Discussion notes from Sustainable West Seattle’s “Open Space” meeting on November 17, 2007

Local Energy discussion!

The local energy discussion focused first on what local energy meant to us then discussed some of the ideas in more detail and finally focused on some of the topics that we saw had potential to become SWS projects and some ideas on kicking them off.

General ideas that were brought out were:

Efficiency
Renewables, including community based renewables
Electric cars
Demonstration projects and permanent informational displays
Weatherization and comfort
New technologies such as thin film solar
Sharing of ideas, information, and technology in ways that are easily adopted
Engaging younger people
Green Collar jobs
Block by block energy reduction contest(s)
Translating information into various languages and doing effective outreach to those who aren’t accustomed to or likely to come to SWS events
Peer to peer education
Home energy audits
Celebrating creativity

Community based renewables was given a bit of time as we discussed ideas of having a shared buy-in solar or wind installation rather than having individual projects on individual lots. Ideas included using common spaces (such as P patches) to house installations and having ways for people to purchase shares in a project making it much more approachable to the average individual. An example was cited of a photovoltaic installation in eastern Washington where individuals can buy additional panels to add to an established infrastructure. There seemed to be some interest in having SWS look into a community based renewables project a bit further.

There was some discussion of having a demonstration area where various energy technologies would be available for touring and we learned that something along those lines is being planned for the new High Point Community Center. There are likely opportunities to volunteer on that project. We also learned that there are already two City Light photovoltaic demos currently operating in West Seattle: one at Croft Place co-housing and one at Gatewood Elementary.

The thread that looked most promising as a project that would have a strong positive impact, be fairly affordable (or even lucrative) for the average resident, and help to build community and neighborhood cohesion was the idea of having neighborhood competitions to lower energy use. Apparently Sustainable Ballard is doing a block-by-block energy challenge and we could either use their model or be inspired by it and create our own.

Initiating a neighborhood challenge would potentially have many positive effects:
Giving neighbors a good opportunity to share knowledge and resources and thus build community.
Reducing overall energy use.
Potentially having cost savings on weatherization by sharing skills and buying in bulk.
Educating volunteer energy auditors who could help neighbors learn how to make their homes more comfortable and cheaper to operate.
And probably several other spin-off benefits.

The energy efficiency challenge was seen as a great project to kick off at our May Sustainability Festival and, while we made no specific plans to form a committee around this, it’s clear that there was a strong interest shown by those in the discussion and indications that there may be a way to get some seed money for the project from Seattle City Light and/or Puget Sound Energy.

If you have an interest in any of these possible projects or want to help plan and create the West Seattle Sustainability Festival, please get involved!

draft mission statement

Here's notes on the brainstorm for our mission statement.

• Emphasis on conservation and reducing consumption
• Connecting with Community
• Source for changing peoples attitude and behavior
• Informed common sense
• Local residential and commercial (businesses)
• Gov’t buildings, Libraries, Police, Fire
• Green power, alternative energy, economical lighting
• 100% Biodiesel
• Examples to others
• Lead by practical examples
• Demonstrate, teach
• Incremental Steps
• Pledges
• Energy footprint
• Information resource
• Actively engage with public
• Having fun
• Don’t take ourselves too seriously
• Motivate, instilling passion
• Pays to be green, economical
• Celebrating as we reduce our footprint

Perhaps a sample mission statement can read something like this...

The Sustainable West Seattle Energy Action Group's mission is to inform, motivate and lead the West Seattle Community, including households, local businesses, and local governmental institutions in our shared efforts to lower our energy footprint through use of conservation, economical lighting, alternative energy and other common sense approaches to a more sustainable West Seattle lifestyle. By actively engaging with the public, we provide education, practical examples, encourage incremental steps, instill passion and are a source for changing our attitudes and behavior toward responsible and sustainable energy use in our homes and places of work. We have fun and celebrate as we reduce our energy footprint.

(actually, its a mission paragraph, but see what you think. )

Solar Events

Two coming events regarding solar energy:

1. 10th Annual NW Solar Summit, Oct 15-17 Winthrop, WA
2. Washington State Solar Tour, Oct 6, 10am-4pm

Click images for more info.

Green Up

Demonstrate your commitment to clean energy alternatives. Purchase renewable energy through Seattle City Light's new Green Up program. Support clean energy and a healthy environment.

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What is Green Up?
Seattle City Light has been a leader in renewable energy development for 100 years. While much of our electricity comes from clean hydropower, some of it does not. Our new Green Up program enables customers to invest in new renewable resources like the Stateline Wind Project in Eastern Washington, and other energy projects. Customers can choose to purchase new, renewable energy for a percentage of their annual electricity use. The monthly cost for residential customers to "Green Up" their power is $3 for 25%, $6 for 50% or $12 for 100%. Commercial customers can customize their premium base on annual usage.

The Stateline Wind Project is one of the largest renewable wind projects in the United States. City Light has contracted for more than half of its capac