eMail update November 2011 

TWO EVENTS ON HOME ENERGY EFFICIENCY


1) ENERG!ZE MONONA FORUMS: LEARN, SHARE, AND SAVE!
The third of six Energ!ze Monona forums is upon us! Join Energ!ze Monona for Buildings: Achieving Maximum Efficiency on November 2nd, featuring presenters Designer Christi Weber, LEED AP, Design Coalition, and Janine Glaeser, Projects Coordinator and GIS & IT Specialist, City of Monona.

This forum will look at what is being done and what can be done to increase the energy efficiency of existing buildings, and to make new development and housing more efficient from the start. What directions look most promising for the future? What kinds of zoning or building codes would promote building more energy-efficient buildings and homes?

When: November 2, 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Where: Monona Community Center, Main Hall
    1011 Nickols Rd., Monona
Cost: Free!

2) WORKSHOP: HOME ENERGY EVALUATION 101
Presented by Green Madison and Steve Pipson, a local Energy Efficiency Consultant from Home Performance Specialists, this home education session will cover a range of topics related to residential energy efficiency.

This free workshop will be split into 3 parts:
1. Building Science – How a home should function for the best efficiency and indoor environment
2. Energy Efficiency Loan Programs through Green Madison
3. Energy Efficiency Incentives through Focus on Energy
Building testing and diagnostics through the DOE Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® will be explained to make clear the best path for homeowners to prioritize work. Common steps to making your home more efficient and comfortable will be discussed as well as mistakes. Homeowners are invited to come with questions related to their own house and experiences.

When: November 9, 6:00p.m. – 8:00p.m.
Where: Goodman Community Center, 149 Waubesa St., Madison
Cost: Free!

WORKSHOP: COMMERCIAL SOLAR GROUP BUY


Curious about solar? Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation (WECC) will be hosting two workshops in the next three weeks on the Commercial Solar Group Buy for the Madison Region. These workshops will each cover an overview of solar electric, group buy economics, and a tour of the WECC Solar Systems site.

When: November 9, 8:00a.m. – 10:00a.m., or
November 16, 11:30a.m. – 1:30p.m.
Where: WECC, 431 Charmany Dr., Madison
Contact: Don Wichert, donw@weccusa.org

CLASS: WINTER BIKE COMMUTING BASICS


Just because its gets colder and darker in the winter doesn't mean you should put your bike away! Madison is one of the friendliest bicycle cities in the country, and bike commuting is still a realistic thing to do in the winter. --- Want to ride your bike to work or school but just don't know about the weather, the dark, or navigating traffic? Let the friendly REI Specialist tell you what you need to know to get prepared for the winter.

When: November 8, 7:00p.m. – 8:00p.m.
Where: Madison REI, 7483 West Towne Way, Madison
Cost: Free!
Registration Required

CHANGING LIGHT BULBS? THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT!


LIGHT BULB FINDER  is a free mobile phone application that makes it easy to switch from conventional light bulbs to energy-saving equivalents with the right fit, style and light quality. View bulb images, cost, savings, and environmental impact all from the convenience of your smart phone! Create shopping lists, and buy bulbs directly through the app or at local stores.

Bring your smart phones, ask your questions, and learn more about the Light Bulb Finder directly from the app’s creator, Adam Bout, at Eco-Hatchery’s free Light Bulb Finder App Demonstration! Green Madison will also be on hand to share information about energy efficiency and performing a Home Performance with ENERGY STAR assessment.

When: November 16, 7:00p.m. – 9:00p.m.
Where: City Water Utility Office, 199 East Olin Ave., Madison
Cost: Free!

BADGER BIONEERS CONFERENCE


An exciting two day event filled with ideas and inspiration, highlighting the work of Madisonians who are busy creating a sustainable future, whether by greening their businesses, imparting Earth knowledge in the classroom, or nurturing the people and places of their communities, this annual conference is accessible to generalists and specialists alike.

Whether you're a business person interested in the ways local companies are inspiring their employees or greening their business models, an educator who wants to know more about how Madison's schools are making sustainability part of their culture, or curious about simple steps you can take at home, Badger Bioneers is for you!

Registration will close Friday, November 4th, so purchase tickets, learn about our honored Badger Bioneers, explore the conference tracks and pre-conference workshops, and sign-up for a pre-conference dinner with the Bioneer of your choice today!

When: November 11, 1:00p.m. – evening reception, and
    November 12, 8:30a.m. – 5:00p.m.
Where: Edgewood College, Madison
Cost: $85 includes two days of inspirational panels, the best plenaries from the national Bioneers conference, snacks, Saturday lunch, music and entertainment, and networking opportunities.