kirsti is also a local musician in the Trump announced Trump’s promises tive Committee on Administrative Rules. Burlington area. on the first of the to loosen domes- Apart from political energy battles, the month that he tic strictures on Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is plans to with- climate policy, warning residents of a “particularly bad” draw the United most notably the season for ticks. Stemming from warming States from the Clean Power Plan. climatic changes—including the suburban- Paris Agreement, Consistent ization of forest land—that have welcomed the pact signed with that trend, increasing numbers of white-tailed deer in 2015 by 195 there have been and the white-footed mouse, the state’s tick nations that a number of June population has surged. aimed to curb obstacles regard- The risk of a tick bite is exceptionally high greenhouse gas ing clean power. this year largely due to a strong New York emissions and Wind energy has crop of red and white oaks, which produce promote environ- come under fire acorns that white-footed mice feed on. The mental action in Image: RawStory in Vermont after mouse population, which are known carriers the face of rising waters and unpredictable a string of noise complaints by residents of Lyme, naturally saw an increase, prompt- weather patterns. situated near turbines. To address these ing ticks in the area to feed on the mice and Led by the governors of California, New grievances, the Public Service Board drew become carriers themselves. York and Washington, twelve states have up guidelines that would enforce the lowest Vermont is now home to thirteen varieties formed the U.S. Climate Alliance to pledge sound levels in the nation: 42 decibels during of ticks, four of which carry diseases that their continued support for the Paris Agree- the day, and 39 at night. may be transmitted to humans. Under these ment and its standards. Governor Phil Scott These figures starkly contrast the aver- conditions, cases of Lyme disease have announced on June 2nd that Vermont will age across the nation, which is roughly 45 spiked from 60 in 2003 to 491 in 2015—with join the coalition and focus shared efforts decibels—for context, that produces sound 219 additional suspected cases. These figures with the government of Massachusetts to quieter than a typical conversation. mark the highest rate of infection per capita reduce regional emissions. Wind proponents refuted this proposal, in the U.S. 2626 AugustJune 2017 15, 2014 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 802.439.6675 Building & Energy Efficiency – High Performance

based business that designs zero-energy homes and facilitates the process of building Zero Energy Home Builders in New Hampshire them from start to finish. Kaplan Thompson Architects founded BrightBuilt Home with DEMONSTRATE MASTERY IN CONSTRUCTION AND EFFICIENCY the goal of providing more beautiful, healthy company puts into and low-energy homes for the American by Chris Gillespie each one of their homebuyer. If you live in zero energy homes. The Meriden residence from RH Irving and or near New Lit by 100% LED BrightBuilt boasts a generous open-plan Hampshire and lights, the Cornish living space, as well as its own conserva- are thinking house is built to tory room and insulated woodshop above about building a acquire its heat and the garage. Its solar array was installed by house, your most energy from its high- Vermont-based solar electric system installer environmentally- quality wood stove, Norwich Solar Technologies. The house also friendly option energy-saving air- passed a blower door test and proved that it is a zero-energy source heat pump meets its performance specifications, thanks home. and heat recovery to the help of its Logic windows and doors, Zero-energy ventilator, as well which exude elegance and reliability all while - homes, accord- as solar panels to offering excellent thermal and sound insula tion and exceeding today’s energy efficiency ing to ZeroEn- be mounted on its requirements. www.rhirvinghomebulders. ergyProject.org, standing seam roof. com; BrightBuilt Home: www.bright- are homes that Once the house gen- produce as much erates its heat and builthome.com renewable energy energy, it maintains Garland Mill Timberframes (Lancaster, NH) as they consume them within its walls Named after a water-powered sawmill in over the course of A BrightBuilt Home in Meriden, NH. This zero energy home was built by RH Irving. This south-facing side features Logic using its superinsu- Lancaster, NH that has been in continuous a year. Built using windows and doors and a solar array installed by Norwich Solar Technologies; inset: kitchen, as seen from the main lation and its Intus operation since before the Civil War, Garland advanced design entry. Photo courtesy of the homeowner. windows. Mill Timberframes has been designing and techniques, zero- RH Irving’s work building a variety of structures, from homes energy homes also proves that you and barns to saunas and gazebos, for over save homeowners money on their energy RH Irving Homebuilders (Salisbury, NH) don’t need to build a brand new house if you twenty-five years. The Garland Mill itself has bills while simultaneously eliminating the Starting in the early seventies as a barn are interested in owning a zero energy home. been a net energy producer since the early homes’ operational carbon footprints by uti- and home remodeling business, RH Irving Last year, RH Irving transformed a scenic eighties and now the company that shares lizing effective insulation and other energy Homebuilders found success in the late house in Concord, NH that was originally its name prides itself in building houses that efficient technology. Although zero-energy seventies and through the eighties building built in 1962 into a greener, more energy effi- are just as sustainable. Two of Garland Mill’s homes can be connected to standard power super-insulated timber frame houses, and cient home using all-new triple-glazed case- most recent zero energy houses offer own- grids, they do not need to be. has continued to follow their commitment ment windows, air-source heat pumps and Cont’d on p.27 Zero-energy homes are more afford- to creating energy efficient houses, growing modernized kitchen and bath equipment. able now than ever before and there are a into one of the premiere zero energy builders Kaplan Thompson Architects of Maine number of intelligent and innovative New in New England along the way. made custom designs for both of these RH Many thanks to our sponsor: Hampshire-based builders who are ready A residence that RH Irving built earlier this Irving projects. Two of RH Irving’s zero energy to build one that’s right for you. Below are year in Cornish, NH is a recent example of homes in Meriden, NH and Hollis, NH were examples of three such builders: the ingenuity and attention to detail that the designed by BrightBuilt Home, a Maine- Building & Energy Efficiency – High Performance WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 June 2017 27 Zero Energy Builders FossilFossil Fuel Fuel Free Free in N.H. Cont’d from p.26 HighHigh Performance Performance Homes Carroll, NH zero Homes energy home with Zero Energy Modulars or Site Built 8kW solar PV array. Zero Energy Modulars or Site-Built Below: Dalton, NH zero-energy Deep Energy Retrofits home using locally sourced and site HighDeep Performance Energy Upgrades for Retrofits - harvested tim- ber. Both homes existing homes built by Garland High Performance Upgrades Mill Timberframes. Photos courtesy BOB IRVING Owner/Builder • Serving New Hampshirefor existing & Eastern Vermont homes Fletcher Manley. www.rhirvinghomebuilders.com • 603.648.2635 [email protected] IRVING •Owner/Builder Salisbury, New Hampshire [email protected] (603) 648-2635 www.rhirvinghomebuilders.com Salisbury, NH Serving New Hampshire and Eastern Vermont

ers excellent energy efficiency surface temperatures stable as well as priceless views of while allowing solar gain from northern New Hampshire’s scenic the sun to heat the home. landscapes, such as the moun- Both homes use Fujitsu ducted tains of Carroll, NH and a lake in “minisplit” heat pumps for heat Dalton, NH. and super-efficient Stiebel Both homes make use of air Eltron heat pump water heaters tight (.45 ACH50), super-insulated for hot water production. The thermal envelopes (R-38 wall, Carroll home makes use of a R-56 roof), with R-7 triple-glazed heat pump dryer which is twice windows that keep interior as efficient as conventional Cont’d on p.28

