2009 - Fall

Maplewood Seasons The Greening of Maplewood

Fall 2009 Maplewood Adopts A New Energy Code

By Nicholas Carver, Assistant Building Official

indoor air, and of course providing energy efficiency. A dwelling unit constructed according to the new energy code is estimated to be 15% more energy efficient than the 1999 code requirements.

What does building durability have The City of Maplewood and the State of to do with an energy code?

Minnesota have been leaders in energy Durability is the ability of a building or its saving building standards since the state components to perform adopted the first energy code their required functions in 1976. In Maplewood, over a period of time building “GREEN” is Maplewood without unforeseen nothing new! We continue costs for maintenance that leadership with the or repair. The building adoption of the new foundation durability residential and commercial energy codes (MN Rules, Ch. 1322 and 1323). system has seen the most changes in the 2009 energy code. A builder must choose As of June 1, 2009, all new commercial and the right moisture control and insulation residential construction, including additions, are required to meet the new energy efficiency method specified in the code for each type of foundation. By properly using moisture requirements specified in the code. control methods builders are able to reduce mold and rot, maintain structural integrity of The 2009 energy code replaces the previous the building, and increase energy efficiency. code from 1999 and includes provisions for assuring building durability, furnishing quality

Sustainable

What does air quality have to do with an energy code?

According to Don Sivigny, Senior Building Code Representative with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, the Minnesota Legislature also required that the 2009 energy code focus on air quality, which includes Radon control. Radon is a naturally occurring, chemically inert, radioactive gas that is not detectable by human senses. As a gas, it can move readily through particles of soil and rock and can accumulate under the slabs and foundations of homes where it can easily enter into living space. Radon-resistant construction will improve the air quality of a building, improve the health of the building’s occupants, and help regulate the building’s moisture control - which in turn assists with the building durability requirements.

To view the 2009 energy code, visit the MN Department of Labor and Industry’s website at www.dli.mn.gov/ccld/codes.asp. If you have any questions or concerns about the new energy code requirements, please call the Maplewood Building Department at 651.249.2300.

Benefits of the 2009 Energy Code

Healthy People

Healthy Buildings

Reduction in Green House Gas Emissions

Energy Savings

Maplewood Awarded Federal Energy Efficiency Grants

By Shann Finwall, AICP, Environmental Planner

Maplewood will be receiving grants totaling $163,900 as part of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program. The EECBG program, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, provides grants for projects that reduce total energy use and fossil fuel emissions, improve energy efficiency, and spur economic growth. The grants also empower local communities to make strategic investments to meet local, state, and national long-term clean energy and climate goals. Maplewood energy efficient projects covered by the grant include: • Energy audit for all public buildings and facilities.

• Replacement of two boilers at city hall with more energy-efficient boilers.

• Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) efficiency upgrades at city hall.

• Energy efficient lighting upgrades at the Community Center and Goodrich Park.

• Contribution to Maplewood Mall parking lot energy efficient lighting upgrades.

Lighting to be upgraded at Goodrich Park

The city expects to complete all of these projects within a year. In addition, as part of the grant requirements the city must complete an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy document that describes the energy goals and proposed plan for the use of the grant monies. This requirement aligns with one of the Maplewood Green Team’s 2009 goals, which is to promote energy conservation in city operations and the community. The Green Team will be working on strategies over the next few months which will provide a road map for reducing energy use and lowering energy costs for government, business, and residents.

For additional information on the EECBG program or to share ideas on energy efficiency and conservation strategies, please contact Shann Finwall, AICP, Environmental Planner, at 651.249.2304 or shann.finwall@ci.maplewood.mn.us.

Boilers to be upgraded at City Hall

Save Energy And Money Through Tax Credits And Rebates

By Nicholas Carver, Assistant Building Official

Maplewood residents have an opportunity to help the environment, save money on energy bills and put extra cash in their pockets by taking advantage of energy efficient tax credits and rebates.

Tax Credits: The federal government is offering tax credits for qualifying energy efficient home improvements, such as installing new energy efficient windows. Tax credits can cover up

to 30% of the cost of eligible improvements (up to $1,500).

To qualify, improvements must be made to your existing primary residence and new items must be placed in service by the end of 2010. Tax credits are also available for more complex projects, such as wind turbines, solar panels and geothermal systems. These credits are also limited to 30% of the actual cost, with no maximum limit and are available through 2016. For more information about eligible tax credits for energy efficient home improvements, visit: www.ase.org and www.energystar.gov.

Rebates: Rebates are available from Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy for energy-efficient appliances, furnaces and air conditioning. For rebate information visit: www.xcelenergy.com or www.centerpointenergy.com.

Energy efficient tax credits and rebates provide Maplewood homeowners with an incentive to invest in energy conservation and home improvement. Conditions do apply, so be sure to investigate all of your options thoroughly before making any home improvements.

Tax credits reduce the tax you pay, dollar-for-dollar; unlike a tax deduction (such as home mortgages and charitable giving) which lowers your taxable income. Rebates are refund payments on products you have already paid for.

Energy Efficient Solar Panels Maplewood Seasons 2

Easy Tips For Energy Savings In Your Home

By Dave Fisher, Building Official

Maplewood residents Char Brooker and Gene Mammenga installed a retractable clothes line to save energy by drying clothes outside when weather allows.

Conserving energy doesn’t have to be expensive, difficult, or time consuming. With rebate programs to help you (see article to the left), this fall is a great time to consider improvements you can make to reduce home energy use. Start with the check list below or print out the energy saving brochure from Minnesota Office of Energy Security (www.ci.maplewood.mn.us/sustainability). Which of these improvements make sense for your home?

