ENERGY Energy & Climate Change in New England COMMUNITY ENERGY CHALLENGE Challene U.S. EPA | ENERGY OUTREACH AT EPA NEW ENGLAND ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE: The Energy and Climate Change efforts at EPA New England include working with federal, state, local organizations and New England citizens to reduce energy use by provid- ing tools, guidance and technical assistance for energy efficiency, cleaner fuels and renewable sources of energy. The goal of these efforts is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the impacts of climate change. PROGRAM OVERVIEW: The Community Energy Challenge promotes energy efficiency and clean, renewable energy in New England cities and towns. Energy used by commercial and industrial buildings in the United States is responsible for nearly 50 percent of our national emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) that contribute to global climate change. State and local government agencies spend more than $10 billion a year on energy to provide public services and meet constituent needs. Nearly one-third of the energy used to run typical government buildings can be conserved. EPA challenges all New England communities to save money and reduce GHG emissions by assessing their energy use, taking action to improve energy efficiency, and seeking out renewable energy choices. EPA New England provides technical assistance and recognition to every community that joins the Challenge! THE COMMUNITY ENERGY CHALLENGE: STEP BY STEP Step 1. Take the Pledge. Agree to assess energy use in your community's schools, municipal buildings and/or wastewater facilities. Set a target for reductions (at least 10% lower than your baseline) in energy use intensity (energy use per square foot) and the timeframe in which to achieve the target Step 2. Use the ENERGY STAR Portfotio Man- ager tool to assess your community's enetgy use. Track energy use per square foot costs, and green- house gas emissions. Log onto the ENERGY STAR® Web site and assess your buildings with the help of the free ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager tool. Contact us (see below) with any questions. Learn more through free online webinars. Step 3. Understand opportunities for efficiency. Use ENERGY STAR and Community Energy Challenge resources including the Building Up- grade Manual and regional organizations to identify opportunities for energy use reductions through energy efficiency and renewables. Step 4. Recognize successes. Let EPA - and the nation - know about your successes. Buildings that perform well are eligible for national ENERGY STAR recognition. With your permission, we'll be collecting information on cost savings as well as energy and greenhouse gas emissions reductions. Just let us know how you're doing, and remember: all data entered into Portfo- lio Manager are private until you share it with us. For more information and to access ENERGY STAR Tools go to: www.energystar.gov/ BENEFITS TO MEMBERS: • Free web-based training in benchmarking and energy management • Recognition for leading communities, including regional and national recognition-based training, media events, and case studies • A monthly email update including information on funding opportunities, trainings and events For more information on the Community Energy Challenge including how to join, success stories, and contacts, please visit www.epa.gov/ region 1 /eco/energv/energy-cnal lenge.html. Further information may be obtained through the key contacts listed below, or by contact- ing: Cynthia Greene, Manager, Energy & Climate Unit, (617) 918-1813 or greene. cynthia@epa.gov KEY CONTACTS: LINDA OARVEAU ENERGY STAR" Community Energy Challenge (617) 918-1718 darveau.linda@epa.gov JASON TURGEON Wostewoter Treatment Plants Community Energy Challenge (617) 918-1637 turgeon.jason@epa.gov CYNTHIA VEIT Renewable Energy Community Energy Challenge (617) 918-1666 veit.cy.nthia@epa.gov GENERAL INFO: EPA NEW ENGLAND 5 Post Office Square Suite 100 Boston, MA 02109-3912 (617) 918-1111 TOLL-FREE CUSTOMER SERVICE 1 (888) EPA-7341 L United State* Environmental Protection Ag«ncy printed on 100% recycled paper, with a minimum of 50% post-consumer waste, using vegetable-based inks i CHP »EP* ; GREEN POWER EPA-901-F-10-017 June 2010 ------- |