Kohl's earns EPA's Energy Star label at 50 stores

From a press release posted on YahooBiz:

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kohl’s Department Stores (NYSE: KSS - News) has earned the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) prestigious Energy Star label for 50 of its stores nationwide, marking the largest group of retail buildings (non-supermarket) to earn the label in Energy Star history. The EPA’s Energy Star program designates commercial buildings and industrial plants that rate in the top 25 percent of facilities in the nation for energy efficiency. Kohl’s stores earning the Energy Star designation are located in Colorado (7), Illinois (14), Minnesota (8), New York (12), Utah (4) and Wisconsin (5).

Kohl’s incorporates energy efficient systems and practices into all of its buildings. Features include:

+ centralized energy management control systems;
+ occupancy sensor lighting for stockrooms, break rooms and offices;
+ high-efficiency lighting; and
+ high-efficiency heating and cooling systems.

From Cows to Crops
Thursday, July 31st
10:30 am – 11:30 am, Room 300 SE, Wisconsin State Capitol
1 – 2:30 pm, Room 411, DATCP, Madison, Wisconsin
Summary: High food and crop prices are straining farmer and consumers. But this briefing will explore an innovative approach to use dairy manure as a resource to heat greenhouses and grow locally produced, high quality food, and clean up potential pollution concerns from waste.

The National Produce Production Development Company Inc. (NPPI) will discuss its proprietary Thermophilic Anaerobic Digestion (TAD) technology and plans to build the first network of profitable greenhouses in the United States, enabling local grown, quality produce food for consumers while cleaning our air and water.

Speakers: Steven Siegel, NPPI CEO, will present their patented process and WI prospects,

Brett Hulsey, Better Environmental Solutions, How dairy farmers can light our homes, run our cars, clean our air, provide us high quality food, and protect our streams.

Brett Hulsey, MNS
President, Better Environmental Solutions
Practical Solutions Today for a Better Tomorrow
222 S. Hamilton, Suite 14
Madison, WI 53703
Phone: 608-238-6070
Cell: 608-334-4994
Email: Brett@BetterEnviro.Com
Website: www.BetterEnviro.Com

RFP for Wisconsin’s Energy Efficiency Potential Study

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin has issued an RFP for a study of Wisconsin’s energy efficiency potential. According to the Scope outlined in the RFP:

The purpose of the potential study is to assess economic and achievable potential for reducing natural gas and electric use and peak electric demand in the state of Wisconsin through energy efficiency measures and customer-sited renewable resources. The three major sectors, residential, commercial and industrial, must be included in the study. The primary goal of the potential study is to provide critical data for the design of policies and programs to increase the investment in energy efficiency and customer-sited renewable resources, including:

° Quantifying the energy efficiency and customer-sited renewable resources available for system planning and reduction of greenhouse gases.

° Setting aggressive energy savings goals.

° Determining appropriate funding levels for delivery of energy efficiency and customer-sited renewable resource programs.

° Designing programs to achieve the long-term potential.

Questions regarding the potential study RFP should be directed to Carol Stemrich at the PSC: (608) 266-8174.

ATC improvements double as major energy efficiency upgrades

From a media release issued by ATC:

WAUKESHA, Wis. – American Transmission Co.’s $1.7 billion investment in reliability and efficiency upgrades to the transmission grid over the past seven years also has contributed to energy savings and reduced carbon emissions. In figures released today, ATC demonstrates that its more robust high-voltage transmission system has helped reduce electrical output at peak times equivalent to a 125-megawatt generating plant.

“Our investment may be one of the largest energy savings programs in the Upper Midwest,” said José Delgado, ATC president and chief executive officer. “The more efficient high-voltage lines and newer infrastructure that we’ve placed in service results in lower line losses. We can translate this into significant environmental benefits. With the recent approval of the final report by Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle’s Task Force on Global Warming, this is good news.”

Flora Flygt, director of ATC Transmission Planning, explained, “Transmission system improvements also function as major energy efficiency upgrades on the electric system because of the sheer volume of energy they carry. Even a small increase in the efficiency of the grid’s power-carrying capabilities can yield significant energy-saving and carbon-reducing results.”

She said the savings are due to reduced electricity losses. “In simple terms, our improvements mean that the wires do not get as hot, which results in substantially lower electricity losses in the process of moving power into communities,” said Flygt.

Lower losses between the generation source and the delivery point mean a reduction in the required electricity output needed to transport power and meet demand. If the generation source is a fossil-fueled power plant, the result is lower carbon emissions. Losses on ATC’s high-voltage network are relatively low at around 2.2 percent of energy carried.

