Watch for it at a newsstand, supermarket, and local stores and establishments near you – throughout 85% of Vermont & 45% of New Hampshire! Be sure to pick up copies when they first come out or they may be gone when you come back.

If you can’t find it near you – let us know so that we see if we can make it happen… you can also subscribe right from this website on the Advertising/Subscriptions Tab (above).

Enjoy, learn and most of all we hope you find something to help move us forward on our path to energy independence and reducing our carbon emission levels.  Share your stories with us!  We love to hear from you!

VT farms and forest must find new sources of income if our celebrated working landscape is to survive and thrive. While Vermont farmland, with our dominant dairy industry and fast-growing diversified vegetable and value-added farms, is not seeing a doubling in value in the past 6 years like the Midwest, our farmers and foresters are likely to see better income opportunities in coming decades.

It’s my view that in the coming years of slower, “peak petroleum” economic growth, Vermont’s farms and forests can play a key role in enhancing economic prosperity and resilience. I have focused on the food side of this equation for almost 30 years though Gardener’s Supply and the Intervale Center; and through board membership with VNRC, VT Land Trust, VT Sustainable Ag Council, and helping VT Businesses for Social Responsibility launch Farm to Plate. VT Sustainable Jobs Fund just completed the Farm to Plate statewide plan for our food system. It concluded that the direct economic impact of increasing farming and food production in Vermont by just 5% (by Vermonters buying more local food and/or selling more to New England) would generate $135 million in annual output for the VT economy.

The best way to bolster the economic viability of working landscapes is to generate a higher return on investment per acre of working lands, both financial ROI and return to nature’s capital. The Farm to Plate plan offers many smart strategies for this outcome, and the good news is that State leadership in Montpelier understands this opportunity and is committing to work with the private sector to get there.

As the Time magazine article notes, in addition to food, the renaissance in farm value and employment is being triggered by another major force in today’s economy that can help VT landowners increase their financial return beyond food: Clean Energy!

“Peak oil” has arrived and we are also approaching “peak coal” and “peak natural gas.” Energy costs will increase. But VT has been innovating in the area of land-based renewable energy for decades with the McNeil wood-fired electrical generating plant, BERC showing the way to optimize our biomass resources for heating, diary farmers generating electricity from manure bio-digesters, and biodiesel replacing on-farm fossil fuel use.

This transition to a locally owned, more resilient and more affordable (as fossil fuel costs rise) energy system can accelerate with the right policies and incentives. Innovative Group Net Metering programs, State tax credits and financing support for clean energy projects, and the VT Standard Offer (the SPEED program sets the nation’s first statewide price for renewable energy projects) are birthing hundreds of new of clean energy projects – owned by Vermonters – all across the State.

VT energy experts suggest VT’s working landscapes offers the potential for wind, solar, biomass and methane projects to generate over 50% of our electrical energy by 2030 (they generate 5% now). This clean, safe, local energy would more than replace the 30% of our electricity we get from VT Yankee. Solar and wind projects will be the key to making this happen.

To learn more about this “new economy” opportunity I developed a 150 thousand kWh solar array last year to provide all electrical power for Farm at South Village, a CSA farm I started in 2009. Excess power from this array is provided through Green Mountain Power and their Group Net Metering program to the City of South Burlington (for traffic and street lights) and to South Village Community. Plus, the CSA has locked in energy prices for the next 25-30 years…there’s a long term competitive advantage vs Calif tomatoes and lettuce!

Now, I’m working with Encore Redevelopment, a leading clean energy project developer, to develop an exciting wind project in Derby Line under the VT SPEED program. This project is comprised of two 2.2 MW turbines located on adjacent farms, the Chase Farm and the Grandview Farm, in the Northern Plateau among the corn rows. It is projected to generate 8 million kWh of carbon-free electricity each year. Besides helping the two dairies control their energy costs and generate extra income, these wind turbines would keep 4,000 metric tons of CO2 out of the atmosphere…comparable in CO2 terms to keeping 700 cars off Vermont roads each year.

