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AMERICA RECYCLES DAY AWARDS
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Recycling Video Contest -- Watch the winning video!
Read about the winners of the Frederick County Waste Reduction and Recycling Awards here. |
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Did You Miss the Fall Issue of the FNP's GREEN Magazine?
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Meet our Newest
Green Ambassador
Mark Lancaster
Lancaster Craftsman Builders
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"I have found my Navigator to be a great asset in achieving my goal of having a more green home. I would not have set up the home energy audit without her help. I know if I have questions, she is there for me."
Nicole Orr
Green Homes
Challenge Taker
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RESOURCES for
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
IMPROVEMENTS
at HOME
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Washington Gas
Energy Services'
program gives residential utility customers in Frederick County the option to choose electricity generated at regional wind farms for their homes. Click here for more information and to check the current rates for 1 and 2 year contracts with options for 50 - 100% of your electricity coming from wind power.
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 | High school students receive hands-on training during the
Natural Resource Careers Camp. See story below. |
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Greetings!
In October, our Management Services Division and I reported progress on Frederick County's Comprehensive Energy Plan to the Board of County Commissioners. This Plan directs the County to reduce non-renewable energy over a 15-year period by 50% or more in office buildings, facilities, and vehicle fleet. The plan helps save County and taxpayer money through lowered operational costs, reduce the consumption of natural resources, coordinate and motivate continuous improvements by County Divisions and Agencies, and meet strategic goals of our leadership.
Here are just a few highlights from Fiscal Year 2011:
- Fuel conservation saved 111,000 gallons, which represents a 10.5% reduction from the FY2008 baseline, and reduced expenses $330,000 from FY08 baseline usage;
- 21 building audits were conducted in 2011, bringing the total to 29. These audits identify opportunities for energy efficiency, just like a home energy audit would;
- HVAC efficiency upgrades were completed at the Frederick Senior Center and the Pinecliff A-frame; old units were replaced with energy-efficient ones; and
- LED lighting retrofits were completed in the Courthouse courtrooms and lobby.
Here's a peek into some of the County's future plans:
- A solar hot water heating project is being bid out right now for the Adult Detention Center;
- Two hybrid buses are being placed into service with our award-winning TransIt system;
- Highway Operations is installing LED lights in traffic signals; and
- We are assessing potential sites for solar power public-private partnerships.
We are excited about these projects and hope that you will be too!
Regards,
Shannon Moore
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 GREEN BUSINESS: LEED Certified Hotel Coming to Frederick |
Plamondon Hospitality Partners is constructing TownePlace Suites Frederick, a Marriott LEED Certified all-suite hotel designed for long-stays with moderately priced rooms. The property, located at 5050 Westview Drive, is conveniently located close to services and shops in Westview Promenade. It will be the brand's first green hotel prototype and will accelerate Marriott's goal to have 300 LEED hotels by 2015. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a green building certification administered by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The hotel will be built according to the LEED Volume Program which streamlines the certification process for organizations planning to certify a large number of design and construction projects or existing buildings. LEED designation is based on a number of green design and construction features that save energy and water and minimize landfill waste from the project. The new hotel, which will be LEED Silver, will be completed in 2012.
According to Director of Hotel Operations, Mike Henningsen, Plamondon Hospitality Partners aims to be Frederick County's leader and role model for "green" hospitality. Green practices are prevalent in the company's four Frederick County Hotels: Uniforms worn by associates are made from recycled materials; power management is set up on their networked computers; and they purchase green products and cleaning supplies. Henningsen added that they are always looking for new opportunities to incorporate sustainability in their hotel operations. They are currently working with Frederick County's Office of Recycling to implement recycling within their hotels and educate associates and guests about proper procedures. They are also planning to provide a fleet of bicycles for TownePlace Suites customers and are considering electric vehicles for transporting associates and guests from one hotel to another. The TownePlace Suites will include four electric car charging stations. Because both TownePlace Suites and the Residence Inn are extended-stay hotels, Plamondon Hospitality Partners aims to provide the same services that guests enjoy at home, and that includes services that support sustainable lifestyles and communities.
