As part of President Obama’s all-of-the-above energy strategy to help American families and businesses reduce their energy costs, the Energy Department has launched the Utility Data Access Map tool, an interactive Web platform that enables electric utilities across the country to show customers, in a simple way, the data they can access on their electricity use. Currently, DOE has received responses from more than 500 participating utilities.

Many consumers don’t have enough data or are not aware of the data they can access to make informed decisions about energy efficiency measures they could take to save money. Among those who do have access to their data, some lack the ability to share it with service providers who might help them identify energy savings opportunities and verify savings once improvements have been made.

The Utility Data Access Map tool provides “crowd-sourced” maps in user-friendly formats based on information gathered from electricity providers nationwide. It highlights local access to electricity data and allows consumers to compare their electricity data access to others in their state and across the country. The data access maps display different features of consumer electricity data including the time period and timeliness of data—informing consumers, for example, whether their utility supplies same-day electricity use information—and the extent to which the data can be shared. By helping consumers better understand their energy use and providing new ways to compare which local utilities are adopting “smart grid” technologies, this effort underscores the Administration’s commitment to increasing home energy efficiency and helping families and businesses save money on their energy bills.

The Utility Data Access Map can be found on the Energy Department’s OpenEI website, an open, collaborative system managed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) that enables widespread sharing of energy information, including data, tools, models, and other digital resources.

The Energy Department is currently soliciting responses from local utilities across the nation to provide data for the Utility Data Access Map tool. Local utilities are encouraged to respond to the survey by May 11, 2012, and may continue to update their responses through September.

The Utility Data Access Map is part of a broader collaboration between DOE and electric utilities to provide greater consumer access to energy use data. This effort includes the recent launch of the industry-led Green Button initiative, designed to provide households secure access to their energy data with a simple click of an online “Green Button.” DOE’s OpenEI website complements the data access maps by providing links to the Green Button website and consumer tips for visitors to learn how they can maximize energy savings based on the information access currently offered by their electricity company. Visitors are invited to offer general feedback about issues related to their energy data access and energy efficiency.

The Energy Department’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energyaccelerates development and facilitates deployment of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies and market-based solutions that strengthen U.S. energy security, environmental quality, and economic vitality.

By Stephanie Lopez

That fuzzy green mold that sometimes appears on old bread or cheese is not pretty, but it does not really pose a health threat to most people. Mold that sometimes takes root in a home or other building, however, is far different. Such mold can pose grave health risks, so it is important to know where it comes from and how to get rid of it when it starts taking over the walls.

Mold and Its Dangers

Molds are fungi that play important roles in the ecosystem. They break down dead organic material and assist in the decomposition process. Yet while it might be okay to have a “fungus among us” when walking through the woods, it is bad to have mold growing in the home. Molds release many different allergens, and some of them even produce toxic substances that can cause permanent damage to the lungs and other organs. Mold is particularly dangerous for asthmatics, as inhaling the spores and other mold products can lead to an asthma attack.

Mold in the Home and Office

The molds that may grow in a home or office come in several different colors, with white and black molds being two of the most widespread indoor molds. No matter the color, however, all molds grow in the same manner. Mold spores make their way into a home or office every day, and most of them die because they do not find a hospitable environment for growth. But if they land on a persistently wet or damp surface, they can start reproducing, and patches of mold will result.

Since mold requires moist conditions, there are several places in a home or office where mold may be found. Bathrooms and basements are especially good environments because they often retain moisture. The kitchen can be a danger area as well. Finally, water damage can provide hospitable conditions for mold to grow in other parts of the home or office. Wet carpets, wet drywall, and more invite spores to land and grow.

Preventing and Eliminating Mold

It is impossible to prevent mold spores from entering a building, but there are several ways to keep mold from growing out of control. The most important of these is to keep things dry. Our mothers always told us not to run around with wet clothing on, and a similar principle applies to wet things in the house. If a carpet or wall gets wet, it must be dried out right away. A wet-dry vacuum cleaner may be necessary for soaked carpets, or they might need to be replaced. A professional drying company might be needed to dry out wet walls.