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Zero Energy Builders in N.H. Cont’d from p.27 Zero-energy home built by Homes for a Lifetime, LLC with a 7kW solar PV array in Weare, MAYBE IT’S JUST ME, New Hampshire. BUT ISN’T THE VIEW Photo courtesy Bruce Fillmore. BEAUTIFUL lights and Energy Star EVEN WHEN YOU appliances also help CAN’T SEE IT? eliminate the home’s carbon footprint. www. homesforalifetimenh. wixsite.com/home For GET’s previous coverage of another We create windows and doors that flawlessly unite wood, glass and metal notable NH-based zero — captivating the eye, elevating the spirit and bringing your world energy builder, Building one step closer to perfection. Alternatives Inc., visit our driers, and both homes supply residents with website at http://bit.ly/2tew6v9 fresh air through a Venmar ERV ventilation Ed: While this list features New Hampshire- Contact your Loewen Window Center to learn more about our durable system with heat recovery. These and other based builders, Vermont, Massachusetts and high performing windows and doors featuring R5 plus thermal ratings and high solar heat gain glazing packages. efficiency strategies and appliances allow the New York are home to many other reputable homes to be powered by solar arrays small zero-energy builder. Look for their informa- LOEWEN WINDOW CENTER enough to fit on their rooftops. tion in the pages of Green Energy Times. OF VERMONT & NEW HAMPSHIRE Both houses include foam core wall insula- Chris Gillespie is a contributing writer for 52 Bridge Street, White River Jct., VT 05001 • 800.505.1892 802.295.6555 tion, SIGA tapes and membrane sealants the Green Energy Times. He can be reached at [email protected] • www.loewenvtnh.com as well as solar panel arrays, ranging from [email protected]. 8 kW PV to 10 kW PV that, like The Garland Mill itself, produce more energy than they use on an annual basis. Given Garland Mill’s history of sustainability and quality wood- harvesting, it should come as no surprise SNOWDOG Serving Southern Vermont and surrounding areas since 1984! that their zero energy homes are made from locally sourced New Hampshire timber—in CONSTRUCTION, fact, both homes have site-harvested timber in their structures. www.garlandmill.com LTD. Homes for a Lifetime LLC (Weare, NH) Originally starting out in hopes of filling a niche in the industry over a decade ago, Homes for a Lifetime LLC has found that the demand for zero-energy homes is increasing epairs and have since been striving as a company to make the construction and maintenance of emodeling zero energy homes as affordable as possible for consumers. Given the growing availability enovations of the materials required for the construction of zero energy homes, Homes for a Lifetime believes that zero energy homes themselves Build Green… Let Nature be your Focus! can and will continue to become more and more affordable. Homes for a Lifetime recently completed a home in Weare, NH that achieves its zero- energy status by utilizing solar panels, an electric heating system and an air-tight, draft-resistant infrastructure. The home even includes a garage and a basement, both of 31 Station Rd. • Mount Holly, VT 05758 • P: 802-259-2094 • F. 802-259-2689 which are properly insulated and sealed as |Quality Residential | Commercial | Historical Preservation| Covered Bridges | to prevent heat from escaping outside. LED Norwich, Vermont 05055 www.wrightconstruction.com (802) 649-3605 [email protected]

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Saving 79% in Existing Homes – the best returns from the stock market, but provides this return year-after-year, while weaning the customer of fossil fuels. Vermont homeownersVermont’s were offered a Zero Energy Now Program Program highlights are summarized in unique opportunity in 2016 to participate Zero Energy Now 2016 Summary Statistics table above. in a new program to save significant fossil For 2017, BPPA is working with Efficiency fuels in existing homes, and the results Participants 22 Vermont existing homeowners Vermont to offer the “Solar Bonus” program. are impressive; an average savings of 79% This scaled-down approach still targets 50% per home! This deep level of total energy Customer $1.2 million (split relatively evenly between fossil fuel savings from weatherization, heat savings was achieved through a compre- pumps and solar PV, and offers up to $3000 hensive combination of home weatheriza- investments efficiency and solar PV) in total incentives (plus the 30% Federal tax tion, heat pumps and solar PV. Compared credit for solar) for participants. For informa- to typical Home Performance with ENERGY Median total $44,739 (ranging between $22,000 and tion on the Solar Bonus, see https://www. STAR program savings of about 25%, these project cost $170,000) efficiencyvermont.com/solarbonus. Zero Energy Now results are remarkable. BPPA is still promoting the Zero Energy $31,090 (after incentives from Zero Energy Green Mountain Power’s (GMP) Com- Net customer Now certification for individuals and com- munity Energy & Efficiency Development Now, Efficiency Vermont and 30% Federal tax munities interested in the deep comprehen- project cost (CEED) Program offered the funding op- credit) sive approach. The Zero Energy Standards portunity to Vermont’s trade association of include at least 10% savings from weath- home performance contractors, Building Median energy cost erization, 50% fossil fuel savings and 50% Performance Professionals Association $3,692/year energy produced by renewables. Unfortu- (BPPA). In late 2015, BPPA applied for about savings nately, the $5000 incentive that drove the $700,000 in funding to design, develop, de- 95 MMBtu (60 MMBtu from efficiency and 31 2016 interest in this deep level of savings is liver, track and report comprehensive deep Average annual not available at this time. But, up to $3,000 MMBtu from solar PV) from 120 MMBtu pre- to energy retrofit projects in 2016. The funding energy savings in incentives is available for the Solar Bonus was made available in February and projects 25 MMBtu post-improvement program for 2017, so visit https://www. had to be completed by December 31, 2016. efficiencyvermont.com/solarbonus for more Despite the compact timeframe, BPPA de- Customer return on information. 11.9% signed and developed the Zero Energy Now investment The Zero Energy Now Program demon- program, recruited and trained contractors, strates that a comprehensive approach hired and worked with a marketing firm and incorporating energy efficiency, heat pumps launched the program in early 2016. A press came with a guarantee that if they did not incentives from Zero Energy Now and Ef- and solar photovoltaics can be a viable and conference that included U.S. Representa- show up, BPPA contractors would not only ficiency Vermont, and considering the 30% cost-effective approach for achieving deep tive Peter Welch, GMP executives, Vermont go back to fix any issues, but would also Federal solar tax credit, total project costs energy savings. With a sustained budget, State administrators and others kicked off make up the cost difference. So far, no one came in at about $31,000. However, these consumer educating and marketing push, the program in June in Richmond, Vermont. has made a claim against the guarantee, investments yielded an impressive annual even greater participation and savings can BPPA Board members and subcontractors so the savings projections likely are fairly energy cost savings of almost $3,700! 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From the consumer’s http://zeroenergynowvt.com/ or contact: These comprehensive Zero Energy Now ed about $1.2 million in their projects, with perspective, this investment yielded an Richard Faesy, Energy Futures Group, rfaesy@ projects included air sealing and insulation, a median project cost of about $45,000. 11.9% return on investment, which rivals energyfuturesgroup.com, 802-482-5001x2. added cold-climate heat pumps and heat These project costs ranged from $22,000 pump water heaters, and installed solar to $170,000, with the three most expensive photovoltaic (PV) systems to reduce total projects all installing ground source heat energy use by at least 50%. The savings pumps. After subtracting out the program Cut fossil fuel use by 50%. Vermont Farm Cuts Fossil Fuel Use Get up to $3,000 back. with Zero Energy Now Minimize the energy loss in your home and maximize the benefits of installing solar panels. 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Only Zero Energy Now Participating Home in East Saint Johnsbury, Vermont available until When the owners of a vegetable farm in East St. Johnsbury, Vt. wanted to reduce their use of fossil fuel, they turned to the Zero Energy Now program for help. Through September Zero Energy Now they found a certified energy contractor (CEC) who put together a 2017 package for them that included insulating their century-old house, adding a cold cli- mate heat pump, and installing a large photovoltaic system to generate electricity on the farm. The CEC served as a single point of contact for the owners and coordinated the work of other contractors on the project. The certified energy contractor also helped arrange financing. With tax credits and incentives, the project cost about $30,000. The owners will begin saving money imme- diately by cutting their fossil fuel use from 1,200 gallons a year to 300 gallons annually. Once they finish paying their loan, they’ll have almost no monthly energy costs. For a short video of the project, see http://zeroenergynowvt.com/ 3030 AugustJune 2017 15, 2014 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 802.439.6675 Building & Energy Efficiency – Green Building Buildings Made of Sky Sequestering Carbon in Buildings

