Communities require energy. Nonrenewable sources for power generation, home and workplace, and transportation cause pollution and its harmful impacts. Energy conservation and the use of renewable fuels provide cost-effective and more sustainable alternatives. This section contains resources available to make energy use more efficient.
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Alliance to Save Energy, 1200 18th Street NW, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20036, Tel: 202. 857.0666, Fax: 202.331.9588, Email: csmith@ase.org , Website: http://www.ase.org/. The Alliance provides accurate and timely information about the benefits and costs of energy efficiency.
American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), 1001 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 801, Washington, DC 20036, Tel: 202.429.0063, Fax: 202.429.2248, Email: ace3tubs@ix.netcom.com , Website: http://aceee.org. The ACEEE is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing energy efficiency as a means of promoting both economic prosperity and environmental protection.
American Solar Energy Society (ASES), 2400 Central Avenue, Suite G-1, Boulder, CO 80301, Tel: 303.443.3130, Fax: 303.443.3212, Email: ases@ases.org , Website: http://www.ases.org. ASES, a national organization dedicated to advancing the use of solar energy for the benefit of U.S. citizens and the global environment, promotes the widespread near-term and long-term use of solar energy.
Center for Neighborhood Technology, 2125 W. North Avenue, Chicago, IL 60647, Tel: 773.278.4800, Fax: 773.278.3840, Website: http://www.cnt.org. The Center for Neighborhood Technology promotes public policies, new resources and accountable authority which support sustainable, just and vital urban communities.
Center for Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technology, 1200 18th Street NW, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20036, Tel: 202.530.2231, Fax: 202.887.0497, Website: http://solstice.crest.org. CREST produces educational multimedia CD-ROMs on renewable energy and sustainable technology and operates Solstice, an Internet service for the sustainable energy field.
City of Portland Green Building Initiative, City of Portland Energy Office, 1120 SE Fifth Avenue, Room 706, Portland, OR 97204, Tel: 503.823.7222, Fax: 503.823.5370, Email: pdxosd@ci.portland.or.us , Website: http://www.sustainableportland.org. This initiative is an integrated, conservation-based effort to promote resource-efficient building and sustainable site design practices throughout the City. The website contains background information, design process and construction guidelines, and links to green building resources.
ENERGY STAR Program, Tel: 888.782.7937 (hot line), Website: http://www.energystar.gov. ENERGY STAR, a program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, is a voluntary labeling program designed to identify and promote energy-efficient products in order to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
Home Energy Saver, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA 94720, Tel: 510.486.4835, Fax: 510.486.5394, Website: http://hes.lbl.gov. The Home Energy Saver website contains information and interactive tools to help consumers figure out how to save on their energy bill.
Massachussets Green Schools Program, c/o Massachussets Technology Collaborative, 75 North Drive, Westborough, MA 01581-3340, Tel: 508.870.0312, Fax: 508.898.9226, Website: http://www.mtpc.org. The Green Schools program provides school districts throughout the state with the information and resources necessary to help them design and build high performance facilities that are energy efficient and that use renewable energy technologies.
Midwest Renewable Energy Association, P.O. Box 249, 123 Main Street, Amherst, WI 54406, Tel: 715.824.5166, Fax: 715.824.05399, Email: mreainfo@wi-net.com , Website: http://www.the-mrea.org. This non-profit network for sharing ideas, resources, and information promotes a sustainable future through renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Million Solar Roofs Initiative, United States Department of Energy, Website: http://www.eren.doe.gov/millionroofs/. This Department of Energy program will enable businesses and communities to install solar systems on one million rooftops across the United States by 2010.
Minnesota Project, 1885 University Avenue W., Suite 315, St. Paul, MN 55104, Tel: 612.645.6159, Email: mnproject@mnproject.org, Website: http://www.mnproject.org This project provides assistance on rural community issues and natural resource management, including sustainable agriculture and renewable energy.
Municipal Energy Database, Center of Excellence for Sustainable Development, U.S. Department of Energy, Website: http://www.sustainable.doe.gov/business/buintro.shtml. This section of the Center's Sustainable Development Resource database site provides information and resources to help communities get started with a municipal energy plan that will manage energy costs as well as reduce the production of harmful carbon dioxide emissions.
Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), 1200 New York Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20005, Tel: 202.289.6868, Fax: 202.289.1060, Website: http://www.nrdc.org. NRDC is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to preserve the environment, protect public health, and ensure the conservation of wilderness and natural resources.