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| GREEN HOMES CHALLENGE: Reminders, Incentives & Updates | |
 No/Low-Cost Audits: Before turning up your heater, schedule a home energy audit to find out where your home may be losing that valuable heat. Gaps around windows and doors, poorly sealed ducts, and insufficient insulation can be costly as the temperature drops outside and more energy is needed to heat your home. Remember, Potomac Edison's Watt Watchers Program offers no-cost and reduced-cost home performance assessments by certified contractors. Call 1-877-928-8928 to schedule a Check-Up (at no cost if you accept a kit with energy saving devices). A Comprehensive audit, which includes a blower-door test and thermal imaging, is available for just $140 (if you accept the kit); normally, this kind of audit may run $400-500. Green Homes Challenge Taker Ginny Brace reported, "My home energy audit was done and it was terrific. I have already done quite a bit of house-tightening and will do more. Everyone should have an audit done!"
Holiday Incentive! We'll cover the $140 customer's cost of a Watt Watchers Comprehensive audit for the next 20 households that register with the Green Home Challenge (GHC). Call 301-600-7414 and mention that you saw this offer in the OSER Newsletter to receive your Comprehensive audit certificate. If you're already registered, please share this offer with friends and neighbors. If they mention your name when they register, you will be entered into a drawing for a Comprehensive audit certificate to use for your own home or give as a gift.
GHC Update: More than 450 households are taking the Challenge (Find out where!). We'll be hosting our first recognition for certified Power Savers in early 2012. Are you almost ready to certify? Take a few minutes to tally your points and submit your forms! Certified Power Savers will be eligible for our annual prize drawing that will include $2,000 in energy retrofit services from Lancaster Craftsman Builders and a hotel stay with Plamondon Hospitality Partners.
Navigators Available! Do you need some extra help or coaching to guide you through the Challenge? New GHC Navigators can help you stay motivated and get you the resources you need to save money, energy, and reach your certification goal.Call 301-600-7414 or email GreenHomes@FrederickCountyMD.gov to learn more about this opportunity. You and your Navigator determine how often you want to connect by phone, email, or even in person. See left panel to hear how Challenge taker, Nicole Orr, has benefited from having a Navigator.
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| MONOCACY & CATOCTIN WATERSHED ALLIANCE
Partner Highlight: Natural Resources Careers Camp
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 Do you know a high school student who is interested in environmental education or pursuing a natural resources-related career? If so, they're a perfect candidate for the Natural Resources Careers Camp (July 22-28, 2012)! The program is sponsored by the Maryland Association of Forestry Boards, the MDNR Forest Service, and Allegany College of Maryland.
The Frederick County Forestry Board (a Monocacy & Catoctin Watershed Alliance partner) has been a supporter of the Natural Resources Careers Camp (NRCC) for years. The NRCC gives students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience with professional instructors and natural resources staff in wildlife management, stream ecology, fire suppression, soils, GPS/GIS technology, silviculture, tree identification, urban forestry, tree climbing, tree planting and pruning, chain saw safety, data sampling and forest measurements, and forest management. The Forestry Board interviews county applicants, selects two or three students, and covers the $400 tuition. Students are responsible for the $100 student activity fee. Participants may opt to earn two college credits (additional fees apply) from Allegany College of Maryland.
For more information about NRCC, click here for an article written about the 2011 NRCC or visit the Frederick County Forestry Board's Education Programs page. NRCC graduates who enroll in college natural resources programs are eligible for three $500 scholarships. Online applications and scholarship information can be found at www.marylandforestryboards.org.
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| WATERSHED MANAGEMENT: What is Green Infrastucture? | |
The term "green infrastructure" has different definitions depending on which scale the efforts are targeted - watershed scale, neighborhood scale, or site scale. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a successful green infrastructure program addresses natural resources at all three scales.
- The Watershed Scale is the largest scale. Evaluation at this scale is completed using a geographic information system (GIS) to develop a map of interconnected systems of ecologically significant natural areas (hubs) and paths that link them (corridors). The product is often called a green infrastructure network and is used for planning purposes. Priorities established at this scale drive restoration and protection efforts at the smaller neighborhood and site scales.
