Center for ReSource Conservation Community Blog

ReSource Woodworks: Environmental Design and Production

2010-03-04T11:31:00.000-08:00

By Shaun LaBarre, ReSource Director and City of Boulder Deconstruction Professional

Maybe it’s the grizzled, in the trenches look, of the ReSource staff. Or maybe it’s the authenticity of their innovative environmental programming. Regardless of the reason, many people who have visited the ReSource Yard regard it as one of their favorite organizations in the Boulder community, and they have come to respect the staff of eco-warriors who serve it

Recently, ReSource moved to a new home at 6400 Arapahoe. As part of that transition the organization has begun to unveil a new suite of environmental programming, the first of which is ReSource Woodworks. Continuing the tradition of hands-on environmentalism, Woodworks has been developed to turn ReSource’s reclaimed building materials into well-designed furniture and other products.

As part of their expanding green jobs portfolio, ReSource brought on an up and coming furniture designer from Minnesota in late 2009. Spencer Clark, whose latest accomplishments include first place at the Design Quest furniture design competition in Grand Rapids, Michigan, will head up ReSource Woodworks. Clark, a skilled cabinet-maker and custom furniture designer, will produce affordable and environmentally conscious furniture and other products from reclaimed materials. Over the coming months ReSource Woodworks will begin production on a range of sustainable products, from cutting boards and coasters, to patio and dining furniture.

“Those who are environmentally and socially conscious appreciate the interconnectedness of things, including their actions and choices and how they affect the world around them. One of the reasons ReSource exists is to help people understand this concept, and to empower them to make better choices for themselves and their communities. I hope Woodworks can be a tool to help our community achieve that,” said Clark. He hopes ReSource Woodworks can serve the Boulder area and beyond by not only providing affordable reclaimed furniture options, but also by educating and inspiring people about the potential of reusing building materials.

ReSource Woodworks products can be seen starting at ReSource’s Grand Opening Earth Hour Event on Saturday, March 27^th from 5-9 p.m. This event will feature live music, local artisans, free refreshments, a non-profit fair, a raffle and games, creative workshops by Rust-E, and lights out with fireside music in honor of global Earth Hour from 8-9pm. More information about this event can be found on the ReSource website at: www.resourceyard.org.

ReSource is open to the public Monday-Saturday 9-5 and Sunday 11-4.

For more information on ReSource or ReSource Woodworks contact:

Shaun LaBarre

ReSource Director

303-419-5427

slabarre@resourceyard.org

From Seattle to Copenhagen: 10 Years of Environmental Activism

2010-01-14T16:58:00.000-08:00

JC Martel in Copenhagen: From International Treaties to Program Delivery

Here, in Boulder County, I am a key member of the CRC team, partnering with local governments to help residents make efficiency improvements in their homes. I wanted to gain perspective on how what we do in residential energy here in Boulder fits into the bigger picture, so I decided to attend the climate conference in Copenhagen as an observer. I wanted to connect with the global community and bring back the lessons learned to our community, where we think globally and act locally. I was also hoping to attend the many side events that would give concrete and cutting-edge examples on ways to reduce residential greenhouse gas emissions.

It is important to note that I was also hoping to compare the current environmental movement to my experience 10 years ago in Seattle for the World Trade Organization Summit. That was the most inspiring expression of political activism that I have ever experienced, and I held Copenhagen to high expectations for a similar type of action.

Were my objectives met? The experience, education, people I met, and the literature I’ve read since I have been back have brought me pretty close to fulfilling my objectives. I think it is important to launch programs that promote innovative technology, financing mechanisms, market transformation and advances in policy that pushes our infrastructure towards carbon neutrality.

Before I went to Copenhagen, I knew US emissions were high compared to the other countries. I look at Boulder County homeowners’ energy data every day. I see homes in this County that use up to 40 metric tons per year! And that’s not their whole carbon footprint; that’s just their home! The “low energy users” use as low as 2 metric tons. What really hit me the hardest from Copenhagen was that 130 countries use only 1 metric ton per capita as their entire carbon footprint. We are nowhere close to being carbon competitive.

During the Copenhagen summit, US Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary, Steven Chu, talked about several programs coming down from the federal level. One of them is what called Retrofit Ramp Up; or what we in Boulder have been calling “Two Techs in a Truck.” It is encouraging to see that in our community, we continue to be leading the way, and are aligned with the goals of the US DOE as well.

There are 120,000,000 existing housing units in the United States. How quickly can we retrofit every one of them to current building standards while we have stimulus funding available to make the retrofits? The weatherization programs that started in 1976, has retrofitted over 5.5 million homes, achieving average energy reductions of 30%. In one of the side events of Copenhagen, Paul Waide from Navigant Consulting, presented on the topic of “how buildings can be a fast track to a climate accord.” Paul stressed that end use energy efficiency improvements are the most important thing that we can focus on right now. Of course, I agreed, that home performance is one of the best ways to solve our current dilemma, however slow and complicated the process may be when it comes to retrofitting homes.

Ken Mentzer of the Energy Efficiency Policy Group, followed Waide and shared his experiences with net-zero homes. He told the group about a net-zero energy home coalition in Canada. He shared a number of facets of the programs and some of the outcomes. Yet to date, I still have not seen a true net zero home program for retrofitted homes, only for new builds. Except, of course, for Boulder’s own ClimateSmart Loan Program (CSLP). The CSLP has allowed homeowners to make all of their retrofits at once, potentially reaching near zero emissions. Ken Mentzer actually mentioned Boulder and the CSLP as a net-zero energy program in his presentation in Copenhagen. He suggested that other developed countries should look at Boulder as a leader on this initiative.

