In that vein, Winooski One has achieved its third five-year term of Low Impact Certification from the Old Tappan, N.J.-based Low Impact Hydropower Institute. The non-profit 501(c)(3) organization certifies hydropower projects that meet or exceed criteria in eight areas: river flows, water quality, fish passage and protection, watershed protection, threatened and endangered species protection, cultural resource protection, recreation and facilities recommended for removal.
The city of Burlington and its electric department have much of which to be proud. In addition to sourcing 100 percent renewable energy for its electric needs, 95 percent of Burlington’s homes and businesses have smart meters, providing customers more awareness and greater control of their energy usage. The city also has its own energy-efficiency utility that has been active for more than 15 years. In fact, Burlington uses less power today than it did in 1989 because of its energy-conservation efforts.
“We own a lot of renewable generation and we have a really advanced distribution network. By tying all these things together we’re looking to see how we can support community-scale power on a much greater level than we have today,” Lunderville says. “For example, how can we support solar for more of our customers and how do we integrate those resources into our network in a way that improves the resiliency of our grid and minimizes the long-term cost risks for us? Those are our next challenges, but we look forward to taking them on.”
Any City Can Transition to 100 Percent Renewable Energy
General Manager Neale F. Lunderville and his colleagues at Burlington Electric Department, Burlington, Vt., have joked that they should set up a consulting arm because they receive so many telephone calls about the city’s successful transition to 100 percent renewable energy. “We’re really happy to share our information,” he says, noting that any city—no matter climate or size—can follow Burlington’s lead but it must have the will and a plan.
“We had the political will from our electric commission 10 years ago to say we’re going to do this; it’s not going to be easy but we’re going to push until we get there,” Lunderville notes. “We had a plan to do it that was developed by our staff. Lastly, we had community support. We have a very progressive community when it comes to energy, and that’s a must.”
Vermont Schools Achieve ENERGY STAR Designation, a Goal for All
Representatives of the Vermont Department of Education, Barre; Vermont Superintendents Association, Montpelier; and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., joined Burlington-based Efficiency Vermont in February at an award ceremony to recognize 22 schools for their excellent energy performance. Each school received an ENERGY STAR designation for meeting stringent standards for energy use and creating healthy learning environments. The ceremony, held at U-32 High School in Montpelier, also celebrated the continued progress of Project Green School, an initiative that aims to help all Vermont schools achieve the ENERGY STAR designation.
Burlington Electric Department played a key role in helping the nine Burlington-based schools achieve the ENERGY STAR designation.
With the 11 schools recognized in 2013 as Vermont’s first ENERGY STAR schools, approximately 10 percent of Vermont schools now are certified. These schools have implemented a wide variety of cost-effective strategies, demonstrating that creating a healthy, energy-efficient school is within reach for every school in Vermont. The economic benefits are clear: Top-rated ENERGY STAR schools spend 40 cents less per square foot in energy costs than an average school. For a 50,000-squarefoot school, this equals approximately $20,000 in annual savings.
20,000 in annual savings. “I’m so impressed to see that the number of ENERGY STAR-certified schools in Vermont has tripled over the past year,” says EPA Regional Administrator Curt Spalding. “Improving energy efficiency saves their local community money, while also helping to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions that cause climate change. These Vermont communities are showing real leadership.”
“We are excited to see support and interest in this important effort continue to grow,” adds Vermont Education Secretary Rebecca Holcombe. “The ENERGY STAR designation aligns with our goal to ensure that every Vermont student has access to a healthy and comfortable learning environment—all while improving their understanding of the impacts of energy use on the environment and their communities.”
Vermont schools have long been a leader in the implementation of energy-efficiency measures and the adoption of renewable-energy generation. During the last 14 years, Efficiency Vermont and the Vermont Superintendents Association’s School Energy Management Program has supported more than 1,200 energy-efficiency projects at over 350 schools, delivering in excess of $43 million dollars in energy savings during the lifetime of the projects. In the area of renewable energy, Vermont has pioneered the use of modern wood heating systems and more than 54 Vermont schools currently use wood for heating fuel.
“By attaining ENERGY STAR designation, these Vermont schools are not only bringing educational and health benefits to students, but also economic benefits to local taxpayers,” asserts Jeff Francis, executive director of the Vermont Superintendents Association. “Energy-efficiency projects allow schools to take control of their energy costs, freeing up crucial funds and supporting Vermont communities.”
Visit the Project Green School website to learn more.
PHOTOS: Cathy Chamberlain