On Wednesday, September 14, 2016, the Smart Energy Initiative (SEI) of Southeastern PA hosted an informative event for businesses and individuals with an interest in the energy industry. The “Leaders in LEED”  event was presented by our title sponsor, NRG Energy, and showcased the Saint-Gobain CertainTeed North American Headquarters at 20 Moores Road in Malvern, PA.  The event included a tour of Saint Gobain/CertainTeed, one of the world’s largest building materials companies, whose North American headquarters has achieved LEED Platinum status. During the tour and a panel presentation from building and sustainability experts, Saint-Gobain provided attendees with information about leading edge and innovative materials that help commercial buildings and residential homes achieve energy efficiency and well-being in places where people live.  In essence, the facility in Malvern, PA is a perfect example of a living lab.  See what #WorkingInALivingLab really means!

The event was a great success by all measures and we had a packed house!  Saint Gobain/CertainTeed had an engaged and knowledgeable group of guides to lead the over 80 attendees through the tour, which literally started from the arrival at the building and the approach to the front door!  The tour is accredited by AIA and GBCI which provided eligible attendees the benefit of receiving continuing education credits. Following the tour, the groups gathered to hear from a panel of experts who gave further details about how the company made decisions on the materials and sustainability features that were incorporated into the facility and work environment.  Attendees heard about emerging new technologies, and how similar techniques and concepts can be applied in other settings and buildings; very thought provoking!  The event was a great opportunity to learn about careers in the energy and building industry.  In fact, over 29 of the attendees were from regional high schools and colleges including students from Great Valley High School, West Chester Area High Schools, Downingtown STEM Academy, CCIU’s Pickering Campus, Temple University, and Villanova University.

Joining the students, businesses and individuals in attendance was PA state Senator Andy Dinniman who has been a supporter of smart energy opportunities and shared the following thoughts with the SEI team:   “Saint-Gobain’s North American Headquarters is a prime example of what can be accomplished when companies fully embrace clean energy and energy efficiency for both economic and environmental benefits,” state Senator Andy Dinniman, who serves on the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, said. “The way a vacant office building and brownfield was transformed into a world-class, LEED platinum certified office space is an achievement that we should not only be proud of, but one that we must impart to the next generation – the students and young people who will be the designers, engineers, and architects of tomorrow. I want to thank all the organizations and industry partners who made the Leaders with LEED program possible.”  The Smart Energy Initiative (SEI) team thanks Senator Dinniman for taking time to attend this event and for his continued support.

We appreciate Saint-Gobain/CertainTeed for graciously opening their doors to make this educational and informative event possible.   In addition to NRG, the SEI team thanks Bernardon,  Practical Energy Solutions, SunPower Builders, Keares Electrical Contracting, and Holiday Inn Express- Exton, for sponsoring this event!

The Smart Energy Initiative (SEI) of Southeastern Pennsylvania is an initiative of the Chester County Economic Development Council and is funded in part by private sector with grant funding received from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry through the Chester County Workforce Development Board.

By: Susan Phillips

Pennsylvania’s climate change action plan reports the greatest potential reductions in the state’s contribution to greenhouse gas emissions could also create new jobs and increase household income by reducing energy costs. The Department of Environmental Protection released its 2015 Climate Change Action Plan Update on Friday, which outlines the economic impact of steps the state could take to cut climate warming emissions. Organized into 13 work plans, it serves as a roadmap for reducing the state’s carbon footprint and details legislative recommendations.

Topping the list of carbon reduction strategies is making newly constructed buildings more energy efficient. The DEP recommends that new buildings be built to use 60 percent less fossil fuels on average, based on energy consumption by structures built in 2005. The DEP recommends energy consumption reductions of 80 percent in new buildings, and by 50 percent in existing buildings, by 2030. That work plan ranks 5th in terms of economic benefits.

The winner for economic gains, includes making simple, inexpensive changes to tractor trailers, such as “truck skirts” that reduce drag and help 18-wheelers become more fuel efficient. Although that plan includes the most economic gains, it has the least amount of impact regarding carbon reductions. The EPA recently announced new rules that would force the country’s trucking fleet to become more fuel efficient by 2027.