The nearly $100 million we currently pay to get almost 1/3 of our electricity from a risky and aging power nuclear plant also sends a substantial flow of profits to corporate owners outside Vermont while we bare the risk. Instead, we can start using that money to fund Vermont’s transition to clean energy and keep these dollars circulating in Vermont, helping to build a more resilient economy.

GET Aug2011 page 39

• While supplies last, select ENERGY STAR® qualified CFLs are just 99¢ at participating retailers*.
• In partnership with Efficiency Vermont, many Vermont lighting retailers offer special pricing and in-store coupons on select ENERGY STAR CFLs & LEDs. No mail-in rebates to fill out, just a low price at the cash register of your favorite lighting retailers*.

Home Performance with ENERGY STAR

• Ask a participating Home Performance with ENERGY STAR contractor* about available incentives for energy Efficiency home improvements.
• Efficiency Vermont offers up to $2,500 in incentives for comprehensive energy Efficiency improvements, including air sealing, insulation, and heating system upgrades.

Appliances

• Look for these mail-in rebates at participating retailers* or visit www.Efficiencyvermont.com.
• $25 mail-in rebate – ENERGY STAR qualified Dehumidifier (available seasonally)
• $50 mail-in rebate – select ENERGY STAR qualified Clothes Washers
• $50 mail-in rebate – select ENERGY STAR qualified Refrigerators
• $50 rebate – Second Refrigerator Retirement (includes free pick up of your old, working second refrigerator or freezer)

Heating & Cooling Equipment

• $100 mail-in rebate – energy-efficient furnace fan motor and central AC
• $500 mail-in rebate – energy-efficient furnace fan for oil heating system(for Green Mountain Power customers only)
• $300 mail-in rebate – energy-efficient furnace fan for propane heating system(for Green Mountain Power customers only)
• Additional rebates for converting from electric heating and hot water systems to natural gas systems are available.
  Call 888-921-5990 for more information.

Residential New Construction

• Building a new home? Enroll in Efficiency Vermont’s Residential New Construction Service to receive a free home energy rating and expert technical assistance throughout the construction process.
• Homes enrolled in the Vermont ENERGY STAR Homes program are also eligible for the ENERGY STAR Label and up to $1,500 in cash incentives.
• Additional incentives are available for Washington Electric Cooperative and Vermont Gas Systems customers.
  Call 888-921-5990 for more information.

Other Opportunities to Save

• Look for these additional rebates and discounts at participating retailers* or visit www.Efficiencyvermont.com
• In partnership with Efficiency Vermont, many Vermont retailers offer special pricing and in-store coupons on select Advanced Power Strips. No mail-in rebates to fill out, just a low price at the cash register of your favorite participating retailers*.
• $200 mail-in rebate – for the purchase and installation of a qualifying energy-efficient two-speed or variable speed pool pump (available seasonally)

All rebates and incentives are subject to availability, limits, and may change.
Visit www.efficiencyvermont.com or call 888-921-5990 for complete incentives and requirements.
* Find a participating retailer or contractor at www.Efficiencyvermont.com
or call 888-921-5990.

GET Aug2011 page 17

State Conservationist, Vicky M. Drew, of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced the approval of four Vermont State Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG). Federal money from these grants will fund projects that focus on grass pellet heating systems, new nutrient management strategies, and innovative greenhouse designs.

CIG is a voluntary program intended to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies while leveraging Federal investment in environmental enhancement and protection, in conjunction with agricultural production. USDA-NRCS administers the CIG program which requires a 50-50 match between the agency and the applicant. CIG is offered as both a nationwide and a state program.

The University of Vermont (UVM) was presented with grants to fund two projects starting in 2011. The larger of the two projects will develop, evaluate, and verify the effectiveness of innovative nutrient management implementation strategies on Vermont farms that help decrease agricultural nonpoint source nutrient pollution. This project is expected to take place over the next two years. UVM’s other CIG project will improve the design of key components of an existing bubble greenhouse insulation system, and implement these improvements in their demonstration greenhouse located in Colchester.

The Meach Cove Farm Trust in Shelburne will use their grant funds to evaluate two different types of grass pellet heating equipment and indentify the most suitable species of grass fuel. The findings of this project will be documented and made public to assist Vermont farmers and consumers in the selection of heating equipment and grass species that produce optimal fuel.

