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The Green Leader Reader
A newsletter from the GCA
In This Issue
Subsidized contractor training
PEV Coordinating Council
Volunteer needed for "Energy Garden"
University of Phoenix begins program, awards scholarships
Speaker nominations: Retrofitting Corporate Campuses
Events
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Issue: #33September/2011
Greetings!  

 

Fall is here, school is back in session, and we are getting busy! There is a lot of good news to report on the region's clean tech efforts: Folsom-based Synapsense is among 20 clean tech companies in California recognized for innovation; UC Davis' net zero energy West Village neighborhood is now home to 800 students (will house 4,000 students and faculty when complete); SMUD broke ground on its East Campus operations center, which will also be net zero energy, LEED Platinum certified, and create 300 jobs; and the commercial PACE program coming to Sacramento made national headlines, and will potentially create 1,500 jobs.

 

There have been some great events lately and there are many more coming up. Be sure to save the date for GCA's fall summit focused on Clean Tech Banks and Financing - Tuesday, October 18th at UC Davis. Also, don't miss SARTA's annual Sacramento Clean Tech Showcase, Monday, October 24th at Sacramento State, which will focus on clean tech innovation, and is featuring excellent speakers and panels. We hope to see you at both of these events, and more!       

  

Be Well,

Julia 



Energy Upgrade CA offering subsidized contractor training

Statewide energy efficiency program Energy Upgrade California is now offering a Subsidized Contractor Training Program (SCTP)
BPICertification

Click to download the flyer 

to help building professionals increase their business opportunities and stay ahead of the curve.

The program subsidizes certification courses for:
  • Building Performance Institute (BPI) Building Analysts: Pay only $65 (a $1,600 value), and  
  • California Whole House Energy Raters (HERS II):
    Save $400 on training and testing.

These certifications prepare contractors to perform energy

assessments and verifications, and to become an Energy

Upgrade Expert -- the only professionals who can

qualify homeowners for over $4,000 in rebates for home improvements through Energy Upgrade California.

 

This offer is available for a limited time only, so don't miss out! Upcoming SCTP trainings in the Capital Region:

 

Sacramento: October 10, 2011

San Joaquin: October 17, 2011 

Placer: October 24, November 7, and November 28

 

To learn more about SCTP, visit www.contractor-training-ca.org. Find out more about Energy Upgrade California at an upcoming event, or by visiting www.EnergyUpgradeCA.org.
Join the PEV Coordinating Council

The Capital Region Plug-in Electric Vehicle (PEV) Coordinating Council met for the first time this month, bringing together over 20 organizations to discuss efforts and develop strategies around PEVs in the Sacramento region. Attendees included businesses, local governments, utilities,PluginVehicle workforce and training agencies, community colleges, and economic development organizations.

Based on several grant awards-- a statewide grant from the Department of Energy, SMUD's grant for EV readiness, and a pending collaborative application to the California Energy Commission-- the council will help stakeholders develop consistency in building codes, permitting processes and field service to support timely charging infrastructure solutions for vehicle buyers.

In order to achieve success, it is important to coordinate regional efforts and to speak with one voice.
 Join us - new attendees are welcome! The next meeting will be Wednesday, October 12th. Contact Suzanne Mayes Linville for more information.
Volunteer experts needed for school "Energy Garden"

East Sacramento's Theodore Judah Elementary School is seeking expertise to construct small alternative energy demonstration projects for an "Energy Garden" that students, families, and community members created this summer to showcase different kinds of energy generation and transfer.  Parents, teachers and students are currently constructing a solar art piece to demonstrate solar generation's highs and lows, an outdoor clock to demonstrate how solar generation can be combined with battery storage, and a wind generation project.  The group is almost able to do each of these on their own, but could really use volunteers with technical expertise to ensure they make the most of these opportunities.
 
Theodore Judah Elementary has been identified by the Sacramento City Unified School District as one of two pilot campuses for greening.  This designation helps ensure that successful volunteer efforts at Theodore Judah will assist other campuses as well.  If you are interested in assisting, please contact Wendy Bogdan at kwenbogdan@comcast.net.
University of Phoenix begins sustainability programs, awards scholarships

University of Phoenix, Sacramento Valley Campus has commenced its two new Business degree specializations: Bachelor of Science in Business (BSB) concentration in Sustainable Enterprise Management (SEM), and Master of Business Administration (MBA) concentration in Energy Management (EM).   

 

The Green Capital Alliance is proud to partner with the University of Phoenix which awarded not one, but two full-tuition scholarships for the new programs. Congratulations to recipients Steven Reynolds and Ryan Grohs!

University of Phoenix

GCA partners speak on a panel at a recent University of Phoenix learning forum on the region's green economy. 

 

The new degree programs bridge the gap between theory and practical application, developing innovative managers and leaders for tomorrow's green energy sector. Graduates from these programs will possess the training and skills necessary to enter the green workforce and meaningfully contribute to the building of Sacramento's Emerald Valley. For more information about the programs, contact Tammy Maynard

Speakers for Forum: Retrofitting Corporate Campuses

UC Davis' Energy Efficiency Center will be hosting Forum: Retrofitting Corporate Campuses on November 8th and 9th to provide an opportunity for facility managers, utility account executives, energy solution providers, policy-makers,
Energy Efficiency Center Flyer

Click to download the flyer

researchers, and other stakeholders to share strategiesand solutions for increasing energy efficiency on corporate campuses.

