Meeting Minutes 20140813
Town of Underhill
Energy Committee
13 August 2014
DRAFT MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER
Jerry Adams, Pete Bennett, Peter Duval, Bob Murphy, Steve Webster, Tom Moore, Chris Miller in attendance, the regular meeting was called to order at 6:49pm in the Town Hall Kitchen, with Chris in the chair and Peter D. recording minutes as secretary.
Agenda
******
Steve asked to add Solar Inventory to the agenda.
Harvest Market
**************
Chris described work already accomplished on the Harvest Market booth. The site is the same as in prior years. Whether we will be able to get power to the booth is an open question.
Bob read through some online minutes of the Jericho Energy Task Force and determined that they will not be able to participate in the booth this year.
Discussion ensued about possible activities at the booth and each committee member identified specific contributions and ideas:
Bike Generator with Lights
Nissan Leaf
Poster of Past Accomplishments by Year
Solar Inventory
Tower of Power
Tarm Wood Pellet Boiler Poster
GMP Heat Pump Display
Energy Co-op Heat Pump Demonstration
Heat pump discussion included notes that the current rebate is $1000, available only to all-electric heat customers, the future rebates are yet to be determined, and the high interest in cold-climate air-air heat pumps may lead to an "up-stream" (rebates go directly to supplier/wholesaler) reservation system.
Peter asked about providing information about the impact of heat pumps on summer time peak demand. Steve asked about promoting conservation first, and whether we have conservation-oriented literature.
Discussion about estimating household energy consumption with a questionnaire and rewarding participants with a lamp or lamp raffle.
Action items were assigned to each committee member:
Bob:
* Same material as last year
* GMP heat pump literature
* LED lamp raffle
Tom:
* Tents, chairs, tables
Jerry:
* Power cord
* Tarm brochures
Steve:
* Contact VEEP to see what they can offer for free
* Household energy consumption model
Chris:
* Contact JETF
* Contact Chuck about last year's posters
* Follow-up with Harvest Market about power
Pete B.:
* Heat pump literature
* Demonstration heat pump
Peter D.:
* Online schedule sign-up
* Big picture: Japan v. Vermont consumption? Jevons Paradox? Bookmark? Post office report? Energy open house tour?
7:34
Open Meeting Law
****************
Chris identified two issues that affect the committee, agenda notice, and meeting minutes. In both cases, the documents need to be publicly posted on the web, agendas at least 48 hours before a meeting, and draft minutes within 5 days after a meeting.
Pete B. identified a third issue, whether discussion can occur via email outside of the meeting. Peter D. said that the blog can capture all correspondence and provides public access to the documents that the committee receives. Chris said that the issue of whether, or how much discussion can occur remains unresolved, and asked Peter D. to discuss the issue with Brian Bigelow.
7:51
VHEC Grant Presentation
***********************
Chris said that the Selectboard requested substitute projects for the town garage light project.
There is preliminary work that we need to do before the post office project can proceed, build a new bulkhead door, and remove the big vent pipe, repair the floor, remove insulation, repair the roof, and extend the plumbing vent. Jerry suggested running the vent horizontally out the gable. Tom, Bob and Jerry plan to assess the project on Saturday, and undertake the work, Friday, 29 August.
Bob noted that the town hall heat pump will be elevated on a new foundation on August 21st, and suggested that a roof be constructed over the unit.
More discussion ensued on the town garage roof project and lighting project.
8:08
Renewable Energy Vendor Presentation
************************************
Bob said that SunCommon has contacted him again about making a presentation. Discussion about maintaining vendor neutrality, lead to setting a loose date of October for the program. Chris said that we will work on the program at the next meeting.
Solar Inventory
***************
Bob reviewed some details of the Solar Resolution, which set a goal of 50 photovoltaic or thermal systems, starting from 16 previously installed systems, for 34 new systems. Efficiency Vermont paid incentives on 31 projects from 01 July 2012 to 26 November 2013. SunCommon claims 29 systems in Underhill.
Steve will work on getting testimonials and photos of solar projects in Underhill.
8:22
Bob said that Vermont Energy and Climate Action Network (VECAN) and Central Vermont Community Action Council (CVCAC), which has changed its name to Capstone Community Action, are sponsoring a Button-Up Day, 1 November.
Pete B. asked that we discuss two agenda items at the next meeting, member recruiting and changing the meeting day to Monday or Tuesday.
Minutes
*******
MOTION
Pete B. moved, and Tom seconded, to accept the minutes of 09 July 2014 as presented. Passed Unanimously.
Adjournment
***********
Without objection, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30.
Respectfully Submitted,
Peter Duval, Secretary
Approved ______________________________________ date:__________________
_______________________
Chris Miller, Chair
18 August 2014
13 August 2014
Blog Authoring and Subscribing
Hello Energy Committee,
I have had Blogger send fresh Blog Author invitations to those of you
who are not already authors. There are two blogs:
* underhillenergycommittee.blogspot.com, which is for the public
initiatives of the Energy Committee, things that would be of interest to
most people, most of the time
* ueccorrespondence.blogspot.com, which is for everything else,
including minutes and email exchanges
There are two things to do:
1) If you have received the invitations from Blogger -- there may be 1
or 2 (you'll have to respond to both) -- please follow the instructions
in the invitation.
2) View each of the blogs in your web browser, and on the right pane of
the page, "Subscribe by email" to each of the blogs.
Now you'll automatically receive posts for blog as email, and be able to
send messages/posts to everyone on the committee.
Using these blogs for all of our communication will keep us well in
compliance with the spirit of the Open Meeting Law.
Remember, this communication is all instantaneous and public.