Back to the original question, how can we retrofit the existing housing stock? Steven Chu said very clearly, “Science and technology have given us solutions in the past. With the right government policies, we can accelerate the invention and deployment of future solutions.” There was a study released in 2004 by the Resources for the Future. It cross-examined existing energy efficiency programs that were in effect in 2000. Achieving the greatest energy savings at that time was appliance standards, followed by utility demand-side management programs, Energy Star, DOE Rebuild America, and then Weatherization Programs. It recommends connecting with people at trigger points, such as when a property changes hands, replacement of equipment, refinancing, remodeling, or renovations. In the REAP program, it is at those trigger points when I try to catch the homeowner and guide their purchase decisions towards the most innovative and efficient technology.

Aside from the science, technology and policy, the other leg on the stool upon which we need to focus is how people perceive and value carbon neutrality and ways to get us there. This effort is executed through education and social mobilization strategies. This messaging and education to the community is a large focus of what I do at the CRC, and what all the programs at the CRC strive to accomplish.

Again, what are my perceived differences between the WTO and Copenhagen? Ironically, one of the most notable differences between what is going on now and what went on 10 years ago in the environmental movement is that now there is a lot more media coverage on our issues. People now are very aware of environmental issues. In Seattle, we organized elaborate protests to gain media attention to our cause. We wanted to reveal the environmental and labor implications of globalization at a time when not many people were talking about those issues. Now, even Wal-Mart talks green. To me that seems to be the biggest difference.

I would like to invite any of you to come down to the Center for ReSource Conservation office to talk about Copenhagen and solutions I can help you with in making your home more energy efficient, saving money, and helping make Boulder a leader in the global quest to decrease greenhouse gas emissions. The CRC is open Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm and located at 2639 Spruce Street, Boulder. Our website is: www.ConservationCenter.org and I can be reached at: JCMartel@ConservationCenter.org or 303-999-3820 x224.

Two Boulder Valley Schools “Flip the Switch” to Generate Electricity from CRC Donated Solar Arrays

2010-01-14T16:41:00.000-08:00

The Center for ReSource Conservation (CRC) will celebrate its “ReNew Our Schools” pilot program with partner Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) at a “Flip the Switch” event 9:15-10:00 a.m., Thursday, January 21 Boulder Community School of Integrated Studies (BCSIS) / High Peaks, 3995 East Aurora, Boulder

A “Flip the Switch” event is being held to acknowledge the schools’ new solar systems with brief speeches and tours. The public is invited to attend a “Flip the Switch” event at Boulder Community School of Integrated Studies at 9:15 a.m., and will also have an opportunity to view the solar panel system at the Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC) following the morning event. Learn first-hand about renewable energy and how the schools are incorporating energy lessons into the curriculum.

In the CRC’s ReNew Our Schools mission to educate the community about renewable energy, the pilot program awarded a 10-kilowatt photovoltaic (PV) solar system, along with eGauge Systems energy monitoring solution, to two BVSD schools - Boulder Community School of Integrated Studies (BCSIS)/ High Peaks and the BVSD Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC). The students at CTEC gathered together for an all-school assembly last month in which they learned about the grant and the school’s new solar system.

Local solar installation contractors bid on the opportunity to serve these schools with activated PV solar systems. Simple Solar was responsible for BCSIS/High Peak’s solar array, and Standard Renewable Energy (SRE) installed the solar system at CTEC. The companies were selected based on their pricing, long-term maintenance, dedication to public outreach efforts, and assistance with energy education initiatives. The systems were installed before the 2009/2010 school year and became operational in November. Representatives from the local solar companies will be available at the event to answer any questions about the installation and monitoring systems.

Both schools received these operational solar arrays free of charge, thanks to a charitable donation from a Boulder-based family foundation which was administered through the CRC.

In addition, each school received a donated solar monitoring system from eGauge, enabling more in-depth education through real-time data that demonstrate the system’s performance, solar electricity production, and CO2 reduction.

The ReNew Our Schools program has four primary objectives:

1. Provide local school facilities with solar PV equipment to lower the schools’ operating costs and environmental impacts.

2. Establish a model for community-based conservation projects around energy efficiency and renewable energy.

3. Create long-term learning opportunities for teachers and students with new, creative, interactive curriculum.

4. Develop educational materials (on how solar electricity works and benefits from clean, renewable energy) for distribution in the community.

“BVSD is grateful to the Center for ReSource Conservation for their generous grants to help our schools become more energy efficient,” said Dr. Ghita Carroll, Sustainability Coordinator for BVSD.

“We hope this will be a program that continues year after year.” Phil Katsampes and Rosemary Lohndorf, principals of BCSIS and High Peaks, said, “We plan to get the whole school community - students, teachers and parents - involved in the solar project. We will use this opportunity to learn about electricity, solar power, conservation, sustainability, and the sun. This engaging education will be a strong addition to our school programs.”

“We are working to bring the PV system into all of our classrooms through new lesson plans,” said Joan Bludorn, principal of CTEC. “We are so excited about the possibilities it brings to our campus.”

To learn more about the ReNew Our Schools program, visit us at: http://www.conservationcenter.org/e_renew-our-schools-solar-pv-program.html or call Debbie Fox at 303-999-3820 x 213.

Power in Numbers

2009-11-13T09:02:00.000-08:00

By Jeremy Lauffenburger and JC Martel
(This article appeared in the Daily Camera on October 30, 2009)

REAP Manager J.C. Martel with the Aamot family

What’s better than receiving both a grant AND a loan from your local government to help you save energy? Receiving FIVE grants and loans for your neighborhood! Such is the case on a small north Boulder block, where a group of neighbors worked together to benefit from the City of Boulder’s ClimateSmart Solar Grant Fund, Boulder County’s ClimateSmart Loan Program and the ClimateSmart Residential Energy Action Program (REAP).

ClimateSmart Solar Grants are available for low to moderate-income homeowners and non-profit organizations within the City of Boulder to install solar electric and solar thermal systems. The ClimateSmart Loan Program and REAP, on the other hand, are not income-restricted and are available to Boulder County residents to make energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements to your homes.

