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STATEWIDE: Unplug and cash in with refrigerator recycling

Energy Trust's refrigerator recycling initiative offers a $30 cash incentive plus free pick-up to help Oregonians recycle residential-sized refrigerators and freezers. "Old refrigerators use a lot more electricity than today's high-efficiency models. Now, it is easy for homeowners to get rid of the energy hog in their garage or basement that's often empty and only draining their wallets," said Kendall Youngblood, residential sector manager, Energy Trust.

As of July 31, more than 200 units are scheduled for pick-up and more than 100 refrigerators and freezers have been recycled. Recycling keeps 95 percent of a unit's components out of landfills and safely disposes of ozone-destroying chlorofluorocarbon gases found in older models.

Schedule your refrigerator pick-up

CORVALLIS: Corvallis sprints past half-way mark in Challenge

Preliminary numbers show a significant uptick in energy-saving activities as Corvallis reaches the half-way point of the Corvallis Energy Challenge. Participation by homes and businesses more than doubled compared to the same period in 2007. Incentives increased three-fold, saving six times more kilowatt hours and 1.5 times more therms.

A significant increase in scheduled Home Energy Reviews is a big part of this success—445 in 2008 compared to 88 over the same period in 2007. There were other changes as well—five solar electric systems installed in 2008, none in 2007; 136 efficient clothes washers purchased in 2008 compared to 115 in 2007; eight commercial buildings installed measures in 2008 compared to five in 2007 (an additional 12 received free installs of pre-rinse sprayers in 2007, a program that did not continue into 2008); 10 efficient new homes built in 2008 compared to five over the same period in 2007.

This fall there will be three solar workshops by Solar Oregon and two presentations on Home Performance with ENERGY STAR^® by Energy Trust. Advertisements in print and radio will promote these events and fall promotional bonus offerings for people improving the energy efficiency of their home.

STATEWIDE: Fall workshop spotlights solar, energy efficiency in municipal buildings

Energy Trust is organizing a one-day workshop October 29, 2008 at the Salem Conference Center to help public entities manage rising costs and meet sustainability goals. Leading the Way—How to Implement Solar Power and Energy Efficiency in Public Buildings will focus on solar technology and energy efficiency options. The session is intended for cities, counties, state agencies, school districts, community colleges, public universities and special districts.

Attendees investigating solar technology for electricity generation, water heating and pool heating will hear from those who have already installed solar about how to address procurement issues, finance projects and contact with vendors. Participants will also learn about the latest energy-efficiency technologies for new and existing facilities, as well as certification programs such as LEED^®, SEED^® and ENERGY STAR. The workshop will include demonstrations of online tools for evaluating the financial impact of efficiency measures such as lighting, heating, cooling, motors, pumps and drives.

PORTLAND METRO: New incentives save money for business owners

Heating and cooling is the largest energy expense for many businesses. To help business owners save money in a cash-strapped economy, Energy Trust now offers up to $4,000 in cash incentives for qualifying heat pumps. Energy Trust is also offering a $100 incentive per steam trap purchased.

The Existing Buildings program offers incentives for heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment and controls; ENERGY STAR commercial foodservice equipment; lighting and lighting controls; premium motors and drives; commercial clothes washers; natural gas space and water heaters; and solar electric and solar water heating systems.

TRADE ALLY OF THE MONTH: Mosier Creek, LLC

Mosier Creek Homes in the Hood River/Mosier area of the Gorge is one of the Northwest's breakthrough examples of solar powered, sustainably designed, certified and middle-income affordable housing communities. It's also one of the largest LEED for Homes multi-unit developments in the nation when completed in 2007.

"Sustainable building and development is not so difficult once we connect with the appropriate expertise available to us in the form of energy consultants, architects, engineers and trained contractors," said Peter Erickson, developer and general partner of Mosier Creek, LLC. This need for collaboration is one reason Erickson became an ENERGY STAR New Homes trade ally in 2006."Being a trade ally is an excellent way to network with others who are committed to changing the way we plan and build residential communities."

Read Mosier Creek's profile in the Trade Ally directory

PROMOTIONS
Energy Trust offers special incentives throughout the year to encourage Oregonians to choose energy efficient products and install efficient and renewable features in their homes and businesses.

Energy Trust promotions

IN THE NEWS

ROSEBURG: Energy-efficient refrigerators available
News-Review

STATEWIDE: Time for a new fridge?
Oregon Public Broadcasting

STATEWIDE: Home solar energy systems in Oregon become more cost-efficient
The Oregonian

STATEWIDE: Oregon installs first highway solar project
The Oregonian

PORTLAND: Natural gas rate hike may help contractors
Daily Journal of Commerce

Photo at top: Solar panels at work in Oregon. Is your home well suited for solar?