Other recommendations that would cut greenhouse gas emissions include changes to lighting, both inside and outside of buildings, heating oil conservation and fuel switching, encouraging electric distribution companies to reduce consumer demand, coal mine methane recovery, combined heat and power development, and tree-planting to help sequester carbon.

The agency outlined 12 legislative recommendations. These include increasing the state’s Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard, investing in rooftop solar, cutting consumer energy use by expanding Act 129 to smaller electric distributors as well as natural gas providers, adopting the latest in energy building codes, requiring energy-use disclosure for real estate transactions, continuing programs that finance energy conservation projects for homeowners, increasing funds for manufacturers to conduct energy audits, and funding manure digesters.

A 2008 law known as the Pennsylvania Climate Change Act directs the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to publish two climate reports every three years. One is an overall climate change impact assessment. The other is an action plan for lowering greenhouse gas emissions. The macroeconomic analysis for this action plan was developed for DEP by the Center for Climate Strategies.

Wondering what Federal Tax Credits exist for Energy Efficiency and Alternative Energy products?  Energy Efficiency and sustainability continues to be a growing interest and the government is offering tax credits for making upgrades to a more energy efficient home!

These improvements greatly reduce the overall carbon footprint and impact on climate change.  The more of the population that gets on board with energy efficiency, the greater we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions.   Help your customers understand the tax credits and value of installing these products.  Click here to learn more about the current tax credits available:

Tax Credits for Improved Home Sustainability:  Wondering what Federal Tax Credits exist for Energy Efficiency and Alternative Energy products?  Good news, many tax credits have been extended for home owners and for home builders.

Energy Efficiency Tax Credits for Home Owners:  The tax credits for the following products are effective through December 31, 2016.  Visit this link for more details and applications: https://www.energystar.gov/about/federal_tax_credits

• Windows and Doors
• Insulation
• Roofs
• HVAC: Central Air Conditioners, Air Source Heat Pumps, Furnaces and Boilers
• Water Heaters: Gas, Oil, & Propane Water Heaters, Electric Heat Pump Water Heaters
• Biomass Stoves
• Geothermal Heat Pumps
• Small Wind Energy Systems
• Fuel Cells

And, tax credits are still available for the following products (through 2021):

• Solar Panels
• Solar Water Heaters

Energy Efficiency Tax Credits for Home Builders:  Federal Tax Credits for Builders of Energy Efficient Homes.  The federal Energy Policy Act of 2005 established tax credits of up to $2,000 for builders of new energy-efficient homes. This tax credit has been extended many times and is now set to expire at the end of 2016 click here for more details:   https://www.energystar.gov/about/tax_credits_home_builders

Originally Published by The Sustainable Energy Fund

The Sustainable Energy Fund honored world renowned solar energy expert Ron Celentano with the Epstein Award, which recognizes those who have made major contributions toward building a sustainable energy future.

The lifetime achievement award was presented at Energypath 2016, Pennsylvania’s largest sustainable energy conference, on July 28.

Throughout his career Celentano has worked to secure a sustainable energy future across the United States, Central America and Africa.

“For more than four decades, Ron has built an illustrious career and dedicated himself to the development and installation of sustainable energy technologies and practices,” John Costlow, president and CEO of Sustainable Energy Fund said. “Ron is a relentless advocate for a sustainable energy future. He continues to provide his expertise at some of the highest levels of government, and has trained hundreds of industry professionals. His receipt of the Epstein Award is well deserved, and we thank him for his contributions.”

Celentano, who began his career in the solar thermal field in the mid-1970s, began designing and installing solar photovoltaic technologies in 1996, when he also founded Celentano Energy Services.

As a representative to the Mid-Atlantic Demand Resource Initiative, his work has served as a resource for sustainable energy rules and practices in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and the District of Columbia.

He also served on Gov. Rendell’s Solar Working Group from 2008 to 2010. Celentano has designed several solar energy systems for applications in Belize, Togo and Gambia.