“This is great! There is an accessible and affordable option for everyday people,” exclaimed neighborhood resident Carolyn Williams-Orlando, who is happy to be shrinking her carbon footprint. Just how affordable are these projects? Williams-Orlando spent only $6,500 on her $20,000 photovoltaic array. Xcel Energy offers substantial rebates, reducing the $20,000 cost to approximately $13,000. The City of Boulder’s Solar Grant paid for $6,500, and the other $6,500 was financed by the ClimateSmart Loan Program. The sun now shines 6 or more hours per day, 300 days per year, erasing the majority of Carolyn’s home electric bill. Better yet, the solar panels will far outlast the 15 year term of the loan.

Neighbor Chris Aamot, the architect of this neighborhood plan, shared, “The County was really eager to work with us as a group.” Five applications were handed in as one package, and the county took notice. Also willing to work with the group was Namaste Solar, who will build all 5 systems in March at a reduced price. “Individually I got a quote for solar at $16,000 [after Xcel rebates] but as a group the price dropped to $13,000,” Aamot explained.

Aamot improved his energy efficiency before and after his home energy audit, with coaching from the Residential Energy Action Program. “I wanted to see how well I had done with earlier improvements,” he stated. The family first noticed better comfort - no drafts, a warmer basement and quietness inside. Additionally, the energy savings enabled them to select a smaller sized photovoltaic system. Home upgrades include an Energy Star washer and dryer, use of clothes drying racks, and a whole house attic fan to replace costly air-conditioning. The highlights are the Warm Windows that use quilted fabric in blinds and magnetic edges to seal tight when closed. The Aamot family made the window coverings themselves with a little help from a website and claim that they are worth their weight in gold simply for the comfort level.

The motivation for Aamot to become more energy independent came after September 11, 2001, when the nation changed overnight. He became a father around that time and began thinking about the future in a different light. He started making decisions based on his children’s future.

Chris Aamot, Carolyn Williams-Orlando and their neighbors took advantage of several current programs that support living efficiently and planning for the future. There are many more programs available right now, from local to national in scope, and the Center for ReSource Conservation is here to help you make sense of ALL of them! Visit us online at www.conservationcenter.org or give us a call at 303-999-3820 x224.

Boulder County Solar Week 2009 a Great Success

2009-10-13T12:29:00.000-07:00

Boulder County Solar Week 2009 was a great success in educating over 650 people through the Tour of Solar and Green Homes, 7 educational seminars, and the premiere of the Ask-An-Expert event.

Our generous sponsors enabled the CRC to plan, organize, and promote this week of events. Special thanks to our major sponsors Xcel Energy and Lighthousesolar, plus our education sponsors Automatic Solar, Bestway Insulation, BP, Longmont Power and Communications, Namaste Solar, Simple Solar, Bella Energy, Blue Valley Energy, Bryan Bowen Architects, City of Boulder, Ecoscape Environmental Design, Elevations Credit Union, Governor's Energy Office, REC Solar, SolSource, Standard Renewable Energy, SEI, and Point380.

Solar Week’s message was spread in the media by the Camera, Louisville Times, Boulder County Business Report, Boulder Weekly, Longmont Times-Call, Yellow Scene Magazine, KGNU, KBCO, and The Mountain.

These achievements have a measurable impact on our community. Together we have furthered local sustainability education in just one week – just imagine what we can achieve in the coming year!

Click here for a complete list of 2009 Boulder County Solar Week Sponsors.

ReSource October News

2009-10-13T10:49:00.001-07:00

ReSource October Sale:

ReSource in Boulder and Fort Collins will be having sales every weekend in October, including special last-chance pre-move sale items at the Boulder location.
Click here for more information on the sale.

30% Off:
Oct. 2-4: all lighting
Oct. 9-11: all windows
Oct. 16-18: all doors
Oct. 23-25: all cabinets
Oct. 30- Nov. 1: everything

ReSource Boulder Move:

ReSource is moving! Look for ReSource at its new location at Recycle Row:

6400 Arapahoe

ReSource at Recycle Row

Coming this fall!

For more information contact

Shaun LaBarre

ReSource Director

303-419-5427

slabarre@resourceyard.org

CRC Partners with Symbiotic Engineering to Evaluate Energy Reductions

2009-10-13T10:41:00.000-07:00

Energy efficiency programs are evaluated by how much energy the participants save as a result of the program. In the Residential Energy Action Program (REAP), energy data is requested at the time of the energy audit, and then compared to household energy usage after the audit. If one year is cooler or warmer than the next, the data could show an unintended increase or decrease in energy usage. Therefore, it is necessary to weather-normalize the data to take into account heating and cooling degree days. Symbiotic Engineering, a local software development company, will be analyzing energy reductions as a result of REAP.

Contact J.C. Martel with any questions:(303) 999-3820 x224 or reap@conservationcenter.org

Please Take a Few Minutes to Help the CRC Succeed!

2009-09-09T12:45:00.000-07:00

The CRC is looking for ways to engage more people in its programs.

We are hoping you can spare 10-15 minutes in the next few days to take a brief survey that will give us some important feedback on our programs and how we talk about them.

Please click here to take the survey.

The survey will close September 21st, so please act soon!

We would love to extend our reach beyond the normal community with whom we engage. Please send this survey to 3 of your friends (all must live in Boulder County):

1) Your most green friend

2) Your least green friend

3) Someone who has not heard of the CRC

Thanks so much for helping us make a difference in Boulder County!

Be a Part of CRC’s 14th Annual Boulder County Solar Week

2009-09-09T11:51:00.000-07:00

Come join the CRC’s 14^th Annual Boulder County Solar Week! Solar Week is the premier event in Boulder County to learn about how to ‘green’ an existing home or build a new green home with topics including energy efficiency improvements, residential renewable technology, and green building basics.