Furthermore, rooms such as bathrooms and basements should be kept as dry as possible. A dehumidifier in the basement can help with that dark and damp area. Ventilating bathrooms well can also keep them dry and free of mold.

As far as mold removal, a professional will need to be called in if the mold covers more than ten square feet or if it has resulted from a sewage leak. Smaller mold outbreaks can be cleaned with a normal detergent and/or bleach. Clean thoroughly and make sure the area is dry before painting. When cleaning up mold, always wear gloves and a mask to prevent exposure to the spores. Before cleaning, make sure that the source of the water intrusion is repaired. This may require calling out a plumber or roofer to repair a leaky pipe or roof.

Stephanie Lopez’s passion for people and the environment has lead her to pursue a career in writing. At this time,  Stephanie is working as a part-time writer for HomeInsurance.org specializing in Home Health & Safety.

Call today to schedule your $100 comprehensive home energy audit with Smart Home Services. We can help you to discover dangerous problems in your home, like mold, asbestos or gas leaks. 410-329-1103

Anyone in the Baltimore area during last September’s seemingly non-stop rainfall will have first-hand evidence of inadequate drainage around their home.  This will most often be in the form of wet basements, peeling basement block paint, mold or mildew growth or standing water near the foundation.  While this last fall rainfall event was exceptional, it makes sense to insure adequate drainage in preparation for the usual spring rainfall.  In addition, we can expect wetter than normal spring and fall seasons according to the latest forecasts, so this will continue to be a problem for many homeowners.

One of the most common reasons for wet basements, with the accompanying mold and mildew and the health risks associated with these is poor site drainage.  Remember that all of the water that falls on the roof runs off.  This can amount to a great deal of water being deposited near the foundation by both single high volume storms, and longer less intense rainfall events.  Unless your home is located on a slope with drainage away from the house in all directions, a downspout even with a splash block will simply not suffice for adequate roof drainage. 

Potential Solutions

1. Provide proper grade fall away from the foundation.  Ideally the grade adjacent to the home should fall away from the foundation for a minimum of 8 feet at 4% to 5% slope.  This is not always possible in many locations in this area especially in cases of small side yards, or where a walkway is located close to the foundation.
2. A rain barrel can be installed to tie into each downspout.   The rain barrel must have a tap at the top of the barrel to which a hose can be connected and directed away from the foundation of the house to allow for overflow.  Surprisingly, some commercial rain barrels do not provide this feature, so be sure to choose one that does.  The advantage to a rain barrel is that it allows water which would otherwise simply run off to be used for other purposes such as garden watering.
3. Downspouts can be connected to a drain pipe that outfalls away from the home, the outfall should be designed as part of an overall garden plan, such as a rain garden, or stone channel.
4. Inspect your gutters and downspouts on a regular basis to check for low spots, leaks, and blockages, all of which can contribute to a wet basement or crawl space.

Residents usually feel the most secure when they are in their own homes. But unfortunately, homes often have contaminants that can lead to severe health problems or even death after a period of exposure. Some of these contaminants are found in water supplies, while other contaminants travel through the air.

Asbestos

Asbestos is one of the most severe hazards lurking in the home, as reported by CT 2011 Realtor Guide. It is located in a variety of building products and is often released into the air, where it is inhaled into the lungs and can cause cancer. At low levels, asbestos is not harmful. But long-term exposure to high levels of asbestos has a high likelihood to lead to cancer. Asbestos can be especially dangerous to those who also smoke cigarettes.

