CiREnews
Cape & Islands Renewable Energy News
Community Energy Corps Hops to It for Champ Homes on Easter Weekend
On Saturday, April 11, a volunteer work crew from the Cape & Islands
Community Energy Corps will help Champ Homes tighten up the residential buildings on its Hyannis campus. The event
will run from 10 am to mid-afternoon on April 11 at Champ Homes on School Street. Parking is available via the
driveway across from 82 School Street, in the dirt lot between 75 and 83 School Street.
This Saturday's event provides a hands-on training opportunity for those interested in learning new skills,
weatherizing their own homes, and helping others. It is part of an innovative, community-based initiative to
reduce energy use and bills while improving health and safety in the Cape & Islands region.
Volunteers are asked to come armed ... with a caulk gun, rag, and screwdriver! Those interested in more advanced
air sealing should bring a measuring tape, utility knife, and pencil. Individuals with interest in logistics
- i.e., handing out weatherization materials - are also needed. Caulk, outlet gaskets, weather-stripping, and
foam sealant will be provided. Pack a lunch.
Together, Community Energy Corps volunteers will help Champ Homes reduce energy losses and greenhouse gas emissions.
If you are interested in participating on April 11, contact Chris Powicki,
chrisp@weeinfo.com, 774.487.4614.
"Putting Wind to Work in a Changing Climate" 7th Annual Land-Based Wind Workshop
In this period of changing economic, political and environmental conditions, greater attention is being placed
on the role renewable energy technologies can play in tackling climate change and contributing to sustainable economic
growth. Investments in wind power stand to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, dependence on fossil fuels and
energy costs, as well as create more jobs in the green industry.
"Putting Wind to Work in a Changing Climate" will deliver updated information on the role of wind power in
meeting local, regional, national, and global objectives and on the factors shaping land-based wind projects
in southeastern Massachusetts. The workshop is from 8 am to 4:30 pm at the Cape Cod & Islands Association of
Realtors Conference Center in West Yarmouth. Click here for the workshop program and registration information.
Right now, wind projects are helping reduce energy bills, greenhouse gas emissions, and fossil fuel dependence
while creating job opportunities. Over the long term, wind power will play a critical role in meeting needs
for energy in the carbon-constrained future.
This workshop will be relevant to all communities and businesses exploring wind power. It will feature prominent
speakers addressing the federal "20% Wind by 2030" goal, the Massachusetts Green Communities Act, and the siting,
permitting, financing, net metering, and other factors that must be addressed. Case studies of successful community
wind projects will highlight lessons learned, financing options used, and barriers overcome.
This workshop will deliver information on new developments at the federal, state, regional and local levels
related to wind power use. High interest topics such as permitting, financing, accessing grant resources, net
metering regulations, and the Green Communities Act will be addressed, among others. Case studies of successful
community land-based wind projects will highlight lessons learned, financing options used, and how potential
barriers were overcome. This workshop will be relevant to all communities exploring wind power.
Click here for more information and
here for online registration.
Cosponsors include Waquoit Bay Research Reserve,
Cape & Islands Self-Reliance,
Cape & Islands Renewable Energy
Collaborative, Massachusetts
Department of Conservation and Recreation, and Citizens for the Protection of Waquoit Bay.
Contacts: Tonna-Marie Rogers, 508.457.0495 x 110 or Megan Amsler, 508.563.6633
Small Wind Installation Workshop May 4 through May 9
Self-Reliance is hosting its annual small wind installers'
workshop May 4 - May 9 in Cotuit, culminating in deployment of a 15-kW Proven turbine on a monopole tower at
Peck's Boatyard.
This 6-day workshop is a hands-on training opportunity for renewable energy practitioners, business owners,
and interested individuals looking to get more experience with siting requirements, wind turbine equipment
selection and actual installation of a machine. Participants will spend about half of the time in classroom
sessions and half conducting hands-on activities relating to the actual turbine installation.
Ian Woofenden, Senior Editor of Home Power and
instructor for Solar Energy International, will be co-instructing the workshop along with
Megan Amsler of Self-Reliance and Conrad Geyser of
Cotuit Solar. The fee for this workshop is $750 for Self-Reliance
members and $800 for non-members. Registration is limited to 15 attendees and is on a first come, first serve
basis. Comprehensive handouts and lunches are included. For more information, click here.
|