Draft proposal for KEYS region proposal to Efficiency Maine for a project funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants

 

Background

 

The recent focus on energy efficiency by both the Obama administration and the state of Maine on has highlighted the potential for significant energy savings , emissions reductions and a major new growth industry for the state and region. In York County, the recent Bi-state Green project highlighted the relationship between energy efficiency and economic development. That project and others have noted that in the short term there is much to be gained both economically and environmentally from working with our existing building stock. Maximizing energy efficiency in older buildings represents a huge opportunity in terms of reducing energy costs, reducing CO2 emissions, and creating new jobs.

 

The reasons for focusing on existing structures are fairly evident. Over 40% of the buildings in York County were constructed prior to 1970. Most of these buildings will remain for many years to come. In addition, the amount of new building which may occur immediately following this recession will be extremely small compared to the existing building stock. So while new buildings may include the latest energy efficiency efficient standards and technology, we still need to address our older, inefficient housing and commercial building stock.

 

Similarly, solar energy technologies can be easily incorporated into new construction. Adding these technologies to existing structures and heating and cooling systems is often more complex. Yet, if our region is to fully benefit from the environmental and economic benefits of solar energy we will need to develop cost effective methods for retrofitting existing structures with solar systems. We will also have to develop an infrastructure of skilled solar installers, service facilities, distributors and manufacturers.

 

Many of the new jobs in energy efficiency and solar technology could be developed within an industry which is now being battered by the recession– the construction industry. Within York County, the construction industry has often accounted for much of the region’s employment and job growth. As in previous recessions that sector is now feeling the brunt of the housing market collapse.

 

In addition, York County has experienced the loss of nearly 1,400 manufacturing jobs within the last six months. The energy efficiency industry offers tremendous opportunities for the retraining of individuals in both construction and manufacturing . Businesses that design and install energy efficiency retrofits will benefit as well as those that sell insulation, thermal windows, co-generation systems, lighting and solar hot water systems. Individuals will be needed to not only develop these systems but install them as well.

 

Finally, energy efficient retrofits can save 30-50 per cent in energy costs in older buildings. These savings can then be used by individuals and/or business owners to invest in other needed capital items, grow their business or in the case of individual homeowners free up finances for other needed items. In addition to reducing energy use, the energy efficiency project that we propose will bring multiple sustainable economic development benefits including job retraining; job creation; affordable housing; and business growth - all with a modest investment.

 

Within the southern York County sub-region known as the KEYS region (Kittery, Eliot, York and South Berwick), grass roots efforts regarding energy efficiency and emissions reduction have been underway far in advance of both stimulus funding and other sources of funds being made available for energy programs and projects. Each town has formed its own Energy Committee. These groups have been engaged in a number of activities at the local level from completing energy audits of municipal structures to writing wind power ordinances. Now, the energy groups have been meeting jointly to discuss regional approaches to energy efficiency, conservation and the role of solar technologies to reduce energy costs, reduce emissions and develop a program of training and job development centered around energy efficiency.

 

The following is a project outline based on the discussions of these energy groups and from data and studies conducted in the region itself.

 

Project goals:

 

Create a replicable model in the KEYS region for improving the energy efficiency of homes and small businesses.

 

Support the infrastructure for a variety of energy efficiency technologies including, but not limited to, solar PV, solar thermal and solar hot air.

 

Build a workforce of trained professionals who will be able to meet current and future demands for energy efficiency projects in the region.

 

Leverage savings from increased energy efficiency of buildings in the private sector.

 

Leverage private sector resources.

 

Leverage other government resources.

 

Build the foundation for regional cooperation on energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction efforts.

 

Project participants:

 

The towns of South Berwick, Eliot, Kittery, York, Kennebunk (others?), the Southern Maine Regional Planning Commission, the Community Wellness Coalition, York County Community College.

 

Project description:

 

There are three major parts to this proposal:

 

1 – A revolving loan fund to make low interest loans to individual homeowners and small business owners for energy efficiency projects. Loans will be made to applicants in all income categories and on an all fuels basis. Loans will be structured so that repayment is based on the energy savings realized by the homeowner or small business owner. Applicant properties will be required to undergo an energy audit by a certified energy auditor. The energy audit will identify efficiency projects and priorities for the applicant properties. Energy audits will note when and if advanced technologies are appropriate.

 

2 – A program to train energy efficiency professionals in areas including solar PV, solar thermal and solar hot air. This program, centered at YCCC, will engage local building contractors and trade unions for training and apprenticeship opportunities.

 

3 – A marketing/outreach/education effort to publicize the program administered through local energy committees in the participating towns. This would include a region-wide energy efficiency competition for homeowners and small business owners along with a web site with information about the program and related resources, energy workshops and forums, and printed material and exhibits.