-Peter
I have had Blogger send fresh Blog Author invitations to those of you
who are not already authors. There are two blogs:
* underhillenergycommittee.blogspot.com, which is for the public
initiatives of the Energy Committee, things that would be of interest to
most people, most of the time
* ueccorrespondence.blogspot.com, which is for everything else,
including minutes and email exchanges
There are two things to do:
1) If you have received the invitations from Blogger -- there may be 1
or 2 (you'll have to respond to both) -- please follow the instructions
in the invitation.
2) View each of the blogs in your web browser, and on the right pane of
the page, "Subscribe by email" to each of the blogs.
Now you'll automatically receive posts for blog as email, and be able to
send messages/posts to everyone on the committee.
Using these blogs for all of our communication will keep us well in
compliance with the spirit of the Open Meeting Law.
Remember, this communication is all instantaneous and public.
-Peter
14 July 2014
Meeting Minutes 20140709
Meeting Minutes 20140709
Town of Underhill
Energy Committee
09 July 2014
DRAFT MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER
Jerry Adams, Peter Duval, Pete Bennett, Chuck Weger and Chris Miller in
attendance, the regular meeting was called to order at 6:45pm in the
Town Hall Kitchen, with Chris in the chair and Peter D. recording
minutes as secretary.
Agenda
******
With Bob Murphy absent, some items on which he would report were deleted
from the agenda: VHEC grant proposal, Vermont Energy Challenge, Heat
Pump Vendor Presentation. Open Meeting Law Changes was also deferred to
a later time.
Town Plan
*********
Jerry, Pete B., Peter D. and Chris attended the 16 June Planning
Commission meeting.
Chris said that the Planning Commission accepted the changes of the June
will forward the Energy Chapter to the Regional Planning Commission for
comments.
Pete B. felt that the Planning Commission was not ready to accept the
Energy Committee's view that the Regional Planning Commission
suggestions did not make a lot of sense, and that there is more
negotiation ahead.
Chris agreed that the process is not finished, and that his
understanding is that the RPC comments will come back to the Energy
Committee. So for now, "the ball is in their court."
Peter D. noted that we had approved two drafts. The first draft, which
included the high performance energy code, was approved by 6 members,
and the second, which did not include the energy code, was approved by 4
members. He felt that it did not appear that the Planning Commission had
read the first draft.
He expressed concern that this was the result of informal communication
between the boards. He mentioned Jerry Adams, Trevor Squirrel and Cliff
Peterson as having multiple positions in town. It is a powerful
position, being a gate keeper of communication between the boards.
Peter D. said that we should bring forward the idea of a high
performance energy again because in the current plan the Energy
Committee is directed to provide regulation and fee recommendations to
the Planning Commission. This is reflected in regulation at other levels
of government and cited California's 2020 net-zero code. He said that he
preferred the Passive House standard because it is a performance
standard, cost-effective, necessary for meeting other energy standards
(net-zero, energy plus) has an international industry behind it, and is
automatically enforced.
MOTION
Jerry moved, and Pete B. seconded, to discontinue talking about the town
plan.
Pete B. said that we should have a little more discussion. He felt that
it would be a "legal rat's nest" to have a stronger energy code than the
state, and that we had instead decided to ask the town to enforce the
state code and promote better practice.
Chris said that the state code is a substantial change from the status
quo, and he feels that construction in Underhill is cost-sensitive and
contrasted it with high-cost LEED-certified construction.
Pete B. read aloud the strategy from the June draft of the Energy
Chapter, and said that because of legal issues that Planning Commission
is unwilling to go beyond the state energy code.
Peter D. asked what the legal issues are.
Pete B. said that that it was the view of the Planning Commission that
an energy code could not be put in the regulations.
Chuck asked, "why not?"
Pete B. said that it had to do with going beyond the state code.
Chuck asked if that wasn't the point of having local control and local
government.
Pete B. said that people would sue.
Jerry said that houses are built with a first-cost concern. If the code
prevented "double-wides" from being installed, for example, then it
would be exclusionary and elitist.
Pete B. said there might be legal issues, and that is the Planning
Commission's view. The Energy Committee's job is give ways to promote
higher building practices.
Chuck said that enforcement is impractical.
Peter D. said that is why the Passive House standard is a good choice,
because there is an infrastructure of consultants and the only way to
get a certification is to have an independent commissioning of a
building by a passive house consultant. The process is well-established,
which is superior to the one that Efficiency Vermont is trying to create
with its own standard.
Pete B. called the question, which passed 3-2 to end discussion. The
motion to discontinue talking about the town plan passed 3-2. Discussion
continued.
Pete B. said that the Energy Committee can still come up with ways to
promote better building practices and even go to Planning Commission at
some point.
Chuck encouraged education
Chris agreed with the notion of education and also suggested exploring
incentives. He felt it was hard to explain going beyond the state standard.
Chuck said it is immaterial whether the local standard is higher or
lower than the state's, and that showing the lifetime economic good
sense of better building practices is effective.
Peter D. said that it argues against the idea that Passive House is
expensive. A sloppy building commits and condemns future people to great
expense.
Jerry said that most people are not thinking about the long-term costs.
Chris agreed. He said that the state standard is a big deal because it
makes it easy to put a statement about enforcement into the town plan.
Pete B. said that our role is to convince people to go beyond the
standard and use carrots.
Jerry said that he installed a solar system that has a long payback and
is deteriorating. He is disappointed.
Chuck quipped about our having already ended the discussion and then
said that part of the problem is that the economics are wrong because
all costs are not included.
Minutes
*******
Discussion turned to the minutes, with a compliment from Chris.
MOTION
Pete B. moved, and Chuck seconded, to accept the minutes of 14 May 2014
as presented. Passed unanimously.
