Get Energy Smart! NOW!

As Energy Conservation Chair of a master metered condo, I am tracking our building’s progress and problems and invite your comments, suggestions and experiences. Maybe we can learn to solve this problem if we work together. My last entry was April 3rd: Solving the energy wasting dilemma of residential master metering.

Our building received a grant from the State of Maryland to conduct an energy audit. Our Board approved a budget including implementing some of the audit recommendations. Our local electric utility company, PEPCO, is giving incentives to get this kind of work done. And our management company didn’t move to get contracts ready for the fiscal year, starting in January. In March they finally identified a contractor and the board was ready to “sign on the dotted line.” In late March our County government announced a $1.75 million grant program available to condos like mine. It could be coupled with the PEPCO incentive, cover up to $75,000 for a single project (like our building) and cover 50%. It could not be applied to work already underway or completed. Serendipity! The delay in getting our project going makes in conceivable we could be paid back almost 100% of our cost!

Catch 22. The application needs to be in the County’s offices by April 15.  Our Board president left the country for two weeks on April 12th. He was to complete the application. Tune in. I have not heard whether or not the application was sent in.

A few years ago, an innovative organization got underway in our community. It’s called Bethesda Green and is workiing with businesses, homeowners and anyone interested in helping to “green” our community. They’ve held workshops on a variety of relevant subjects, helped incubate green businesses, provided information about resources and they work with  interns. Last month they initiated a series of workshops entitled “Greening Condos.”  I was invited to take part in a panel and discuss my experiences in working on energy conservation in our condo.  I thought back to a successful effort I was involved in decades ago when I worked as a volunteer community organizer and helped rescue a community of decaying shacks. (An oral history on Scotland.) We built 100 affordable homes. I looked back at the elements of a successful campaign to support and help and presented my list during my few minutes as part of the Greening Condos series.

Here are what I see as nine key elements to a successful campaign:

1. Identify the problem you are trying to solve. It’s a moving target. I thought I wanted to get all the windows replaced. Then my goal broadened to efforts to get residents to be more conscious about energy waste. I now know I want to see the building become more energy efficient and there a many elements.
2. Do your homework. Get the facts right so you can be credible. Naysayers are ready to jump on any error.
3. Keep the conversation going with board members, management and interested residents.
4. Don’t appear threatening to established norms.
5. Be realistic about goals, yet ambitious at the same time. Some changes are dramatic, others come slowly
6. Help all understand the benefit streams.  The board, management and residents need to understand conservation and efficiency translate into real dollars saved.
7. Give positive feedback. Even when there’s a little progress, let people know.
8. Give people an opportunity to participate. I send out monthly energy saving hints, court suggestions and keep my committee informed
9. Get allies. I am trying to identify energy conservation/efficiency folks from other master metered condos so we can network.

What are your ideas?