Naperville for Clean Energy and Conservation

12October2010

October

Posted by Stephanie Hastings under: News.

October 12, 2010

NCEC MEETING AND UPDATES AGENDA:

1. Ren Energy Zoning Ord – continued to the 20^th (agenda online Thurs or Fri)
2. Exit Sign Program http://www.mayorscaucus.org/fileBroker/CAC_final.pdf
3. EE Video Update
4. Idling Signage Update
5. Green Drinks Oct 27th
6. City Council Candidate Information Sharing & NCEC Questionaire
7. 2011 NCEC Earth Day Event
8. SECA application due Nov 1^st
9. 2011 Meeting Schedule (meeting room A reserved from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. for the following dates in 2011: 1/12, 2/9, 3/9, 4/13, 5/11, 6/8, 7/13, 8/10, 9/14, 10/12, 11/9, and 12/14.

  ARTICLES:

Weatherization and Energy Efficiency Seminar for Owners of Historic Buildings scheduled for October 18.

Have you wondered how to achieve good energy efficiency while still respecting the unique features of your historic home?  Is the flood of advertising for new windows and insulation making you wonder if you should renovate?  What improvements will make the most difference in energy savings? Learn the answers to these questions by attending the City of Naperville’s Weatherization and Energy Efficiency Seminar  on Monday, October 18, 2010, at 7 p.m. in the Smith Hall of North Central College Old Main, 30 N. Brainard Street. Presenters Jim Tente and Fred Filippo are building inspectors for the City of Naperville. They have over 50 years of combined inspection experience and hold over 30 inspector certifications, which allow them to inspect all phases and types of construction and structures.  Jim and Fred are also the only two RESNET-certified auditors/raters of the city, which allows them to certify houses for the U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Star labeling. As the city’s experts on energy conservation for buildings, they are currently working on the city’s successful Home Energy Savings Program.

Solar Panels Installed at Naperville’s Fort Hill Electric Substation, View the Amount of Energy Created by Solar Panels on the City’s Website.

The City of Naperville is pleased to announce that the Department of Public Utilities-Electric (DPU-E) has expanded its use of renewable energy by adding solar power to one of its substations. DPU-E, along with solar project developer SoCore Energy of Chicago, has installed 25 solar photovoltaic panels at the Fort Hill Electric Substation, located near the intersection of 75th Street and Fort Hill Drive. The array will generate solar energy to offset the substation building’s energy requirements and was donated and installed by SoCore Energy. This project will build public awareness and knowledge of solar power and help promote renewable energy sources in the community. “Naperville’s residents are energy conscious, and our utility customers have expressed an interest in ways they can conserve energy,” Director of Public Utilities-Electric Mark Curran said. “We are pleased to be able to promote renewable energy to our customers and help show them possible ways to reduce their carbon footprint. “The solar panels’ estimated yearly energy production is 4,500 kWh, and residents and interested parties can visit the city’s website to see the amount of energy the solar panels are producing in real-time. The panels have currently produced 2.2 MWh, or the equivalent of powering 6,816 light bulbs and 2,249 computers for one day since being installed in April of this year. The carbon offset of 3,856.9 pounds by the panels has contributed the equivalent of 45 trees planted and 199 gallons of gas. To view these figures and for more information, visit www.naperville.il.us/solarpower.aspx. These panels will also be used as a tool for teaching local students about alternative energy sources, energy conservation methods and the economics of energy demand and consumption. In addition, this project will build upon Naperville’s ENERGY STAR partnership that began in April 2009.  Renewable Energy systems, such as wind turbines and solar panels, are relatively new trends, and the city’s existing zoning ordinance does not directly address their installation and maintenance. In an effort to provide guidelines for installation of these types of renewable energy systems, the City of Naperville has undertaken proposed zoning amendments related to wind and solar energy. The Small Wind and Solar Renewable Energy Ordinance is scheduled for public hearing again before the Plan Commission on Wednesday, October 6 and is anticipated to go before the City Council later this year. Anyone interested in learning more about this proposed ordinance should visit www.naperville.il.us/renewableenergy.aspx.  