Member Items
************
Chuck asked how to submit a resignation. Discussion about whether email
or paper notice is needed. Chuck will email Brian.
Chris distributed frequently asked questions about the Open Meeting Law.
Some discussion ensued. Peter D. suggested using the correspondence log
blog to make all electronic communication public automatically. Pete B.
pointed out the number of public notice places called for in the FAQ.
Peter D. expressed concern that minutes might not be preserved in the
town vault.
Jerry brought up the failed bid process for the town garage repair. He
expects that no work will be done this year. Discussion ensued. Jerry
thinks that installing the garage heat recovery system is the next step.
Discussion about alternate uses of the grant funding.
Chuck was presented with an imaginary gold watch and thanked for his
unique contributions to the work of the Energy Committee.
Adjournment
***********
On a MOTION from Pete B. and second by Chuck, the meeting was
unanimously adjourned at 7:35.
Respectfully Submitted,
Peter Duval, Secretary
Town of Underhill
Energy Committee
09 July 2014
DRAFT MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER
Jerry Adams, Peter Duval, Pete Bennett, Chuck Weger and Chris Miller in
attendance, the regular meeting was called to order at 6:45pm in the
Town Hall Kitchen, with Chris in the chair and Peter D. recording
minutes as secretary.
Agenda
******
With Bob Murphy absent, some items on which he would report were deleted
from the agenda: VHEC grant proposal, Vermont Energy Challenge, Heat
Pump Vendor Presentation. Open Meeting Law Changes was also deferred to
a later time.
Town Plan
*********
Jerry, Pete B., Peter D. and Chris attended the 16 June Planning
Commission meeting.
Chris said that the Planning Commission accepted the changes of the June
will forward the Energy Chapter to the Regional Planning Commission for
comments.
Pete B. felt that the Planning Commission was not ready to accept the
Energy Committee's view that the Regional Planning Commission
suggestions did not make a lot of sense, and that there is more
negotiation ahead.
Chris agreed that the process is not finished, and that his
understanding is that the RPC comments will come back to the Energy
Committee. So for now, "the ball is in their court."
Peter D. noted that we had approved two drafts. The first draft, which
included the high performance energy code, was approved by 6 members,
and the second, which did not include the energy code, was approved by 4
members. He felt that it did not appear that the Planning Commission had
read the first draft.
He expressed concern that this was the result of informal communication
between the boards. He mentioned Jerry Adams, Trevor Squirrel and Cliff
Peterson as having multiple positions in town. It is a powerful
position, being a gate keeper of communication between the boards.
Peter D. said that we should bring forward the idea of a high
performance energy again because in the current plan the Energy
Committee is directed to provide regulation and fee recommendations to
the Planning Commission. This is reflected in regulation at other levels
of government and cited California's 2020 net-zero code. He said that he
preferred the Passive House standard because it is a performance
standard, cost-effective, necessary for meeting other energy standards
(net-zero, energy plus) has an international industry behind it, and is
automatically enforced.
MOTION
Jerry moved, and Pete B. seconded, to discontinue talking about the town
plan.
Pete B. said that we should have a little more discussion. He felt that
it would be a "legal rat's nest" to have a stronger energy code than the
state, and that we had instead decided to ask the town to enforce the
state code and promote better practice.
Chris said that the state code is a substantial change from the status
quo, and he feels that construction in Underhill is cost-sensitive and
contrasted it with high-cost LEED-certified construction.
Pete B. read aloud the strategy from the June draft of the Energy
Chapter, and said that because of legal issues that Planning Commission
is unwilling to go beyond the state energy code.
Peter D. asked what the legal issues are.
Pete B. said that that it was the view of the Planning Commission that
an energy code could not be put in the regulations.
Chuck asked, "why not?"
Pete B. said that it had to do with going beyond the state code.
Chuck asked if that wasn't the point of having local control and local
government.
Pete B. said that people would sue.
Jerry said that houses are built with a first-cost concern. If the code
prevented "double-wides" from being installed, for example, then it
would be exclusionary and elitist.
Pete B. said there might be legal issues, and that is the Planning
Commission's view. The Energy Committee's job is give ways to promote
higher building practices.
Chuck said that enforcement is impractical.
Peter D. said that is why the Passive House standard is a good choice,
because there is an infrastructure of consultants and the only way to
get a certification is to have an independent commissioning of a
building by a passive house consultant. The process is well-established,
which is superior to the one that Efficiency Vermont is trying to create
with its own standard.
Pete B. called the question, which passed 3-2 to end discussion. The
motion to discontinue talking about the town plan passed 3-2. Discussion
continued.
Pete B. said that the Energy Committee can still come up with ways to
promote better building practices and even go to Planning Commission at
some point.
Chuck encouraged education
Chris agreed with the notion of education and also suggested exploring
incentives. He felt it was hard to explain going beyond the state standard.
Chuck said it is immaterial whether the local standard is higher or
lower than the state's, and that showing the lifetime economic good
sense of better building practices is effective.
Peter D. said that it argues against the idea that Passive House is
expensive. A sloppy building commits and condemns future people to great
expense.
Jerry said that most people are not thinking about the long-term costs.
Chris agreed. He said that the state standard is a big deal because it
makes it easy to put a statement about enforcement into the town plan.
Pete B. said that our role is to convince people to go beyond the
standard and use carrots.
Jerry said that he installed a solar system that has a long payback and
is deteriorating. He is disappointed.
Chuck quipped about our having already ended the discussion and then
said that part of the problem is that the economics are wrong because
all costs are not included.
Minutes
*******
Discussion turned to the minutes, with a compliment from Chris.
MOTION
Pete B. moved, and Chuck seconded, to accept the minutes of 14 May 2014
as presented. Passed unanimously.
