An e-Newsletter of ARC's Green Communities Program September 2017 How Energy Efficiency Can Help Low-Income Households in GeorgiaLow-income Georgians face an especially high energy burden since a disproportionate amount of their income goes toward home energy bills — including electricity, natural gas, and other heating fuels. While investments in energy efficiency benefit everyone, they have an especially strong impact on low-income and rural residents who live in less energy-efficient housing. Research suggests that energy efficiency can eliminate up to 35% of the excess energy burden for both single- and multifamily low-income households. Read more about how energy efficiency can help low-income households… Green Communities SpotlightGovernment Energy Audits Local governments can earn points for Green Communities certification by conducting energy audits of government facilities and implementing recommendations, or by engaging in performance contracting for energy efficiency in government buildings. The City of Atlanta adopted a performance contract for energy efficiency in government buildings. Additionally, Atlanta became the first city in the southeast to pass a comprehensive Buildings Energy Efficiency Ordinance that requires energy and water bench-marking and audits for large commercial buildings, including the city’s facilities. Make it PersonalTips to Improve Your Home Energy Efficiency
Sustainability News ClipsGreen news from near and far: Atlanta now requires LEED O+M for existing city facilities Gwinnett County, GA officials hope smart water meter pilot can help other utilities Parker: MARTA poised for a ridership spike Home Depot taps GE and Tesla for rooftop solar expansion Compressed natural gas-fueled vehicles on the rise in city fleets To restore walkability, cities like Akron need to look beyond sidewalks Unlocking ultra-low energy performance in existing buildings Solar power to rival nuclear by end of 2017 Charting the planet’s path to 100% renewable energy Orlando latest city to go 100% renewables, but are resources backing up words? MAP: How much climate change will cost each U.S. County Seven ways to reduce waste this school year Recycling: The awkward fifth wheel at the sustainability party UPS, TerraCycle divert 40 million pounds of waste from landfills Universities are learning how to accelerate sustainability Green roofs are saving birds and hatching bird-watchers Improving public health through public parks and trails: eight common measures How much are trees worth to megacities?
Get Green for Going Green 2017 Water Reflections Calendar Photo Contest Georgia Urban Forestry Awards Local Food Grant Funding for Curbside Recycling Carts Funding for Scrap Tire Cleanup LED Street Lighting Solutions and Training Urban Land Institute 2017 Technical Assistance Panels Kresge Fdn. Healthy Housing & Neighborhoods Initiative Ford Fdn. Sustainable Development Grant SolSmart Community Designation Green by the Numbers 75 – Dollars saved annually by replacing five of your home’s most frequently used lights with ENERGY STAR bulbs Sustainability Happenings
College Canopy Conference First Annual Water Technology Innovation Conference Adapting Landscape Plants, Policies, and Management to a Water-Limited Future Georgia Campus Sustainability Network Annual Conference Green Design: Minimizing Environmental Impact in Public Rights of Way Trees, Stormwater, and Resiliency: An Opportunity for Local Communities Chattahoochee Riverkeeper Climate Change Conference World Energy Engineering Congress (WEEC) Georgia Bike Summit Growing Sustainable Communities Conference Energy Efficiency Day American Public Transportation Assoc. (APTA) Triennial EXPO 2017 EcoDistricts Summit Energy Efficiency: Current and Future 2017 Southern Solar Summit Energy Efficiency ResourcesAdvanced Commercial Buildings Initiative (ACBI) Toolkits Energy Saving Tips for the Workplace “Bring Your Green to Work” Employee Education Kit Winter is Coming (Time to Weatherize!) Social Media Video GA Power Home Energy Efficiency Tips & Rebates GA Power Commercial Energy Efficiency Tips & Rebates
The Green Matters e-newsletter is designed to give you a glimpse of important sustainability initiatives happening around the metro Atlanta region and beyond. Whether it's the latest research, new educational offerings, environmental stewardship efforts or potential funding opportunities, this e-newsletter will help you stay abreast of what's happening in this important area. |