Focus on Energy seeks proposals on large capitol energy-efficiency projects

From Focus on Energy:

Large Commercial Customer Bidding Program
This program allows large commercial customers to compete for enhanced funding for large capitol energy projects that may be stalled or delayed. Customer bids are scored based on energy savings potential, project cost, technologies involved and bid amount. The most attractive bids are awarded incentives which are higher than custom incentives. A new round opens on August 1, and bids are due September 1, 2008. To learn more, click here.

Task force issues final global warming recommendations

From a media release announcing release of the final report of the Governor's Global Warming Task Force:

MADISON – Today, Governor Jim Doyle’s Task Force on Global Warming announced it has finalized its report on addressing global warming in Wisconsin. The 29-member Task Force, comprised of environmental, agricultural, industry, citizen, tribal and utility leaders will now forward the report on to Governor Doyle for consideration.

“By working together the Task Force has developed an aggressive multi-sector strategy to address global warming that will put Wisconsin on track to being a leader in meeting one of the most significant challenges of our time,” said Roy Thilly, Global Warming Task Force Co-Chair. “The recommendations contained in this report help keep Wisconsin competitive and create new jobs, while preserving our environment for future generations.”

“I am very pleased with the breadth and depth of the strategy this Task Force has put forth,” said Tia Nelson, Global Warming Task Force Co-Chair. “The stringent emission reduction targets combined with substantial new investments in energy conservation and efficiency and increased reliance on home grown renewable power will establish Wisconsin as a national leader on climate change while helping the state achieve greater energy independence in the years to come.

The Governor’s Task Force on Global Warming agreed on a group of interim targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 2005 levels by 2014 and 1990 levels by 2022. The long-term targets include a goal to reach 75 percent reduction from 2005 levels by 2050.

The Report makes over 50 viable and actionable policy recommendations in the utility, transportation, agriculture, forestry and industry sectors, as well as a number of recommendations in other areas, including support for a proposed federal or regional greenhouse gas cap and trade program. In accordance with Governor Doyle’s Executive Order 191, which created the Task Force, many of the Task Force’s recommendations identify ways to grow the state’s economy and create new jobs arising from the opportunities created by addressing climate change. Careful attention also has been paid to mitigating the potential costs of the recommended policies on consumers and Wisconsin’s industrial base. . . .

Clean energy needs transmission

An editorial From the Wisconsin State Journal:

High-powered transmission lines don 't produce energy. They simply move it around to help keep people 's lights on.
Big transmission lines also can transfer clean energy just as easily as they can carry power from the dirtiest coal-fired generators.

Those are points many opponents of a 32-mile to 55-mile, 345-kilovolt line from west of Middleton to eastern Dane County seem to be missing. Higher energy use in Dane County doesn 't have to increase pollution or the carbon dioxide emissions blamed for contributing to climate change.

Just look at Texas.

The Lone Star state is already a national leader in generating power from wind. Just last week, Texas utility officials gave preliminary approval to spend $4.9 billion on big transmission lines to carry a huge amount of wind power from gusty West Texas to big cities such as Dallas. The lines would supply enough energy to serve an estimated 4 million homes.

That means the transmission lines are great news for the environment.

"We have all these wind plants up and operating. What we 're asking for is the superhighway to get the energy to the cities, " said Tom Smith, director of the Texas chapter of the consumer group Public Citizen. "This will send signals to manufacturers all across the world Texas is ready to be a world-class player in renewable energy. "

Wisconsin is similarly striving to create more renewable fuels. Wisconsin is not an especially windy state. But leaders are exploring erecting wind turbines on blustery Lake Michigan.

Wisconsin also enjoys a huge supply of material such as wood chips, corn stalks, manure and even paper factory waste that can be turned into biofuel.

In addition, some environmentalists are open to erecting a high-powered transmission line across southwestern Wisconsin to connect to wind power in Iowa and Minnesota.

The ongoing controversy over whether to allow a big transmission line around Madison is more complicated. The debate is essentially over how much energy Dane County will need in the future.

Conservation is important and will help reduce demand. But conservation alone won 't offset our growing region 's appetite for power. That 's especially true if plug-in automobiles eventually replace our gas-guzzling cars.

What Wisconsin needs more of is clean energy. And as we develop more of that, we 'll need to move it around just as before.

Build a commercial building to be solar ready

From a fact sheet published by Focus on Energy:

Flat, open rooftops on large commercial buildings offer the perfect real estate for solar electric systems, and commercial building owners are beginning to take notice. Whether they’ve heard about technological advances in solar electric equipment, success stories about existing systems, or available financial incentives, commercial building owners are now considering solar power for their own properties.

Even if an owner or developer chooses not to install a system as part of the initial construction, it makes sense to construct the building to be “solar-electric ready.” A solar-electric-ready building reduces future installation costs and ensures there is suitable roof area for a system. Solar-electric readiness is an asset if the building is to be leased or sold. By incorporating a few simple ideas early in the design process, building solar-ready can be a smart and affordable decision that can help sell the building.