The fourth CIG was awarded to Yestermorrow Design/Build School in Warren. This project will apply innovative systems that are not commonly used in northern New England in the construction of a passive solar greenhouse. The site will demonstrate reduced energy demands and improved vegetable production, and offer a demonstration site for regular class offerings and area farmers.

More information about the Conservation Innovation Grant program through USDA-NRCS can be found online here: http://www.vt.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/CIG/index.html, or by contacting the Vermont CIG Program Manager, Bob Kort, at 802-951-6796 ext. 233, or Bob.Kort@vt.usda.gov.
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By Dan Shapley

For the past several years, the federal government has, as part of its economic stimulus spending, offered income tax credits for home improvement projects that improve energy efficiency. While the tax credits available in 2011 are much less generous than those available in years prior, they are still worth hundreds of dollars. And they expire Dec. 31.

Here are 11 home improvement projects that qualify for tax credits now, but won’t in 2012 (unless Congress votes to re-enact these programs, which seems unlikely given the dominance of budget reduction in the current political climate). The dollar amount listed is the credit offered for qualifying energy efficient products. For details about how to qualify, visit energysavers.gov.

Photo: George Peters/ Istock

The General Assembly established the CEDF in 2005 to promote the development of renewable energy and efficiency resources and, through this, to provide substantial economic and environmental benefits to Vermont. Since 2005, CEDF has awarded about $18 million dollars in grants and loans to municipalities, farms, colleges, small businesses and other project developers in every county in Vt.  This has resulted in the construction of farm digesters, solar photovoltaic arrays, wind turbines, hydroelectric and biomass projects in every county in Vermont, generating over 44.5 MWh. This is a substantial and positive economic impact for the State, as found by a recent study by Kavet, Rockler & Associates, LLC.

In accordance with the recently-enacted omnibus energy bill, the CEDF will become a program of the Department of Public Service.  The new CEDF Board will have approval authority with respect to the plans, budgets, and program designs for the Fund.  The Board will also serve in an advisory capacity to the Commissioner of the Department of Public Service on all other aspects related to the Fund.  Commissioner Elizabeth Miller is responsible for appointing three members of the CEDF Board; Representative Tony Klein and Senator Ginny Lyons,  the Chairs of the House and Senate Committees on Natural Resources and Energy, each appoint two members of the Board.

The following individuals have been appointed to the new CEDF Board:

• Jo Bradley, Chief Executive Office of the Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA). VEDA works collaboratively with the Fund to provide underwriting and oversight for the CEDF loans. Bradley has served on the CEDF Board since its inception in January, 2007. Responsible for VEDA’s over $160 million in assets, Bradley has applied her substantial financial and community development skills to her service on the CEDF Board.

•  Sam Swanson, Senior Policy Advisor at the Pace Energy and Climate Center (PECC) at Pace University and former Board President of Renewable Energy Vermont.  Swanson, with his strong renewable energy expertise, has been an integral member of the CEDF Board since October, 2007.

• Gaye Symington, Executive Director of the High Meadows Fund. Symington served 12 years in the Vermont House, her last 2 years as Speaker. High Meadows provides grants and research opportunities towards the goals of reducing the reliance on fossil fuels, improving the sustainability and viability of agricultural enterprises, and encouraging vibrant and compact communities.

• Patty Richards, Senior Consultant for La Capra Associates in Williston. Richards has worked in the energy industry for over 20 years on energy policy and economic analysis.  She previously served on the CEDF Board from its inception in 2007 until July 2009.

• Elizabeth Caitlin,  an attorney and financial advisor who resides in Dummerston. Caitlin has many years of regional and local planning experience serving on and chairing planning commissions, including the Windham Regional Planning Commission and her local Dummerston board.

• Jennifer Hollar, Deputy Commissioner for the Department of Economic, Housing and Community Development. Hollar will apply her Department’s expertise in energy as it relates to economic development, job creation, land use and the affordability and sustainability of Vermont homes.

• William Wiquist, Green Mountain Club Executive Director. Wiquist brings both environmental stewardship skills and a strong public policy development background, based upon his work for both Congressman Peter Welch and Senator Bernie Sanders.