“I’ve been intrigued with solar energy as long as I can remember, and I’ve been working in this field for most of my profession career,” Celentano said.  “So much of that time included countless hours advocating to minimize the barriers for implementing and utilizing this enormous renewable source of energy.  In light of that, I’m humbly honored to receive the Epstein Award, and look forward to increasing the use of solar energy resources in our effort to achieve a sustainable energy future.”

The Department of Environmental Protection is now accepting applications for Small Business Advantage Grants to fund energy efficiency and pollution prevention grants. (formal notice)

DEP will begin accepting applications July 25 and will continue to accept them until funds run out.

Up to $1 million in funding is available to small business for grants up to a maximum of $9,500 for projects that save a minimum of $500 and at least 25 percent in energy consumption or pollution related expenses.

An eligible applicant must have 100 or fewer employees, be a for-profit small business owner and be taxed as a for-profit business located within this Commonwealth. The project to which the grant will apply must be located within the applicant’s Commonwealth facility.

More information and an application will be available on DEP’s Small Business Advantage Grants webpage.  Questions should be directed to DEP’s Grant Center at 717-705-5400 or send email to: epadvantagegrant@pa.gov.

Be Safe, Be Smart and Know What’s Below – PECO Reminds You to Call 811 Before You Dig

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY:  PECO will display “TODAY IS NATIONAL 811 DAY – KNOW WHAT’S BELOW & CALL 811 BEFORE YOU DIG!” on its Crown Lights message system, atop the company’s headquarters at 2301 Market Street in Philadelphia, approximately every four minutes Thursday morning and evening.

PHILADELPHIA (August 11, 2016) – Today, 8/11, serves as a natural reminder for all customers and contractors to call 811 to have utility-owned underground lines marked before digging. Nationwide, every six minutes someone damages an underground utility line because of digging without first calling 811, according to the Common Ground Alliance, the national association that promotes the 811 phone number and safe digging practices. More than 125 incidents occurred last year alone on the PECO system because some failed to call before digging.

Striking an underground electric or natural gas line can cause serious injury, damages and service interruptions. Every digging project, no matter how large or small, warrants a call to 811. Installing a mailbox, building a deck, planting a tree and laying a patio are all examples of digging projects where a call to 811 should be one of the first steps. Customers and contractors also are required to call 811 before clearing blocked sewer lines to determine if any utility lines are nearby as well.

PECO has nearly 9,000 circuit miles of underground electric lines, 12,000 miles of natural gas distribution and service lines, and 30 miles of natural gas transportation lines buried throughout southeastern Pennsylvania. In addition to PECO’s lines, there are underground communications cables, water and sewer lines, and other utilities. Even properties that are not served by a particular service may still have utility lines running below ground.

When calling 811, customers and contractors are connected to PA One Call, the state’s coordinator for utility line marking. PA One Call will collect information about the project and provide it to PECO and other member utilities. The utilities will then mark their underground facilities. Calls are required at least three business days in advance of digging.

Once lines are located, customers and contractors doing work also must understand the markings and look for evidence of unmarked lines, such as water and sewer lines on private property.  Sewer clean-outs and water valve covers are examples of equipment that can indicate the presence of underground lines.

PECO joins the Exelon family of utilities in recognizing National Call Before You Dig Day and is a member of the Common Ground Alliance to share best practices to promote safe excavation and decrease instances of damage to underground lines. The company also provides customers and local contractors with important information about safety around overhead and underground utility lines through mailings, customer newsletters, social media and print advertising.

To learn more, visit peco.com/safety.

Based in Philadelphia, PECO is an electric and natural gas utility subsidiary of Exelon Corporation (NYSE: EXC). The company’s 2,400 dedicated employees provide advanced, innovative energy solutions to 1.6 million electric and more than 511,000 natural gas customers in southeastern Pennsylvania. In 2015 PECO delivered 86.9 billion cubic feet of natural gas and 38 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity. The company also has an estimated annual economic impact of $4.5 billion in Pennsylvania, supporting more than 9,600 local jobs and producing $760 million in labor income. Founded in 1881, PECO is one of the Greater Philadelphia Region’s most active corporate citizens, providing leadership, volunteer and financial support to numerous arts and culture, education, environmental, economic development and community programs and organizations. For more information visit PECO.com, and connect with the company on Facebook and Twitter.