Member Items
************
Chuck asked how to submit a resignation. Discussion about whether email
or paper notice is needed. Chuck will email Brian.
Chris distributed frequently asked questions about the Open Meeting Law.
Some discussion ensued. Peter D. suggested using the correspondence log
blog to make all electronic communication public automatically. Pete B.
pointed out the number of public notice places called for in the FAQ.
Peter D. expressed concern that minutes might not be preserved in the
town vault.
Jerry brought up the failed bid process for the town garage repair. He
expects that no work will be done this year. Discussion ensued. Jerry
thinks that installing the garage heat recovery system is the next step.
Discussion about alternate uses of the grant funding.
Chuck was presented with an imaginary gold watch and thanked for his
unique contributions to the work of the Energy Committee.
Adjournment
***********
On a MOTION from Pete B. and second by Chuck, the meeting was
unanimously adjourned at 7:35.
Respectfully Submitted,
Peter Duval, Secretary
18 June 2014
Meeting Minutes 20140611
Meeting Minutes 20140611
Town of Underhill
Energy Committee
11 June 2014
DRAFT MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER
Bob
Murphy, Tom Moore, Jerry Adams, Peter Duval, Pete Bennett and Chris
Miller in attendance, the regular meeting called to order at 6:38pm in
the Town Hall Kitchen, with Chris in the chair and Peter D. recording
minutes as secretary.
Minutes
*******
MOTION
Tom moved, Jerry seconded to accept the minutes of 14 May 2014 as submitted. Passed unanimously.
Town Plan
*********
Chris said that he has been
asked to present the Energy Committees draft of Chapter 8 -- Energy to
the Planning Commission (PC) next week, and he would like to consider
feedback on the chapter before the presentation.
Jerry reported that the PC discussed one aspect of
the Chapter 8, the "gold standard" for new construction. The PC probably
won't accept a draft that contains it. The following day, he emailed
the Committee Draft to the PC Administrator for forwarding to the rest
of the PC. He suggested looking at the bronze and silver standard.
Chris asked Jerry to clarify what he meant by gold, silver and bronze. Bob described some standards, in increasing rigor:
* State standard, Residential Building Energy Standard, RBES
* Energy Star, which was broken into three named standards:
1) Code Plus
2) Energy Star
3) High Performance
Chris
read the building code objective from the Committee Draft: "The town
should require a High Performance Home certification as a requirement
for a certificate of occupancy for new buildings."
Jerry said the town plan "goes in a drawer, until
there's a problem." Later, someone could sue the town based on a claim
that the plan is exclusionary.
Chris pointed
out that the Committee had removed 'shall' from most of the document,
and asked Jerry if 'promote' would be more acceptable.
Pete B. asked why the town should require new construction to meet a higher building performance standard.
Peter D. said that buildings have a long life, much longer than the life the person who decides to build them.
Bob said that he wished the town would enforce the
existing code. Discussion ensued about the details of enforcement. The
state requires that the code compliance documents be filed with the town
clerk. Using the "owner/builder" form absolves the builder from
complying with the state standard.
Pete B. asked if there was a revision that we could
consider. Chris asked for a straw poll on modifying the code objective.
Peter D. said that the PC could change the chapter on its own, and that
it is the Energy Committee's role to forward its best work. Tom said
that the Energy Committee would do a better job revising the chapter
than the PC.
Chris asked for a motion.
Tom
suggested offering an incentive for high performance buildings, with
suitably "fluffy" wording to make it a recommendation to the town.
Jerry said that there will be at least one area of
the plan that will not be fluffy: the town will not takeover any private
roads.
Peter D. suggested writing a letter
about the state standard enforcement issue, and focussing on the higher
performance standard in the plan.
Pete B. asked if there are other mandates, or codes to consider. Jerry asked about the STRETCH code.
Discussion of enforcing the state standard.
Pete B. proposed wording for objective. Discussion ensued.
MOTION
Pete B. moved, Tom seconded to
replace the objective with a "strategy": "The town should enforce
current state energy codes as a requirement for the issuance of a
certificate of occupancy. At the same time, the town should promote
residential building practices which exceed these current state
requirements." Passed 4-1, 1 absent.
Discussion was directed to the section on emissions standards.
Tom moved, Jerry seconded to strike (line 84) ", in consultation with the Conservation Commission," Passed unanimously.
Jerry asked if the references to the survey had been removed. Peter D. confirmed that they were removed at the last meeting.
Pete B. asked about the process. Chris encouraged all members to attend the PC meeting.
Peter D. suggested inserting a recommendation for a
dark sky policies. Discussion ensued about the wording of the
recommendation.
MOTION
Jerry moved,
and Bob seconded to insert (at approximately line 192) a strategy "The
town shall promote the minimization of night lighting, commensurate with
safety and utility, in both public and private properties." Passed
unanimously.
VHEC Grant
**********
Bob
previously circulated the grant application by email. Most of the
projects can be accomplished under the grant funding limit. He reported
on quotes for the various projects: $5700 for the garage lights (Green
Mountain). LEDs would cost about $3000 more. Jerry reported that the
garage project could be delayed. No contractor interest has been shown
so far in the roof project. Bob said that a delay was alluded to in the
grant document, so it should not be a problem.
The post office audit was the basis for the project
and requoted the project. The net, considering incentives, was $4404.
Pete B. asked if there was a benefit to the town for this project. Bob
noted that the postal service had to make an extraordinary requisition
this season for heating oil. Tom said that the improvements do not cost
the town any money and become part of the town-owned building,
regardless of whether the post office remains.
Bob noted concern about the low temperature
operation of the heat pump. Different models function at different low
temps. Bob consulted with Vermont Energy Contracting in addition to
Roland Maheux. It was agreed that the model selection will be confirmed
before the project is undertaken.
