The City of Cambridge is seeking out motivated individuals to join our team of Block Captains to catapult the City into first place as the largest energy saver in the country. Cambridge is a semi-finalist in the $5 million Georgetown University Energy Prize and we need help from you to get over the goal line. If you are interested in helping your neighbors and your City save energy through Mass Save no-cost energy assessments, please fill out this brief interest questionnaire. The Energy Efficiency Block Captains will be responsible for implementing an organized effort to enable energy saving assessments at the neighborhood level. Responsibilities include:

• Sign neighbors up for no-cost MassSave energy assessments
• Track participation and follow up with neighbors to help complete assessments and track resulting energy-saving actions
• Organize optional activities such as lightbulb exchanges, solar house parties, and other energy-saving initiatives
• Report activities to the Energy Efficiency Block Captain Coordinator and participate in competitions between neighborhoods to achieve as many assessments as possible

CEA seeks volunteers of all ages with strong communication and community organizing skills and a desire to conduct energy efficiency outreach activity in Cambridge neighborhoods. Enthusiasm for environmental and civic issues, along with determination and a positive attitude, are key traits. Time commitment of multiple hours per week over a 2-3 month period to conduct and follow up on outreach activity. More questions? Email Jessica at jnahigian@cambridgema.gov.

The Georgetown University Energy Prize is a $5 million, two-year competition between 50 cities across the country to encourage innovative approaches to energy savings. Cambridge is In It to Win It and we need the whole community to get involved! The competition is judged based on electricity and gas bill savings in the residential and municipal sectors, along with the innovative nature, replicability, inclusiveness, and long-term impacts of the approaches. Energy assessments through the MassSave program are central to our strategy because they give residents a customized evaluation of energy use and energy saving opportunities in their homes, with instant savings measures along with incentives for further action. So far, Cambridge has had 2,200 energy assessments performed.

For more information about the Georgetown Prize, see www.cambridgeenergyalliance.org/winit.

The questionnaire can be found here.

It’s getting cooler outside, but Cambridge’s competition in the Georgetown University Energy Prize is heating up! The schools are back in session and they’re In It to Win It—on September 30th over 500 CRLS students participated in the Alliance for Climate Education assembly to learn about why climate change is important to them and how they can take action to reduce energy use and emissions in Cambridge. And the Education First Glocal Challenge has over 150 students signed up for teams to find solutions to wasted energy in Cambridge.

Adults can get involved, too— We need your help at Cambridge City Hall Annex on October 19th! Join Cambridge Energy Alliance and other climate groups across Cambridge in a collaborative phone call party that will target folks who have already expressed interest but have not yet completed a Home Energy Assessment.

RSVP HERE.
http://www.evite.com/event/026ALO325BZFJM7YEEPFLSBB4NOQ5A

We’ll all get together for an hour or so, make some phone calls, enjoy refreshments and get to know each other a bit more. A call list and brief script will be provided, though you are welcome to bring your own list.

This will be the first official meeting of the Cambridge Neighborhood Committee for GUEP!

Energy Efficiency Block Captain Coordinator Volunteer Internship

The Cambridge Energy Alliance is recruiting a part-time volunteer for internship level work. We are looking for a volunteer to help CEA and the City of Cambridge win the $5 million Georgetown University Energy Prize. We need to reduce our energy use the most, and we have a little over a year to do it! This is an exciting opportunity to build community involvement in this city-wide initiative to reduce wasted energy by coordinating action at the neighborhood level. Projects will be organized by CEA staff in the Cambridge Community Development Department, but most of the volunteer work can be carried out remotely.

The Georgetown University Energy Prize

The Georgetown University Energy Prize is a $5 million, two-year competition between 50 cities across the country to encourage innovative approaches to energy savings. Cambridge is In It to Win It and we need the whole community to get involved! The competition is judged based on electricity and gas bill savings in the residential and municipal sectors, along with the innovative nature, replicability, inclusiveness, and long-term impacts of the approaches. Energy assessments through the MassSave program are central to our strategy because they give residents a customized evaluation of energy use and energy saving opportunities in their homes, with instant savings measures along with incentives for further action. Our goal is for every home in Cambridge to take advantage of this opportunity which costs nothing, saves money on energy bills, and leads to healthier and more comfortable homes.

For more information about the Georgetown Prize, see www.cambridgeenergyalliance.org/winit.

Position Summary

The Energy Efficiency Block Captain Coordinator will be responsible for implementing an organized effort to enable energy saving activities at the neighborhood level. Responsibilities include:
• Assist in the creation of an energy efficiency block captain toolkit with materials necessary to educate block captain volunteers to achieve the following goals:
o Sign neighbors up for no-cost MassSave energy assessments
o Track participation and follow up with neighbors to help complete assessments and track resulting energy-saving actions
o Organize optional activities such as lightbulb exchanges, solar house parties, and other energy-saving initiatives
• Recruit, train, and supervise block captains in all Cambridge neighborhoods, using CEA website as communication interface
• Coordinate with Next Step Living and MassSave to ensure timely completion of energy assessments and track results
• Track block captain activity and report regularly on results
• Assist with design, implementation, and outreach around competitions between neighborhoods to achieve as many assessments as possible

Skills and Qualifications

CEA seeks a person with exceptional communication and community organizing skills, both written and in-person, with a desire to lead Cambridge residents in energy efficiency outreach activity. Must be able to successfully organize and supervise a diverse group of volunteers working towards a common goal across the City. Enthusiasm for environmental and civic issues, along with determination and a positive attitude, are key traits. Seeking part-time commitment from fall 2015 through December 2016.

To Apply

Inquiries, nominations or referrals, and resumes and/or brief letters expressing interest should be directed in confidence to: winit@cambridgema.gov.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until position is filled. No phone calls, please.

If you are interested in contributing to this initiative but can’t commit to the full Coordinator position, let us know if you would like to volunteer as a Block Captain and look for that posting soon!

Perhaps you saw our ad in this month’s City View? Well, it’s happening! The Georgetown University Energy Prize is going on now, and we are all a part of it. Our city’s collective energy use is being measured and the more we can lower it by the end of 2016, the better shot we have at a 5 million – yes, million – dollars. The money would be used to fund energy initiatives in the city that will benefit everyone. So let’s WIN IT!

Here’s how you can help:

1. Go to our brand new Ideas Forum. Vote and comment on the posts that are there, and then submit your own ideas for how we can reduce our energy use. Think big! Think small! We want to hear it all.
2. 2. Sign in to your electricity account with Eversource. They have a brand new, customized portal that shows you all sorts of information about your energy use and steps you can take to reduce wasted energy.
3. Haven’t had a Mass Save energy assessment in the last 3 years? Now is the time. It’s a no-cost way to start saving real money on energy in your home. Renters and homeowners alike can take advantage of this amazing program. Schedule your assessment now.
4. Take action in your home and business. Flicking off the lights, using a fan instead of AC, and turning down your water heater are all things you can do to make a difference. Need ideas? We’ve got ’em!
5. Tell a friend. Tell your landlord. Tell your boss. Spread the word! Follow us on Twitter @Cambenergy #WINITCambridge and like us on facebook.com/cambridgeenergyalliance.

And THANK YOU! We can’t do it without you.

If you’ve visited the tools or lighting aisles at TAGS hardware store on a Saturday or Sunday, you have probably seen a home energy information table. The home energy information table has provided thousands of customers with free advice and resources for saving energy and reducing carbon emissions. On Friday May 29, Cambridge City officials visited TAGS to thank owners and staff for their work to make the city more energy efficient.

At an informal ceremony in front of the store, Cambridge City Councilor, Leland Cheung, and Outreach Director of Cambridge Energy Alliance, Meghan Shaw, presented a resolution to TAGS Co-owners Margaret “Mardi” Moran and Simon Shapiro. The resolution, approved by Cambridge City Council on Monday May 25, reads “The City Council commends with gratitude the exemplary contribution of the owners and employees of TAGS toward the reduction of energy and greenhouse gas emissions”. City Councilor Cheung explained the resolution was approved without opposition saying, “The Council supports the leadership provided by members of the city’s business community, and TAGS is a great example of that leadership”.

TAGS began offering the information table in 2012 with support from Cambridge Energy Alliance and Next Step Living out of concern for the environment. Ms. Moran explained, “The need to reduce carbon emissions is so urgent. We are happy to make this resource available.” Mr. Shapiro explained that in addition to helping area residents, TAGS is also taking steps to reduce its own energy use, such as replacing all of it’s lighting with highly-efficient LEDs. Ms. Shaw praised the initiative of the co-owners saying. “You have always said ‘yes’ to taking actions for a strong, sustainable community.”

The home energy information table at TAGS helps people to take steps to reduce energy use in their homes by giving them the chance to see and ask questions about sample energy-saving light bulbs, power strips, faucet aerators, shower heads, and more. The table is staffed by an energy savings specialist who can offer advice about energy savings programs and schedule no-cost home energy assessments.

TAGS has been especially generous in making space for the home energy information table in the store, but they are not alone. Check out other Cambridge institutions that have made space for the home energy information tables.

There are many residents of Cambridge who can make their homes more energy efficient, and Cambridge Energy Alliance is eager to see many more information tables across the city. If you can offer a little space for a home energy information table in a store, house of worship, office, or other place where people gather, please send email to outreach@cambridgeenergyalliance.org. You’ll help people save energy and money; you’ll help the environment; and you’ll help Cambridge in its competition with 49 other U.S. cities to win the $5 Million Georgetown University Energy Prize.

In front of TAGS hardware store, City Councilor, Leland Cheung, at center, presents the resolution, with Meghan Shaw to left, and Mardi Moran and Simon Shapiro to right. Also shown are Christine Ellersick (far left), Anika Klaessig (held by her mother), Zack McArthur, and Malcolm Bliss (far right).

Rick Muehlke is canvassing door to door in Cambridge. He’s talking with residents about ways they can save energy, to help Cambridge win $5 million in the Georgetown University Energy Prize.