• Senator Lyons, Chair of Senate Natural Resources and Energy Committee enthusiastically supports the Clean Energy Development Fund appointments. Senator Lyons stated, “These folks will be a robust team, with expertise in renewable energy, economic development, and the environment. They will build on the strong foundation developed by previous Boards and continue to deploy Vermont’s renewable energy infrastructure.”  Representative Klein echoed that sentiment, noting that “the CEDF has contributed to the vitality of our economy and of our clean energy sector for the past several years, and the new Board will help sustain the CEDF into the future.” Commissioner Miller noted that the new Board would tackle the tough issues of strategic planning and long-term funding during the next year.

The Department also acknowledges the following outgoing Board members for their service: Mark Sinclair, Robert Dostis, Ellen Kahler, Mary Lintermann, Rich Sedano, Tom Evslin, and Elizabeth Pearce.  The time and dedication they contributed to the Clean Energy Development Fund is greatly appreciated and has resulted in many successes for the Fund.

GET Aug2011 page 34

Reprinted from the Opinion | July 25, 2011

• When: Thursday, June 16 from 3:00 – 9:00 p.m.
• Where: The Green in South Royalton
• What:

Keynote speaker
Tim Stevenson, Post Oil Solutions – 6:30 PM
Post Oil Solutions is a seven-year old resource center in southeastern Vermont that recently won the 2010 Vermont Sustainable Agriculture award. Tim Stevenson founded Post Oil Solutions and has led it from its beginnings. A dynamic and insightful presenter, he will speak on the challenges of – and the key elements to — creating a thriving community-based food system in a post-oil future.

Music

Late for Supper – 3:00-6:00 PM

The much-loved roving musicians of the old Freight House jams will provide music during the afternoon, led by Randy Leavitt and John McHugh. Don’t be surprised if other musicians start strolling the grounds.

The band, Haywire – 7:30 – 9:00 PM

Haywire blends a fun and unconventional sound that include old time traditional, bluegrass and folk.  Residents of the Tunbridge and Chelsea, it is safe to say, the band plays music befitting their beautiful home in the Green Mountains. The line up includes: Andy Mueller on fiddle, mandolin and vocals; Dan “Rudi” Ruddell on guitar, harmonica, vocals and assorted percussion; Peter O’Connor on mandolin and vocals; Adam Smith holding down guitar, banjo and vocal duties; and Eric Graham on bass and vocals.

Workshops

Composting for Home & Community – 3:00 PM

Highfields Center for Composting

Composting is no longer an activity for just gardeners. Solid waste reduction, global warming, soil fertility, and food security concern us all.  Come learn about the benefits of Highfields’ ‘Close the Loop’ community composting programs and how you can get involved in closing the loop in your school or community.

Energy Efficiency & Green Incentives – 3:00 PM

Bob Murphy of Efficiency Vermont

This workshop will cover residential do-it-yourself efficiency projects that will save you money by reducing your energy costs – and help save the environment. Efficiency Vermont is Vermont’s energy efficiency utility. No tools or experience needed; all are encouraged to attend!

The Joy of Keeping Chickens – 3:00 PM

Jenn Megyesi of Fat Rooster Farm

Join Royalton’s own Jenn Megyesi from Fat Rooster Farm for her talk on what it takes to keep a backyard flock.

So You Think You Want Solar – 4:30 PM

Dan Kinney of Catamount Solar

What you should expect from a solar contractor and understanding the state incentive process.

What is “grid tied” and how will it help me lower my electric bill… pre-buying electricity?

SHW (Solar Hot Water) and sizing a system that works. Can I heat my house with solar?

Dan Kinney has more than a decade experience in the solar industry, working on small off-grid systems to large commercial jobs of over 500KW. Dan is a working member of Catamount Solar based out of South Royalton… now that’s local!!