In reviewing the heat pumps, it was determined that
the new air-conditioning system at the town hall is actually a heat
pump, with a lower operating limit of 5 degrees Fahrenheit. Bob plans to
recommend that the Selectboard raise the outdoor packages above the
snow, so that they can be used for shoulder season heating (a $500
project, beyond the scope of the VHEC grant).
Town hall main room lighting will cost $1000 for equipment. The Energy Committee will take care of the labor.
The exterior light at the post office is also included as equipment only.
It was agreed to go forward with discussing the projects with the selectboard, in anticipation of receiving the grant.
Solar/VHEC Challenge
********************
Bob said that we will be receiving a
project-by-project report from the Renewable Energy Resource Center for
the past two years. SunCommon has said that in the past two years it has
completed 29 projects in Underhill. The goal was 40 renewable systems.
It appears that the goal was met. Pete B. will check with Sunward, which
did solar hot water.
Heat Pump Vendors
*****************
Bob
noted that SunCommon is interested in giving a presentation on heat
pumps. Pete B. asked about a "neutral" presentation by Efficiency
Vermont and whether the state incentives are forthcoming. The incentives
were just recently enacted in law, and it will take about a year for
implementation. There is a contact at Efficiency Vermont who Bob can
invite.
Pete B. reported that the Co-op will have a leasing
program. Heat pumps are of high interest to the public. Bob described a
system that he is planning to install at his house.
Discussion turned to system-wide effects of large scale adoption of air-source heat pumps and electric cars.
This agenda item will be carried over to the next meeting.
On a MOTION from Pete B. and second by Tom, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 8:19.
Respectfully Submitted,
Peter Duval, Secretary
24 May 2014
Underhill Town Plan, Chapter 8, Committee Draft 20140514
Energy Committee,
The committee's draft, as of our May 14 meeting, is attached. The "diffed" version shows the edits, compared to Peter Bennett's April 22 draft.
The building code "Objective" probably should have been labeled a "Strategy." I wish it also listed Passivhaus/PassiveHouse and NetZero and any stronger verified performance standard as alternatives, along with a special review option for experimental buildings that might achieve the intent of reducing energy consumption, renewable production, or ecological restoration in a way that is not well analyzed by the suggested codes. Here's an improved version, I think:
"Strategy: For new buildings, a High Performance Home certification should be required for the issuance of a certificate of occupancy"
-Peter
CHAPTER 8: ENERGY
Section 8.1: Background
In 2008, the Underhill Selectboard created an Energy Committee with a charge to
research the energy issues for the Town and to make recommendations for changes and
best practices to the Planning Commission and the Selectboard. The guiding principle of
the Energy Committee's recommendations is for the Town as an entity and for Town
residents to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. See Natural Resources §§ 1.10 & 1.18.
This will be accomplished through setting town policies that require energy efficiency in
Town infrastructure and encouraging residents to do the same in their own homes and by
utilizing renewable energy resources.
In the early 2000's the Town voted to become a part of the "10 % Challenge", a
voluntary program to raise public awareness about global climate change and to
encourage households and businesses to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by at least
10 percent. The Energy Committee has already held informational sessions about how
residents can lower their energy use, (thus lowering greenhouse gas emissions) and what
resources are available to community members to help them become more energy
efficient.
In addition to this work, the Town should encourage measurable energy efficiencies and renewable energy production through regulations and fees structures.
Section 8.2 Energy Consumption Reduction
Policy: The Town shall work to reduce energy consumption of Town
equipment and Town properties and also encourage Town residents
to do the same.
Goal: The Town shall have an energy efficient infrastructure
Completed:
The Town has implemented the recommendations of the energy audit for the Town Hall in fiscal year 2009-2010. The Town is completing the recommendations of the energy audit for the Post Office in fiscal year 2014.
The Town has conducted an energy audit for the Town Garage and scheduled energy efficiency improvements in the capital plan for FY 2014.
On-going Strategies:
The Town shall continue to maintain and improve the energy efficiency of Town buildings through capital planning. See Infrastructure § 4.3.
As a part of having an energy efficient infrastructure, Town vehicles shall adhere to all emission standards as established by the state and federal government.
The Town should use local natural resources whenever effective to reduce Town energy expenditures.
Energy performance values should be established for any new Town of Underhill infrastructure construction.
Goal: To encourage public and private entities to reduce energy use.
Objective: The town should require a High Performance Home certification as a requirement for a certificate of occupancy for new buildings.
Completed: The Underhill Energy Committee organized Underhill's participation in the Vermont Home Energy Challenge (VHEC). Sponsored by Efficiency Vermont and the Vermont Energy and Climate Action Network (VECAN) the VHEC is a program designed to increase the number of comprehensive home energy efficiency improvement projects in the state. Under the Challenge, town energy committees and other local partners compete with other towns to see which town can get the most homes weatherized within a one-year period.
Underhill tied for 1st place (with Jericho) in its region with 27% of target realized. As a result, the town won a $10,000 grant which will be put to use in energy efficiency projects for the benefit of the Town.
On-Going Strategies:
The Energy Committee shall continue to educate residents in ways to reduce their energy consumption especially in the area of reducing thermal energy expenditures.
The energy committee will continue to monitor the implementation of PACE ( Property Assessed Clean Energy), a financing vehicle whereby the Town would loan money to residents for home energy improvements. If feasible, from a town management standpoint, the Energy committee would ask the Select Board to submit this to town voters for approval.
The Planning Committee shall consult with the Energy Committee and review Town regulations and fee structures to consider ways to encourage energy efficient construction. One possible solution is to offer building fee rebates based on the proven energy efficiency of new construction and existing structure improvements. A recommendation shall be made by the Planning Commission to the Selectboard about fee rebates or other strategies to achieve energy savings in conjunction with regulatory amendments.