Originally published July 28, 2016 by the Philadelphia Inquirer, Special Advertising Section

Summer is winding down but energy bills certainly have not! Between air conditioning, pools, and storing water, your energy bill rapidly rises with the recent heat waves.

But all hope is not lost! There are countless ways to be a smart energy consumer during the summer, but here are just a few that require very little effort (but can make a big difference).

1. Set your thermostat realistically.

People love to come home to a cool home, but unfortunately, keeping your thermostat low when you’re gone is a gigantic waste of money.

When you’re out of the house, the thermostat can be set as high as 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and it won’t bother anyone. When you’re in the house, you don’t have to freeze yourself. Getting out of the heat doesn’t mean you have to jump into the polar opposite (no pun intended). Setting the thermostat around 78 degrees Fahrenheit will keep you from being too warm. Of course, you can go lower but you certainly don’t need to keep it set at anything lower than 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

It’s nice to be cool but it costs you a lot. Use the high-powered A/C sparingly, because once you start relying on it you’ll find it nearly impossible to wean yourself off of it. Don’t start the bad habit.

2. Cut down on any indoor heating.

This is a simple one. Think of the things in your house that produce heat, like the dryer, dishwasher, oven, and incandescent lighting. It’s best to run the heavier appliances (like the dryer and dishwasher) at night, when it is cooler. Keep light bulbs off unless completely necessary. Use alternatives to the oven, like an outdoor grill or microwave.

If you minimize the use of these, you minimize the heat, which minimizes the need for fans and A/C, which saves you money. Cha ching!

3. Buy smart plugs to save on electricity.

During the summer we use a lot of electricity on fans and A/C. We also use a lot of electricity normally, because we love to have our phones, computers, TVs, video game consoles, and lights plugged in at all times. Some of these devices continue to use electricity even when off, whether that is through powering a standby light or through charging. We often forget to unplug the things we aren’t using and/or don’t unplug them due to sheer convenience.

Thankfully there are smart plugs, which turn off after per-determined amount of time. Overcharging phones and computers is also a consistent waste of electricity. Smart plugs will allow you to set how long you’d like electricity to run and also monitor how much power you are using. They’re definitely worth the cost in the long run.

4. Make some hard decisions about any extra fridges/freezers.

Convenience is a great thing. We all love it. But unfortunately, having extra refrigerators and freezers means you’ll be paying a lot more in terms of your electric bill. Ask yourself if those extra units are truly necessary. Can you live without them? Could you plan grocery trips more strategically, as to prevent over-packing the fridge/freezer.

It’s a hard choice, especially for folks living in homes with a lot of adults or children, but ultimately you could save a lot by just shutting one or all of them off in the summer.

5. And of course…clean the filter to your A/C

This is probably the biggest “duh” on the list but many people forget. Keep filters to your air conditioning unit(s) clean, otherwise you’ll be paying for the cost of power you never get to enjoy.

The following positions are available from the PennTAP Energy & Environment Team:

The first position is responsible for assisting manufacturing facilities to implement energy management systems to improve energy efficiency through ISO 50001 implementation or Superior Energy Performance (SEP) Certification. You will identify and manage new opportunities to expand and implement energy management strategies and the ANSI Management System for Energy (MSE) standard, ANSI/MSE 2000-2008, that leads to continuous energy efficiency opportunities for companies in Pennsylvania. In-state remote employment will be considered for this position.

Our technical advisors are all part of a team responsible for developing relationships with organizations across the state to improve and implement unique solutions that reduce energy and waste consumption. The second position is also responsible for working closely with Penn State students to provide them with experiential learning activities outside the classroom, while connecting organizational needs to Penn State research, faculty, and facilities and is the PennTAP liaison to Penn State faculty.