Carbon Monoxide

While asbestos is dangerous when an individual is exposed to it over a long period of time, carbon monoxide can be dangerous and deadly after short-term exposure. What makes this gas particularly dangerous is the fact that it does not have an odor. As a result, residents often do not know that there is a carbon monoxide gas leak until it is too late. USA.gov reports that hundreds of Americans die every year from carbon monoxide poisoning. Fortunately, there are alarms that will alert residents when there is a carbon monoxide leak so that something can be done about it.

Mold

The Environmental Protection Agency points out that mold is another major health hazard Mold often begins growing in areas that provide the mold with access to moisture. Among the most common places that mold grows are in basements and bathrooms. While most homes have mold, large quantities of certain types of mold will cause health problems, such as allergies. The worst type of mold is black mold, which releases spores that can cause a variety of respiratory issues that vary depending on the severity of the mold infestation and the individual’s susceptibility to mold allergens. Health effects can include coughing, nausea, vomiting and bleeding of the nose and lungs. Those who have a mold problem will need to use a combination of cleanup and biocides. Cleanup should be done while wearing a mask to limit exposure to the mold. The mold should be sprayed with a fungicide and should then be cleaned up with detergent, water and a sponge or wash cloth.

Lead

Many older homes will have paint jobs that contain a large amount of lead paint. Paint chips and dust that comes from the paint can be accidentally ingested into the human body, where it can cause pain and contribute to problems in the nervous system. Lead can be especially damaging to children, who have developing nervous systems and smaller bodies, meaning that the same quantity of lead is larger in proportion to the child’s body. Lead can also enter into the water supply if the pipes or pipe solder contained lead, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Those who have children should consider not living in a building that has lead paint or lead pipes.

Stephanie Lopez’s passion for people and the environment has lead her to pursue a career in writing. At this time, Stephanie is working as a part-time writer for HomeInsurance.org specializing in Home Health & Safety.

BGE Energy Solutions for Business

Summary of 2012 Changes

BGE’s Energy Solutions for Business program is pleased to announce program changes for 2012.  Below outlines the transition timeline from 2011 applications to 2012 applications as well as individual application form changes. 

Save Up to 50% with BGE Energy Efficiency Rebates and Incentives!

Whether you own or operate a small business or a large industrial company, BGE offers a variety of energy efficiency programs and incentives that give you the flexibility to meet the needs of your business.

Get financial incentives and engineering services for projects such as:

• Retrofits of existing inefficient equipment
• New construction
• Major renovation and remodeling
• New equipment purchases
• End-of-life equipment replacements 

For restaurants, medical facilities, manufacturing, retail, hospitality, schools, colleges and universities, offices and more, BGE’s programs provide simple and convenient energy- and cost-saving technology solutions. 

I&C ROLL OUT TIMELINE

• All 2012 applications will be effective March 1, 2012.
• All 2011 applications will not be accepted after March 26, 2012.
• All 2011 applications submitted before January 1, 2012, will follow 2011 guidelines and incentive levels. 
• All 2011 applications submitted after January 1, 2012 and before March 26, 2012 will be screened for possible 2012 higher incentives providing they meet the new guidelines.  If higher incentives are available, customer will not be required to resubmit the 2012 application. 

ALL INCENTIVE APPLICATION FORMS              

• All forms have an updated look and feel to reflect new branding guidelines.
• A program eligibility and instructions page has been added.
• An application checklist has been added.
• All applications forms require a customer signature at time of submittal.
• A copy of the customer’s BGE electric bill is now required.           
• Terms and Conditions have been updated.

INDIVIDUAL FORM CHANGES

Lighting Incentives

The Prescriptive Lighting, Prescriptive LED Lighting and New Construction Performance Lighting offerings are combined onto a single Lighting Incentives application.

• Excel-based Lighting Worksheets have been updated.
• All new construction projects must use the New Construction Performance Lighting Incentives application regardless of size.