CFL BULBS AND MERCURY http://www.energystar.gov/ia/partners/promotions/change_light/downloads/Fact_Sheet_Mercury.pdf

ENVIRONMENTAL LEADER

 www.environmentalleader.com

EPA REGION 5 PRESS RELEASES

http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/Press%20Releases%20From%20Region%205!OpenView  

SIERRA CLUB PRESS

 http://action.sierraclub.org/site/PageNavigator/E-Newsletters/Pressroom

and ARTICLES http://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/  

EVENTS: 

Green Drinks on Wednesday, Oct 27th

• Illinois Solar Energy Association http://www.illinoissolar.org/events

• Green Build Expo http://www.greenbuildexpo.org/Home.aspx 

• SCARCE http://www.bookrescue.org/scarce/default.asp?page=Sripples

• Clean Air Counts http://www.mayorscaucus.org/fileBroker/Events.doc

• Citizens Utility Board http://www.cubenergysaver.com/

• Conservation Foundation http://www.theconservationfoundation.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=56&Itemid=200051

• US Green Building Council http://usgreenbuildingcouncilchicagochapter.roundtablelive.org/calendar

• City Gate and Hotel Arista (Happy Hour this week)http://www.citygatecentre.com/pdfs/CityGate_Newsletter_10-2010.pdf

• Sierra Club River Prairie Group http://illinois.sierraclub.org/RPG/

• Holistic Moms http://chicagowestsub.holisticmoms.org/

• DuPage Peace Through Justice http://www.dupagepeacethroughjustice.org/ 

10August2010

Join Us Tonight!

Posted by Stephanie Hastings under: News.

Agenda

August 10, 20107:30 PM Municipal Center - Meeting Room A

 I. CITY OF NAPERVILLE  

• New Renewable Energy Ordinance – Suzanne Thorsen http://www.naperville.il.us/dynamic_content.aspx?id=18782
• ELPC List of possible questions for city re: Prairie State Costs
• EECBG - Energy Efficiency Video Outline
• Smart Meter/Grid update http://www.linkedin.com/news?viewArticle=&articleID=167801678&gid=3106904&type=member&item=26685290&articleURL=http%3A%2F%2Fnialljmcshane%2Ewordpress%2Ecom%2F2010%2F08%2F08%2Fthe-naperville-smart-grid-investment-project-technology-overview%2F&urlhash=YHSg&goback=%2Egde_3106904_member_26685290 
• Parking guidance system
•  Meter Surveys http://www.naperville.il.us/dynamic_content.aspx?id=18792  

II. NCEC RESIDENT EDUCATION

• 2011 Event and/or Program(s) Planning/Brainstorming
  • USGBC Update
  • Elec Veh Charging Station
  • Photo contest
  • Walk to School Day
  • Go to www.activetrans.org/carfree  to pledge to go car-free on Chicago land Car-Free Day, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2010
• Planned “AYEG?” Presentation(s) – St. Raphael Mom’s Group: April 2011 

III. BUSINESS COMMITTEE  (email jw2050@aol.com for details)

• Naperville Chamber of Commerce Green Leadership Committee Updates

IV. FUNDING 

• DuPage Community Foundation grant was due Aug 6
• Need to prepare list of targets and calendar of grant application deadlines 

VII. FUTURE MEETINGS

• Timing to schedule 2011 dates? 
• 9/14– Meeting Room A
• 10/12– Meeting Rooms B&C
• 11/9– Meeting Room A
• 12/14– Meeting Room A

Thank you to those who attended our last meeting. A representative from the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning presented the highlights of the GoTo2040 regional plan, paying special attention to the “Livable Communities” chapter. CMAP is seeking public comment through August 6th. If you are interested in providing feedback (e.g. today), please read the “Livable Communities” chapter (Chapter 2) and make comments on the web site www.goto2040.org.  Both the plan and the feedback forms are available on this site. 