On Wednesday, July 27, more than 60 attendees joined the Smart Energy Initiative (SEI) for a breakfast briefing on the State of Renewable Energy in the Region: A Focus on Wind and Solar.  The event was held at the Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC) in Exton, PA and was co-sponsored by Brandywine Valley Heating and Air Conditioning, Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy, Practical Energy Solutions, A Renewable America, Silicon Power, and SunPower Builders.

Paul Spiegel, founder and president of Practical Energy Solutions, moderated a panel of speakers that included:  Lisa Jacobson with the Business Council for Sustainable Energy; Hayley Book with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection; and Abby Watson, with Gamesa and Women of Wind Energy.  The following topics were discussed:

• Overview of Key Solar and Wind Projects in the State
• How our regional energy sector can help Pennsylvania achieve climate goals
• Current trends and innovations in wind, solar, and other renewable energy technology compared to gas and nuclear
• Wind energy investment trends and technology

From left (back row): Nancy Kunkle, Smart Energy Initiative (SEI) Program Manager; Hayley Book, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection; Paul Speigel, Practical Energy Solutions and SEI Board Vice-Chair; Steve Krug, Krug Architects and SEI Programming Committee Chair; Bill Ronayne, Delaware Valley Heating & Air Conditioning and SEI Board Chair.  From left (Front row): Abby Watson, Gamesa and Women in Wind Energy; Lisa Jacobson, Business Council for Sustainable Energy

Here are some highlights from the event that detail the transformative era we are in for energy and how the state of PA is positioned on the front lines to respond to, and drive, the growth of energy efficiency, and alternative energy sources such as wind and solar.

• Lisa Jacobson shared a newly published PA State Energy fact that showed that the US has achieved 13% of renewable energy sources nationally and highlighted the state of PA’s myriad energy sources and technology which sets it apart from most other states.  In fact, PA is already about halfway to achieving compliance with the mass-based goal under the Clean Power Plan (CPP).   Jacobson’s team reports that PA is driving a sea change in the US natural gas markets with production growth increasing, while at the same time we are reporting significant trends in energy efficiency.
• Hayley Book reviewed Pennsylvania’s solar goals and the recent proposal to the Department of Energy for building PA’s solar future.  The state is looking for ways to reach its goal of 10% of electricity sales through solar.  Book shared Pennsylvania’s 2016 State Energy Program Plan and the associated projects that will support the Climate Change Action Plan and achieve increased energy emergency preparedness capabilities.  She also shared a fact sheet that outlines the energy financial incentives available to PA businesses.
• Abby Watson discussed the 48,000 operational wind turbines in the United States, even though Pennsylvania’ last major wind installation took place in 2012, there are currently more than 1,000 wind sector jobs in the state and great potential for growth in this area.  Watson shared the latest in wind technology including unique storage, offshore options, and challenges for the industry.   Currently, Pennsylvania ranks 16^th in nation for installed wind capacity and avoided 2.4 million metric tons of CO₂ in 2014 through online wind energy.  Watson also noted that wind power costs have fallen nearly 66% since 2009.

Pennsylvania’s renewable energy sector has a bright future given that 4% of the state’s power comes from renewable energy; there are 3,498 jobs just in the renewable sector; and the state has made a $3.9B investment in clean energy.  Plus, wind turbine technician positions are the fastest growing job in the nation in 2015!

Missing a Program Handout?

Bloomberg New Energy Finance: State Energy Factsheet, Pennsylvania

PA DEP: Energy Financial Incentives for PA Businesses

Presentations:

Business Council for Sustainable Energy

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

Gamesa

The clean energy industry is a source of good jobs for tens of thousands of Pennsylvanians!  With over 66,000 individual workers at 5900 business and establishments in 2015, PA’s clean energy jobs are up 15% over 2014.   The largest growth is in energy efficiency, with renewable energy jobs reflecting growth as well in the wind, solar and hydro electric sectors.

For details, read the latest Clean Jobs Pennsylvania Report issued July 2016.  Jobs are broken down by county, congressional district, state house and state senate district.