The Energy Committee, in consultation with the Conservation Commission, shall make recommendations to the Planning Commission and Selectboard to consider targeted emission standards for Town infrastructure, as well as suggested methods for achieving targeted standards.
The Town shall support the further development of public transportation systems and alternative transportation systems such as multi-modal paths in accord with the planning goals set forth in the Transportation chapter of this Plan. See Transportation, Chapter 5.
Section 8.3: Development of Renewable Energy Resources
Goal: Encourage the development of renewable energy sources in
Underhill.
Strategies:
The Planning Commission shall review Town regulations to determine if they are flexible enough to accommodate development of renewable energy sources in identified use areas.
If necessary, the Planning Commission shall propose amendments to the regulations and hold public forums on the proposed changes.
When drafting amendments to accommodate development of renewable energy sources, the Planning Commission shall consult both the Conservation Commission and the Energy Committee.
Meeting Minutes 20140514
Meeting Minutes 20140514
Town of Underhill
Energy Committee
14 May 2014
DRAFT MINUTES
Bob Murphy, Tom Moore, Jerry Adams, Steve Webster, Peter Duval, Chuck Weger and Chris Miller in attendance, the regular meeting called to order at 6:35pm in the Town Hall Kitchen, with Chris in the chair and Peter recording minutes as secretary.
VHEC Grant
**********
Bob began the discussion with an information update:
1) Efficiency Vermont (EVT) incentives can be combined with the grant.
2) The street light program has been fully subscribed for this year, so no funds are available for street light replacement.
Bob reviewed potential projects, with estimates:
Town garage lighting project would install 14 4-tube T5 fluorescent fixtures. The EVT incentive pays $100 per fixture and $100 per motion sensor. For the fixtures, with a total cost of $4200, less the EVT incentive of $1400, leaves a net charge to the VHEC grant of $2800.
Post office insulation project would fix the DWV stack, remove basement vent, air seal and install new insulation. The project, with a total cost of $5590, less incentives of $1500, leaves a net charge to the VHEC grant of $4090.
Town hall lighting project would replace fluorescent fixtures in the main room. We are waiting on a detailed quote. Incentives are minimal. The current estimate is approximately $1000 net charge to the VHEC grant.
Discussion ensued about the sequencing of repairs at the town garage. The roof replacement should be done before the lighting project is undertaken. There is a 31 December 2014 deadline for lighting verification.
Tom suggested installing a ductless mini-split at the post office. The total cost would be approximately $5000. Some discussion about the whether the town hall would be a better showcase for the unit, and whether the AC-only mini-split that was just installed at the town hall could be retrofitted, or would have to be replaced.
Peter suggested a dark-sky optimized lighting project for the post office.
Individual projects were voted by priority:
MOTION
1) Jerry moved, Peter seconded to allocate $5590 of the VHEC grant to the post office insulation project. Passed unanimously.
MOTION
2) Tom moved, Jerry seconded to install a mini-split somewhere at the town hall; but if it is not recommended on closer evaluation, then it would be installed at the post office. Passed unanimously.
MOTION
3) Chuck moved, Bob seconded to use the EVT rebate money on dark sky exterior lighting at the post office, and any remaining rebate money on the town hall parking lot. Passed unanimously.
MOTION
4 Tom moved, Steve seconded to renovate the fluorescent fixtures in the main room of the town hall. Passed unanimously.
Town Plan
*********
Working from a hard copy of Peter Bennett's draft "Chapter 8: Energy," with Steve and Peter suggesting on a number of deletions, and Chris suggesting a couple of insertions the edits which were accepted without objection:
1) At line 22, insert "and renewable energy production" after "measurable energy efficiencies"
2) At lines 25-28, delete "It may also…tree canopy."
3) At lines 30-49, delete "In the Underhill…should be investigated."
4) At line 71, replace "feasible" with "effective"
5) At line 106, delete "about" from "Selectboard to consider about targeted emission"
6) At line 108, revise "achieving those targeted standards by 2014." to "achieving targeted standards."
7) At line 116, delete "alternative" from "development of alternative renewable"
8) At line 129-135, delete "4. The Planning Commission shall…fuel the Town garage."
Discussion of building energy codes (High Performance High, Energy Star, Code Plus), the lack of enforcement of the state code, and the merits of a verifying code standard.
MOTION
Peter moved, Steve seconded to add at line 77:
"Objective: The town should require a High Performance Home certification as a requirement for a certificate of occupancy for new buildings." Passed, 6-1.
Harvest Market
**************
Chuck brought to the committee's attention that it is time to plan for Harvest Market, and produced the registration material for a booth. The committee expressed sadness at the imminent loss of Chuck's good company and reliable organizing of the Harvest Market booth and extended best wishes for his retirement from the committee. Bob agreed to organize the Harvest Market Booth.
Bob mentioned that domestic hot water heat pumps will be getting a substantial incentive this year, $550, on an approximately $900 unit.
VHEC Grant Revisited
********************
Tom received a communication from Brian Bigelow expressing confidence that the town garage roof replacement project would be completed in time to pursue the town garage light project.
MOTION
Steve moved, Tom seconded to substitute the town garage lighting for the mini-split project, if Tom was convinced that the lighting project is feasible and the garage project would be completed in time. Passed 6-1.
On a MOTION from Chuck and second by Steve, the meeting was unanimously adjourned.