Beginning this month (Aug) our new Board of Directors will begin their 2 year term:

Stephanie Hastings (returning)

Bill Dawe (returning)

Jodi Trendler (returning)

Frank Oboikovitz

Beth Schwartz

Mark Skowron

Jim Weihrouch

During our meeting we also brainstormed content ideas for an outline for an educational video. The City of Naperville will be using EECBG funds to create a suite of educational videos, including one specifically for the subject of “energy efficiency.” NCEC was asked by city staff to provide an outline.

Our next meeting is this Tuesday, August 10th at 7:30 pm. We will be meeting in the lower level of the City of Naperville municipal center located 400 S. Eagle St . Our meetings are open to the public, so please join us and/or invite a friend.

I received recently from the Environmental Law and Policy Center (ELPC).  This email provides sample questions our organization could ask our city and our electric utility about the increased Prairie State Coal Plant in order to advocate for renewable energy.   We will discuss this document during our next meeting.

11July2010

Join Us 7/13!

Posted by Stephanie Hastings under: News.

Please join us for the next regular Naperville for Clean Energy and Conservation (NCEC)meeting this Tuesday, July 13th. We are meeting at 7:30 pm in the lower level of the Municipal Center. Our meetings are open to the public and we always welcome new faces. 

NCEC BOARD OF DIRECTORS NOMINATIONS

Please let me know if you are interested in serving on NCEC’s Board of Directors.  Board members set the mission and vision of the organization to be carried out by the Executive Committee. Attendance at regular NCEC meetings is encouraged, but not mandatory.  The only requirements which have been set for this position are you must be at least 18 and a resident of Naperville. You may nominate yourself or others. Nominations received to date include: Stephanie Hastings, Jodi Trendler, Jim Weihrouch, Beth Schwartz, Frank Oboikovitz and William Dawe. Ideally the board will consist of seven directors.

Following is an overload of good information and key dates I have attempted to consolidate for all of you.

NEWS/ARTICLES/VIDEOS/NEWSLETTERS/NOTES:

CLEAN COAL DREAM A COSTLY NIGHTMARE

Article from today’s Tribune with latest and summary information about the Prairie State Coal Plant in which Naperville has invested via the IMEA http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-coal-plant-20100710,0,3046966,full.story

AURORA COMMITTED TO GREEN POWER

The City of Aurora has partnered with BlueStar Energy Solutions, Illinois‘ only independent provider of residential green power, to offer residents the option of purchasing 100% renewable energy. Aurora residents interested in participating can sign up on-line for renewable energy at 5% less than the cost of traditional power. http://www.gogreenaurora.com/. Information on how to become a Green Power Partner is available at http://www.epa.gov/grnpower/.

2012 ENERGY EFFICIENCY BUILDING CODES - CALLS FOR STRICTER CODES

http://action.sierraclub.org/site/MessageViewer?em_id=181514.0&dlv_id=155526

ILLINOIS ENERGY SUBSIDIES ARTICLE

https://illinoispolicy.org/uploads/files/Energy%20Subsidies.pdf

NEW IL SOLAR BILLS

House Bill 6202 sets yearly targets for utilities to purchase solar energy, while House Bill 5429 removes obstacles for homeowners that want to install solar. Both have passed the IL House and Senate and most likely will be signed by Quinn.

