Save money, energy, and the planet! Welcome Greece! Let’s be a Cool Community! TheChallenge

Climate Change Cafe

Café Question #1 What were you successful in accomplishing?

Café Question #2 What barriers did you encounter?

What can we expect? Climatologists warn that global temperatures will rise between 2 and 6 Celsius (4-12F) this century.

Loss of the Amazon

Cool Household Systems

11. Meet your Water Heater Set it to 120 degrees F Wrap it in an insulating blanket Insulate first 5 feet of pipes Get it tuned up regularly

12. Light of your Life Inventory all bulbs: type, wattage Purchase as many replacements as you can, starting with fixtures that stay on the longest

13. Chill Out: Sealing Air Leaks Weather-strip and caulk around windows and doors Use insulating foam in attic and basement where pipes enter Plastic on old windows Door sweeps on exterior & basement doors

14. Furnace Fling Get a furnace tune-up Seal all joints in warm air ducts with UL-181 tape Insulate ducts in non-heated areas

15. Sustainable Energy Household Get an energy audit Develop a plan to implement recommendations When it’s time to replace appliances, choose EnergyStar®

$0.00 due $0.00 due Budget balance: $ left over Budget balance: $ left over

$36.28 Prior bill $26.16

RG&E customers pay for this through a surcharge on electricity bill (SBC, or Systems Benefit Charge) Who should check out NYSERDA: Owners of existing homes Buyers of new homes Renters Owners and managers of existing multi-family buildings Teachers and students Shoppers interested in energy-efficient products Program Offers: information, help in finding a contractor for Home Performance with Energy Star, grants (often income-qualified)

Renters can do things too! Ask landlord which things you can do- Caulking, sealing drafts, putting plastic on windows Let your landlord know you are concerned, and show him how NYSERDA can help Be happy to know that your impact is smaller already!

EmPower Cost-effective electric reduction measures, particularly lighting and refrigerator replacements, as well as other cost-effective home performance strategies such as insulation, and health and safety measures. Who is Eligible? RG&E customers that live in a building with 100 units or less (including homeowners), and either participate in a utility payment assistance program or have a household income below 60% of state median income are eligible (i.e., HEAP eligible). What is the Cost There is no cost to the customer. In rental situations, certain measures that directly benefit the eligible tenant are eligible without a landlord contribution.

EmPower Who Provides the Services NYSERDA contracted with Honeywell International to implement the EmPower New York SM Program. The energy efficiency services are delivered by private Contractors and participating Weatherization Agencies, all of whom are Building Performance Institute Accredited. How to Apply Referrals will be accepted from RG&E, local Offices for the Aging and Weatherization Agencies. Energy efficiency services are prioritized based on the potential for cost-effective energy usage reduction. For additional information contact Honeywell International at

16. Green Power Research and compare your clean energy options Sign up!

17. Is your Car Physically Fit? Follow all maintenance recommendations for your car- air filter, tune-ups, etc Make sure tires are properly inflated

18. Befriend an Earth-smart Auto – free comparison guidewww.fueleconomy.gov 22 mpg versus mpg! Lighter weight = more fuel efficient Don’t have a car? Good for you!

19. Carbon Neutral Go all the way! Plant trees Purchase carbon offsets, especially for air travel

PARTICIPANT FEEDBACK "I MADE NEW FRIENDS, AND WAS ENCOURAGED THAT OTHERS FEEL AS PASSIONATELY ABOUT SAFEGUARDING OUR PLANET AS I DO. I WAS SUPPORTED BY MY TEAM IN TAKING SIGNIFICANT ACTIONS THAT HAVE MADE MY HOUSEHOLD CARBON-NEUTRAL. AMAZING!! NOW I’M WORKING WITH MY TEAM TO BRING THE PROGRAM TO MY COMMUNITY, AND AM FINALLY FEELING A SENSE OF HOPE FOR OUR FUTURE AND THE FUTURE OF OUR EARTH.” PATTY GOODWIN

How are we doing so far? What do you like about the program? What suggestions do you have?