Solar week kicks off Saturday, September 26^th with the Tour of Solar and Green Homes, which features two newly-built homes and 12 retrofitted homes in Boulder County this year. Tour highlights include plenty of solar thermal and photovoltaic (including roof-integrated) panels, and ground-source electricity, heating, and cooling, many creative passive solar designs, hundreds of sustainable options for interiors, a solar-powered plug-in hybrid, a graywater recirculation system, and much more! The tour starts with registration at one of two Green Products and Services Expos either in front of the CRC or in Louisville near the Farmer’s Market outside the Old Louisville Inn and the Louisville Public Library.

Following the Tour we offer a week of inspirational and educational seminars to help you bridge the gap from inspiration to action. Check out this year’s series at: http://www.conservationcenter.org/e_solarweek_workshops_select.html Seminars often sell out so be sure to register now!

New this year! BGBG’s Ask an Expert Event: One-on-one with local contractors to get advice specific to your home! Tap into the local expertise of Architects, Builders, Renewable Energy Specialists, Energy Auditors, Landscape Designers, and Interior Materials Specialists to get advice on projects from minor energy tweaks to new home construction! Ask an Expert is the perfect solution – affordable advice from local professionals who can help you get the most for your budget, your personal goals and the best efficiency for your investment. For more information: http://www.conservationcenter.org/e_solarweek_ask-an-expert.html

Volunteering for the event is a great way to get involved and to support the CRC! It’s also a great way to learn more about green building. Volunteers can help out during the tour or during one of 7 Solar Week seminars in Boulder, Longmont, or Louisville in the evenings during the following week. Volunteer shifts on the day of the tour are 9:00am-1:15pm for the morning or 12:45-5:00pm for the afternoon. Breakfast and lunch will be provided to tour volunteers. Volunteer tasks will include helping with registration at the CRC office, greeting tour participants at tour homes to confirm registration, helping tour participants understand more about the homes, and educating tour participants about services offered by the CRC, including handing out educational materials. Volunteers are not required to have prior knowledge in sustainable architecture, renewable energy, energy efficiency measures at home, or other tour topics. Contractors will be present at the homes to answer technical questions. Seminar volunteers help with set-up or break-down of the venue and registration. They receive free admission to the seminar (usually a $10 admission fee). Interested volunteers please email Julie Hayes at solarweek@conservationcenter.org with specifics of when and how you would like to help out.

Visit http://www.conservationcenter.org/e_solarweek.htm for Solar Week event details and registration.

Boulder City Council Candidates, Environmental Issues Forum

2009-09-09T11:46:00.000-07:00

Want to know candidates’ positions on the Open Space Visitor Master Plan, Growth and Development, Bus/Rapid Transit, Valmont Coal Plant, the Climate Action Plan and other environmental topics? Hear directly from the candidates.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Boulder Public Library, Main Branch
Canyon Theater
1000 Canyon Boulevard, Boulder

6:00pm Doors will open to public
6:15pm–7:45pm Moderated forum
7:45pm–8:30pm Meet and greet candidates

Hosted by: Friends of Boulder Open Space (FOBOS), PLAN Boulder, the Sierra Club and Boulder Climate Action Network (BCAN). We would like to thank the Boulder Public Library for hosting this event. For additional information, please go to: http://rockymtn.sierraclub.org/ipg

"Green Renovation Was a Better Investment Than the Stock Market"

2009-09-09T10:58:00.000-07:00

By Julie Hays

Most of us come in to contact with hundreds of synthetic surfaces and materials daily and for the most part, we don’t think about it. These synthetics, everything from the carpet to your toothbrush, are slowly but constantly degrading and releasing particles, often harmful ones, into the air.

When Sarah and Marshall Lee’s cats started dying from respiratory cancers and related diseases, the most apparent cause were these very synthetics, specifically flame-retardants used on carpets and upholstery. These “canaries in the coal mine” signaled to them the need to remodel their home with natural and sustainable materials.

After moving into an old home in the perfect location, they started the process with a REAP (Residential Energy Action Program) energy audit from the Center for ReSource Conservation. This home visit by home energy professionals included a blower-door test. After sealing all the windows and doors, auditors seal the front door with a curious contraption that includes a large nylon sheet, a large fan and a pressure-sensing device – a ‘blower door.’

The fan blows air out of the house, creating a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the house. This differential allows the device to calculate a ratio of natural air changes per hour (nACH), or how much air might leak out or into your home in an hour. “It was a real eye-opener” says Sarah Lee of the blower door test. “We learned that we were having air leak from our windows and doors, and from places that we didn’t even imagine.”

What a blower door does for air sealing, an infrared camera does for insulation – that is, make problem areas obvious. This is commonly lauded as the funnest part of the energy audit. Areas of the home exterior that provide little resistance to heat loss are illustrated for homeowners in full color. With this information and detailed attention to the home, a prioritized list of energy improvements is determined for the homeowners.

With energy audit in hand, the Lees decided to add attic insulation before moving into the home. They chose to spend time living in the home getting to know its ‘quirks’ before making more substantial changes. Like test-driving a car or going on a first date, this turned out to be an important first step, one that Sarah Lee recommends to other homeowners looking to renovate green or improve home energy performance. “Had we not lived in it, we might not have discovered that our master bathroom was 48 degrees in the winter time and in need of more insulation,” she notes.

Armed with high-speed Internet and robust curiosity, the Lees also began to educate themselves, moving from ‘novice’ to ‘expert’ level in their knowledge of green remodeling and retrofitting. They found many knowledgeable contractors able to assist them, however none whose expertise was able to cover their entire home.

Empowered with information, the Lees implemented a variety of different green and renewable technologies to create exactly the dream green home they wanted. These eventually included a photovoltaic (PV) electric system, geothermal heating and cooling, solar thermal water heating, additional insulation in walls and attic, more efficient (better insulating) windows, CFL and LED lighting, an induction cook top and ENERGY STAR appliances.

Indoor finishes and accents of sustainably-sourced or reused materials and low or no VOCs (volatile organic compound; refers to virtually any carbon-based material that vaporizes under normal conditions) were implemented in many creative ways all over the house. The final touch to the renovation was a complete xeriscape of the yard.