- The Neighborhood Scale is smaller and more targeted than the watershed scale. A development or neighborhood is evaluated to identify opportunities within the community open space in conjunction with opportunities on individual properties to expand hubs, increase the size of corridors, or fill in gaps within the network.
- The Site Scale is the smallest and most targeted scale. It is equivalent to an individual property and includes implementation of "on-the-ground" best management practices (BMPs) that help remove pollutants from runoff or create mini habitats for wildlife. Many equate green infrastructure at the site scale with low impact development (LID) techniques such as rain gardens, rain barrels, and green roofs.
No matter the scale of the effort, green infrastructure is important because it provides wildlife habitat, facilitates wildlife migration, improves water quality, and provides a higher quality of life for area citizens. GI also helps the County to meet its regulatory compliance requirements by identifying the best locations for us to conduct voluntary retrofits that are required by a Clean Water Act permit and the Chesapeake Bay Pollution Diet. OSER is currently working on a number of green infrastructure efforts to meet these requirements and improve water quality and wildlife habitat throughout the County.
Watershed Scale
In partnership with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the County is in the process of completing GIS analyses on the forest, wetland, and stream resources within the County. The results of the analyses will lay the foundation for developing a green infrastructure network specific to Frederick County. A draft of the countywide green infrastructure network is anticipated to be available for review in February 2012. Once complete, the network will be used to more effectively target limited restoration and protection resources.
Site and Neighborhood Scale
Efforts at this scale consist of coordinating with private residents, homeowner's associations, Frederick County Public Schools, and the Frederick County Division of Parks and Recreation, to name a few. Recently installed restoration efforts include: a bioswale at Urbana Elementary School; a wetland enhancement, stream buffer restoration, and warm season grass meadow at Worthington Manor golf course; a 3-acre riparian buffer planting in Pinecliff Park; and a rain garden, wetland enhancement, and 13-acre upland and riparian tree planting at Windsor Knolls Middle School.
More information about green infrastructure can be found at www.epa.gov/greeninfrastructure and www.dnr.state.md.us/greenways/gi/gi.html.
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CHESAPEAKE CONSERVATION CORPS
Volunteer Profile: Nicole Robinson | 
As environmental awareness of the Chesapeake Bay grows, many people are realizing the importance of nurturing young people seeking careers in environmental science, conservation, restoration, education, policy, and advocacy. The Chesapeake Conservation Corps (CCC) is a program established by the Maryland legislature in 2010 that aims to prepare future environmental leaders to meet these needs. Funded by the State of Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay Trust, the program aims to train young people between the ages of 18-25 in environmental issues, efforts, and careers regarding the Chesapeake Bay. In the second year of the CCC, 21 volunteers are working with non-profit and government organizations. The program offers participants future career opportunities through its training and networking. Four members of the first class of 16 volunteers have already been offered jobs with their current host sites.
OSER is hosting a CCC volunteer for the second year in a row. From August 2011-2012, I will be enthusiastically serving as that volunteer, working primarily on the Green Homes Challenge (GHC). Some of the tasks that I will be working on this year include developing and publishing the Green Leader handbook, assisting with outreach and promotion for the GHC, assisting with development of the Renewable Star Challenge, assisting with Watershed Management activities, and developing my own capstone rain garden workshop project for homeowners. I am particularly excited to develop my rain garden workshop project and to work on development and promotion of the Green Leader Challenge, which aims to help homeowners take more environmentally-friendly actions in their homes.
I decided to apply for the CCC because I am deeply passionate about the health of the environment, people, and small communities. I want to work to protect and restore the ecosystems of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Particularly, I am interested in water quality issues and the natural systems that can be employed to solve them - forests, riparian buffers, rain gardens, bioswales, and wetlands. I am very grateful for the opportunity to have this experience with OSER and CCC, and I look forward to working toward a healthier Chesapeake Bay Watershed through this year and for the rest of my life.
Nicole Robinson
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| ENERGY SAVERS: Individuals, Businesses & Organizations Save with PC Power Management | |
Did you know that the average desktop PC wastes half the energy it consumes? Or that 75% of energy consumption occurs when no one is in front of the computer? PC Power Management is a no-cost action that can save individuals around $60 per year in energy costs, and businesses and organizations thousands, or even millions, of dollars per year depending on their size. Other benefits of Power Management include prolonged battery life, increased system stability, and reduced cooling requirements, costs, and noise.