By Ace McArleton “The built environment can switch from more energy than they consume through being a problem to being a solution.” Bruce the integration of on-site renewable energy King, The New Carbon Architecture (antici- sources; such buildings are called “net zero pated fall 2017). energy,” and represent a huge step forward Folks, let me introduce you to a new idea: for our industry and societies. buildings made of sky. However, we must go farther, faster. How can we, and indeed why should we, As Bruce King says in the introduction to make buildings from sky? While the building his forthcoming book, The New Carbon industry has taken important strides to re- Architecture: “We are in technological reach, duce our negative impacts, we can and must within a generation, of a global construction shift to creating positive impacts by pulling industry that is not only ‘net zero’...but in its carbon from the atmosphere in the form of materials pulls more carbon out of the air plant-based building materials, i.e. “make than it puts up. We can reverse the emissions buildings out of sky.” engine.” We hear a lot about carbon these days and Our current framework for “net zero Many locally-sourced wood and other fiber materials were used to build this high-performance home. Builder: how to minimize its detrimental effects as a energy” doesn’t account for the carbon pol- New Frameworks. Photo credit: Studio SB Photography, 2016. greenhouse gas through reducing fossil fuel lution created during the manufacturing and emissions. Carbon dioxide (CO2) concen- distribution of the materials. The term “em- tration is currently at 400 parts per million bodied carbon” refers to the carbon or car- We now know several things: project of global drawdown of CO2; they (ppm), causing polar ice melt, sea-level rise, bon-equivalent (the equivalent amount of 1. We don’t have any more time to “offset” become reservoirs for CO2 and help to reduce and erratic and destructive weather events, carbon for other greenhouse gas chemicals) anything in this old way of thinking. We have and reverse climate change effects. all of which have an impact on animal, plant, emissions produced as a result of the harvest surpassed, and are surpassing, the global A gift from aging stars, carbon is the and human life. The building industry con- or extraction, refinement, transport, produc- atmospheric carbon levels that will maintain fourth most abundant element in the tributes roughly 39%-49% of CO2 emissions tion/manufacturing, and storage of a mate- any semblance of Earth’s habitable climate as measurable Universe and the basis of life on globally due to construction and operational rial. Many materials used for energy efficient we have known it for the last century. The Earth. The carbon cycle describes the move- use (IPCC 2014, US EPA 2012). buildings have high embodied carbon loads. game has changed, and we must adapt our ment of carbon, in its many forms, between The global carbon impact of building, It is common to justify these materials’ use, strategy accordingly and rapidly. the reservoirs that exist in the atmosphere, and hence our responsibility, is massive. We such as foam, based on its “carbon payback 2. It is absolutely possible to design, oceans, biosphere, and geosphere. Through have made great strides in green building time.” Payback is the idea that over the life construct, repair, and maintain equally-high mining oil and gas reserves, we extract reser- in terms of addressing operational energy of the building more carbon will be saved performing, energy efficient and durable voirs of stored carbon and we burn them for consumption (the energy that buildings by using the material than is embodied in it. buildings with not only low- or zero-embod- fuel. This action impacts the balance of the use during their habitation), and we have Therefore, the argument goes, over decades ied carbon materials, but with materials, that carbon cycle in a significant way: overload- learned much about how to design and of the building’s use the embodied carbon of sequester – or store – carbon, giving that ing CO2 in the atmosphere, which warms build buildings that consume less energy. the material will be “offset” by the amount of building a net-positive carbon footprint. the planet, and acidifying oceans, which kills Some buildings even produce as much or operational carbon saved. 3. Our buildings then become tools in the ocean life. It is as if carbon sequestration and storage is Earth “inhaling,” while carbon burning, decay, and release is “exhaling”. Our activity has created a huge “exhale” that has ILLUSTRATION OF THE CARBON CYCLE (Oak Ridge National Laboratories, 2009) gone on and on, overwhelming the cycle’s “inhaling” reservoir capacities, that of the oceans, atmosphere, and biosphere. Constructing buildings is an opportunity to increase the CO2 sequestering reservoirs and to help bring greater balance to the car- bon cycle. When we build with local, plant- based insulations, structural members, and finishes we are engaging in the carbon cycle (intentionally, this time) to reduce carbon in the atmosphere and therefore mitigate, or even reverse, global climate change. Plants, an important part of the biosphere in the carbon cycle, pull CO2 from the air and convert it into sugar for food. When a tree is harvested for timber, the CO2 that tree absorbed in its lifetime is “fixed” or se- questered into the structure of that timber. As long as it is kept dry and does not rot or burn, that carbon will remain sequestered in that timber and in that building. Plants are the basis of our entire food chain, and they also can form the basis of a sequestration reservoir in our buildings. There are many excellent examples of car- bon-sequestering building materials choices on the market today, for both residential and commercial buildings: • Straw walls: Insulated prefabricated wall panels or site-built wall structures • Hempcrete walls: insulation, enclosure in-fill • Timber and nominal wood framing for structure: CLT (cross-laminated timbers) and big timbers for large buildings, local lumber and timber for smaller buildings • Sheathing: Insulating wood fiber-based sheathing (structural or non-structural) • Wood for flooring, siding, shingles: regionally-milled solid wood hardwood flooring, softwood siding, cedar roofing • Cellulose fiber insulation: Dense-pack or damp-spray for walls and roof slopes, loose-fill for flat-floor attics. Cont’d on p.31 Building & Energy Efficiency – Green Building WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 June 2017 31 Sequestering Carbon in Buildings Cont’d from p.30 THE FRAMEWORK BUILDING By George Harvey

