by jboullion | Mar 1, 2010 | Uncategorized
From a story on WQOW-TV (Eau Claire):
Spooner (Eau Claire) – The DNR unveils designs for a new facility it hopes will lead the state in energy efficiency.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources hopes to set the gold standard in green.
“Well, the fact is this building is very expensive to operate,” says Wisconsin Secretary of Natural Resources, Matthew Frank. “We think, in the long run, we’re going to be saving the taxpayers money by investing in a new building.”
The department’s northern headquarters in Spooner is 45 years old. The department says it would cost millions to get the building to meet the state’s new energy efficiency standards.
So, Thursday morning, it unveiled plans for a new highly energy efficient building. The new 18,000 square foot facility will be built right behind the old building in Spooner.
The headquarters serves 18 northern counties, including Barron, Polk and Rusk.
The department says the building will meet the highest level of international energy and environmental standards. The building will, for example, face north to allow for more natural light inside. Rain gardens will collect storm water and water the grass. The builder will also use local materials.
by jboullion | Mar 1, 2010 | Uncategorized
From an article in the Kenosha News:
TWIN LAKES — Installing energy-efficient lighting and controls is expected to save a Twin Lakes grocery store more than $28,700 a year eventually.
New equipment — mechanisms on freezers, cash registers and scales, and almost 650 lights — set up the past four months at Richter’s Twin Lakes Sentry, 600 N. Lake St., should cut utility costs enough to pay for the changes in less than five years.
The alterations are part of a “Green Grocer” program offered by the Wisconsin Grocers Association. The store will receive its Green Grocer certificate at 10 a.m. today during a store tour by representatives of various involved organizations. The public is invited.
Brett Hulsey, from Better Environmental Solutions, a Madison firm administering the program, said the western Kenosha County store is one of 10 certified in the state. The stores were in the service area of Wisconsin Power and Light, one of the program’s supporters.
The program now will expand outside that area, including Racine, Hulsey said. Kenosha grocers could take part by contacting the Wisconsin Grocers Association.
The program offers a low-interest loan to grocers to purchase the energy-efficient merchandise, costing up to $100,000 on average, Hulsey said. Savings will be used to pay off the loan. After that, it will translate to a reduced cost of business, he said. BES estimated the $28,700 savings at the Sentry store.
by jboullion | Feb 25, 2010 | Uncategorized
From a program description on the Website of River Falls Municipal Utilities:
In an effort to demonstrate our commitment to a strong local conservation ethic while demonstrating the effectiveness of energy efficiency, conservation and renewable resource development, we are now offering you a uniquely innovative renewable energy financing program called “Save Some Green”. This program is designed to financially assist you with the cost of purchasing and installing qualified renewable energy systems and efficiency improvements on your property. To accomplish this goal, a loan pool has been established to offer low cost financing to residential customers, with annual installment payments collected through annual property tax bills. . . .
QUALIFIED IMPROVEMENTS
· Solar Photovoltaic panel systems.
· Solar hot water.
· Solar thermal heating.
· Geothermal heating & cooling systems.
· Wind Turbines.
· Major energy efficiency projects in connection with a renewable energy project. . . .
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
· Payment of principal and interest shall be added to the annual property tax
statement and the original loan agreement be recorded as security
interest against the property.
· Payments include a 4% interest rate.
· Project funding can range from $2,500 to $50,000 based on the cost and energy
savings potential of the energy efficiency improvements.
· Renewable Energy Finance Program Loan Funding will be equal to the project costs,
less any incentives or other outside funding. The total combined funding will
not exceed the project cost.
· Loan terms will range from 5 to 20 years.
· In the event the property is sold or transferred, the remaining balance shall
be immediately due and payable on the date of sale, unless the Lender agrees to
extend the original agreement terms and conditions to the new purchaser.
by jboullion | Feb 12, 2010 | Uncategorized
From the home page of Governor Doyle:
by jboullion | Feb 12, 2010 | Uncategorized
From the home page of Governor Doyle:
