Sustainable Hudson Valley guides communities in creating action plans for the transition to 100% renewable energy with assessment of needs, identification of supply options, site identification, local consensus building and community engagement.
We are working with the Marbletown Environmental Conservation Commission to help residents of Marbletown and the Hudson Valley create their own climate plans, so that when the time comes, you are prepared and informed to make the most efficient decision for the planet and your wallet. Starting your own 100% renewable plan can be difficult, but we are partnering with free energy coaches to help.
Wondering where to start? Take a look at the links below:
Marbletown’s 100% Renewable Action Plan
Created with the help of Sustainable Hudson Valley, the plan was endorsed by the Town Board of Marbletown on August 18, 2020. It is being implemented by the Marbletown Environmental Commission, SHV and many partners to speed up the town’s shift to 100% renewable energy.
Learn 10 Cost-Effective Steps to Go Renewable
You can get discounts on many of the services you need to take these steps through our Group Purchase Program.
1. RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY
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Step 1:
RENEWABLE ELECTRICITYCommunity Choice Aggregation and Buying Green Power
Community choice aggregation (CCA) is when a local entity purchases clean energy on behalf of the entire community or region, allowing many homeowners at once to be supplied with clean energy.
Action for this Step
- If your town has joined a CCA to buy 100% green electricity, you are already participating.
- If your town has not yet joined a CCA, encourage the town board to do so.
Resources
2. HOME OR COMMUNITY SOLAR
Step 2:
HOME OR COMMUNITY SOLAR
Community solar is a subscription to get your home’s power from a solar farm. This can result in up to 10% on your electricity bill.
Solar PV is a good option for those that have a suitable roof and can take advantage of tax credits.
ACTION FOR THIS STEP
- Signing up for community solar is quick and easy.
- See additional documents for more information that can help you search for a local solar PV contractor
Resources
- Community Solar
- Home Solar
3. BUILDING INSULATION AND AIR SEALING
Step 3:
BUILDING INSULATION and AIR SEALING
Your home energy efficiency can be one of the easiest things to identify and improve.
ACTION FOR THIS STEP
Many contractors low cost, or even free, energy audits. This is a great way to evaluate your home for any areas that can and should be upgraded
RESOURCES
4. EFFICIENT LIGHTING AND APPLIANCES
Step 4:
EFFICIENT LIGHTING & APPLIANCES
Lighting is considered a “low hanging fruit”. This means that while replacing the bulbs in your home is a low cost, it can contribute greatly to your home’s energy efficiency.
ACTION FOR THIS STEP
Purchase CFL or LED lightbulbs
RESOURCES
5. VEHICLES/TRANSPORTATION
STEP 5:
VEHICLES / TRANSPORTATION
Transportation is responsible for about 30% of nation wide emissions. Driving less, biking, or using public transportations are easy, and cheap ways to reduce the fossil fuel output from transportation.
ACTION FOR THIS STEP
- Be EV ready. The next time you have electrical work done at the home, ask the electrician to install an EV charger or a charger ready circuit.
- Browse the 40+ new & used models to make your next car electric.
RESOURCES
- Charging
- New Electric and Plug-in electric
- PlugStar.com
- Drive Electric Hudson Valley
- Drive Change, Drive Electric (includes info on every make & model)
- Used EVs
- Plug in America Buyer’s Guide to find the make/model that’s right for you.
- Surprisingly affordable electric vehicles.
- Ebay Motors Electric is very useful to browse electrics.
- CarMax used EVs
- 511 NY Rideshare
- Public transport
- Bikes and Electric bikes/scooters
- Revolution Bicycles, Kingston
6. HEATING AND COOLING
STEP 6:
HEATING AND COOLING
Heating and cooling in the home can be the largest consumption of energy and carbon within the home. Making sure these systems are efficient and clean is important to making the home carbon free.
ACTION FOR THIS STEP
- If replacing a boiler, furnace, or AC unit, consider installing a cold climate-rated air-source heat pump.
- If you use a gas fireplace, a wood burning fireplace, or a wood stove that is over 10 years old, replace with an EPA 2020 qualifies wood stove or wood pellet stove.
RESOURCES
- Cold Climate Air Source Heat Pumps
- Central Hudson incentives
- Cold Climate rated heat pump list
- Air Source Heat Pump Buying Guide from NEEP (Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnership)
- Geothermal/Ground Source Heat Pumps
- Wood/Biomass heat
- Mid Hudson Fuel Buying Coop – save money on fuel oil and propane until you can stop using them.
Finally Fossil – Fuel – Free: Air-to-Water Heat Pump & Ventilation Retrofit – Self Study Online Course
7. HOT WATER
Step 7:
HOT WATER
Hot Water consumption can be responsible for almost a fifth of the home’s energy use. Because they are often powered by natural gas, this can also be a large source of carbon emissions
ACTION FOR THIS STEP
Replace your water heater with a heat pump, hybrid water heater, electric on demand water heater, solar water heater, electric tank water heater, or auxiliary heater run off a high-efficiency wood or wood pellet furnace
RESOURCES
- Heat Pump Water heaters
Central Hudson information and rebate forms
How it works- US EPA
8. APPLIANCES: COOKING AND CLOTHES DRYING
Step 8:
APPLIANCES: COOKING and CLOTHES DRYING
Your home has many energy consuming appliances for laundry and cooking. Making sure that these products are energy efficient is the easiest way to reduce your consumption.
ACTION FOR THIS STEP
- Use ENERGY STAR® rated appliances, and use the eco setting.
- Hang clothes to dry when possible
RESOURCES
9. APPLIANCES: YARD AND POWER EQUIPMENT
Step 9:
APPLIANCES: YARD and POWER EQUIPMENT
Although not as high of an emitter as other steps, reducing your yard and home energy use and emissions remains an important step towards reaching 100% clean renewable energy.
ACTION FOR THIS STEP
Choose electric for small tools and power equipment such as lawn mowers, snow blowers, generators, chainsaws, and more.
RESOURCES
10. LEARNING AND SHARING
Step 10:
LEARNING and SHARING
While it is the final step, Learning and Sharing is the follow through to the first nine steps. By sharing what you have learned through your own process, others will be more informed and better equipped to make the switch themselves.
ACTION FOR THIS STEP
- Start learning about these options so you are prepared when ready to switch.
- Share what you have learned with neighbors, friends, or others in the community.
RESOURCES
a. Local environmental groups – Get involved
- Catskill Mountain Keeper
- Citizens for Local Power
- New Yorkers for Clean Power
- Scenic Hudson
- Riverkeeper
- Sustainable Hudson Valley
b. Airline travel
c. Fossil Fuel Free investing
See How You Can Participate:
Make Your Plan
MAKE YOUR PLAN
“I pledge to shift my energy use to 100% Renewable Energy, as quickly as I am able.
I will save money immediately with community solar or install solar on my building. I will learn about electric and renewable alternatives so that I am prepared to replace a fossil fueled vehicle, appliance, or tool. I will keep at it and share lessons learned in the community.”
You can get discounts on many of the services you need to take these steps through our Group Purchase Program.
CREATE YOUR 100% RENEWABLE PLAN
Sign Up for an Energy Coaching Session
SCHEDULE AN ENERGY COACHING SESSION
We have built a team of trained “Energy Coaches” who can provide a no-cost, no-obligation consultation. They’ll help you assess your energy use at home or work, and figure out the best moves for you.
Click here to Schedule a Free Energy Coach.
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