Rendering of the Framework Building. Courtesy image: Lever Architecture. “Visualizing Four 1000 ft2 Buildings” slide extracted from “The Carbon Elephant in the Room,” Chris Magwood (Endeavour Center) and Jacob Deva Racusin’s (New Frameworks) research and bar graph comparing carbon emissions and sequestering potentials of various building methods, based on Inventory of Carbon and Energy Officials in Portland, Oregon have ap- Wood also has a number of other database (ICE database), 2017. proved what will be the tallest wooden advantages over building materials com- building in the United States. The monly used in the twentieth century. Many of these materials have ASTM ing on sustainable agricultural practices to Framework building will have eleven Wood sequesters carbon, where steel ratings, tested R-values, vapor-permeance re-build carbon in soils as a major sequestra- stories. and concrete use massive amounts of values, structural and fire testing, strategies tion reservoir (Eric Toensmeier and others). Michael Green, an architect in Van- energy. Wood is nearly as strong. Also, for air-tight installation and designs, and Reforestation and sustainable silvicultural couver who has been pushing wooden believe it or not, there are advantages to professionals to manufacture and install practices are equally necessary for sustain- construction for years, explained that wood in fires; in a fire that chars wood, them. Plant-based building materials, the able wood harvesting for construction. part of the reason for using wood in- steel will fail altogether, because it can ancient choice for human habitation, have Alongside biochar, reforestation, soil stead of steel and concrete is that wood lose all of its structural integrity. been brought up to stringent green build- carbon building through sustainable agri- has a much lower carbon footprint. In Another advantage to wood is that ing standards and have surpassed petro- culture, and other sequestration strategies, fact, according to Green, using wood engineered lumber can be had just chemical-based materials such as foam and we practitioners of the new net positive lowers a building’s carbon footprint by about any size and shape that can be plastics on multiple fronts: excellent thermal architecture can learn to work with aware- as much as 75 percent. transported. performance and air-tight assemblies; low ness and intention in the carbon cycle or no toxicity in production, use, and end of which is essential to all life on Earth. We can life; vapor permeability and moisture storage reverse the trajectory of atmospheric CO2 capacity (where appropriate); and excellent loading, emitted by centuries of burning durability, fire resistance, air-tightness, and fossil fuels, by making our buildings from the beauty. Most importantly to the evolving sky: choosing plant-based products for our net positive building landscape, they offer building materials and designs. terrific carbon sequestration value, “fixing” Ace McArleton is a founding member of New carbon into the building for generations. Frameworks, a worker cooperative specializing This strategy of net-positive architecture in low impact, high performance design-build, also illuminates the connection between is based in Vermont, and is a proud member sustainable agriculture and sustainable sil- of NESEA (North Eastern Sustainable Energy vicultural practices and construction. We in Association), BEBL (Building Energy Bottom the design and build field who use straw for Lines), and NBNE (Natural Builders North East). building stand alongside our siblings work- www.newframeworks.com.

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ShowerShower Flow FlowRate Rate vs. vs. Duration Duration vs. vs. Volume Volume byDo Bill Gauley Low and JohnFlow Koeller ShowerheadsLower flow showerheadsSave Water?do result in a 30 lower overall shower volume. For every 0.2 gpm decrease in flow rate, shower volume decreased by 1.34 gallons. In fact, it seems that people tend to follow 22.5 their own routine for showering regardless Shower Volume, Gallons of the flow rate of the showerhead (at least Shower Duration, Minutes for those showers between flow rates of 1.0 to 4.0 gpm). For example, if you take an 15 eight-minute shower with a flow rate of 2.5 Every 0.2 gpm decrease in flow rate: gpm (the current federal standard), then you increases shower duration by only 5 seconds, but are likely to take an eight-minute, 12-sec- decreases shower volume by 1.34 gallons! A low flow showerhead. Image: en.wikibooks.org ond shower with a flow rate of 2.0 gpm (the current U.S. EPA WaterSense® standard). But 7.5 the total water used during your shower will Did you know that, on average, people decline from 20.0 gallons to only about 16.4 take 0.69 showers per day? Did you know that gallons! the average shower lasts 7.8 minutes? Did Flow Rate Range, Gallons per Minute (gpm) While studies have shown that people (Minutes) Duration & Shower (Gallons) Volume Shower you know that showering uses a lot of water? tend to prefer higher flow-rate showerheads2, 0 Showering currently accounts for almost 20% the results of this analysis clearly show that of all indoor residential water demand! water savings can be achieved by using lower (Minutes) Duration & Shower (Gallons) Volume Shower There is no question that many people flow-rate showerheads. As a result, water and 3.8 -4.0 want to be environmentally responsible energy utilities interested in achieving higher 1.0 - 1.2 1.2 - 1.4 1.4 - 1.6 1.6 - 1.8 1.8 - 2.0 2.0 - 2.2 2.2 - 2.4 2.4 - 2.6 2.6 - 2.8 2.8 - 3.0 3.0 - 3.2 3.2 - 3.4 3.4 - 3.6 3.6 - 3.8 and use our natural resources—including This article originally appeared1 in Home Energy magazine online at levels of water savings are rebating high- www.homeenergy.org on March 20, 2017. It is reprinted with permission. water—more efficiently. But do low-flow performance, low flow rate showerheads. showerheads actually save water? Or do The complete report can be at http://bit.ly/ lower flow rates simply mean people take low_flow_showerhead. longer showers—thus negating any potential The authors can be reached for questions water savings? at Bill Gauley, P Eng., Principal, Gauley As- To answer this question, Bill Gauley and sociates Ltd., [email protected] and John Koeller, John Koeller analyzed data for more than 1 P.E., Principal, Koeller & Company, koeller@ 50,000 shower events ! Shower volumes earthlink.net. were determined by multiplying the flow rate 1 by the duration. The results were very clear Data from 1999 and 2016 Residential End (see graph). Uses of Water Studies (REUS1999 and REUS2016) People do not significantly compensate for completed by Aquacraft, Inc. Data provided by lower flow rates by increasing the length of Co-Principal Investigator, Peter Mayer, P.E. their shower. For every 0.2 gallon per minute 2 High-Efficiency Showerhead Performance (gpm) decrease in flow rate, shower duration Study, 2009, Gauley, Robinson, Elton. Report can be only increased by about five seconds. found at http://bit.ly/showerhead_performance.

