12 Oct 2006

Fire Glowing under Renewable Energy Programs

In the city, Keith Haddad's Utilities and Environment Committee recommended to Council that the city establish a municipal utility, and Council asked Jim Moan, law director, to prepare legislation.

Haddad will ask the city of Clyde, which took this path, to share its experience with his committee at its next meeting. He has also received a proposal for wind testing from North Coast Wind and Power, a presenter at the September Committee of the Whole meeting.

Daryl Stockburger hopes to look at sites when he visits in a couple of weeks.

Haddad reports that many actions are already conserving energy in city buildings. More about them will appear in the next issue. It appears that these steps could lead to Energy Star compliance in all city buildings- a proud moment indeed!

In the community, the Chamber of Commerce and CIC have agreed to gather data on companies that provide products and services in the renewable energy field and on sources of Federal, State and local grants and loans, for the benefit of area businesses and residents..

They will also look at companies who want to locate here because of our proactive energy drive. The Chamber will reserve special space at its Business Expo for renewable energy companies. At least one new company has joined the Chamber just to enjoy these benefits.

For the schools, Alan Bacho, Director of Facilities and Operations for Sylvania Schools, led a team of solar-power-for-schools specialists from Columbus to Southview, its field house and to Arbor Hills Junior High. They will make a specific proposal in early November for solar applications that can be paid for out of savings generated. If this initial program is successful, additional proposals will be offered.

When it came time to add classroom space at Lourdes, according to Mike Killian the College decided to geoexchange with full support of the Sisters of St. Francis, strong advocates of ecology and environmental protection. Costs were compared with standard boiler and chiller systems and it was found that a geo system is affordable and meets their long term goals.

In the private sector, Jim Moline, owner of a prominent area building firm, qualified as an Energy Star builder in 2001.He now incorporates Energy Star (ES) practices in 100% of his buildings. "The initial cost may be a bit higher," says Moline, "but owners are very grateful when their gas and electricity bills arrive." Moline incorporates specific insulation materials, high efficiency water heaters and furnaces, programmable thermostats, etc. Currently he is installing a geoexchange heating and cooling system for a home on a 5-acre site on Dorr Street. The cost will approach $12,000, but payoff is only 3-5 years.

Jack MacMillan
For Sylvania AdVantage