The solar industry forecasts rapid growth in solar electric installations on commercial buildings. These systems make sense whether building owners buy the equipment themselves or lease the rooftop to a thirdparty owner. Planning today for a future solar electric system ensures that building owners can take advantage of this growing market.

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Natural gas customers could face sticker shock

From an article by Richard Ryman in the Green Bay Press-Gazette:

Consumers could be in for a shock this winter if natural gas prices remain high through the summer.

"If it stays the way it is, people are going to be a little bit shocked by their heating bills," said Kerry Spees, spokesman for Wisconsin Public Service Corp. in Green Bay.

Natural gas prices traditionally are lower in the summer, and utilities take the opportunity to store it at those lower rates for winter use. This summer, rates have not fallen.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, wellhead prices for natural gas climbed from $6.37 per thousand in November 2007 to $8.94 in April, the latest month for which figures are available. Natural gas was trading at around $13 on the Nymex futures market Monday.

Spees said utilities have been waiting for prices to fall to begin summer storage. If they all begin buying at the same time, it will keep demand, and prices, higher.

He said a series of fortuitous events this summer could mitigate higher prices later, including mild temperatures nationwide and no hurricanes that affect offshore production.

"That's a lot of ifs," he said.

Spees said this would be a good time for consumers to make home improvements to reduce winter costs, such as adding insulation and improving caulking and weather stripping.

Also, he said, conserving energy in the summer will help because it will reduce the need to use natural gas-fired peaking plants to generate electricity. Peaking plants often are required when air-conditioning use is high.

Focus on Energy seeks demo project for solar wall technology

From a demonstration project grant announcement by Focus on Energy:

This Demonstration Grant provides financial support for the installation of commercially available transpired solar wall collector systems, which are most commonly used in facilities needing large volumes of make-up air. Focus on Energy seeks applicants with an ideal site to install, assess and promote the use of this little-utilized solar technology. This special Demonstration Grant will give priority to highly visible installations at building sites of organizations with an educational mission. Public facilities with high levels of foot traffic and a means of raising awareness about the technology are encouraged to apply. Examples of highly visible locations include municipal buildings, nature centers, schools, colleges, and museums. Grant applicants are expected to prepare a visual presentation about the system and utilize displays, brochures or on-site kiosks to provide educational information about this solar technology. The project lead or the installation contractor should be prepared to present this material at a Focus-on-Energy-sponsored renewable energy event. Focus on Energy will need access to monitor the system’s energy performance, or we can assist the grant recipient in monitoring, if preferable.

A project’s funding level is based on the size and expected energy savings of the transpired solar wall collector. The maximum reward level is $45,000 and the grant will cover a maximum of 35% of the system’s installed cost for nonprofit or publicly owned facilities and a maximum of 25% for other private facilities. Demonstration Grants of up to 65% or $5,000 will also be granted for the preparation or purchase of visual materials. It is expected that up to three grants will be awarded for this special request for transpired solar wall demonstration. This grant will be funded on a competitive basis with preference given to nonprofit or publicly owned facilities. Funding may be less than the level requested by the applicant.

Focus on Energy’s policy limits awards to no more than $500,000 for any individual or business during each fiscal year. This includes projects contracted between July 1, 2007 and December 31, 2008. There is no restriction on the number of contracts an individual or business can receive within the $500,000 fiscal-year limit.

Focus on Energy program hailed as cutting edge

From a media release issued by Focus on Energy:

MADISON, Wis. (July 10, 2008) - In its recent report titled, "Global Warming Solutions That Work," Environment America's Research & Policy Center cited Focus on Energy, Wisconsin's energy efficiency and renewable energy initiative, as an example of a cutting-edge program. Focus was lauded for it efforts to keep jobs in the state and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions while saving money on energy costs.

The report specifically recognized the work Focus has done with industrial facilities. Because these facilities typically use a lot of energy for operational purposes, the opportunities for energy efficiency and related energy costs savings abound. Yet, industrial facilities are not the only business sector Focus works with. The program also provides energy saving options for schools and local governments and commercial and agricultural facilities. To date businesses that have worked with Focus have saved nearly 700 million kilowatt-hours, 50 million therms and more than $100 million in energy costs.

"We know the Focus on Energy Program is providing the state with innumerable environmental and economic benefits, and we are proud to be recognized as an example for others to emulate," said Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) Chairperson Eric Callisto. "We all win when steps are taken to combat global warming and fortunately many residents in the state realize this and have taken advantage of the Focus on Energy Programs available to them."

