Dane County Energy Update

A tuck-under garage is a garage with living space above it. It’s typically seen in homes that are built on an incline.

A tuck under garage on the West side of Madison

We see a lot of these in our work because they were often incorporated into homes built in the 60s and 70s — homes that are often very inefficient anyway and may already have serious comfort problems and high energy bills. Rarely is there an air barrier between the garage ceiling and the living space above meaning that air can travel freely (and through fiberglass insulation) into the living space above.

Especially in these cold winter months, many homeowners start their cars in the garage and let them run for a few minutes to warm them up. Even in summer months when cars aren’t left running, the noxious fumes of the cars can easily float up into the room above. For some reason, the majority of the rooms above the garage tend to be a child’s bedroom which is now a very serious safety issue. Not only can carbon monoxide enter the living space on a daily basis, but if there isn’t a proper firewall (which we also find often) then a fire can spread easily to the room above. And garages are the most likely place in the home for a fire to start. (continue reading…)

Madison Surpasses Reduction Goal for Carbon Emissions – Wisconsin State Journal - The MPower coalition was brought together by MG&E, UW Madison, Sustain Dane and others. They’ve reduced carbon emissions by over 100,000 tons over four years through programs like Green Power Tomorrow, lighting upgrades, hybrid buses and solar hot water systems.

Renew: Bill Would Slam Door on Wind Development – Journal Sentinel Online – The recent regulatory bill introduced by Governor Walker severely restrict wind permitting rules and will likely stop over $500 million in wind projects in the state.

UW-Madison Conservation Goals Heeded and Exceeded – University of Wisconsin-Madison News – Unrelated to the first article, the UW pledged to reduce energy consumption by 20% from 2006-2010. The We Conserve program actually achieved a reduction of 25% and is saving the university $13 million per year.

Style & Substance – Madison Magazine – Interesting story about Kirsten Joiner, the new Executive Director of Sustain Dane, a local nonprofit that focuses on sustainability.

High School Earns Energy Star Rating - Sauk Prairie Eagle – The Sauk Prairie High School is fifty years old but is now in the top 25% of high schools in the country for energy efficiency.

State Cancels Plans for Biomass Plant at UW-Madison – Journal Sentinel Online – Governor Walker has cancelled plans to convert UW Madison power plant from coal to biomass. It will instead be converted to run on natural gas.

What the Tax Deal Means for Your Home – Forbes.com – Not from a Wisconsin source, but it’s worth pointing out that the recent tax deal includes a renewal of the previous tax credit for energy efficiency. It’s not as good as it was before, but it’s still something.

Utility Customers Raise Concerns Online About Rate Request – Journal Sentinel Online – Not too many people are happy about We Energies request for a rate hike of 1%. They’ll be filing additional requests in the spring for 2012 and 2013.

Virent Shares $900,000 Grant for Renewable Energy Project - Wisconsin State Journal - The Madison company will share the funds from the Department of Energy. Virent uses proprietary technology to turn refined sugars into biofuel.

Happy new year! Piping Plover will be exhibiting at this weekend’s Home Expo at Monona Terrace. Take a look at the show website for parking and admission information. Tickets are $5 but if you plan on coming, shoot me an email (lee@pipingploverenergy.com) and I’ll send you a free ticket you can print.

See you there!