“In the end, it was definitely worth it. Now that it’s done we love it,” says Sarah Lee. “Our green renovation was a better investment than the stock market,” adds her husband, Marshall Lee.

To tour the Lee Residence and others like it, join us for the 14th Annual Boulder County Tour of Solar and Green Homes on Saturday, September 26. The tour kicks off Boulder County Solar Week, which also includes seminars on green building and residential renewable energy topics and rounds out with the inaugural ‘Ask an Expert’ event produced by the Boulder Green Building Guild, in which homeowners can bring their green building project questions to experts for answers.

Visit http://conservationcenter.org/e_solarweek.htm for a full schedule of Solar Week events.

Annual Fall Weekend Sales at ReSource

2009-09-09T10:14:00.000-07:00

A different sale every weekend in October!

ReSource reclaimed building materials program locations in Boulder and Fort Collins are hosting 30% off sales in select departments all October long! Materials are regularly priced at a fraction of the cost you would expect to pay at a big box store. Take advantage of this opportunity to get more bang for the buck while saving the environment. ReSource is open seven days a week at both locations.

30% Off:
Oct. 2-4: all lighting
Oct. 9-11: all windows
Oct. 16-18: all doors
Oct. 23-25: all cabinets
Oct. 30- Nov. 1: everything

For more information and to view pictures of select materials currently in stock, click here.

Allenspark's Hilltop Guild…Boulder County’s original recycling team

2009-08-12T09:33:00.000-07:00

(This article appeared in the Daily Camera on Friday, July 31, 2009)

By Kerrie B. Badertscher, CPH – ASHS, Badertscher Horticulture

Boulder County’s best kept secret is a small nonprofit located high on a hill up in Allenspark, called coincidentally, Hilltop Guild. Founded in the early 1930’s this group began as an informal gathering of the women in the Allenspark area. Formalized in 1954, The Hilltop Guild remains primarily a philanthropic organization whose mission is to contribute to the well-being of the residents of Allenspark. Well, what does THAT have to do with recycling?

These ladies recycle almost everything! The community knows to donate items to the Guild so that they may be cleaned-up, recycled and re-styled into usable objects for your home. On one day - yes just one day per year - the Hilltop Guild conducts an annual bazaar reselling these crafts and art treasures back to the community. All of the proceeds go for scholarships that are awarded to graduates within the Allenspark, Lyons and/or Estes Park area. Also the Hilltop Guild supports the Flight for Life, Allenspark Fire Protection District, Air Life, Crossroads Center, Special Transit and special disaster relief. A strong connection with Charlie Eagle Plume was formed many years ago and the Guild continues to send contributions to the Kayenta Indian School in Arizona.

This year some of the crafts include recycled art from old blue jeans that have been woven into beautiful throw rugs. Still other jeans become ladies' purses. Donated yarn and textiles from the community become elegant throws, crocheted toys, placemats, aprons, hot pads and many other usable objects. The Guild prides itself on elegant weaving from its many looms. Greeting cards have new life when remade into recycled cards. Even those ubiquitous green newspaper sacks are crocheted into beach bags and other types of carriers. This year, several types of holiday ornaments are made of recycled materials. Even dominoes become a piece of usable art. Donated remnants of cloth become fun and usable items for you and your home. In addition to shopping at the various craft and art booths, there is a silent auction and a raffle event. This year, the top item in the raffle includes a handmade cross-stitched quilt that is sure to become a family heirloom.

The annual bazaar does sell newly-made items. The active members (including some ladies in their 90’s) spend most of the year creating and donating home-crafted items including 144 embroidered dish towels. Each towel is different and like a gift from your Grandma! Some of the new items this year include a new line of decorated gourds and alpine trough gardens. There are holiday items, children’s' toys and clothes, all with a whimsical bent. Homemade candles, bath salts and soaps are also available.

Other items, such as books, useable household items and even some hidden old (perhaps even antique) articles find their way to the White Elephant. This is a garage sale where everyone can find a retro goody or two.

The annual bazaar, scheduled this year for Saturday, August 1^st, is located on the grounds and in the donated Kelley House on Route 7 (South St. Vrain canyon), which the Hilltop Guild now owns and maintains. This historic log building provides a weekly meeting place for locals to gather and swap stories and jokes. In addition to maintaining the Kelley House, the Allen cabin site and the Bunce Schoolhouse are also part of the philanthropy for visitors to take in. On most Saturdays in the summer, the historic Bunce Schoolhouse is open and kids of all ages can visit a real old-fashioned schoolhouse. It will be open on August 1st during the bazaar next door.

Come up for the day, browse around and find a treasure or two that you cannot live without. It is worth the early morning drive to help out so many of our mountain neighbors. So now you are in the know about Boulder County’s best kept recycling secret. Pssst…. spread the word about the annual bazaar on Saturday, August 1st in Allenspark. Doors open at 9:00 am. See you at Hilltop.

Want to give beautiful, re-used items as holiday gifts this year? Check out the Hilltop Guild bazaar in Allenspark. You can also get quality re-used materials for pennies on the dollar at Boulder’s ReSource Yard, a nonprofit program of the Center for ReSource Conservation. ReSourceYard.org. (303) 419-5418.

The CRC is seeking participants for upcoming Community Forums. Participants will be entered to win a $50 gift card from Ellie's Eco Home Store

2009-08-11T14:33:00.000-07:00

The CRC is looking for ways to engage more people in our programs. Our upcoming Community Forums will give us the opportunity to hear from community members how we might effectively do this.

We are currently recruiting participants for two groups of Boulder County HOMEOWNERS who represent a range of environmental engagement.

Group 1.

Description: Community members who are interested in the environment and engaged in environmental issues, want to green their homes or make them more energy/water efficient but have not done a lot about it (yet).

This group will meet on Monday, August 31 from 7 - 9 p.m.

Group 2.