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PublicBy Dan Connor Schools of the Tarrytowns Embrace Renewable and Resilient Energy RPU offers a complete lighting functionality and remote data monitoring swift installation and its aesthetically pleasing solution capabilities as a teaching tool to provide addi- appearance. This is a solution which I would Peter Quartironi, Director of Facili- tional learning for pupils. Quartironi explains: certainly recommend to my facility manage- ties at Tarrytown Schools District, “At our Washington Irving School we have a ment peers,” added Quartironi. first learned of the RPU and its po- Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Aris Wind (www.ariswind.com) is working tential when considering the instal- (STEM) program, and the installation of this with their technology partner Airsynergy lation of additional security lighting renewable streetlight is providing valuable (www.airsynergy.ie) to utilize the RPU’s ability at its Washington Irving School energy and lighting data to teach children to power internet connected devices, such facility’s grounds. He commented: about the benefits of renewable power.” as security cameras and sensors, to resiliently “Children’s safety is of utmost An additional benefit of the RPU is that it power tomorrow’s “Smart Cities”. importance to us, particularly when will often generate more than enough energy Dan Connors is co-founder and Chief they are within the school grounds to provide effective lighting, allowing any Operating Officer at Aris Wind, LLC. – a solution to enhance the lighting excess energy to be utilized. Quartironi com- within the grounds was imperative.” mented: “At Peabody The first RPU unit was installed Field, excess energy at the Washington Irving School in can be used to power December 2015, followed by an RPU our public address sys- installation at the Peabody Field site, tem during events. At an athletic field with no lighting at the Washington Irving its entrance or in its park. site, USB/Ethernet The installation of both units was charging ports were faultless, according to Quartironi. added to the unit, “At our Washington Irving School, allowing the public the building of a new walkway was service of charging already scheduled to take place, mobile phones and so when it came to installing the laptops.” hybrid power unit, it was easily “A school has many integrated into the building process people that it must of the walkway. At the Peabody please; the students, Nightfall at the Washington Irving school – lighting from renewable Field site, the installation was the parents, the off-grid power. Photos: Aris Wind.. stand-alone; a hole had to be dug, teachers, the wider and the RPU was able to seamlessly community – and drop in and the technology utilized importantly, the instal- The Public Schools of the Tarrytowns, almost immediately. Both installations went lation of the two RPU’s smoothly and, importantly, disruption to the have largely gone un- Solar power generation coupled with an advanced wind turbine trickle charge bat- located about 25 miles north of Manhattan, teries day and night to reliably power lighting and auxiliary power loads. maintain five campus sites to provide educa- school environment was minimal.” noticed, thanks to its tion to over 2,700 students. Reliable, secure lighting The school district’s sustainable goals At Washington Irving School and Peabody include installing rooftop solar photovoltaic Field, the power generated is completely free systems at two of its campuses. Beyond from any external power source. Quartironi that, they installed two hybrid wind/solar commented, “The RPU solution reduces the A NEW SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES powered streetlights to provide additional school district’s reliance on the grid. Should campus lighting that are both renewable there be a grid blackout, the RPU’s will remain WILL BENEFIT FROM SOLAR ENERGY and resilient. This lighting solution selected lit, increasing safety, security and reliability at was the Renewable Power Unit (RPU) from all times. The RPU eliminated trenching and Aris Wind of Mt. Vernon, NY. pulling electrical wires; an expensive, time- Rendering of The RPU contains a solar panel, a small consuming and inconvenient process. With the Monarch duct augmented wind turbine, a LED light, this solution, clean energy is generated to illu- School of New large battery and a control system, a system minate additional parts of the school grounds, England. that can generate enough energy to provide without increasing the school’s energy bills or Image from reliable and renewable lighting, as well carbon footprint.”The RPU can also be specifi- DeStefano as auxiliary power applications such as a cally adapted to the location in which it is Architects. self-powered internet connection and USB being installed. At a school such as Washing- charging station. ton Irving, there is the ability to use the unit’s

The school with the solar arrays on the roofs, installed by Revision Energy of Brentwood, NH. Photo: Revision Energy.

With the installation of a rooftop solar array from lower electric costs with no upfront this month, a regional high school and voca- installation cost. The PPA also includes a future tional center under construction in Rochester option for the school to purchase the array at has reached another milestone. The Monarch a significant discount. School of New England broke ground on the The construction of the school is being new school last summer. Monarch currently funded by community support, a generous operates two campuses in Rochester, New pool of corporate donors and a loan from the Hampshire. The new school will replace a Bank of New Hampshire. An ongoing capital leased Gonic location and is expected to open campaign seeks to raise $1.3M. Interested do- in the summer of 2017. A gala event and grand nors may contribute at: monarchschoolne.org. opening will be held on September 7, 2017. Jewett Construction serves as the general The day school serves students with contractor on the project, which was designed significant physical, medical, developmental, by DeStefano Architects. The 11,860 square behavioral and emotional disabilities. The foot facility will house a large, multipurpose new facility will allow the school to enhance room, a computer lab, a woodworking shop its career and technical education for young area, art and music room, a greenhouse, a adults by providing the necessary equipment kitchen for preparing student lunches and nu- and space to educate and train students for a merous classrooms and administrative offices. wide variety of work options in the agriculture, The exterior will include cementitious siding, hospitality, technology and service sectors. an asphalt shingle roof and multiple cupolas. ReVision Energy installed the 47.4-kilowatt Plans also include a half-court basketball court solar array. The solar energy company owns for students. the system through a Power Purchase Agree- The new facility is located at 13 Monarch ment (PPA), which allows the school to benefit Way in Rochester, NH. 34 June 2017 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 BUSINESS LISTINGS GUIDE TO ADVERTISERS RESOURCES ARC Mechanical 22 350-Vermont: General group that coordinates a variety of statewide actions. HERITAGE NATURAL FINISHES Aris Wind 33 To join this group go to: http://350vermont.org Phone: 1-888-526-3275. Boston Greenfest 2 American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy: Consumer guide to home energy savings - www.heritagenaturalfinishes.com BPPA “Solar Bonus” 29 aceee.org/consumer We make all natural, non toxic, high Building Alternatives, Inc. 27 American Solar Energy Society (ASES): www.ases.org quality penetrating oil finishes for all Catamount Solar 9 types of woodwork and earthen floors. 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By Larry Plesent SCIENTIFIC METHOD AND GLOBAL WARMING I have a longtime friend who identifies entific thought at the moment. But theories himself as a scientist. One of his favorite are often (and some would say will ALWAYS sayings goes like this, “Most people that be) modified in the face of new data and think science is a body of facts. It’s not. Sci- new ways of interpreting the existing data. ence is in reality a method of inquiry.” In other words, our understanding of And he is absolutely correct. how the universe works and our place in Generally speaking, scientific method it is evolutionary, growing and changing consists first of observation and measure- through time. Science is not a dusty old ment. This information is then used to book of facts. It is a living process of inquiry, formulate a hypothesis or “a good working postulation, defense and destruction of guess based on the current available data.” ideas as older ways of seeing are replaced The scientific community specializing in by newer understandings. Science is that particular field of inquiry then takes never 100% anything. There will always be pot shots at the hypothesis in an attempt skeptics trying to poke holes in the current Temperature data from four international science institutions. All show rapid warming in the past few to blow holes in it theories. Fantastic! decades and that the last decade has been the warmest on record. Data sources: NASA’s Goddard Institute through observation That is their job! for Space Studies, NOAA National Climatic Data Center, Met Office Hadley Centre/Climatic Research Unit and experimenta- This is what moves and the Japanese Meteorological Agency. tion. The hypothesis the big ball of un- may then be modi- derstanding down tions. This is a pretty good strategy, but as However, and this is a big however; hold- fied, dropped or the playing field of Heraclitus said circa 500BC, “All is in flux. ing up meaningful action to remedy the generally accepted knowledge. Nothing is still.” All that we have is our best global implications of the current climate as an understood And that in fact is guess based on current data and gener- change hypothesis until 100% of the ex- fact. the job and fate of ally accepted interpretations of that data. perts agree is potentially civilization suicide. When a hypoth- all thinking people; And that’s what we have. Those who insist When approximately 97% the experts and esis stands the tests to move the big ball on absolute certainty might better enjoy hundreds of studies agree on something of time and re- of understanding religion than the process of incremental this important, even politicians have to take peated attempts at down the playing understanding that we call science. notice and begin the implementation of annihilation, it can field of Life a couple All of this is of course leading up to a very meaningful countermeasures. Right? Right? become a theory, or of yards; where it brief discussion on global climate changes Hello… an underlying explanation of the principles will be picked up by the next generation (aka global warming). Yes, there are indeed This is the soapman and that’s the way I at work in the universe we live in. whose turn it is to carry the ball farther. a handful of scientists and academics see it from here in the valleys and hollows of Theories tend to stick around longer than The news media, like politicians, like to disputing this hypothesis. Thank goodness! central Vermont. hypotheses, being the basis of general sci- quote scientists in defense of their posi- That is scientific method in action.

