Sustainability Commission

MEETING MINUTES SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION August 22, 2013 The Sustainability Commission met in Community Conference Room of the Village at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 22, 2013. In attendance were: Present: Don Anderson, Chairman Laurie Leibowitz Jerry Witkovsky Brian Wolkenberg Michael Shalen Gloria Threats, Sustainability Coordinator, Walgreens Also Present: Andrew Lichterman, Assistant to the Village Manager Bob Fuller, Energy Impact Illinois Approval of Minutes The minutes from June 20, 2013 were approved unanimously. Public Comment There was no Public Comment. Presentation by Energy Impact Illinios Chairman Anderson reported that Bob Fuller of Energy Impact Illinois has been invited to provide the Commission with a 10 minute presentation on their energy efficiency programs. Mr. Fuller reported Energy Impact Illinois is primarily focused on assisting homeowners with energy efficiency. The program they promote is part of the U.S. Department of Energy, Better Building Program. Mr. Fuller reported the goal of Energy Impact Illinois is to reduce home energy usage by 15% in the Chicagoland area and over 2,500 homes have undergone an energy audit. He noted that Energy Impact Illinois will facilitate a low cost energy assessment for a single family home at $49. The energy assessments will focus largely on the benefits of installation and identify openings in the home that make it drafty and increase energy usage. He noted that rebates and tax credits are available from the Federal government to help defer up-front costs associated with retrofitting a home. Homes that complete the retrofitting will receive an Illinois Energy Star Certificate, and can be included in real estate listing when selling a property. Mr. Fuller described that the assessments will identify common sources of energy loss that the homeowner can address. Mr. Fuller noted that the average return on investment is 5 1/2 years and the estimated annual savings in utility bills is $450. Mr. Fuller noted that if a resident hosts an assessment and invite over a number of guests as a party, then the host resident will receive a free assessment. He noted that Gurnee, Evanston and Highland Park are other municipalities that have help publicize the program. Commissioner Wolkenberg asked what the biggest roadblocks are typically. Mr. Fuller noted it is usually skepticism from the residents. Commissioner Wolkenberg inquired what the other municipalities did to publicize the program. Mr. Fuller noted that Highland Park publicized the program in the newsletter and the Sustainability Commission members committed to hosting an assessment event at their homes. Mr. Lichterman noted that this program has already been publicized in our newsletter as well. Chairman Anderson asked if it would be possible to receive a free assessment that the Commission could then use as a case-study and testimonial. Mr. Fuller noted that residents could receive a free assessment if they host an event. Commissioner Leibowitz asked how many Deerfield residents have utilized the program. Mr. Fuller said he would try to have an answer for the next meeting. Chairman Anderson suggested that for the next meeting we try to find someone that has undergone an energy assessment in Deerfield and find out how many total Deerfield residents have utilized this program. He also requested more information related to the Federal funding/rebates and asked the Commission to brainstorm tactics for promotion. Goals and Objectives Chairman Anderson asked the Commission to review the two goals from the last meeting minutes related to water and energy efficiency. The Commission revised the water consumption goal to state: “Over the next 24 months the Sustainability Commission will undertake initiatives to reduce residential water consumption in the Village by 10%, relative to the 10 year mean through.” Chairman Anderson noted that the Commission will have a large advocacy and support role. Chairman Anderson asked the Commission to suggest tactics to accomplish this goal. The Commission noted several tactics that included:  Water Audits  Possible escalator in the water rate for high volume customers  Home Owner Association presentations (Coromandel can serve as a case study)  Work with local businesses such as Home Depot and local plumbers for ideas to reduce water consumption  Publicizing tips on the website to promote changes in behavior  Promoting rain barrel sales Commissioner Leibowitz volunteered to inquire with a few local plumbers about ways to partner around this initiative. The Commission reviewed the proposed energy conservation goal: “Over the next 24 months the Sustainability Commission will achieve a certain # of home energy audits in order to achieve a benchmark of energy savings” The Commission will continue to refine both of these goals as more information is gathered. Chairman Anderson noted that gaining credibility for the Energy Impact Illinois energy audits is a key advocacy component but that the Commission will need to receive some of the follow-up actions from Mr. Fuller first. Commercial Franchising Update Mr. Lichterman reported that the Request for Proposals are due on Monday September 9th by 4:30 pm. Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Mr. Lichterman reported that 6 bids were received and they are being reviewed collectively by the consortium members. Evaluation criteria are being developed and a report will be delivered at the next Commission meeting. Chariman Anderson asked that the report address the objective of installing the charging stations, how many people in the region have electric vehicles and the experience of other municipalities with charging stations. Outdoor Wood Burning Mr. Lichterman noted that the Commission has been requested to investigate the health risks associated with outdoor wood burning. Mr. Lichterman noted that he will compile information for the Commission to review at the next meeting. Next Meeting Date and Time The next meeting date will be September 19 at 7 p.m. in the Community Conference Room. Adjournment Commissioner Witkovsky made a motion to adjourn and it was seconded by Commissioner Leibowitz. The meeting was adjourned at 9:55p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Andrew Lichterman Assistant to the Village Manager