OBAMA/GULF OIL VIDEO - CALLS FOR CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE

http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/cleanenergyupdate

TOXIC COAL ASH VIDEO - CALLS FOR REGULATION

https://secure2.convio.net/sierra/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=4409&autologin=true&s_subsrc=txtbx&JServSessionIdr004=zh7l98ml21.app226a

CLEAN AIR COUNTS - A TON OF EVENTS AND RESOURCES ON THIS LINK

http://www.mayorscaucus.org/fileBroker/Events.doc

JULY/AUGUST - ASES “SOLAR TODAY” ISSUE

http://www.solartoday-digital.org/solartoday/20100708#pg1

IL EPA - SUMMER 2010 Citizen Newsletter

http://www.epa.state.il.us/newsletter/

Alliance for Environmental Sustainability (AES) Newsletter

http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/627942/14c236d06a/283203653/e2bea47d1a/

STYROFOAM BANNING EFFORT IN CHICAGO

http://www.nofoamchicago.org/

DELTA INSTITUTE IS HIRING

http://www.delta-institute.org/Jobopportunities.php

NEW “MEET-UP” GROUP (FYI)

http://www.meetup.com/Naperville-Area-Sustainability-Group/

UPCOMING DATES/EVENTS:

JULY 16 - SIERRA CLUB IL CHAPTER Ravinia Event

http://action.sierraclub.org/site/MessageViewer?em_id=181662.0&dlv_id=155624

JULY 16 - USGBC Event, Cruizin’ the Fox Lake

http://usgreenbuildingcouncilchicagochapter.roundtablelive.org/calendar?eventId=114042&EventViewMode=EventDetails

JULY 17 - MCDONALD FARM OPEN HOUSE & CONSERVATION @ HOME DAY

http://www.theconservationfoundation.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=366:mcdonald-farm-open-house-a-conservationhome-day&catid=56:current-events&Itemid=200051

JULY 21 - LEED GREEN ASSOC. CREDENTIAL

http://usgreenbuildingcouncilchicagochapter.roundtablelive.org/calendar?eventId=174349&EventViewMode=EventDetails

JULY 22 - USGBC Business Meeting

http://usgreenbuildingcouncilchicagochapter.roundtablelive.org/calendar?eventId=114021&EventViewMode=EventDetails

JULY 27 - CHAMBER OF COMMERCE GREEN LEADERSHIP COUNCIL MEETING

Any NCEC member can attend these meetings now for no extra charge. These meetings are typically the 4th Monday of each month at 7:30 am. For details or questions, please contact our VP of Sustainable Business, Jim Weihrouch jw2050@aol.com.

JULY 27 - CMAP EVENT “GOING GREEN AND PAYING FOR IT” (Tools for Municipalities)

http://usgreenbuildingcouncilchicagochapter.roundtablelive.org/calendar?eventId=175826&EventViewMode=EventDetails

AUG 7 - LIVING GREEN EXPO @ HOTEL ARISTA

http://www.nihba.com/nihiba-news/schedule-of-events.html#bf_calFrame_471

AUG 7 & 8 - RENEWABLE ENERGY FAIR

http://www.illinoisrenew.org/events/2010_fair.html

NEXT GREEN DRINKS - TBD

Contact Jodi Trendler for questions or details jodi@trendler.net.

NCEC RESIDENT EDUCATION

NCEC is looking for member-based groups who are interested in having a NCEC representative attend their meeting and give our educational presentation titled, “Are You Effectively Green?”.  This presentation has been well received by many local groups.

UPCOMING MEETINGS:

8/10– Meeting Room A 

9/14– Meeting Room A

10/12– Meeting Rooms B&C

11/9– Meeting Room A

12/14– Meeting Room A 

26May2010

May Minutes - Next meeting 6/15

Posted by Stephanie Hastings under: News.

NOTE: Tuesday, June 15 - Next NCEC Meeting, 7:30 PM (Municipal Center). Time to start the electoral process for our Board of Directors. If you are interested in serving as a board member (9/1/10 through 8/31/12), please email me ncec.email@yahoo.com. You must be a Naperville resident and must be at least 18 years old.

