Strategic Energy Action Toolkit For Local Energy Groups

Leigh Cameron, The Grassroots FundSarah Simonds, Vital Communities

Ron Bolt, Littleton Energy Conservation Committee

2015 LES Conference

New England Grassroots Environment Fund

The New England Grassroots Environment Fund (NEGEF) seeks to energize and nurture long term civic engagement in local initiatives

that create and maintain healthy, just, safe and environmentally sustainable communities.

DollarsTools

StoriesCollaboratives

NH Local Energy Work Group

To provide collaborative guidance and technical support to Local Energy

Committees/Commissions (LEC’s), municipalities, schools, and other political subdivisions seeking to reduce energy use,

minimize energy costs, and/or reduce fossil-fuel consumption.

We bring people together to take on issues where an independent voice and

regional approach are essential.

Setting Priorities for Maximum Impact

Be Strategic. Focus on Impact. Hit the Ground Running!

A little bit of planning goes a long way

Strategy+

Action=

IMPACT

Background

• Collaboration between the NH Local Energy Work Group, Vital Communities, & the Grassroots Fund

• To improve effectiveness & increase impact of energy committees

• Developed with input from organizations throughout New England

Strategic Energy Action Toolkit!

1 - Looking Back Tools

• Goals & Vision• Assets Map• Opportunities & Challenges• Lessons Learned

Assets MapEnvironmental Resources / Community Characteristics

Local Institutions

Local Orgs / Associations

Individuals

Opportunities/Challenges ChartResidents Businesses/

InstitutionsMunicipality/Schools

Heating

Electricity

Transportation

2 - Strategies Checklist

Strategies Checklist

3 - Looking Ahead Tools

• Status Report• Project Scorecard• Timeline• Action Plan

Strategies Scorecard

Immediate Action Plans

4 – Next Steps & Resources

Outcomes• List of project priorities – for NOW and for the later

• A record of your process/rationale

• A way to connect with other committees

• A way to find advice and help when you need it

Pilot Trainings

Here’s What We’re Hearing

“A lot of the best techniques combined into one”“I am excited to use it and see how it flows”

“Helps energy committees be more organized in working on projects”

“Helpful to hear from other energy committees”“Best simple planning tool I have seen”

“It provides a specific track for strategic thinking to guide our meeting”

“Organized resource & great step-by-step process”“It formalizes many of the processes we now have”

Our Next Steps

• Offer trainings across New England• Develop online toolkit & resources• Follow up with groups using Toolkit• Revise toolkit as needed• Develop promotional video • LES Webinar

Want to Get Involved?Contact Us

Sarah Simonds: sarah@vitalcommunities.org / 802-291-9100 x109Leigh Cameron: leigh@grassrootsfund.org / 603-905-9915

View the Toolkit Onlinehttp://www.nhenergy.org/strategic-energy-action-toolkit.html

Sign Up For Updates

Visit Us TodayIn the Technical Assistance Drop-In Room

1:15 – 1:45 p.m.

Talk to Committees Already Using the Toolkit

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Littleton Energy Committee

Strategic Planning Progress

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STRATEGIC PLANNING OUTLINE

• Vision/Mission Statement • Asset Map• Current Opportunities and Challenges• Project Categorization• Prioritization• Action Plans

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Asset MapINDIVIDUALS LOCAL GROUPS BROADER GROUPS

George Brodeur Conservation Commission Other town energy cmtesDennis Wogaman SAU and CTC A.R.E.T.Wayne Presby Town departments LEWG/LESBob O'Conner Littleton Water & Light NEGEFStacey Doll Opera House Commission USDA/Rural DevelopmentFranco Rossi Chamber of Commerce PUCTax payers Board of Selectmen Casella

Parks & Rec Commission Pemi-Baker Solid WastePlanning & Zoning Boards EPASafe Routes to School Cmte North Country CouncilFood Co-op Rails to TrailsHighway Building Committee NH Wood Energy CouncilBudget Committee Northern ForestRiver District CommissionLIDCLandfillLRHLocal businesses (e.g. Details)Media (TV, radio, papers)Growth With Common SenseWhite Mountain SchoolFramer's Market

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Final Results PLANNING & POLICY SAVE MONEY EDUCATE & ENCOURAGE REGIONAL COOPERATION

High Priority High Priority High Priority High Priority

Energy Management System Lighting Upgrades Media Local Energy Work Group/LES - departmental goals - periodic articles - conferences, workshop - progress reviews Energy Audits - success stories - webinars

- annual report - tap expertise/experienceProperty Tax Exemptions Streetlights

Emphasis on Electricity

Medium Priority Medium Priority Medium Priority Medium Priority

Update Energy Chapter Heating systems School District A. R. E. T. - RRR - expand involvementPromote Smart Growth Building Envelopes - student-led projects - CTC Consultants, as neededExpand into Solar Gas Saving Directives - Kevin O'Maley - Scott Albert

Uses for Retired Landfill

Low Priority Low Priority Low Priority Low Priority

EE code compliance Capturing Rainwater District Energy EPA - LIDC

- River District State Energy Plan

Outreach Campaigns North Country Council

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Paralleling Activities

• Portfolio Manager• First Annual Energy Management Report• Tracking Progress with Department Heads• Lighting Survey• Worked With Building Committee

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LESSONS LEARNED

• Tailored To Our Individual Situation• Questioning Was A Good Thing• Could Have Been Done More Efficiently

Questions?