PC Power Management is a feature included in most PCs that turns off the power or switches the system to a low-power state when inactive. Don't assume that the power management settings are optimally set on your computers -- about 90% have this feature disabled! For individuals, you can set the parameters for when power management kicks in using the Power Options tool in your computer's Control Panel. An easy alternative is to run this EZ wizard for computers running Windows 2000 or XP operating systems. For instructions for other operating systems, click here.
For large enterprises with networked computer systems, ClimateSaversComputing.org shares informative case studies about businesses that have saved big with power management. 1E's 2007 PC Energy Research Report estimated that companies across the U.S. are wasting $1.72 billion to supply power to PCs that are not shut down at the end of the work day. One large financial institution that worked with 1E determined that shutting PCs down every night saves $3 million a year in electricity costs alone.
For businesses, governments, schools, and organizations, power management software and in-house strategies are available for large multi-site networked computer systems. EnergyStar offers a free EZ GPO software tool. Examples of power management software companies include Verismic, Faronics, 1E, and Triumfant. Many of these products can help address concerns about sleep mode interfering with network settings and software updates to individual computers. More information about addressing such concerns can be found here. (Sources: ClimateSaversComputing.org, Wikipedia, and links embedded above.)
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MYTHBUSTERS:
MYTH - Screen Savers Save Energy |  Some people believe that just having a screen saver running when you leave the computer is enough to save you energy and money. Unfortunately that isn't the case. Screen savers are small programs your computer runs after a set time of inactivity. Even though your screen saver is running, your computer is probably still operating with full power.
The best way to save energy when not at your computer is to turn off the monitor. It's quick, easy, and won't affect your work when you have to step away. It is a good habit to get into and can save you a great deal of money over time. It is also a good policy to turn off any computer peripherals you aren't using, as many turn on when power at the computer is turned on.
Screen savers were designed to protect old monitors from a condition known as burn in, when an image is permanently burned into the screen. Current monitors (any flat monitor) do not suffer from this problem, making screen savers obsolete. Even worse, graphically intensive screen savers can actually have your monitor working overtime and drawing more power. That means your screen saver could actually be costing you money!
See our article in this newsletter for more information about saving money with power management. For more information about screen savers and energy check out:
http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/appliances/index.cfm/mytopic=10070
http://green.yahoo.com/blog/forecastearth/49/you-don-t-still-use-a-screen-saver-do-you.html
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=power_mgt.pr_power_mgt_faq
Have you heard a myth or urban legend related to sustainability and the environment that you would like resolved? Send it to sustainability@frederickcountymd.gov and we'll get to the bottom of it!
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| TOP PICKS: Online Tips & Resources for Sustainability | |
 For Households:
No-Cost Energy Saving Kit available from Potomac Edison
Maybe you've seen the postcard or email announcement, but have you actually requested your kit? Do so today! It includes a valuable smart power strip, six CFL bulbs, and a booklet full of energy saving tips. If you have an electric water heater, you can also receive water saving faucet aerators and a very nice low-flow showerhead. Just provide your account number, and it's yours! MyConservationKit.com. Watch this short video to learn how Smart Strips save you money!
For Kids:
Use this fun Energy Star pop-up tool to learn how to save energy in every room in your home. Show it to your parents and use it to propose energy saving actions and behaviors for the whole family.
 For Businesses: Rebates, Rebates, Rebates!Too many businesses still do not know about these great rebates, so we're repeating this Top Pick. Businesses can get significant rebates for improving lighting efficiency. Potomac Edison Watt Watchers rebates from $15 to $25 are available for upgrading to T-8, T-5, or LED lighting fixtures or installing occupancy sensors. Potomac Edison will even send businesses 2 to 36 free LED bulbs for "Exit" signs! Learn about other rebates for HVAC, Variable Frequency Drives, and custom applications here.
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The Frederick County Sustainability and Environmental Resources Office advances practical solutions for protecting the environment, conserving energy, and living sustainably in Frederick County.
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