Energy
There are many resources available for local governments working to address energy issues. This page provides links to an array of organizations, tools and funding options available to help municipalities and schools in their efforts to reduce energy use.
LGC Resources
LGC 68th Annual Conference Focus on Energy Efficiency, Wednesday, November 18, 2009
New Hampshire Local Government Center’s 68th Annual Conference, “Local Government: Rising to the Challenge,” features more than 60 sessions providing municipal and school officials and staff with tools and information to address the many challenges facing local governments today. Wednesday, November 18, features a breakfast roundtable discussion on energy conservation, followed by a series of four energy-efficiency sessions: Funding Opportunities for Municipal and School Energy Efficiency Projects; Steps for Making Your Buildings More Energy Efficient; Electricity Matters: Streetlights, Meters and Managing Power Use; and Transportation Choices that Benefit Health, the Environment and the Bottom Line. (Download a PDF preview of energy related events and sessions.) Visit the Annual Conference section of the LGC website for complete conference details.
LGC 'Power Down' Energy Conservation Campaign
New Hampshire Local Government Center has been working to track building energy use since fall 2008 using the EPA's Portfolio Manager software. (EPA Portfolio Manager information is provided below.) LGC launched the "Power Down" campaign in spring 2009, to remind staff and visitors to conserve energy while in the building. LGC also provided each municipality with one set of Power Down reminder signs and encouraged may be downloaded via the links below. Municipalities and schools are encouraged to use these signs to launch energy conservation efforts at the local level.
Power Down sign (large)
Power Down sign (small)
Power Down bookmark
Lights off
NHMA Resources
Energy Efficiency Community Block Grant RFP Audio Presentation
The New Hampshire Municipal Association has produced an audio PowerPoint presentation titled, "How to Respond to OEP's Energy Efficiency Community Block Grant Request for Proposals," to provide municipalities with information pertaining to the New Hampshire Office of Energy and Planning EECBG application process. NHMA plans to update the presentation as new details regarding the Energy Efficiency Community Block Grant program become available. Download the EECBG audio presentation. (Published 10.26.09; the audio portion is apx. 7 minutes in duration.) For more information, contact NHMA Government Affairs Advocate Susan Olsen at 603.224.7447, ext. 245.
New Hampshire Municipal Energy Committee
In late August 2009, the New Hampshire Municipal Association convened the New Hampshire Municipal Energy Committee (NHMEC). This new committee will focus on a broad spectrum of energy issues—from best practices for energy efficiency to reviewing proposed legislation that may impact municipalities. For more information, contact NHMA Government Affairs Advocate Susan Olsen, at 603.224.7447, ext. 245.
Additional Resources
New Hampshire Office of Economic Stimulus
Information pertaining to funding available through the federal economic stimulus package relating to energy and the environment is available at the state's Recovery website, www.nh.gov/recovery/; select "Energy/Environment" from the menu at the top of the page.
New Hampshire Office of Energy and Planning
The New Hampshire Office of Energy and Planning website offers an array of resources and links to energy programs and funding opportunities, including information about the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program available through the economic stimulus package. www.nh.gov/oep
New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services
The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services website features links to the recently published New Hampshire Climate Action Plan, which contains recommendations for energy conservation and emission reductions. The site also provides links to various energy funding opportunities, including grants available through the EPA. www.nh.gov/des
EPA Community Energy Challenge
The EPA’s Community Energy Challenge is an opportunity for municipalities across New England to identify simple and cost-effective measures that increase energy efficiency and renewable energy use while reducing air pollution and saving money. More than 30 New Hampshire cities and towns are currently making use of this resource. EPA also offers funding opportunities for energy projects. http://www.epa.gov/region1/eco/energy/energy-challenge.html
EPA Portfolio Manager
Available at EPA’s Energy Star website, Portfolio Manager is an interactive energy management tool that allows you to track and assess energy and water consumption across your entire portfolio of buildings in a secure online environment. Portfolio Manager software can help you identify under-performing buildings, verify efficiency improvements and receive EPA recognition for superior energy performance. www.energystar.gov
Carbon Coalition
The Carbon Coalition website features an array of resources to assist with local energy projects. The site features the Community Toolkit, the New Hampshire Handbook on Energy Efficiency and Climate Change. The free Local Energy Committee e-Newsletter is also available for subscription from this website. www.carboncoalition.org
Cool Monadnock
Cool Monadnock is a three-year joint initiative between Clean Air-Cool Planet and Antioch New England Institute to achieve significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions in the Monadnock Region through local decisions and actions. www.coolmonadnock.org
Granite State Energy Efficiency for School Buildings / Jordan Institute
Granite State Energy Efficiency (GSE2) is an energy assessment program that analyzes the energy use of school facilities. The resulting information helps school boards and administrators define, plan for and implement facility upgrade projects that reduce use of fossil fuels, cut greenhouse gas emissions and save valuable dollars. In addition to GSE2 for schools, the Jordan Institute offers project development and management services that include assessment of a range of financial options and expert guidance on “green” strategies for new and existing buildings in New Hampshire. www.jordaninstitute.org
New England Grassroots Environment Fund
The New England Grassroots Environment Fund (NEGEF) is designed to foster grassroots environmental initiatives in New England. NEGEF has provided small grants to support local energy projects in several New Hampshire municipalities, including Wolfeboro, Plymouth, Gilford, Walpole and Durham. www.grassrootsfund.org
New Hampshire Community Energy Project
The New Hampshire Community Energy Project website is a resource for local energy committees to share information. The website is devoted to the sharing of mission statements, project examples, financing options and energy plans. Visit the website to learn about the energy initiatives underway in New Hampshire communities. www.nhenergy.org
Residential Greenhouse Gas Reductions
A collaboration of the University of New Hampshire and Clean Air-Cool Planet, the New Hampshire Carbon Challenge can provide state residents with the information, tools and support necessary for households to reduce their residential carbon dioxide emissions by 10,000 pounds per year. Several New Hampshire municipalities, including Concord, Portsmouth and Keene, are currently engaged in community-wide efforts to reduce emissions. Contact Denise Blaha at 603.862.3128 or info@nhcc.unh.edu.
www.nhcarbonchallenge.org
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