Canvassing door to door is challenging work, but Rick knows people need to take action to reduce energy demands and help our city beat the 49 other U.S. cities competing for the prize. He also knows people are more likely take action when someone talks with them face-to-face.

Rick has done canvassing work for years, but he started to canvass in Cambridge on March 18. Rick explained, “It’s hard work, but it’s all worth it, to help reduce carbon emissions and help people save money by saving energy.” On a good day, Rick will knock on 50 doors, speak with 20 or more people, and a half-dozen or more will commit to energy-saving action.

The door-to-door canvass that Rick is part of is supported by the City of Cambridge, Cambridge Energy Alliance, and the Boston-based business, Next Step Living. On behalf of Cambridge Energy Alliance, Rick asks residents to take measures such as scheduling a no-cost Mass Save home energy assessment, weatherizing their home, or installing solar panels. Any of these measures will help Cambridge win the Georgetown University Energy Prize. Any of these measures will also save energy and money on a resident’s energy bills.

Last week, Rick had an unusual experience. Normally, he proceeds from door to door without much interruption. “A guy saw I was canvassing for Cambridge Energy Alliance and called to me from across the street. I crossed the street to him, and he scheduled a no-cost home energy assessment.” said Rick, “I didn’t even need to knock on his door! If everyone were that pro-active it would sure help Cambridge win the prize.”

Cambridge Energy Alliance plans for the canvass to continue from neighborhood to neighborhood with a 100% participation goal. The canvass is one of many initiatives being taken to help win the Georgetown University Energy Prize. All residents of Cambridge are encouraged to reduce their energy using ideas such as on the Cambridge Energy Alliance website. Volunteers are needed to help the city reduce its energy use. Please contact outreach@cambridgeenergyalliance.org if you are interested in getting involved.

Have you and your friends had your no-cost home energy assessment yet? No need to wait for Rick to come to your door, get started here.

Cambridge has been selected to advance to the Semifinal round of the Georgetown University Energy Prize, a national competition that challenges us, along with other small- and medium-sized communities to develop and implement creative, sustainable, and replicable strategies to save energy.

Our commitment to environmental sustainability and energy efficiency has put us in the running against leading small- and medium-sized communities across the county.

Cambridge will work together over the next two years with NSTAR, business associations, local schools and universities, residents, and our innovation and technology sector businesses to implement our energy-saving plan that will not only deliver financial benefits to residents, but will also help ensure the long-term sustainability of our community. Most importantly, we will develop new approaches that other communities can replicate—so that we can all do our part to secure our nation’s energy future.

In competing for the Georgetown University Energy Prize, Cambridge intends to focus improvements on:

• Working with the high tech sector to deploy energy saving technology
• Piloting an improved multi-family energy efficiency program
• Offering a deep energy retrofit raffle
• Promoting community solar

Stay tuned for more details on the Prize, Cambridge’s energy-saving plan, and to learn how you can support our efforts. In the meantime, please stay connected with us through our website CambridgeEnergyAlliance.org, Facebook page and Twitter profile @CambEnergy.

We are excited to get underway in the competition and we look forward to elevating Cambridge as a national leader of energy efficiency efforts in America.

For questions about the Prize or if you would like to get involved in the effort, please contact Meghan Shaw at 617-349-5323 or mshaw@cambridgema.gov

Here are some easy but important tips to help you keep costs down, reduce your environmental impact, and keep the pipes from freezing while you are away this winter.

1. Set your thermostat between 52 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything lower and you could endanger your pipes when temperatures are freezing. Anything higher and you are wasting energy!

2. If you live in a single family home or condominium, you can also turn down your water heater or put it into vacation mode. There is no need to heat water to hot temperatures when no one is going to be using it.

3. Use all of your window defenses—make sure windows are closed and latched, and close curtains and blinds to help keep the cold from getting in. If you have a particularly drafty window, you can improvise temporary insulation treatments, such as pinning a wool blanket to cover the window—since you’ll be away, this is a case of function over form.

4. Mind the gaps. If you have a fireplace, make sure the damper is closed. Insulate or seal cracks or gaps in your walls that let in drafts. Here is a DIY Guide. You can also sign up for a home energy assessment to get free air sealing. In a pinch, use door snakes or rolled up blankets to cover drafty spots (just make sure you aren’t covering a vent).

5. Need to leave a light on or using a light timer? Make sure the bulb is an energy-efficient LED or CFL.

6. Unplug anything that doesn’t absolutely need to be plugged in. Many of your electronics use energy even when they are turned off. Switch off powerstrips and unplug appliances while you are gone. By the way, smart powerstrips (available with a utility discount at efi.org) can help you eliminate standby power all the time, not just when you’re away.

7. Give a friend a spare key. If there is a storm expected, have the friend stop in before and after to to make sure everything is in good order at your place, and to address any problems as soon as possible. You can thank them with a bottle of wine and a smart powerstrip!

Have creative ideas for reducing energy costs while away? We’d love to hear them—share them in the comments section.