Description: Community members who are at least moderately interested environmental and energy/water efficiency issues but are currently not interested in CRC-type services and are not actively engaged in other environmental actions (from buying organic to using more efficient technologies)

This group will meet on Sunday, August 30 from 7 - 9 p.m.

Light refreshments will be served in each group, and as a "thank you" for their time, each participant will be entered into a raffle to win a $50 gift certificate to Ellie's Eco Home Store in Boulder.

If you fit one of these descriptions, and are interested in participating, or could recommend someone who might be, please contact Kate Eckhardt at 303-999-3820 x218
or keckhardt@conservationcenter.org

Thank you for your assistance with this project!

Home Energy Solutions Training Energizes Superior

2009-08-11T14:07:00.000-07:00

Superior residents are invited this summer to participate in a workshop dedicated to residential energy efficiency and renewable energy. The workshop, sponsored by the Town of Superior and The Rock Creek HOA, is a collaboration of the Sierra Club and The Center for ReSource Conservation.

The workshop is designed to educate and inform residents about the various tax incentives, rebates and renewable energy options that are available to them as residents of Boulder County and Colorado. Everyone will learn simple, inexpensive tips to begin saving energy in their homes, right away.

While parents learn about the many ways to conserve energy, their children will be having fun learning about it, too. Robin Bunnell and Julie Fields will lead the children through activities that include coloring, story-telling and smoothies that are blended by electricity generated from solar power.

The two remaining workshops will be held on the following dates:

August, 3rd Sunday of the month: 08.16.09
September, 4th Sunday of the month: 09.27.09

All workshops will be held from 4:00 – 5:30 PM at Superior Town Hall.

They are open to the public and free of charge.

The workshops are very family friendly, and everyone is welcome to attend.

ReSource Boulder Hosting Green Drinks on August 25

2009-08-11T13:57:00.000-07:00

Green Drinks at ReSource is back!
Last fall, ReSource Boulder partnered with Green Drinks
to build an even stronger local green community.
Over 200 local folks attended the casual event to enjoy free libations,
good music, great conversation, and meeting new, like-minded
community members. Well, we’re at it again!

On Tuesday, August 25, starting at 5pm,
ReSource will host Green Drinks at the program
facility—2665 63rd Street. Local musical sensation
John Beacher will open for the epic band Meniskus.
Local ReSource’d material artists will feature their
creative and functional creations.
Come one, come all! This is one you won’t want to miss!

Join ReSource Ft. Collins For the 10th Annual Rocky Mountain Sustainable Living Fair

2009-08-11T13:48:00.000-07:00

ReSource Ft. Collins is excited to contribute a major role in making the 10th annual Rocky Mountain Sustainable Living Fair a great success again this year. The fair is put on by a partner non-profit organization, the Rocky Mountain Sustainable Living Association (RMSLA) and will be held September 18th through 20th in beautiful Fort Collins, Colorado. ReSource will be talking with community members and showcasing everything the program does to help empower our community to conserve natural resources. With 15,000 people expected to attend there will be something for everyone. The Fair will host over 250 exhibitors, more than 50 workshops, top-notch keynote speakers, a kids’ corner, a Zen zone and plenty of choice entertainment, you won’t want to miss this event.

Friday, September 18th will kick off the weekend and is tagged as Future Friday, a day for kids where everything will be geared towards middle and high school students. ReSource will be working with another community partner, the Environmental Learning Center (ELC), on a workshop on native plants and their benefits to our region. ReSource is also sponsoring a salvaged material skateboard ramp for demos from a local skate shop and will have many different examples of art consisting of salvaged building materials. The Fair will then kick off in full effect, September 19-20. A full list of the events is found here.

ReSource will be also be working with 16 workshops, supporting the eat-local-grow-local movement, and running this year’s new Art District. You will also find ReSource at the live auction, so don't forget to come and place a bid! And when you’re walking around remember ReSource helped RMSLA make all the signage green by using salvaged material from ReSource! See you at the fair!

Save the Date! The 14th Annual Boulder County Solar and Green Home Tour and Solar Week is coming up!

2009-08-11T12:46:00.000-07:00

The Tour of 14 Solar and Green Homes and Expo will be held on Saturday, September 26th! The Expo will include local energy efficiency, renewable energy, green building and water conservation contractors, local nonprofits and hands-on activities for kids!

Solar Week events include 7 workshops to be held the week of the September 28th-October 1st, culminating with the premier of the BGBG Ask an Expert on Saturday, October 3rd!

Check out the CRC webpage for updates made weekly about the Tour, Expo, Workshops and Ask an Expert! Registration begins soon!

http://www.conservationcenter.org/e_solarweek.htm

Solar week is brought to you by our generous sponsors:

Namaste Solar

Simple Solar

Longmont Power and Communications

Automatic Co.

Bestway Insulation

Standard Renewable Energy

Bodhgaia Architecture

Bella Energy

REC Solar

SolSource

Elevations Credit Union

City of Boulder, Office of Environmental Affairs

ClimateSmart

Blue Valley Energy

Ecoscape Environmental Design

Bryan Bowen Architects

Real Goods Solar

Nielsen Design

Fiddlehead Designs

CRC and BGBG Partnership Events for August:

2009-08-10T13:13:00.000-07:00

For the general public – homeowners, contractors, students:

Green After Dark Homeowner Workshop:
Review, Reduce, Renew Your Home’s Energy Usage and Financial Incentives to Support Implementing Measures
Presented by Eric Orden, Energy Efficiency Manager, Standard Renewable Energy
Wednesday, August 26, 2009,
6 pm to 8 pm at REI

Right now, somewhere, somehow, your home is wasting energy. In fact, every year the average American spends $450 on energy wasted through holes and cracks in their home. To help you start saving energy today, there are thousands of dollars of overlapping incentives available from local utility rebates, state and city programs, and national tax credits. Along with tax credits and rebates, by taking the 3 simple steps to energy efficiency - Review, Reduce and Renew - you can finally take control of how your home uses energy.