Troubled Waters for Lobsters because of the warming waters, which ulations of lobsters appear to be high, the related to climate change. The species hit by generally favor the adult animals. Warmer By George Harvey juvenile populations appear to have crashed the declines include cod, haddock, plaice, waters can lead to shell rot and other prob- – and scientists are very puzzled about what pollock, and redfish. With climate change, New England’s lems, but they are still generally good for is happening. We can hold out hope. A friend returned ocean waters have been warming. Tem- big lobsters. The problem might be that with warmer from a long vacation in Thailand and told peratures have been going up in the Gulf of When things get just a bit too warm, how- water, the juvenile lobster populations me they have one thing that is always Maine, off Maine, Massachusetts, and New ever, things get much worse. Lobster fishing moved into places where scientists do not delicious everywhere in the country, which Hampshire, about as fast as anywhere on in Long Island Sound, which is just a little know to look for them. On the other hand, could always be bought at a modest price, Earth, and Long Island Sound is only slightly warmer than the Gulf of Maine, has fallen off many fish, especially species that prefer can be grown anywhere, and tastes a lot like better. Climate change is beginning to take so sharply that new regulations are being warmer water, like eating the tiny lobsters, shrimp. It is is fried crickets. Yum!For those a toll on area fishing. considered to limit catches. and the decline might be tied to a rise in who really love a shore vacation dining on Recently, lobster fishing has been good in Now, the problem is being seen in the populations of such fish. seafood, a crash in the lobster population Maine, with record hauls, and that is partly northern New England waters. As adult pop- If the juvenile population really has fallen, could hardly come at a worse time. Many then the fisheries will not hold out for long. fishery species have already d of mine What is happening in Long Island Sound will returned from a long stay in Thailand and probably also happen in Maine. told me they have one thing that is always For those who really love a shore vacation delicious everywhere in that country, which dining on seafood, a crash in the lobster could always be bought at a modest price, population could hardly come worse time. and tastes very like shrimp. It is is fried Many fishery species have already seen crickets. Yum! steep population declines that may be

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www.heritagenaturalfinishes.com ❂ 1-888-526-3275 36 June 2017 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 IT’S A GREEN LIFE: GARDENING - PERMACULTURE Research on Bovine Flatulence Findings Are Promising to Reduce Methane Activity and Help Save the Planet By George Harvey able algae fed to cattle, looked at the amount of methane produced, and did Conventional wisdom on beef and dairy not find any reduction. A second ex- products is that they are responsible for a periment did find a small but significant large part of our greenhouse gas emis- reduction in the activity of methane- sions. The issue of how to deal with that generating microbes. is not without its controversies, and there Another study, done in Australia with a is still a lot of work to be done on un- different species of algae, produced very derstanding the highly complex science different results. It used a species of red involved. One thing that scientists agree algae called Asparagopsis taxiformis for in on, however, is that cows belch up a lot vitro experiments to determine the effects of methane, typically 70 to 120 kilograms, of varying percentages in the feed on the 164 to 264 pounds, per year, each. amounts of methane emitted. It is from Please pardon little math. Methane is this study that the video got its informa- about 25 times as powerful as carbon tion that a small amount of dried seaweed dioxide in its greenhouse gas effects, so could cut methane production by 99%. 264 pounds of methane is the equiva- We need to emphasize that this work was lent of 6,600 pounds of CO2. That is the done in vitro, meaning “in glass” (e.g., in a amount produced by burning 300 gallons test tube), and not in an actual cow. of gasoline. So the annual production We might note parenthetically that of greenhouse gas emissions from one Asparagopsis taxiformis is a commonly- heavily productive cow can be compared available seaweed in tropical areas and is to driving 15,000 miles in a Prius that gets used as part of a human diet. In fact, it is about 50 miles per gallon. used as a condiment in Hawaiian cuisine, The problem is of methane emissions Cattle near Wantastiquet Mountain in southwestern New Hampshire (Redjar, Wikimedia Commons) known as “limu kohu,” which is Hawaiian common to all ruminants, including for “pleasing seaweed.” cattle, goats, sheep, deer, and others. The highly variable results of experi- These animals have stomachs that are ments can be attributed in part to the divided into four chambers. In the first of seaweed, introduced nothing to do with meth- into a cow’s diet, can cut ane emissions. The sea- fact that research on how diet affects the these chambers, microbes break down methane production of cattle is just in its the cellulose in plants, which are oth- methane gas by as much An NBC video reported weed is beneficial to the as 99%.” health of the cattle. One beginning stages. Clearly, it is possible erwise largely indigestable, producing that “Even small amounts that different species of algae will have by-products that the animals can digest We called Dr. André survey Dr. Brito talked Brito, Associate Professor of dried seaweed, intro- about had responses very different effects on the amounts of and use for food. The problem is that one methane produced. Just how effective important by-product has no use to the of Dairy Cattle Nutrition from about 30% of the and Management, at duced into a cow’s diet, 1000 farmers surveyed. mitigations can be, what species to use, cow, and it is methane. what amounts to use are only parts of a Recently, NBC released a video, “Cow the University of New can cut methane gas by Of these, upwards of half Hampshire, who had provided seaweed to the larger puzzle whose answers are yet to farts and climate change” (http://bit.ly/ come. bovine-gas). It tells the story of research been interviewed for the as much as 99%.” cattle. video. He made it clear Results from experi- We do not have the final answers, and done on the diets given to cows and how we can only leave finding them to sci- much methane is released. One statement that, while the video was ments looking at the factual, it did not tell the whole story. effects of seaweed on methane emissions ence. We hope that science will produce in the video really caught our attention. valuable results. It was, “Even small amounts of dried Dried seaweed is commonly added to varied widely. One experiment done in the diets of cattle for reasons that have New Hampshire, using the locally avail-