Take The Energy Challenge! Sustainable Maplewood

By Shann Finwall, AICP, Environmental Planner

The Maplewood Green Team is made up of a group of city employees who take time out of their regular jobs to assist the city in our sustainability efforts. The Maplewood Green Team formed last year to act as the working group to achieve the goals set out in the U.S. Mayors’ Climate Protection Agreement, which commits the city to reducing emissions and pollution in our city operations and the community.

Simple Changes That Cost Nothing 7 Turn off the lights when you’re not in a room.

7 On winter nights, turn the heat down and use more blankets.

7 In summer, only use the air conditioner on very hot or very humid days.

7 Close the curtains to reduce heat loss in winter and to retain cool air on hot days.

7 Reduce the temperature on your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

7 Participate in Xcel Energy’s Saver Switch Program and save 15% off your electric bill.

7 Wash clothes in cold water and hang clothes out to dry when weather allows.

Changes You Can Make For Under $100 7 Have a home energy audit done. This will help you understand the most costeffective improvements you can make.

7 Have your furnace inspected and tuned up annually. Change furnace filters monthly.

7 Install a programmable thermostat and program it for energy savings.

7 Use compact fluorescent lights indoors and out. They use about 25% less energy and last 10 times longer than incandescent light bulbs.

7 Purchase outlet switches for your computer, television, cell phone charger, and other electronics. When plugged into the wall electronics continue to use energy—even when turned off!

7 Plant trees to shade your home from the sun and shelter your home from winter winds. Fall is a great time to plant trees and Maplewood has a tree planting rebate (visit www.ci.maplewood.mn.us/trees).

7 Install window coverings that help insulate.

7 Seal air leaks with weather-stripping and caulking.

7 Seal the leaks in your ductwork. Never use duct tape for this. Seal all joints and connections with mastic or metal tape available at most hardware stores.

Changes You Can Make For Over $100 7 When replacing appliances, choose EnergyStar appliances and electronics. The energy star label will help you determine the approximate energy cost savings of your purchase.

7 Install high quality insulation in your attic and walls. This will save both on heating in the winter and cooling in the summer.

7 When buying replacement windows, look for a low-U value—the lower the U-value the better the insulating ability.

7 When replacing your roof, choose one that is lighter in color. A light color reflects the heat and decreases the surface temperature, reducing your summer cooling bill.

Maplewood Seasons 3

Earth Day Clean Up on City Hall Campus by the Maplewood Green Team

One of the Maplewood Green Team’s 2009 goals is to promote energy conservation. Did you know that 60% of the electricity in Minnesota is generated by burning coal! Burning coal is a leading cause of smog, acid rain, global warming, and air toxins. This means that we can have a significant impact on pollution and save money by being smarter about our energy use.

As an introduction to energy conservation the Maplewood Green Team would like to invite you to take the Minnesota Energy Challenge. By taking the challenge, you agree to a few simple steps to conserve energy and reduce emissions. To take the challenge and view the Maplewood Energy Team’s standings, visit www.ci.maplewood. mn.us\sustainability and click on the Energy Challenge link. Our energy savings will be compared to the 1,000+ other teams who have taken the challenge.

Printed on 30% post-consumer waste paper

Energy From Nature!

By Carol Gernes, Naturalist

Much of the energy used by living things originates with sunlight. Energy from the sun is captured by green plants to create their own food. Plants often become food for herbivores (vegetarians), who may become food for carnivores (meat eaters). Food is a form of chemical energy and is essential for animals to live and grow.

Plants and animals that are not eaten, die and decompose. When a large quantity of decaying matter accumulates in an area, hydrocarbon fuels such as peat, coal and oil may be formed over time. These resources have been harvested by humans as an energy resource extensively during the last century. These energy resources are being depleted. Harvesting the resources and the greenhouse gases released from the fuels are also negatively impacting the environment.

What other energy sources and technologies can we use? People have See how you can generate energy by using your pedal power on the always looked to nature for ideas. Movement or kinetic energy can be used Nature Center’s Energy Bike to generate light from incandescent or fluorescent bulbs. to create electricity. We have used water movement to power grain and saw mills. In more recent history, we have generated electricity through the use of hydroelectric dams. Farm windmills were used for pumping water and larger versions are now used to produce electricity. Like green plants, solar panels capture energy from the sun. Underground geothermal systems for heating and cooling our homes use the energy from heat that is stored in the earth. Methane produced in landfills is collected and used for energy. Biochemists are exploring the chemicals used by fireflies and deep sea creatures to create higher efficiency, heat-free lighting.

Conserving energy and improving energy technologies lighten our impact on the environment. For a fun introduction to energy concepts, come try the Energy Bike at the Maplewood Nature Center. Hop on the bike, begin pedaling, and use your muscle power to light up an incandescent or fluorescent bulb. Which is easier? Get hours and directions to the Nature Center at www. ci.maplewood.mn.us/naturecenter or call 651.249.2170.

Friendly Firefly Wants to Help You Save Energy in your Home!

1. Count

how many of each of these items that use energy are in your home:

Computers & TVs ________ Video Game Consoles ________

Air Conditioners ________Fans _______

CDs, Stereos, MP3 Players_______

CFL Bulbs ________

Incandescent Bulbs _____

2. Read Firefly’s Fun Facts:

 Using a fan instead of a room air conditioner uses seven times less energy.  Replacing incandescent blubs with compact fluorescent bulbs saves energy.  Turning off lights, computers, TVs, and video games saves lots of energy.

3. Think of ONE way that you can use LESS energy and write it below:

Great Job! Brainstorm with your family about how to get started on your new plan!

Maplewood Seasons 4