May Meeting Minutes: 

I. NCEC EARTH DAY EVENT WRAP-UP

• Ï    Mixed survey results from the event. Most feedback indicated concerns for amount of parking and the live music being too loud.  Some participants indicated the cost per lead is much less than other marketing channels such as radio or print. Some businesses indicated cost per table was too high. The turnout was lower than the planning committee expected – some participants were satisfied with the turnout, others were not.  Several commented the event should expect to grow each year.
• Ï    Drawing tickets will be kept in inventory for future use (not dated).
• Ï    John Melquist has extra 10’ green extension cord
• Ï    Stephanie has two Nokia phones – were these meant for e-recycling?
• Ï    Financials – Drawing netted $51, Litter Free Lunch payment was $20
• Ï    Jodi will follow up with Clothes Mentor for gift card, if no response, Stephanie will send them an invoice.
• Ï    Ideas/Notes for next time:
  • Different venue with better parking such as City of Naperville’s Public Works Facility, All Saints gymnasium, Players Indoor, Bethany Lutheran, Public High School gymnasium
  • It was determined NCEC should have a signature event annually 

II. BRIGHTON CAR WASH

• Ï    Brighton planning to install 4 kW vertical access wind turbine (Urban Green Energy)
• Ï    A former plan of a horizontal access was declined by the zoning board due to the height restrictions which is why the plan was revised and now meets height guidelines (there are no zoning ordinances for wind turbines currently, so the zoning board did not have a way to measure the project)
• Ï    Brighton will be taking the revised plan to city council on Tuesday, June 1^st.  The new turbine has a sound rating of 46 decibels at 3 meters. The average annual wind production at the site is 8.5 – 11.8 mph at 45’ (height).
• Ï    NCEC is in favor of renewable energy projects J and is favor of the City of Naperville establishing renewable energy zoning ordinances asap.  City staff members have indicated the project is in the “work plan” but have not provided any timing to the completion of the new ordinances. 

III. JUNE 5 – RECYCLING EXTRAVAGANZA

• Ï    Michelle Hickey Fouts is looking for volunteers for the City of Naperville’s Recycling extravaganza.  The two shifts are 8:30 am to 12:00 pm or 11:30 am to 3:30 pm. Please email Michelle if you are available to volunteer your time michellehf@comcast.net or call her at 630.281.0194.
• Ï    Michelle also passed out information about upcoming Illinois Solar Association events:
  • Solar Field Trip June 12 10 am – 12:30 pm beginning at Brighton Car Wash
  • Visit www.illinoissolar.org for more information about additional events including educational seminars and webinars. Michelle is also looking for feedback about what educational programs ISA should offer. 

IV. JUNE 26 – SOLAR RACE

• Ï    Roy Grundy is looking for volunteers for the annual Solar Car Race on June 26^th.  This year the finish line is at Naperville North High School. Some cars cost over $500,000 to build and it is very rare opportunity to see these cars and be a part of this race.
• Ï    Volunteers will help with distributing materials and possibly with crowd control or parking. The volunteer opportunity will be around 10 am to 4 pm. More details will follow. If you are available please email Stephanie Hastings ncec.email@yahoo.com or call her 312-523-4347.
• Ï    The ISA will be hosting a fundraising event following the awards ceremony. More information to follow. 

V. FUTURE MEETINGS

• 6/15– Meeting Room A 
• 7/13– Meeting Room A
• 8/10– Meeting Room A 
• 9/14– Meeting Room A
• 10/12– Meeting Rooms B&C
• 11/9– Meeting Room A
• 12/14– Meeting Room A 

VI. TABLED UNTIL NEXT MEETING

þ     River Clean Upþ     2011 Eventþ     Fundraising ideas

8March2010

Naperville Earth Day 2010 Celebration!

Posted by Stephanie Hastings under: News.

Its official! The city of Naperville will have a community-wide Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 24th from 10 am to 2 pm on the campus of North Central College.  The Earth Day Planning committee is currently seeking exhibitors, sponsors and volunteers for this great family friendly event. To learn how to get involved, please visit:

http://ncec.us/earthday2010/