All of these improvements produce Rotating More Crops Creates Sustainability economic benefits to the farmers. They also produce economic benefits to the for Large Farming Operations communities in nearby areas, especially five months it is a desert that has been those that are downstream from the mono-cropped with corn or soybeans. farms, which have reduced problems with By George Harvey With erosion and exposure of the land, the pollution. The Union of Concerned nitrogen compounds in the fertilizer es- Not all land can be advantageously Scientists has released a cape into the air and water, as do the toxic farmed by the specific methods used in report on crop rotation, pest controls. The problems arising from the study. The scientists doing the study “Rotating Crops, Turning this had economic implications going into indicated that about 20% to 40% of the Profits” (UCS report). It is well over $100 million. farmland in Iowa could benefit from the available as a pdf file at The UCS report gives results of studies changes. Other places can also benefit, http://bit.ly/UCS-crop- into alternative systems of growing crops, however, as the identical practice can be rotation. It has a lot to say comparing them with the standard two- used to a greater or lesser degree in all about the agricultural and year rotation. One of these is a three-year of the states of the Midwest, and similar environmental advantages rotation, of corn, soybeans, and a crop systems can be used elsewhere. of crop rotation methods combining clover with a small grain such One of the most important aspects of not currently in widespread as oats. The other is a rotation of corn, soy- this, however, is not included in the UCS use. Specifically, it looks at beans, alfalfa combined with a small grain report. It is the overarching question of growing non-GMO crops in combined, and then alfalfa alone. In both how soil can be used and treated more 25 counties in Iowa. longer rotation systems, the second crop thoughtfully. It happens that a discussion Agricultural production combined with small grain was plowed draft of a different, broader report, “re- in the Midwest is dominat- Bee visiting an alfalfa flower (Ivar Leidus, Wikimedia Commons) under to form “green manure.” Think Soil: a Roadmap for U. S. Soil Health,” ed by corn and soybeans. The results of the studies were impres- was released late last year by The Nature Together, they account for sive. The farm profits of both new rotation Conservancy. That report is available as a 70% of all crops. They are systems were slightly higher than those pdf file at http://bit.ly/TNC-rethink-soil. grown in a two-year rotation, in which fact, combined with the plowing that is of the current two-year system. Herbicide Taken together, the broader message land is devoted to each in alternating done each year, creates erosion problems. use is reduced by 25% to 50% under the of these two reports is clear. It applies years. One result is that they get about the Demands placed by corn on the soil are new systems, and this led to reductions not only to Iowa or the Midwest, but to same amount of land from one year to the only partly met by nitrogen fixed by the of 81% to 96% in those toxins in runoff all farmland. We need to treat all soil with next. soybeans, so the land is heavily fertilized, water. Synthetic fertilizers were reduced respect and understanding for our own There are a lot of problems with this usually with chemicals. Pesticides are used even more, by 88% to 92%, with organic sakes. The central issue is clearly stated in approach to farming. One is that outside to control weeds, insects, and fungi. fertilizer use also reduced, by 43% to 57%. the executive summary of “reThink Soil”. It the growing season, which is only about For seven months each year, the land The no-till system used instead of plowing says, “Healthy soil is the cornerstone of life five months per year, the land is bare. That is basically a desert, and during the other produced a 91% reduction in soil erosion. on earth.” IT’S A GREEN LIFE …AFTER ALL - GARDENS & LAWNS WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG June 2017 37

heirloom apples * siberian quince Elmore Roots’ Permaculture Know-How * elderberries * Elmore Roots Not like any other nursery USING PERMACULTURE PLANTS TO REPEL we can deliver or ship! seaberries * INSECTS IN THE YARD AND GARDEN hardiest plum and pear trees * By David Fried Sometimes what a cat likes, Plant it where you do not mind it spreading an insect hates. or grow it in pots. Another advantage over Throughout time, people who the candles is that there is no smoke fumes. have time outdoors have known Mosquitos do not like to be around this what to plant to keep insects plant and it is not a tick’s favorite, either. from biting them constantly. We Ticks prefer hanging out in the tall grasses northern kiwi vines seem to have forgotten some of where there is no lemonbalm, catnip or * these plants and their useful- rosemary around. So it is a good idea to ness and ease of growing. keep the grasses mowed low, at least in the Many of our ancestors lived pathways where you are walking to and fro. elmoreroots.com 802.888.3305 where rosemary can be grown Some people will burn a little sage and paws paw year round. Rosemary is good rosemary as the smoke is unpleasant to * blueberry bushes ready to fruit! * at repelling fleas and ticks from most insects. Thyme also discourages the area it is planted in. As a cat insects so planting a creeping or dog or person rubs against thyme walkway is a good idea. smell, and most of them do a rosemary bush, the oils from Eating parsley can help us be not like the smell of garlic. the plant rub off on their coats healthy and along with eating Catnip has Other plants have been or on our clothes. This may have garlic helps our sweat to be been found by used to keep insects at bay. been the original bug repel- unattractive to mosquitos and Chives, dill, fennel, rue, pen- lant. For us in the north, we can other biters. The original line an Iowa State nyroyal, basil, marigolds, bee bring a rosemary plant indoors of Simon and Garfunkel’s song University balm, scented geraniums, in the winter and back out in the was “parsley, sage, rosemary lavender, wormwood and summer. If we rub against it on and thyme and garlic,” but study to be ten tansy have been planted our way to the garden, we will the record company thought all over but obviously not be using our ancient wisdom, it would sell better if they times more enough. There are still a few remembering what worked for dropped one of the plants, and effective than annoying insect types lurking those who came before us. the rest is history. in the high grass. I recom- Catnip has been found by an It could be a good idea to deet. mend planting a few of these Iowa State University study to repel deer from your living pest repelling plants along be ten times more effective than Growing food without poisons. Painting by Gabriel Tempesta www. and gardening area, which your walkways this sum- deet. The essential oil contains gabrieltempesta.com also can help to keep the tick population mer and also near your home and along nepetalactone and most insects down. Some plant sage, yarrow, oregano, your garden borders. Hopefully the only cannot stand this. It is easy to lemonblam, and blackeyed susan as a scratching you will still be doing is of your grow, but you will want to plant it where repelling insects like ticks and mosquitos border perimeter that some deer seem to head, in wonder, as you are saying, “Wow, you do not mind it spreading. Rub it be- from the cedar mulch’s qualities and con- not like browsing though. We have used this really helped!”. tween your fingers and hope there are no fining the catnips’ nature to spread where it laboratory-strength “garlic clips” attached David Fried is the propagator, grower catamounts lurking. You can plant some is most useful. to plants or bamboo stakes near plants to and writer at Elmore Roots Fruit Tree and along a cedar chip path to define your Lemonbalm reminds me of citronella keep deer off of them. Reportedly, deer are Berry Nursery in Elmore, Vermont. He grows walkway and keep grass down, thus both candles, and it also reminds bugs of them. forty times more sensitive than humans to hundreds of useful plants at the nursery.

