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ENERGY EFFICIENCY OPPORTUNITY FOR EDGEWATER HOMEOWNERS

• Center of Neighborhood Technology (CNT Energy/Energy Impact Illinois) A program funded by Illinois, focused on helping single family homeowners (defined as one to four units) to:
  • improve energy efficiency in their homes,
  • reduce their energy costs by taking advantage of a free energy audit.
  • hire pre-screened & certified contractors to implement energy improvement, and
  • apply for rebates or special fund loans to pay for qualified energy improvements.

CNT is administering the program and has chosen Edgewater as one of the first two Chicago communities to launch it. Pre-Qualitied Energy Auditors and Contractors are part of the process. A homeowner who (after making the qualified improvements) meets the energy savings criteria receives a certification from CNT. CNT has arrangements with service providers to automatically track the savings. This will confirm for the homeowner the benefit to cost results of the work.

In addition CNT is asking for volunteers to help get the word out. This is an excellent opportunity to have a positive impact on reducing energy use and saving homeowner's money.

• For More Details & Additional Info: Anna Markowski: Outreach Coordinator–CNT Energy; Email: amarkowski@cntenergy.org

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EESP Members in the 48th Ward Comprehensive Master Plan

Committees

• Environment & Health - Co-Chairs: Jen Walling, Anne Comeau Members: Tom Murphy, Ginger Williams

• Community Engagement - Secretary: Killian Walsh

• Transportation - Members: Allen Stryczek, Tom Murphy

Announcement: Next Core Committee Meeting- June 13, 2012, Wednesday, 8:00 am 5533 N. Broadway ___________________________________________

Planning, Development & Transportation

• Work with the CTA on short term & long term plans for the Edgewater Red Line Stations
• Continue concept planning for extension of north lakefront beach path to Berger Park.
• Collaborate with Chicago Sustainability office to review regulations & ordinances to encourage sustainable improvements

Air & Water

• Joined the Clean Air Counts Program, sponsored by the Mayors Caucus.
• Working on a storm water management plan for Edgewater with Center for Neighborhood Technology

Renewable Energy

• Host a (geothermal, solar) event at a local site
• Continue database of renewable energy installations-possible 2013 Edgewater tour.

Energy Efficiency

• Present or publicize energy efficiency savings tips via 48th Ward Comprehensive Master Plan.
• Cooperate with CNT Energy to get the word out regarding a free energy audit and loan availability for energy efficient improvements

Parks and Green Spaces

• Help create a “Vedgewater Victory Garden” at Rosemont & Broadway (Loyola donating use of parcel)
• Expand beautification of corners & other public ways including Gateway Garden (ECC & BARGE)

Recycling

• Host a gathering of the approximately 60 RBCs
• Encourage the opt-in for phone books
• Partnered with 48th Ward on a multi-item recycling day (April 21st) Plan for Fall event

Green Schools

• Identify green contacts for each Edgewater school
• Host a principal’s summit to exchange information
• Work with 48th Ward Education Liason

Cleaning the Neighborhood

• Hosted a “cleaning leaders” summit - Edgewater Chamber Office
• Participated in public & private “Clean Up Days” (April 21st, etc)

Education & Public Awareness

• Explore EESP logo on park waste containers.
• Actively post tips to Facebook & other media re energy efficiency, resources, renewable energy, cleaner air & water conservation
• Represent Edgewater in the Fall “Accelerate 77” Environmental gathering sponsored by the Institute for Cultural Affairs of North Sheridan Road, Chicago.

2012: Environmental & Sustainability Activities

• Electric Car Charging Stations Rebates & Grants The state is offering rebates to both residents and businesses to build electric car charging stations. Grants are available for business to become involved in producing and installing the stations. Applications are on line but must be completed by mid 2012. For all the details go to

  Illinois ElectricCar DCEO

• Gateway Garden Clean & Weed Was a Huge Success On Saturday, April 21st, members of the Edgewater Community Council/EESP, BARGE Block Club and the NET Block Club, along with other community minded residents worked to restore & clear the Gateway Garden parcels. There are shrubs, trees and specimen plants. Now beautiful tulips are blooming and very soon peonies, irises and roses will show. Thanks, volunteers and we hope to make "Gardening at the Gateway" a regular fun experience and keep this important area a showcase for our neighbors and the many people who pass through Edgewater via Lake Shore Drive/Hollywood and Ridge.

• Vedgewater Victory Gardens - Troy McMillan(ENN,FOTP)& Lamanda Joy (Peterson Garden Project)head the team to develop garden plots on Loyola's 15,000 foot lot located at the northwest corner of Rosemont and Broadway. Most parcels have been allocated and work begun.

• EESP Voted Support of City Council's Clean Power Ordinance - The Fisk & Crawford coal fired power plants are now closing. The last will be Crawford in 2014. Strong aldermanic support and engaged environmental group effort (including GreenCorps and EESP) helped provide the impetus.

• Bus & Truck Idling Reduction Near Schools - The reduction of fumes and exhaust around schools was discussed. The emissions are a concern for students and nearby residents with respiratory issues. We will work with the Alderman, School Officials and Clean Air Counts to raise awareness and get voluntary compliance from the bus and trucking companies. This will be a focus of the Air committee in the Fall.

Links to Renewable Energy Resources & Information

Illinois Solar Energy Association (ISEA)

Illinois Renewable Energy Association (IREA)

Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency

Illinois Wind

Solar Photovoltaic

• Solar power is the common term for this technology.
• Photovoltaic is commonly referred to as "PV".
• PV cells or solar power panels are used to collect energy from the sun.
• PV panels consist of semi-conductor cells which convert the sun's energy into electrical energy.

Solar Thermal

• Solar thermal panels collect the energy from the sun as heat, usually in water.
• The major applications are heating water for domestic use, and for space heating of buildings.

Offshore Wind

• The wind energy available offshore on Lake Michigan is among the highest in the nation. Utility scale wind turbines placed 8 miles or so offshore will be away from bird migration routes and may be the most cost-effective form of renewable energy in the region. The Lakefront Protection Ordinance needs to be modernized and the public given verifiable information to gain support.

Electric Car Charging Stations

• Reducing carbon emissions, as well as dependence on foreign oil, are reasons for converting to electric cars.

• The following is the list of current charging stations in the Edgewater area:
  • Walgreens at Clark/Catalpa
  • Walgreens at Broadway/Ridge
  • Uncommon Ground:1200 Devon(In Development)