Insulation: Behind the Scenes

Blow cellulose or fiber glass? What insulation will work best? Where does it come from? How does it work? Get an inside peek in this video from the New York Times.

More than Just a Fish Wrapper

First project officially completed!

Today we're proud to say the very first home has been weatherized through the Community Energy Challenge program. The happy homeowner you see here is receiving a check for $1500 in cash incentives towards his energy efficiency improvement project. Not only will the retrofit save him money, but he also mentioned how much he appreciated the education along the way. Recalling other home improvement projects which had taken longer and cost more than expected, he said the Community Energy Challenge's professional expertise and quality assurance made all the difference.

Looks like we're off to a great start!

Taking It One Room at a Time

Sometimes the toughest part of doing the right thing is knowing where to start. How about one room at a time? The Federal Trade Commission has come up with a simple website, no flashy graphics or advertisements, just sound straightforward advice on how to improve energy use in your home room by room.

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/energysavings/

House passes HomeSTAR bill! More jobs and less energy waste coming soon!

Rebate programs like HomeSTAR make a big difference in how many households make energy efficient improvements. Not only are these retrofits good investments (see graph at right, courtesty of energysavvy.com), they are job engines, ecomonic turbo boosters, and major players in carbon reduction. With strong bi-partisan support, its seems HomeSTAR is charging onward to change the market for energy efficiency in our country. We couldn't be happier to cheer it on!

How many jobs? DOE says 1.3... million!

A study from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory last month estimates that energy efficiency could create 1.3 million jobs by 2020. Yet another reason to get the word out about energy efficiency and how it can revitalize our economy. However, significant work remains in ramping up education and awareness of this opportunity as well as providing training for this growing industry. Educational institutions will need to work quickly to create new training programs. Luckily, here in Whatcom County we have one of the most renown professional training programs in the state. the Building Performance Center.

Energy Efficiency is All-American

Just after baseball and apple pie, energy efficiency is about as American as your next weekend project gets. A new study reviewed by the  New York Times shows that not only does efficiency create local jobs for installation, but the materials themselves are almost entirely produced right here in the US of A. That means energy efficiency puts more Americans back to work manufacturing, distributing, and installing the stuff that make will make our county cleaner and greener, and more secure. When it comes to economic recovery and energy independence, efficiency hits a home run.

News about HomeSTAR

Obama spoke in Savanah Georgia today about HomeSTAR, a government initiated energy efficiency retrofit program. As a tool for both job creation and reduced emissions, HomeSTAR is on its way to being included in the highly anticipated Jobs Bill now in Congress.

• Direct rebates of $1000-$3000
• Quality Assurance
• Financing