Retrofit Lighting Incentives

1.  Revised the current incentive levels or technical requirements for the following measures:

• Measure Code 11 – T12 relamp/reballast: retrofit existing T12 systems – Now captured in Measure Codes 11a and 11b
• Measure Code 12 – T8 relamp/reballast: retrofit existing T8 systems – Now captured in Measure Codes 12a and 12b
• Measure Code 20 – New commodity-grade HPT8, Reduced-Wattage T8 or T5/T5HO
• Measure Code 90 – LED exit signs
• Measure Code 109 – Exterior parking garage or gasoline canopy fixtures

New Construction Performance Lighting Incentives

1.  Decreased Tier 1 minimum requirements from >15% below base LPV to ≥10% below base LPD; keeping incentive amount intact.

2.  Decreased Tier 2 minimum requirements from >30% below base LPD to ≥20% below base LPD; keeping incentive amount intact.

3.  Updated eligibility requirements to reflect the new Maryland Energy code.

Lighting Control Incentives

1.  Revised the current incentive levels or technical requirements for the following measures:

• Measure Code 82 – Occupancy Control – Ceiling/Wall Mount (Remote).
• Measure Code 86 – Daylight Control – On/off control – standard ballasts.

HVAC Incentives

The Unitary HVAC, HVAC Chillers and Variable Frequency Drives offerings are combined onto a single HVAC Incentives application.

Unitary HVAC Incentives

1.  Incentives have been increased and tier 2 incentives have been eliminated for unitary and matched split systems.

HVAC Chillers Incentives

1.  Incentives have decreased for Water Cooled Reciprocating Chillers < 150 tons.

Variable Frequency Drives

1.  Incentive levels have been reduced for VFDs ranging from 5-75HP. 

2.  Incentives have been added for 2-4HP drives.

3.  Incentives have been added for 100-200HP drives.

Commercial Plug Load and Kitchen/Refrigeration Incentives

The Commercial Kitchens, Commercial Refrigeration and new Plug Load offerings are combined onto a single Commercial Plug Load and Kitchen/Refrigeration Incentives application.

Commercial Plug Load Incentives

1.  Added plug load incentives as a new offering for 2012.

• Includes the following measures:

o   “Smart” Power Strips

o   Personal Occupancy Sensor

o   Hotel Room HVAC Controls

o   Hotel Room HVAC /Receptacle Controls

Commercial Kitchen Incentives

1.  New incentive tiers and types have been developed for ice machines.

Commercial Refrigeration Incentives

1.  No changes for 2012.

Custom Incentives

Custom baseline will now reflect the new Maryland Energy code.

Coming soon… Comprehensive New Construction offering!

If you have any questions, please call Smart Home Services at 410.329.1103

Read GreenLaurel’s reasons to consider testing again.

For more information, contact:
Laurel Peltier
www.greenlaurel.com
greenlaurel7@comcast.net

Household Curbside Recycling- TRA$H is CA$H

One super-easy and often overlooked eco-bright spot is household curbside recycling.  Recycling is almost a yawner today, yet diverting items from the landfill and then selling them as recycled raw materials makes a big difference to the environment and also to you and your city’s financial bottom-line. 

Baltimore region offers one of the country’s best recycling programs

Picked up once per week, our area’s single-stream recycling program accepts over 50 to 75%* of household trash.  The newer single-stream concept gives homeowners the convenience of tossing all recycling types together; no more sorting.  Added to that convenience, the recycling list grew. ALL plastics coded #1 through #7 (except styrofoam), foil & pie pans, milk cartons, empty aerosol cans & big rigid plastics are now recyclable. What’s left? Mostly plastic packaging, food scraps and dirty paper.  It can’t get any easier, unless a house elf does it for you.

Where does my recycling go once the truck leaves my curb?

Once a week, the recycling truck drives your co-mingled recycling to a huge recycling facility in Elkridge, Maryland run by Waste Management, Inc.  Truck loads of recyclables are then sorted mechanically by type, baled and then sold on the world market as a new raw material for future uses. Plastic is eventually melted into pellets to make new drink bottles and plastic bags, paper gets mashed into pulp for corrugated boxes and aluminum cans become new cans very soon. 