Community Radio in the White River Valley? – 4:30 PM

Prometheus Radio Project and Todd Tyson

Join the conversation about starting a low power FM community radio station right here in the White River Valley. All over the country and across the FM broadcast band, there are radio stations operating with the power of one incandescent light bulb. These low power FM stations (LPFMs) are a forum for schools, churches, community centers, farmers, nonprofit organizations, environmentalists, and just about anyone else who doesn’t get much airtime on the higher-powered stations. Given the recent passage of the Local Community Radio Act of 2011, there’s a chance to apply for new low power stations over the next two years. We value radio because it is easy to produce, free to consume, and accessible to more people. Radio does not require expensive equipment, literacy, or a broadband connection. Come hear about the possibilities and bring your ideas for the community use of truly local radio.

Wild Foods of Vermont – 4:30 PM

Les Hook, Nova Kim and Executive Chef Tom Bivins

For the past several years, this was the Fiddlehead Festival’s favorite workshop: Les Hook and Nova Kim are internationally recognized expert wildcrafters who are joined by New England Culinary Institute’s Executive Chef Tom Bivins. You will learn where you can gather green and other spring edibles, as well as proper and innovative preparation methods. This will not only be a learning experience; you’ll also have an opportunity to taste the items prepared.

Demonstrations

·       Chair massage by Vermont Therapeutic Touch

·       Grease vehicles; cars powered by waste oil from 5 Olde Restaurant and Tunbridge World’s Fair

·       Solar powered display by ReKnew Energy Systems

·       Beer making equipment and how to make home brew

·       Micro-dairy and cheesemaking equipment and resources

·       Petting “zoo” of farm animals in the kids’ area

Kids Activity Area

The Kids Activity Area keeps to the “local” theme of the day: Homemade bird feeders with recycled plastic bottles; thumbprint flower T-shirts (made with fabric paint and kid’s thumbprints that made the petals of the flowers); planting mini herb gardens; pressing flowers, and more.

The Market Place

Food vendors, crafts, farmers, schools, libraries, nonprofits and community groups are all invited to come and display under the big tent.

]]> http://www.greenenergytimes.org/2011/06/16/growing-local-fest-today-6-16-11/feed/ 0 http://www.greenenergytimes.org/2011/05/23/lowes-and-sungevity-bring-solar-home/ http://www.greenenergytimes.org/2011/05/23/lowes-and-sungevity-bring-solar-home/#comments Mon, 23 May 2011 17:16:36 +0000 mataliandy http://www.greenenergytimes.org/?p=2236 This press release just slid across our electronic news desk – and it’s well worth a gander!

Second Largest Retailer and Fastest Growing Residential Solar Company Set Stage for Mass Adoption of Residential Solar Power

MOORESVILLE, N.C. and OAKLAND, Calif.—May 16, 2011—Lowe’s, the world’s second largest home improvement retailer, and Sungevity, the nation’s fastest growing residential solar company today announced a new agreement that will offer homeowners the easiest and most affordable solar solutions in the marketplace, marking a significant step in the mainstream adoption of residential solar. Through the agreement, Lowe’s will provide consumers with Sungevity’s quick, easy and proprietary iQuote, a process that utilizes satellite images and aerial photography to calculate a same-day, firm installation estimate, eliminating the need for a home visit. As part of the interactive, in-store experience, consumers will be able to view a rendering of the proposed installation and get a firm understanding of the cost-savings related to Sungevity’s innovative solar lease program. Customers typically experience an immediate savings on their electricity bills through Sungevity’s solar lease, which includes monitoring, maintenance, repairs, insurance, and a money-back performance guarantee. Additionally, as part of the agreement, Lowe’s has taken an equity position in Sungevity.

“I am thrilled about the potential of reaching Lowe’s 15 million weekly customers at their more than 1,750 retail locations, with Sungevity’s services,” said Andrew Birch, chief executive officer, Sungevity. “This partnership marks a major acceleration point in our mission to make solar power easily accessible and affordable to homeowners nationwide.”

“Lowe’s has always delivered innovative energy solutions for our customers and we are seeing an increased demand for solar solutions,” explained Patti Price, senior vice-president, merchandising, Lowe’s. “Lowe’s new partnership with Sungevity responds to customer demand by providing a convenient and affordable process for going solar.”

The partnership will commence with interactive Sungevity branded displays in select Lowe’s stores, beginning Summer 2011, and continue to roll-out at all Lowe’s stores in states where Sungevity provides services. Sungevity currently operates in eight states, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York.