| Issue Sponsors |  You may notice a slightly different look to the newsletter this month. That is because it is now mobile compatible so you can read it whereever you take your smart phone or tablet.
Also new this month is 4CORE's Strategic Plan. We're focusing our efforts on four strategic areas that are aimed at promoting and sustaining vibrant communities in Southwest Colorado.
With all these hot new changes, how are you keeping cool this summer? 5% of all electricity used in the U.S. is consumed by air conditioners. That is $11 billion dollars per year spent on keeping cool.
Read on to learn how to chill out on spending so much! | |
 Southwest Solar Transformation Initiative (SSTI) | |
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Beat the Heat without Going Broke
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 | | 14 Ways to Keep Cool AND Save Energy this Summer |
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No time for video? Try this infographic:
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 | | click image to see web page |
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And Reduce Spending on Air Conditioning
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 Pull your shades down in the day and open up your windows at night to let in the cool air. - Insulation isn't just for winter time- make sure your home is insulated and air sealed to keep cool air in.
- Change out your incandescent bulbs for LEDs that emit far less waste heat and last longer.
- Cook outside on the grill or use your microwave to prevent heating your home with your oven.
- The long-term approach that pays off: Plant deciduous trees around your home to increase shade in the summer and to let sun warm your home in the winter.
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Don't Lose your Cool over High Costs
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 When we compare and contrast, evaporative systems cost half of what it takes to run air conditioning systems and use 75% less energy. This can keep you and your wallet cool during summer months. Here is a great summary of the differences taken from a publication by Xcel Energy...
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Increasing Solar Installations in Southwest Colorado
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 The sun certainly makes things hot, but it also provides a source of energy potential energy year-round in Southwest Colorado. 4CORE is working with a group of dedicated volunteers to tap into that power and make solar photovoltaic power available for more homes.
The Solarize La Plata campaign is currently being planned. The goal established by the Steering Committee is to install a total of 325 kilowatts and 100 systems on homes in La Plata County in 2014.
The campaign is based on the Department of Energy Solarize Guidebook. The Steering Committee is working to create a simple process with financing options available to lower the cost of installations and prime the market for future solar growth.
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Start Your Alternative Fuel Engines
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4CORE Sparking Discussion Among Fleet Managers
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 On July 16, 2013 various stakeholders from around the Four Corners convened in Durango to continue dialog about alternative fuel vehicles. As part of the event, three alternative fuel vehicle demonstrations took place. Vehicles on display included a propane truck from Mesa Verde National Park, an electric Nissan Leaf and an electric Tesla S.
Jay Valentine and Darren Starr from the City of Grand Junction explained how the City of Grand Junction bought a compressed natural gas (CNG) truck and then developed CNG infrastructure with a filling station. This event highlighted how alternative fuel vehicle technology is no longer experimental and generated discussion on how to increase the demand for these kinds of vehicles.
More information on the event can be found in this Durango Herald article. Also, learn more about the Refuel Colorado Fleets Grant Program that 4CORE is taking part in. |
| New Program Specialist Joins the 4CORE 'Ranks' |
Sarah Rank takes on Alternative Fuel Discussion Coordination
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 Sarah Rank has history with 4CORE. She most recently worked on a weatherization program crew as an Americorp intern through the Southwest Conservation Corps. Now that her internship is over, she'll be facilitating meetings with regional fleet managers to further the dialogue on converting their vehicles to use alternative fuels.
Sarah has a Master's in Anthropology and Certificate in Sustainable Urban Infrastructure from the University of Colorado Denver. Though she says she won't miss crawling under homes to install energy-saving measures, Sarah will be working on improving transportation efficiency in our region. Welcome Sarah! |
Call 4CORE at 970-259-1916 if you have any questions or need assistance.
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Thank you Local Funding Partners!
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