Office of Building Technology, State and Community Programs (BTS), Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20585-0121, Tel: 202.586.9240, Website: http://www.eren.doe.gov/buildings. In partnership with industry and government, BTS develops, promotes and integrates energy technologies and practices to make buildings more efficient and affordable and communities more livable.
Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), 1739 Snowmass Creek Road, Snowmass, CO 81654-9199, Tel: 970.927.3851, Fax: 970.927.4178, Email: outreach@rmi.org , Website: http://www.rmi.org. RMI seeks to foster the efficient and sustainable use of resources as a path to global security.
Smart Communities Network, US Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Denver Regional Support Office, 1617 Cole Boulevard, Golden, CO 80401, Tel: 303.275.4826; 800.357.7732, Fax: 303.275.4830, Email: sustainable.development@hq.doe.gov , Website: http://www.sustainable.doe.gov/. The Smart Communities Network helps communities design and implement innovative strategies that enhance the local economy as well as the local environment and quality of life. Its website contains a "tool kit" of sustainable information including manuals, workbooks, bibliographies, data bases, case studies, and model codes and ordinances.
Solar Buildings, United States Department of Energy, Website: http://www.eren.doe.gov/solarbuildings/. This site provides information on government research for developing and implementing solar energy in both residential and commercial applications.
US Cities for Climate Protection, ICLEI, 15 Shattuck Square, Suite 215, Berkeley, CA 94704, Tel: 510.540.8843, Fax: 510.540.4787, Email: 75463.3516@compuserve.com , Website: http://www.iclei.org/co2/co2.htm. This campaign of the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) encourages cities to reduce local emissions of carbon dioxide, other greenhouse gases which contribute to global warming (climate change), and related air pollutants. The website lists municipalities that have joined the campaign, describes climate issues as they affect urban areas, and illustrates actions citizens or local elected officials can take.
World Resources Institute (WRI), 10 G Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002, Tel: 202.729.7600, Fax: 202.729.7610, Email: lauralee@wri.org , Website: http://www.wri.org/wri. WRI is an independent center for policy research and technical assistance on global environmental and development issues.
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Alliance to Save Energy, American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, Natural Resources Defense Council, Tellus Institute, Union of Concerned Scientists. Energy Innovations: A Prosperous Path to a Clean Environment. (Washington, DC: June 1997). This report shows how the US can cut emissions of carbon dioxide and cut its energy costs while creating new jobs. To obtain this resource contact the Alliance To Save Energy, 1200 18th Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20036.
Alliance to Save Energy. Business Energy Checkup. This online energy guide allows you to estimate the energy, economic, and pollution savings associated with efficiency upgrades in commercial facilities. This resource can be found online at: http://www.ase.org/checkup/business.
Alliance to Save Energy. Home Energy Checkup. This online energy guide allows you to select from among 14 kinds of energy efficiency choices, see how much money and pollution you can save, find out where to get energy efficient products, and get tips on how to act on your choices. This resource can be found online at: http://www.ase.org/checkup/home.
Brower, Michael. Cool Energy: Renewable Solutions to Environmental Poblems. (Cambridge, MA: The MIT Press, 1992). To obtain this resource contact Union of Concerned Scientists, 2 Brattle Square, Cambridge, MA 02238; Tel: 617.547.5552.
Browning, William and L. Hunter Lovins. Energy Casebook. (Snowmass, CO: Rocky Mountain Institute, October 1989). This book explores successful energy-related economic development projects from across the country, including projects in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and economic development. It includes sections on energy costs and the local economy, economic development and utilities, and a glossary of energy terms. To obtain this resource contact the Institute at Tel: 970.927.3851, Fax: 970.927.3420, Email: orders@rmi.org.
Cole, Nancy and P. J. Skerrett. Renewables Are Ready - People Creating Renewable Energy Solutions. (White River Junction,VT: Chelsea Green Publishing Company, 1995). This Real Goods Independent Living Book is a guide to the renewable energy technologies being put to use in diverse communities across the country. It identifies five key strategies which help overcome typical economic and political barriers to adoption of renewables and eight steps citizens can use in campaigns.. To obtain this resource contact Chelsea Green Publishing Company at: PO Box 428, White River Junction, VT 05001.
CONCERN, Inc. Global Warming & Energy Choices. (Washington, DC: CONCERN, Inc., 1991). To obtain this resource contact CONCERN at: 1794 Columbia Road, NW, Washington, DC 20009; Tel: 202.328.8160; Fax: 202.387.3378; Email: concern@igc.org.
Federal Energy Management Program, U.S. Department of Energy. Greening of the White House. (Washington, DC: 1999). This report addresses the energy efficiency initiatives adopted throughout the White House complex involving many off-the-shelf products and technologies. To obtain this resource call 800.373.3732; Website: http://www.eren.doe.gove/femp.
