VIRGINIA GOVERNOR ORDERS ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN STATE GOVERNMENT
On April 9, 2007 Governor Tim Kaine issued Executive Order 48, setting a goal for executive branch agencies and institutions to reduce the annual cost of non-renewable energy purchases by at least 20 percent by fiscal year 2010.
“Reducing our energy consumption and costs and protecting our natural resources is a priority for my administration,” Governor Kaine said. “Last year, Virginia State government spent over $290 million in energy costs to operate our facilities and travel on state business. To reduce the environmental consequences of that level of energy consumption and save taxpayer dollars, I am directing state government to use proven and innovative conservation technologies and energy procurement processes.”
The Executive Order directs state organizations to construct new and renovate existing state facilities consistent with U.S. Green Building Council or U.S. Energy Star ratings; to lease office space that is convenient to public transportation, energy efficient and pedestrian and bicycle accessible; to purchase fuel-efficient, low emission state-owned vehicles and maximize use of alternative transportation fuels, minimize travel, implement transit and ride sharing incentive programs and telecommuting; and to purchase or lease Energy Star rated appliances and equipment, where possible, and use recycled paper compatible office equipment.
Executive Order 48 also establishes the position of Senior Advisor for Energy Policy and the Governor’s Energy Policy Advisory Council; a board comprised of energy producers, consumer and conservation groups. The Council will review the recommendations set forth in the Virginia Energy Plan; evaluate strategies for implementing and monitoring the Plan; and identify additional energy policy options for the Commonwealth.
AECP PARTICPATES IN SCHOOL EARTH DAY CELEBRATION
On April 23, AECP Executive Director Billy Weitzenfeld gave presentations to three different school assemblies at Floyd Elementary School in Floyd, VA. The audience consisted of pre-schoolers thru seventh grade. The presentation was on the significance and importance of Earth Day, the threat of global warming, and how everyone can contribute to keeping our earth beautiful by using less energy. There was a specific focus on lighting and the difference we can make by replacing incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. A highlight of the event was a demonstration prop that very vividly showed the difference in energy use between the two bulbs. Everyone present (over 500 students total) agreed that choosing compact fluorescent bulbs was a good, simple thing we could all do to save energy and reduce our carbon footprints. Almost 600 U.S. Department of Energy “Energy Savers” Handbooks were distributed to the teachers and students.
AECP PARTICPATES IN ENVIROTHON
AECP Executive Director, Billy Weitzenfeld served as a judge for a regional Envirothon competition held at Ferrum College on April 19. The Envirothon is sponsored by the Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Districts and covers topics related to soil, water, wildlife and forestry. There is always a special topic and this year it was on renewable energy. AECP will also serve as a judge for the statewide Envirothon held on May 20 at the Smith Mountain Lake 4-H Center. The State winners will go to a national competition. There were six high school teams represented at the regional competition and there will be eighteen teams at the state competition.
AECP SPONSORS TRAINING PROGRAM WITH CENTRAL VIRGINIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
AECP has set up eight HVAC training classes at Central Virginia Community College (CVCC) that will be offered to AECP members beginning in June and going into the spring of 2008. The trainings will cover a wide variety of heating and cooling topics and will be held at the AREVA Technology Center on the CVCC campus in Lynchburg, VA. The technology Center boasts a brand new HVAC Lab and the classes will be taught by Mike Alderman, Associate Professor in HVAC at CVCC. A complete schedule with course descriptions, fees, and dates will be posted on the AECP website www.aecp.org ASAP.
ENERGY TIP
With warm weather approaching many consumers will be purchasing room air conditioners. If you are in the market be sure to look for the EnergyGuide label with the EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating. The higher the EER, the more efficient the unit is. Energy Star units exceed the federal standards by at least 10%.