Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: [C-L] Grants

[Robert Waldrop (rmwj]

We have a considerable amount of information about energy conservation
and alternative energies collected at our website
http://www.energyconservationinfo.org.

Active alternative energies, such as wind power or photovoltaic
panels, only approach "cost effectiveness" if there are significant
incentives, at this stage of the game.  Of the various active options,
solar water heating is the best bet to turn an energy "profit" (energy
returned on money and energy invested), especially if combined with
demand water heaters.

Passive approaches, such as superinsulation, weatherization, awnings
for windows, special window treatments, compact flourescent light
bulbs, designing for passive solar heating and cooling, etc are much
more cost effective.  Rather than giving you a new source of energy
(except for passive solar heating), most of these approaches reduce
the amount of energy you use in total, and help you use what energy
you do consume with greater productivity.

Given the situation you describe, and that you are in the planning
stages, I suggest going for superinsulation combined with designing
your community to take advantage of the possibilities of passive solar
heating and cooling, and that you add in solar water heating.  You
will do more to save the planet by taking care of these details rather
than investing in a large wind generator.  You will also, imhLAYo (I
am not an engineer), over the long term save quite a bit of money on
"operating expenses" (energy you have to buy) compared to what you
invest dollarwise up front in the capital expense of the housing
construction.

Also, consider investing in super efficient appliances (refrigerators,
air conditioners if you plan to use them, etc.)  The up front dollar
cost is a bit more, but they will save you money in the long run.

Robert Waldrop, OKC
http://ww.bettertimesinfo.org

Hi Folks,
An idea came up at our last planning meeting re. the use of a
windmill(s) for energy for our future cohousing community.  Although
I'm sure this topic has been discussed before, I'm relatively new to
the list-serve and wonder if anyone knows of leads for grants, or
other financial incentives for communities that are interested in
using alternative means of energy, as well as other "green" ideas we
might consider implementing.  We are willing to consider investing
somewhat more initially if there is a prospect for longterm savings,
but we are a modest group and couldn't really consider anything that
would substantially increase our initial housing costs.
Thanks!
Amy
"Honey Creek" (that's changing it's name) Cohousing in Ann Arbor, MI

--- Amy Cervantes
--- dnacervantes [at] earthlink.net



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