GMP and Tesla Batteries Lease one for $15 per month Cont’d from p.9 New Hampshire Permaculture Day two hours, but the battery will provide able to reduce the peak demand prices By Marty Castriotta much more than that. We would advise for power creates a much more stable Permaculture, at its core, is about Museum in Warner, NH on Saturday, anyone with a battery to try to find out market, in which GMP can take fewer risks the potential and techniques needed August 26th. Participants will learn how long any outage they may experi- and spend less money on power while for humans to design their own envi- about regeneration: of land, economy, ence is expected to last, so they can customers pay lower prices. ronments with nature in mind. Using community and culture. Workshop ration their load appropriately, if that The Powerwall 2 batteries are expected nature’s own principles, permaculture topics will include food production, would be necessary. to last for ten years, during which time offers the possibility to create food edible landscape design, climate The Tesla Powerwall 2 batteries can they are under warranty. At the end of (and other production) systems that change, renewable energy, natural be set up to use on-site solar panels, in their lifetime, Tesla will take them back become virtually self-maintaining over building, homesteading and beyond. which case they offer the customer the to recycle the materials in them. Green time. But don’t be fooled; these sys- Demonstrations, talks, and walks will additional advantage of having a certain Mountain Power spokeswoman Kristin tems are not new. In fact, they are the also be part of this day. The theme of amount of power even during very long Carlson told us, however, that if they are very systems that maintained human this year’s event is “Connecting the grid outages. Solar power is not a neces- still functioning well, there is no require- life on this planet for millennia. The Circle,” specifically with the First Nation sary part of the system, but one way or ment that they be recycled at the end of challenge (and great potential) now is cultures who championed techniques the other, a grid connection is needed. the lease. In that case, the customer can to integrate indigenous methods and of sustained, productive and climate This is so GMP can also use the batteries; still use them without paying the $15 per wisdom with newer techniques, tech- resilient food production. without that ability, they have no eco- month rent until they are no longer useful. nology and understanding to address The NH Permaculture Day is an ini- nomic reason to make such an offer. There is no option to buy at the end of the issues concerning the modern world. tiative of the NH Permaculture Guild. Under the terms of the lease, GMP is lease, because there is no advantage to Permaculture is also about decolo- The first event took place in 2012. allowed to draw from the battery dur- the customer to do so. nizing our food production system Early intentions of this event centered ing high demand times. This does not Customer interest in the program is now. Shifting the emphasis of land on sharing permaculture strategies change the rate-payers bill directly, but very high, and it is altogether possible use from one of consumption to one and possibilities, networking with indirectly it helps all of us. Having 2,000 that the batteries will all be spoken for of production puts the ownership of regional practitioners and sharing Powerwall 2 batteries available will be when Green Energy Times goes to press. food, and in fact nutrition and health, knowledge and practices. the equivalent of taking 7,000 house- Customers are advised to sign up for the back in the hands of everyone who For more information go to http:// holds off the grid during high demand batteries anyway, because there will al- can dig in the soil. This, and a regen- www.nhpermacultureday.org. times, and this can change the whole- most certainly be some who decide to opt erative approach to production, grows sale price of power significantly. Prices Marty Castriotta is a farmer and out, and the batteries will go to whoever a fertile environment for a healthy and for wholesale power can spike to 60¢/ educator. He and his wife, is next in line, on a first-come first-served abundant future. kWh or higher in Vermont, but GMP has Ellen run Village Roots basis. Seasoned practitioners and perma- to sell it at the standard rate regardless Permaculture and CSA on For more information, please visit http:// culture newcomers can learn more at of what they are paying, at times losing the Orchard Hill Community bit.ly/GMP-Tesla-offer. the 2017 NH Permaculture Day which substantial amounts of money. Being in Alstead, NH, host of the takes place at the Mt. Kearsarge Indian 2016 NH Permaculture Day. 38 June 2017 WWW.GREENENERGYTIMES.ORG 802.439.6675 IT’S A GREEN LIFE - AFTER ALL… Lego Group Reaches 100% Renewable Energy Goal Ahead of Schedule Green Energy Times staff article

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PICK-YOUR-OWN BERRIES! (mid-June—July) Shop Co-ops Cedar Circle Farm FARMSTAND & CSA HELLO CAFÉ Co-operatives are businesses that are member- EAST THETFORD, VERMONT owned collectively managed by paid staff and a member-elected board of directors. Values EDUCATION CENTER KITCHEN include democracy, self-help and a concern for families and the community. GREENHOUSES PICK-YOUR-OWN everyone can shop CEDARCIRCLEFARM.ORG anyone can join Mon - Sat 7am - 9pm Sunday 9am - 9pm A closeup of the Nacelle where you can see the lego pieces. Inset: The largest wind turbine ever built of 34 CYPRESS ST. KEENE, NH LEGOs, and the technicians who built it. Images 603 355 8008 courtesy of LEGO.

On May 18 and 19, we learned that the Burbo Bank Extension Offshore Wind good.local.food.good.local.food Farm, off the coast of England near Liver- pool, had been completed and grid-tied. This is historic for two reasons. It is the first use of the Vestas V164 8.0 megawatt wind turbines. These turbines are the largest ever installed for com- mercial use. They are 720 feet tall, and the rotor diameter is 538 feet. A prototype set a record when it ran for a complete day at full power, producing 192 megawatt hours of electricity. The other historic event associated with Burbo Bank Extension results from the fact that it is 25% owned by Lego, the Dan- ish toy company. With its opening, Lego is 100% powered by renewable sources, according to the company. By doing this, Lego has met an environmental goal of getting all of its electricity from renewable sources. That goal, which was announced Open 7 Days 8am-7pm Open 7 Days 8am-7pm in June of 2014, was reached three years 9 Washington St 388-7276 middlebury.coop 9 Washington St 388-7276 middlebury.coop ahead of schedule. 8pmto daily 8am open Lego has not stopped adding renew- open 8am to 8pmto daily 8am open

open 8am to 8pmto daily 8am open able resources, now that its goal has been 8pmto daily 8am open met. On November 28, 2016, we learned that Lego’s new huge factory in China, where 1200 people work, is to be powered entirely by solar power. Even having met its 100% renewable goal, however, it is still putting up solar arrays in China. Lego is also still pursuing some environ- mental goals that are not directly related

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