This Green After Dark will discuss typical energy efficiency problems in Colorado homes, help identify the practical solutions for energy savings, and explain many opportunities for "double dipping" incentives. We'll discuss reviewing your home's energy usage through energy audits, monitoring systems, and basic billing analysis; and how to use that information to reduce the amount of energy your home uses - and wastes. We will identify current market energy saving options for the home including: lighting, heating and cooling systems, proper ventilation, insulation, weatherization, and windows replacement options. After saving money through efficiency and conservation, the next step is creating power with an on-site renewable energy resource like solar electric (photovoltaic), solar water heating (thermal) and wind power.

The event is FREE to CRC and BGBG members, $20 for all others. To register, http://www.bgbg.org/Default.aspx?pageId=194611

For the advanced education – homeowners, contractors, students:

August BOSS: Building On-Site Seminar Series event -
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
5:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Remodeling existing homes for energy efficiency presents more of a challenge than new construction, but it also presents opportunities. Of the over 111 million housing units across our nation, the number of existing residences far exceeds the number of new homes and offers a tremendous opportunity for energy conservation and application of environmentally friendly retrofit practice.

To see how it can be done, attend the next BGBG BOSS event to see a 1986 near net-zero energy remodel that resulted is a beautiful home that generates nearly as much energy as it uses. The project serves to exemplify best practices for an energy-efficient, green remodel. Energy use is being tracked at the home. The residence generates nearly 100% of its energy from renewable sources. Plus, the home has generated a surplus of nearly 1,000 kWh which helps offset most of the supplemental gas used. These are just a few of the highlights to be discussed at the next BGBG BOSS event!

To register: http://www.bgbg.org/Default.aspx?pageId=135920

Second round of ClimateSmart Loan Program workshops this month at the CRC and around the County! Register now!

2009-08-10T13:06:00.000-07:00

Boulder County has launched the second round of the ClimateSmart Loan Program with over $19 million available for residential improvements.

Take advantage of a program that provides full upfront financing for over 40 different residential energy efficiency and renewable energy measures. Sign up for a mandatory homeowner workshop today and learn more at www.ClimateSmartLoanProgram.org.

The workshops will cover program requirements, eligible measures, the loan application process, project timelines/deadlines, and other key information related to the program. There will also be time for a question and answer session.

Applications are due no later than September 7, 2009.

Last chance to get a FREE irrigation audit

2009-08-10T12:57:00.000-07:00

This is a professional service that comes to your home and inspects your entire irrigation system. The Slow the Flow program is provided to you at no charge to you. You will receive a custom watering schedule specifically for your irrigation system that will help keep your landscape healthy and green all season long. There is also the opportunity to learn easy, do-it-yourself sprinkler maintenance. Our program is designed help you maximize the life of your landscape and your irrigation system.

Help do your part to conserve Colorado’s water!

To schedule an inspection: Call (303) 999-3820 x 217 or log on to: http://www.conservationcenter.org/so.3.9.0_en/

Longmont townhome owner gets solar from ClimateSmart Loan Program

2009-07-16T13:36:00.000-07:00

By Teresa Foster

I recently became the proud owner of an electrical generating system on my roof! None of this would have been possible without Boulder County’s ClimateSmart Loan Program, but it was a long journey getting to this point.

When I bought my townhome in 2006, I had dreamed of installing solar panels but wasn’t eligible for Xcel Energy’s solar rebate program because I live in Longmont, nor was I sure whether or not the roof had the correct orientation (it faces east/west).

So first things first – I had my first energy audit in 2007 conducted by the Green Heart Institute (formerly called ConservED) that evaluated my home’s energy usage and my overall carbon footprint. The next step was to sign up for a blower door test and infrared camera audit through the Center for ReSource Conservation (CRC). The results showed considerable leakage and little attic insulation. No wonder my utility bills were so high! I went ahead and had my home air sealed and insulated, and was eligible for the Insulate Colorado rebate program, which paid a percentage of the cost of the attic insulation.

In summer of 2008, a Boulder group organized Yes on 1A, an initiative that would allow homeowners to borrow money for renewable energy and efficiency measures, but the loan would stay with the home even if it were sold.

Fast forward to November 2008 – Boulder County residents passed the initiative by a 63 percent margin – and this was the first legislation of its kind to be passed by voters in the U.S. I actually felt a glimmer of hope because this would make it possible for me to afford a solar photovoltaic (PV) system.

The big day arrived in March 2009, when the CRC announced signups for the mandatory ClimateSmart Loan workshops - the first step in becoming eligible for the loan. The workshop was informative and while there were many questions, I already knew what I wanted to have done. I immediately contacted Bella Energy to have them bid on a system, and they informed me that an east-facing roof would work for a PV system although it wouldn’t produce electricity at its highest capacity. I also prepared to submit plans to my homeowners association to get their approval.

The whole process to get the loan was very straightforward thanks to the ClimateSmart timeline that explained each step. It involved quite a bit of paperwork and specific deadlines but the process was fairly easy. However, I experienced several obstacles while applying for the Longmont solar rebate. Initially there were no funds available, but since another project canceled, it freed up funds for my rebate. When I found out I was eligible, I felt like I had won the lottery! However, my rebate would be slightly less than $3 per watt because of the east-facing orientation of the solar panels. Furthermore, accepting the rebate meant that my system had to be installed very quickly (by June 17). That put quite a bit of pressure on the installer, Bella Energy, and thus, they had to install a slightly smaller system than was originally bid on, leaving a balance of approximately $1,250 that must be spent within 180 days. The big decision now is whether to install a deck cover (for morning heat gain) or a tankless water heater (on-demand water heater).

The increase in my property taxes is only $150 per month, plus I’ve already received my $7,000 rebate from Longmont Power. I will also get a significant Federal tax credit.

The bottom line is that people with smaller dwellings can benefit from this program. Solar systems don’t have to be large. Every bit of energy generated from our rooftops reduces the amount of CO₂ emitted from coal-fired power plants. The next round of mandatory ClimateSmart Loan workshops begins July 28^th. Be sure to check out climatesmartloanprogram.org, for more information.