The Center is seeking nominations for facility managers who can speak at the conference about best practices/case studies of retrofit projects.  Those interested in nominating a speaker can contact Sumiko Hong to receive more information or submit a nomination online.
Upcoming Events

    

Navigating Utility Rate Structures: What Clean Tech Companies Need to Know

Date and Time: Wednesday, September 28th, 8:30AM - 9:30AM

Location: Drexel University, One Capitol Mall, Sacramento 

Focus: SARTA Leadership Series presents: Utility rates are unfamiliar territory for most clean tech companies. This seminar will demystify and educate attendees on how to take advantage of them.  

Attend: $40 General, $25 SARTA Members. Learn more.  

 

 Yolo Homeowner & Contractor Networking Events
Davis: Wednesday, September 28, 4:30-8:00 PM
Central Park Farmer's Market, 401 C Street
Woodland: Wednesday, October 5th, 7:00-8:30 PM
Woodland Senior & Community Center, 2001 East Street
Focus: Learn how to get up to $4,000 for energy efficiency improvements through Energy Upgrade California, and take advantage of a free energy assessment giveaway. 

Attend: Free! Download the flyerEUC

 

USGBC Presents a Visionary Series: Steven Ehrlich, FAIA, RIBA 

Date and Time: Wednesday, October 5th, 5:30PM - 8:00PM

Location: UC Davis Conference Center, 550 Alumni Lane, Davis 

Focus: Design Principle Steven Ehrlich illustrates how the ancient wisdom of vernacular architecture informs a more sustainable future. Presented by the USGBC. 

Attend: $35 General. Register online.

 

Village Alchemy: Aquaculture Strategies for Transforming the Urban Environment 

Date and Time: Wednesday, October 5th, 7:00PM - 9:00PM

Location: Sacramento Food Co-op, 1900 Alhambra Blvd., Sacramento  

Focus: Discussion around building local community networks,  developing urban agriculture systems, and inspiring grassroots-style, sustainable urban transformation. Featuring speakers from the City Repair Project in Portland. 

Attend: $20 General, $15 Co-op owners. Register online. 

 

Sacramento Green Drinks  

Date and Time: Thursday, October 6th, 6:00PM - 8:00PM

Location: TBD 

Focus: A casual monthly get together for people who work in  green and clean tech industries.    

Stay Updated: "Like" Sacramento Green Drinks on Facebook!

 

CEO Roundtable: Energy Efficiency and Smart Grid
Date and Time:
Friday, October 7th, 8:00 - 10:00 AM
Location:  SMUD Rubicon Room, 6301 S Street, Sacramento 

Focus: Hosted by the GCA, we want to hear CEO-perspective on the challenges and opportunities affecting your business. Specifically, we'd like your input on opportunities we can focus on at the local level with our GCA partners.  

Attend: Register online. Contact Suzanne Mayes Linville for more information.  

 

Energy Upgrade California Community Workshop for Oak Park, Land Park, and Curtis Park
Date and Time: Tuesday, October 11th, 7:00 - 8:30 PM
Location: Curtis Hall, Sierra 2 Center, 2791 24th Street, Sacramento
Focus: Get information on the latest rebates and incentives to save money and lower energy bills through Energy Upgrade California. Hosted by the Sierra Curtis Neighborhood Association in collaboration with the Land Park Community Association and the Oak Park Neighborhood Association.

Attend: Free! Download the flyer.

Capital Region PEV Coordinating Council
Date and Time:
Wednesday, October 12th, 2:30 - 4:30 PM
Location: SACOG Board Room, 1415 L Street, Suite 300, Sacramento
Focus: The newly formed council will help stakeholders develop consistency in building codes, permitting processes and field service to support timely charging infrastructure solutions for vehicle buyers.
Attend:
New attendees welcome! Register online. Contact Suzanne Mayes Linville for more information.CAPEVCC  

 

National Plug in Day
Date:  Sunday, October 16th
Focus:
National Plug In Day, is an unprecedented nationwide observance drawing global attention to the environmental, economic and other benefits of plug-in electric vehicles through simultaneous events staged in at least one dozen major cities nationwide. Learn more.

 Save the Date! Clean Technology Bank & Financing Summit 

Date and Time: Tuesday, October 18th, 9:00AM - 12:00PM

Location: UC Davis Conference Center Ballroom

Focus: GCA's fall event will feature panels on clean tech investing, green infrastructure bank, and financing for retrofitting commercial buildings and schools.
A formal agenda & invitation will follow.
 BankSummit

 

 Sacramento Clean Tech Showcase

Date and Time: Monday, October 24, 8:45 AM - 6:00 PM

Location: Sacramento State, University Union

Focus: CleanStart's 5th Annual Sacramento Clean Tech Showcase will allow participants to network with the clean tech community, businesses, investors, researchers and more. Learn about the latest innovations and be a part of the growing Clean Tech industry. This is a must attend event!  

Learn more: Visit CleanTechShowcase.org.ShowcaseEvent

 

For event updates, visit our online calendar.