Flavin, Christopher and Nicholas Lenssen. Powering the Future: Blueprint for a Sustainable Electricity Industry. (Washington, DC: World Watch Institute, June 1994). This paper explores why the electricity business is dominated by huge, vertically integrated monopolies and large power plants, and what is happening now that those monopolies are breaking apart worldwide. To obtain this resource contact the Institute at Tel: 202.452.1999; Fax: 202.296.7365; Email: Worldwatch@igc.apc.org.
Friends of the Earth, Taxpayers for Common Sense, U.S. Public Interest Research Group Education Fund. Paying for Pollution: How Taxpayers Subsidize Dangerous and Polluting Energy Programs. (Washington, DC: Friends of the Earth, 2000). This report, the product of the Green Scissors Campaign, recommends eliminating more than $26 billion in subsidies for polluting and dangerous sources of energy. To obtain this resource contact Friends of the Earth, 1025 Vermont Avenue, NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20005; Tel: 202.783.7400x210, (toll-free) 877.843.8687. This resource can be found online at: http://www.foe.org.
Hubbard, Alice and Clay Fong. Community Energy Workbook - A Guide to Building a Sustainable Economy. (Snowmass, CO: Rocky Mountain Institute, 1995). This book provides tools to discover the economic and enivironmental benefits sustainable energy practices can bring and offers a framework for communities to begin building sustainable economies with energy efficiency and renewable energy.. To obtain this resource contact at: 970.927.3851; or Fax at: 970.927.4178; or Email at: orders@rmi.org.
PLACE3S (PLAnning for Community Energy, Environmental & Economic Sustainability). The Energy Yardstick: Using PLACE3S to Create Sustainable Communities. This document explores PLACE3S as an urban planning method designed to help communities find an effective path toward sustainability. It employs energy as a yardstick to measure the sustainability of urban design and growth management plans. This resource can be found online at: http://www.energy.ca.gov/places/index.html.
President's Council on Sustainable Development. Energy and Transportation. (Washington, DC: President's Council on Sustainable Development, 1996). To obtain this resource contact the President's Council on Sustainable Development Publications, 800.363.3732. This resource can be found online at: http://clinton2.nara.gov/PCSD/Publications/TF_Reports/energy-top.html.
Rocky Mountain Institute. Home Energy Briefs. (Snowmass, CO: Rocky Mountain Institute). These 4-page summaries on residential energy-saving methods, equipment and materials are available for organizations to distribute as public outreach to members or customers. To obtain this resource contact: RMI at: Tel: 970.927.3851, Fax: 970.927.3420, Email: orders@rmi.org. This resource can be found online at: http://www.rmi.org/sitepages/pid171.asp.
Schaefner, John, ed. Alternative Energy Sourcebook. (Ukiah, CA: Real Goods Trading Co., 1995). To obtain this resource contact Real Goods Trading Company at: 966 Mazzoni Street, Ukiah, CA; or Tel at: 800.762.7325.
Solar Energy Research and Education Foundation. State Guides on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency. (1998). This collection of State Guides provides tips and key contacts, specific to each state, that will assist in efforts to use less energy. This resource can be found online at: http://solstice.crest.org/efficiency/state-guides.
US Department of Energy. Dollars from Sense: The Economic Benefits of Renewable Energy. This publication illustrates the economic advantages and benefits of investing in renewable energy technologies, including job creation, strengthening the community's tax base, and fostering economic growth by keeping energy dollars at home. To obtain this resource contact the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Clearinghouse (EREC), Tel: 800.363.3732; Email: doe.erec@nciinc.com. This resource can be found online at: http://www.eren.doe.gov/power/dollarsfromsense.html.
Wilson, Alex. Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings. (Washington, DC: American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE)). This is an annual survey of the most efficient products available, including cooking appliances, refrigerators, and dishwashers. It also gives tips for saving energy (and money) in your kitchen. To obtain this resource contact ACEEE at: 1001 Connecticut Avenue, Suite 800, Washington DC 20036; Tel: 202.429.0063.
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Iowa Energy Programs, DesMoines, Iowa--A state natural resources agency is providing financial and technical assistance and working with communities to conserve energy and promote the use of alternative energy sources.
SunShares, Inc., Durhan, No. Car.--A non-profit organization is working with local communities on innovative approaches to waste collection and recycling, solar technologies, waste conservation, and environmental safety.
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Sustainable Communities Network (SCN) Revised February 17, 2004