Respectfully Submitted,
Peter Duval, Secretary
Town of Underhill
Energy Committee
14 May 2014
DRAFT MINUTES
Bob Murphy, Tom Moore, Jerry Adams, Steve Webster, Peter Duval, Chuck Weger and Chris Miller in attendance, the regular meeting called to order at 6:35pm in the Town Hall Kitchen, with Chris in the chair and Peter recording minutes as secretary.
VHEC Grant
**********
Bob began the discussion with an information update:
1) Efficiency Vermont (EVT) incentives can be combined with the grant.
2) The street light program has been fully subscribed for this year, so no funds are available for street light replacement.
Bob reviewed potential projects, with estimates:
Town garage lighting project would install 14 4-tube T5 fluorescent fixtures. The EVT incentive pays $100 per fixture and $100 per motion sensor. For the fixtures, with a total cost of $4200, less the EVT incentive of $1400, leaves a net charge to the VHEC grant of $2800.
Post office insulation project would fix the DWV stack, remove basement vent, air seal and install new insulation. The project, with a total cost of $5590, less incentives of $1500, leaves a net charge to the VHEC grant of $4090.
Town hall lighting project would replace fluorescent fixtures in the main room. We are waiting on a detailed quote. Incentives are minimal. The current estimate is approximately $1000 net charge to the VHEC grant.
Discussion ensued about the sequencing of repairs at the town garage. The roof replacement should be done before the lighting project is undertaken. There is a 31 December 2014 deadline for lighting verification.
Tom suggested installing a ductless mini-split at the post office. The total cost would be approximately $5000. Some discussion about the whether the town hall would be a better showcase for the unit, and whether the AC-only mini-split that was just installed at the town hall could be retrofitted, or would have to be replaced.
Peter suggested a dark-sky optimized lighting project for the post office.
Individual projects were voted by priority:
MOTION
1) Jerry moved, Peter seconded to allocate $5590 of the VHEC grant to the post office insulation project. Passed unanimously.
MOTION
2) Tom moved, Jerry seconded to install a mini-split somewhere at the town hall; but if it is not recommended on closer evaluation, then it would be installed at the post office. Passed unanimously.
MOTION
3) Chuck moved, Bob seconded to use the EVT rebate money on dark sky exterior lighting at the post office, and any remaining rebate money on the town hall parking lot. Passed unanimously.
MOTION
4 Tom moved, Steve seconded to renovate the fluorescent fixtures in the main room of the town hall. Passed unanimously.
Town Plan
*********
Working from a hard copy of Peter Bennett's draft "Chapter 8: Energy," with Steve and Peter suggesting on a number of deletions, and Chris suggesting a couple of insertions the edits which were accepted without objection:
1) At line 22, insert "and renewable energy production" after "measurable energy efficiencies"
2) At lines 25-28, delete "It may also…tree canopy."
3) At lines 30-49, delete "In the Underhill…should be investigated."
4) At line 71, replace "feasible" with "effective"
5) At line 106, delete "about" from "Selectboard to consider about targeted emission"
6) At line 108, revise "achieving those targeted standards by 2014." to "achieving targeted standards."
7) At line 116, delete "alternative" from "development of alternative renewable"
8) At line 129-135, delete "4. The Planning Commission shall…fuel the Town garage."
Discussion of building energy codes (High Performance High, Energy Star, Code Plus), the lack of enforcement of the state code, and the merits of a verifying code standard.
MOTION
Peter moved, Steve seconded to add at line 77:
"Objective: The town should require a High Performance Home certification as a requirement for a certificate of occupancy for new buildings." Passed, 6-1.
Harvest Market
**************
Chuck brought to the committee's attention that it is time to plan for Harvest Market, and produced the registration material for a booth. The committee expressed sadness at the imminent loss of Chuck's good company and reliable organizing of the Harvest Market booth and extended best wishes for his retirement from the committee. Bob agreed to organize the Harvest Market Booth.
Bob mentioned that domestic hot water heat pumps will be getting a substantial incentive this year, $550, on an approximately $900 unit.
VHEC Grant Revisited
********************
Tom received a communication from Brian Bigelow expressing confidence that the town garage roof replacement project would be completed in time to pursue the town garage light project.
MOTION
Steve moved, Tom seconded to substitute the town garage lighting for the mini-split project, if Tom was convinced that the lighting project is feasible and the garage project would be completed in time. Passed 6-1.
On a MOTION from Chuck and second by Steve, the meeting was unanimously adjourned.
Respectfully Submitted,
Peter Duval, Secretary
21 April 2014
Meeting Minutes 20140409
DRAFT MINUTES
Meeting Minutes 20140409
Town of Underhill
Energy Committee
09 April 2014
CALL TO ORDER
*************
Members Chris Miller, Bob Murphy, Jerry Adams, Peter Bennett, Chuck Weger and Peter Duval (6:40) attended the 09 April 2014 regular meeting of the Underhill Energy Committee, called to order at 6:35 pm in the Underhill Town Hall Kitchen, with Chris in the chair and Peter D. acting as secretary. Brian Hurley attended as a member
MINUTES APPROVAL
****************
The minutes of the 26 March 2014 meeting were approved as drafted.
LEAP
****
Bob reported that the LEAP conference attracted about 650 people, down for a peak of about 900. Conversations at his booth were mostly about LEDs, high propane bills, and heat pumps. Rep. Welch and Sen. Sanders were there.
Jerry also attended -- and went to the session on air source heat pumps. Red Rock Mechanical is offering a single-head Fujitsu 15kBtu package for $4k. The maximum separation between the indoor and outdoor units is 100 feet. With HVDC and finicky refrigerant tuning, it's not a DIY project.
Discussion of heat pump performance characteristics followed. COP can be as high as 9 with warmer temperatures;. A $1000 rebate is being considered by the legislature; it is unclear whether weatherization will be required. Pete B. reported that the Co-op will have a "major" heat pump initiative. Peter D. described his experience using heat pumps in Japan.