How well does Baltimore recycle?

Truthfully, not so well. We earn about a C-. Only 15% of household trash is recycled, of the potential 50% to 75%.  

Does recycling matter? I heard recyclables get trashed anyway!

Urban legends are hard to slay, so here are some figures. 

Every ton of recyclables trashed, not recycled, costs your municipality at least $50 per ton to landfill or incinerator and roughly $25 in lost recycling revenue. What that means is our collective decision to toss recyclables directly increases the disposal cost each county or city has to spend to dump our waste, increasing your tax bill. When recycling rates are high, the savings and income offsets your trash collection costs, thus reducing your municipality disposal costs which are paid by taxpayer dollars. It is absolutely a false notion that recyclables are dumped or burned; cans, steel and paper are just too valuable in today’s world.

If my tra$h is ca$h, aren’t we dumping lots of money?

It’s a wonder recycling isn’t mandatory with the amount of cash that’s literally trashed.

Here’s just one county’s example:

Baltimore County has a top-notch recycling program. Baltimore County offers everything from electronic recycling, yard waste composting and haz-mat drop-off. Of the County’s 400,000 tons of residential trash in 2010, roughly 200,000 tons could have been recycled; about half to be conservative. Baltimore County residents single-stream recycled 47,000 tons tossing about 150,000 tons into their landfill or the waster-to-energy facility.

Back-of-the-envelope math reveals that Baltimore County residents increased their disposal costs by a whopping $8 million. According to Baltimore County recycling director Charlie Reighart, “Baltimore County has the opportunity to really maximize recycling and save serious money.”

Why can’t I use plastic bags to bag my recyclables?

The number #1 question asked!

Plastic bags jam the sorter machines. Check out this amazing video to see first-hand the mechanical sorting machines that separate the different types of recycling. Plastic bags must be manually pulled out of the sorter conveyor belts adding to the processing costs. 

If I recycle only one item, which one should it be?

Never, ever, ever toss an aluminum can. Aluminum is the diamond of recycling, selling on the post-recycling market for $2,000 per ton. Aluminum cans never break down in recycling; a can can be recycled in perpetuity. Manufacturing aluminum is very toxic and uses millions of subsidized electricity kilowatts.

Does recycling reduce my carbon dioxide footprint (CO2)?

The average home in Maryland generates 40,000 pounds of CO2. Maximize just your recycling and you can decrease your green house gas CO2 by 4,000 pounds.

What on earth does 4,000 CO2 pounds mean?

Recycling at the max is the same as downsizing from a Suburban SUV which emits 13,000 pounds** of CO2 per year to a Honda Accord which spits out 9,000 pounds a year!

Are there any health and environmental issues from landfills?

Landfills are essentially trash tombs. Newer landfills are lined with a plastic liner to decrease toxic leakage, yet our trash stews in landfills and emits a nasty landfill gas (LFG). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has been working hard with municipalities, including Baltimore-area landfills, to capture the gas because LFG contains carbon dioxide, methane, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), and bad odors that harm our world and people.

For example, carbon dioxide and methane are greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. Methane is troublesome because it traps heat at 20 times the rate of carbon dioxide.  VOCs emissions help create smog and ozone can reduce or damage plant growth and cause respiratory problems in humans. Finally, exposure to hazardous pollutants increase cancer and asthma damage. By burning the LFG, called flaring, or using the LFG as a fuel in engines, methane capture helps reduce the health and air impacts. Also, reducing trash by recycling at the max, is one way to mitigate landfill harms.

* In reality, if you recycle everything possible through single-stream, recycling accounts for closer to 75% of your trash.

** Source: www.terrapass.com assumes 12k miles per year.

For more information, contact:

Laurel Peltier

www.greenlaurel.com

greenlaurel7@comcast.net