Second round of ClimateSmart Loan Program workshops scheduled late summer

2009-07-16T13:16:00.000-07:00

Free workshops are mandatory for all potential loan applicants

Mandatory workshops for all potential ClimateSmart Loan Program residential applicants in Boulder County will be offered on various dates from Tuesday, July 28th through Tuesday, September 1st, 2009.

The ClimateSmart Loan Program provides a financing option for owners of residential and commercial properties in most of Boulder County for the purpose of implementing specified energy efficiency and renewable energy measures.

The workshops will cover program requirements, eligible measures, the loan application process, project timelines/deadlines, and other key information related to the program. There will also be time for a question and answer session.

Attending a workshop is REQUIRED, but FREE and participants may attend any one of the workshops offered.

For more information about the ClimateSmart Loan Program, visit www.ClimateSmartLoanProgram.org.

To view the workshop schedule and register go to: http://crc-climatesmartloan.wildapricot.org

Longs Peak Energy Conservation announces 2009/2010 Weatherization Program

2009-07-16T12:59:00.000-07:00

ARRA (stimulus funding) has opened up 900 slots for home weatherization in Boulder, Broomfield, Gilpin,and Larimer Counties.

Longs Peak Energy Conservation provides weatherization of houses, mobile homes, and units up to a 5-plex. The organization serves both homeowners and renters.

Weatherization may include a new 90% efficient furnace, a new refrigerator, insulation, air sealing, safety checks, and/or an energy audit, up to $6,500 in improvements (depending on structural need.) The benefits of weatherization are many, and include the possibility to save approximately $400 per heating season after weatherization

Automatic qualifiers include receipients of Medicaid, OAP (Old Age Pension), AND (Aid to Needy and Disabled), SSI (Supplemental Security Income), TANF, and LEAP. Recipients must show proof of legal residency.

One can also qualify by income at 200% of federal poverty limit. To find out if you qualify for free weatherization, call Carlene Hatch at 1-800-200-9006 or 720-864-6418 to see if the address is qualified. Note that if you move to new address, your new home can be re-weatherized.

CRC partners with the Sierra Club to provide Home Energy Solutions Training

2009-07-16T12:45:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, August 4, 6pm-7:30pm, 2639 Spruce Street, Boulder,CO 80302

Want to learn how President Obama's Recovery Act has financial incentives to help you save money on your energy bills? Are you interested in becoming a leader on energy efficiency and renewable energy issues in Boulder?

The Home Energy Solutions Training will teach you how to be a grassroots champion for climate change issues and green energy.

WHO: You, your friends and like-minded people who want to get involved.

WHAT: Participate in a series of free workshops dedicated to energy activism. The workshops have been put together by the Sierra Club's Cool Cities campaign and are an effort to educate residents about the various tax incentives, rebates and renewable energy options that are available. We will also discuss how to get involved with your neighborhood's Green Team and teach you some basic community organizing skills.

WHEN: Tuesday, August 4, 6pm-7:30pm

WHERE: Center for Resource Conservation - 2639 Spruce Street, Boulder, CO 80302 (Click here for map.)

Jonah at Jonah.Fruchter@SierraClub.org or call 303.861.8819

J.C. Martel at jcmartel@conservationcenter.org or call 303.999.3821 x224

TONIGHT! Chris Martenson's "The Crash Course: Thriving in Any Future"

2009-07-16T12:32:00.000-07:00

Thursday, July 16 at 7 PM, Unity Church, 2855 Folsom Street, Boulder, CO

THE CRASH COURSE explains our current situation, what is likely to happen next, and what you can do about it.

Hear Chris Martenson in person, the man who predicted our current economic situation more than five years ago—and who can help you better appreciate the optimism found within these challenges.

Admission $5 in advance or at the door. Tickets available from your local Transition Initiative.

Download the flyer

CrashCourse@TransitionBoulderCounty.org or call 303-494-1521

ReSource is having a "Clem said, 'We should have a sale!' Sale"

2009-06-29T16:07:00.000-07:00

Who's Clem? Well, he's one of the hard-working staff at ReSource Boulder likely to meet you with a smile and ask how he can help you.

It was his idea to give customers an additional 30% off reclaimed building materials and household items already priced at pennies on the dollar. So stop by to tell Clem "thanks!" as you find new treasures for your home and yard.

Below is a list of the materials that will be on sale each weekend in July:

July 10 - 12 Reclaimed doors
July 17 - 19 Reclaimed windows & doors
July 24 - 26 Reclaimed cabinets, windows, & doors
July 31-Aug 2 Everything (except lumber)

Please note that ReSource will be closed July 3 - 5 for the Independence Day holiday

ReSource, a nonprofit program of the Center for ReSource Conservation, salvages used building materials and resells them at great prices, making it possible to reuse and recycle building materials that are traditionally discarded during construction and demolition (C&D) and basic remodeling. ReSource Yard sales outlets are located in Boulder and Fort Collins.

2009-06-21T15:19:00.000-07:00

5th Annual CRC ReWards Reception & Auction a resounding success!

Each year the Center for ReSource Conservation (CRC) brings Colorado’s conservation community together to celebrate our collective accomplishments. We honor local conservation pioneers for their commitment to environmental causes in our community with the CRC ReWards, outbid each other on fabulous silent auction items, eat delicious food, and of course, network!

In 2009 we moved our annual event to a warmer time of year (June 5th) and a beautiful new location (St. Julien Hotel) so our guests could fully experience Boulder’s unique climate, culture, and scenery. While briefly interrupted by a classic Colorado afternoon thunderstorm, everyone rallied to keep the silent auction and lively conversation flowing without missing a beat. In short, the evening was a huge success - more than 265 friends attended, we raised approximately $80,000 for conservation efforts in the community, and had a great time while doing it.

Be sure to thank our ReWard Winners for all that they do to advance conservation.