VHEC
****
Chris mentioned that the VHEC award was in a news item on VPR.
Bob read from the grant award letter and project proposal form, noting that the award had to used to reduce energy consumption and costs for the town.
Peter B. listed some questions:
* Who decides?
* Who submits the grant?
* Does it have to be one package proposal?
Discussion of the politics and finances of the projects and the Energy Committee ensued.
The post office, town hall lighting, school lighting project, street lighting, and town garage lighting project were discussed.
The post office "showcase" project would involve already identified weatherization measures and additional efforts: remove/repair roof penetrations, clean and reinsulate the attic, remove the basement from the conditioned envelope and replace the old furnace with heat pump, isolate public area heating zone, demonstrate a temporary exterior vestibule, install state-of-the-art (day)lighting.
The school lighting project would replace fluorescent fixtures in the Underhill Central School with improved lighting fixtures. The project already has an Efficiency Vermont incentive to do the lighting project, a cash-neutral financing option, and represents a subdistrict of the town. The VHEC grant rules suggest that it may not be combined with the Efficiency Vermont incentive.
The town hall lighting project would replace T12 linear fluorescents fixtures in the main room with new lighting fixtures.
The town garage lighting project would replace sodium vapor fixtures in the town garage with new lighting fixtures.
The street lighting project would replace existing street lights with new fixtures. There is an existing street lighting incentive program, but it is rumored to be fully subscribed for this year.
Chris asked that a detailed list of project options be presented at the next meeting.
TOWN PLAN
*********
Jerry reported that there is no deadline, but we need to bring something forward to the Planning Commission.
Peter D. mentioned some items that could be addressed in the next town plan, including a strong energy code, Traffic Committee recommendations, waste carting contract, and a dark sky initiative.
Chris asked that members review the draft and send out comments before the next meeting.
OTHER BUSINESS
**************
Bob reported on energy consumption at the town hall, which has been reduced about 40% since we began the program of efficiency projects.
Chuck will be leaving Underhill in June.
ADJOURNMENT
***********
On a motion from Pete B. with a second by Chuck, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 8:25.
Respectfully Submitted,
Peter Duval, Secretary
Meeting Minutes 20140409
Town of Underhill
Energy Committee
09 April 2014
CALL TO ORDER
*************
Members Chris Miller, Bob Murphy, Jerry Adams, Peter Bennett, Chuck Weger and Peter Duval (6:40) attended the 09 April 2014 regular meeting of the Underhill Energy Committee, called to order at 6:35 pm in the Underhill Town Hall Kitchen, with Chris in the chair and Peter D. acting as secretary. Brian Hurley attended as a member
MINUTES APPROVAL
****************
The minutes of the 26 March 2014 meeting were approved as drafted.
LEAP
****
Bob reported that the LEAP conference attracted about 650 people, down for a peak of about 900. Conversations at his booth were mostly about LEDs, high propane bills, and heat pumps. Rep. Welch and Sen. Sanders were there.
Jerry also attended -- and went to the session on air source heat pumps. Red Rock Mechanical is offering a single-head Fujitsu 15kBtu package for $4k. The maximum separation between the indoor and outdoor units is 100 feet. With HVDC and finicky refrigerant tuning, it's not a DIY project.
Discussion of heat pump performance characteristics followed. COP can be as high as 9 with warmer temperatures;. A $1000 rebate is being considered by the legislature; it is unclear whether weatherization will be required. Pete B. reported that the Co-op will have a "major" heat pump initiative. Peter D. described his experience using heat pumps in Japan.
VHEC
****
Chris mentioned that the VHEC award was in a news item on VPR.
Bob read from the grant award letter and project proposal form, noting that the award had to used to reduce energy consumption and costs for the town.
Peter B. listed some questions:
* Who decides?
* Who submits the grant?
* Does it have to be one package proposal?
Discussion of the politics and finances of the projects and the Energy Committee ensued.
The post office, town hall lighting, school lighting project, street lighting, and town garage lighting project were discussed.
The post office "showcase" project would involve already identified weatherization measures and additional efforts: remove/repair roof penetrations, clean and reinsulate the attic, remove the basement from the conditioned envelope and replace the old furnace with heat pump, isolate public area heating zone, demonstrate a temporary exterior vestibule, install state-of-the-art (day)lighting.
The school lighting project would replace fluorescent fixtures in the Underhill Central School with improved lighting fixtures. The project already has an Efficiency Vermont incentive to do the lighting project, a cash-neutral financing option, and represents a subdistrict of the town. The VHEC grant rules suggest that it may not be combined with the Efficiency Vermont incentive.
The town hall lighting project would replace T12 linear fluorescents fixtures in the main room with new lighting fixtures.
The town garage lighting project would replace sodium vapor fixtures in the town garage with new lighting fixtures.
The street lighting project would replace existing street lights with new fixtures. There is an existing street lighting incentive program, but it is rumored to be fully subscribed for this year.
Chris asked that a detailed list of project options be presented at the next meeting.
TOWN PLAN
*********
Jerry reported that there is no deadline, but we need to bring something forward to the Planning Commission.
Peter D. mentioned some items that could be addressed in the next town plan, including a strong energy code, Traffic Committee recommendations, waste carting contract, and a dark sky initiative.
Chris asked that members review the draft and send out comments before the next meeting.
OTHER BUSINESS
**************
Bob reported on energy consumption at the town hall, which has been reduced about 40% since we began the program of efficiency projects.
Chuck will be leaving Underhill in June.
ADJOURNMENT
***********
On a motion from Pete B. with a second by Chuck, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 8:25.
Respectfully Submitted,
Peter Duval, Secretary
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)