Environment America is the latest in a series of organizations to recognize Focus on Energy for its contributions to the environment and the citizens of Wisconsin. In the past several months, the program was also recognized by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Does global warming require changes in cost effectiveness tests

A Brown Bag Seminar from the Association of Energy Service Providers:

Does the Global Warming Challenge Require Changes in the Cost Effectiveness Tests Used to Evaluate Utility Energy Efficiency Programs?

Thursday, July 31, 2008 at 1:00 p.m.(EDT)

In the past year, Legislatures and Governments have been adopting far reaching policies and proposed policy mechanisms to achieve significant reductions in the output of GHG gases in the United States and the World by 2020 and 2050 . However it is not clear how or if the benefits of reducing GHG gases have been incorporated into the planning of energy efficiency programs. This session addresses the question of whether changes are needed in the current method of assessing the costs and benefits of programs in general and energy efficiency programs in particular help achieve these GHG goals in the most efficient and effective manner possible. Topics discussed will include changes to the discount rate, value of marginal energy resources, use of damage rather than cost functions, and the incorporation of “option value” for early GHG reduction strategies.

Workshops for HVAC contractors

From Focus on Energy:

Focus on Energy, Wisconsin's energy efficiency and renewable energy program, invites you to learn the results from recent surveys that answer these questions and more at one of several HVAC Programs Update Meetings to be held across the state.

Find out what your customers are telling us about:

What motivates their HVAC purchase choices
When and why they purchase
How happy they are with their contractors

PLUS, get the latest updates on:

New Focus on Energy efforts to promote high efficiency HVAC products
Changes to existing Focus HVAC programs
And more!

Register here.

Workshop dates and locations:

Eau Claire
August 11, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Best Western Trail Lodge
3340 Mondovi Road

Superior
August 11, 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The Shack Smokehouse & Grill
3301 Belknap Street

Wausau
August 12, 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Hereford & Hops Steakhouse
2305 Sherman Street

Appleton
August 12, 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Stone Cellar Brewery
1004 S. Olde Oneida Street

South Milwaukee
August 13, 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Oak Creek Community Center
8580 S. Howell Avenue, Oak Creek

West Milwaukee
August 13, 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Water Street Brewery
3191 Golf Road, Delafield

Madison
August 14, 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
WI Energy Conservation Corporation
431 Charmany Drive

Web conference
August 14, 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Businesses can manage rising natural gas costs

From a fact sheet published by Focus on Energy:

You can reduce natural gas use at your facility. This Focus on Energy action list will help you get started. If you do not have the expertise in-house, work with Focus on Energy and local experts such as contractors and product
and service providers to complete energysaving projects.

This fact sheet identifies no-cost, low-cost and moderate cost options to increase your businesses’ energy efficiency. Each step you take will help you manage rising natural gas costs now and in years to come. . . .

1. Install setback thermostats or check settings of existing units
2. Ensure energy management systems are working properly
3. Install boiler system controls
4. Maintain steam systems
5. Optimize hot water systems
6. Install heat recovery units

p.s. Natural gas prices have nearly doubled in the last 12 months.

Stronger building energy codes and incentives could lead to dramatic energy savings in buildings

From a Building an energy-efficient America: Zero energy and high efficiency buildings issued by Wisconsin Environment:

Approximately 75 percent of our buildings will be new or renovated by the year 2035. Although this situation represents huge potential for saving energy, market barriers are preventing the widespread adoption of energy-effi cient building practices.

Those barriers include:
• Many construction and home building firms resist the marginally higher upfront costs of actions to improve building effi ciency and therefore are slow to adopt measures that would benefit renters and home and building owners.

• Buyers and renters lack the information needed to choose more energy-efficient properties.

Policies can be adopted to overcome these barriers and ensure that new buildings and renovations take advantage of energy-effi cient practices, such as:

• Building energy codes should be improved and enforced. National model codes should be 30 percent more efficient by 2010 and state codes should match or exceed
the model codes.

• Federal, state, and local governments should adopt policies that encourage building far beyond code and retrofitting existing buildings for increased efficiency.

• Policies should be designed to encourage on-site renewable power.

• Political leaders should set the goal for all new buildings to be zero net energy by 2030.

These policy changes would have a huge impact on energy use and global warming emissions in the United States, at little cost.

• Adopting and enforcing strong building codes nationally
could reduce our annual energy consumption by 2 percent from 2030 projected use.

• Investments of $21.6 billion a year for five years through federal efficiency programs could reduce our energy use enough to replace more than 100 coal-fi red power plants and lower annual carbon dioxide emissions by 433.5 MMT.

• One quad of energy gained through building efficiency would cost $42.1 billion, 35 percent of the cost to gain the same amount of energy through new coal plants, and
under 20 percent of the cost to gain the same amount of energy through new nuclear generation.

Half of the buildings constructed today will still be in use in the middle of this century.The decisions we make today will have a lasting effect on our energy economy.