CivicSpark Greater Los Angeles & Inland Empire By: Katie Ward & Mikaela Vournas
Agenda • Introduction • Projects with the SGVCOG • EASY (Residential energy efficiency) • Go Green SGV (Commercial energy efficiency)
• Volunteer Program for CivicSpark (Young Gardeners)
• AmeriCorps Experience
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Introduction • Katie Ward • BA Political Science (Cal Poly Pomona) • Joined CivicSpark to begin a career in public service
• Mikaela Vournas • BS Anthropology (Cal Poly San Luis Obispo) • Joined CivicSpark to get experience in community outreach
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SGVCOG Projects • Regional Partner: The San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments
• Two main projects: • Residential energy efficiency assessments (EASY) • Commercial energy efficiency support and recognition (Go Green SGV)
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EASY • Energy Assessment Screening for Your Home
• Free energy assessments for residents of the San Gabriel Valley
• There are 4 CivicSpark AmeriCorps members in our region
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Provide residents with information to increase energy efficiency and reduce their utility bills
Educate the community on residential
sustainability
Provide customized support and
information on rebates and financing options
Goals
What is in an Assessment? • Energy assessors will calculate home energy “score” based on size of the home and monthly energy usage using an online tool called the ENERGY STAR Home Advisor
• Provide customized recommendations using a checklist of conservation tips and potential retrofits
• Explain process of relevant rebates and financing options
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Program Successes
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Mikaela • Created a checklist used during energy assessments • Promoted the program through presentations at city council meetings, energy committees, and various community events
Katie • Created a homeowner presentation used during assessments • Created Access database to track EASY program data
Overall • Completed assessments in over
40 homes • Engaged 17 cities
Go Green SGV • Support and recognition for commercial energy efficiency achievements
• Provides free customized guidance on potential retrofits and availability of rebates and incentive programs • One on one meetings between local business owners and CivicSpark members
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Goals To provide businesses with specialized guidance to integrate environmental responsibility into
their operations in a manner that is sustainable as well as profitable
To provide public recognition to businesses that show exemplary practices in energy efficiency
and water conservation
To promote energy efficiency and overall sustainable practices in the region.
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How Does It Work? 3 levels of achievement:
• Partner • Requires initiative in planning for energy efficiency improvements • Benefits include: Recognition materials
• Member • Requires planning and action for energy efficiency improvements • Benefits include: Recognition materials and city recognition
• Leader • Requires sustained action and involvement in energy efficiency improvements and education • Benefits include: Recognition materials, city recognition & advertisement
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Program Participation Mikaela
• Created custom guide book for rebates, financing options and incentive programs
• Wrote action plans for each item on checklist
• Working with 8 cities to reach out to businesses
Katie
• Created Access database to track business involvement
• Working with 9 cities to reach out to businesses
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AmeriCorps Experience • Volunteer Project “Young Gardeners” • Teaching sustainability/gardening lessons in local day camps • Recruiting volunteers to assist
• Service Days • Worked in school gardens and for LA works painting schools
• Education Award
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