Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Monday, June 16, 2008
Green events for everyone
Being free events, they are available to everyone. But in mid May, solar seminar and community energy planning workshop were hosted by Sandy Hill, one of many Ottawa's communities striving to go green.
The city's inaugural solar seminar was organized by multiple parties including Toronto-based Go Solar, (Ontario-wide solar education campaign), Sustainable Ottawa Energy Co-operative, Tucker House Renewal Centre (environmental learning centre), Conservation Co-op, Action Sandy Hill (community association), University of Ottawa-based Ontario Public Interest Research Group (OPIRG), Institute of Environment, UofO, and Purple Sandy Hill (a grassroots campaign for green and energy sufficient Sandy Hill).
Grounded in its 'Mission Green,' and equipped with roof deck garden, bicycle garage, carpets made of recycled pop bottles, extensive composting system, rain water collection, high quality indoor air and heat recovery ventilation system, the Green Building Challenge '98 award-winning Conservation Co-op, located right in the middle of Sandy Hill and overlooking its beautiful Rideau River, was chosen as a natural place for the events. Thanks to Kim Purcell, Co-Op's coordinator, the events received fabulous welcome and were held in Co-op's Solarium.
Solar seminar drew about fifty people. With every chair taken and people standing at the back, Solarium looked like a bursting match box. Hungry for green energy in their own homes, people soaked up all information and asked many questions. While Jen Gaudette of Go Solar gave introductory presentation on solar photovoltaic and heating systems, incentives and rebates, payback, choosing installers and undertaking rebate-eligible projects, it was the president of Ottawa's own Energy Co-op who got down to business of solar hot water rooftops in Ottawa.
Sustainable Ottawa Energy Co-operative, the brainchild of Rock Radovan, Senior Program Engineer with the Greenhouse Gas Division of Environment Canada, is one of dozen of Energy Co-operatives in Ontario. Bringing together multiple stakeholders, Sustainable Ottawa is a hub for everything a residential homeowner needs to buy, install and maintain solar domestic hot water (SDHW) systems.
According to Mr. Radovan, Energy Co-op has worked hard to offer lowest price possible through bulk purchasing discount rates and integrated federal and provincial grants and incentives such as ecoEnergy retrofit grant, provincial matching program, PST rebate etc.
Co-op's bulk purchasing discount rates are negotiated with EnerWorks Inc., a North American leading provider of solar thermal technology approved by Canadian Standards Association (CSA).
Mr. Radovan pointed out that Sustainable Ottawa ensures highest standards by working with solar domestic hot water installers certified by Canadian Solar Industries Association, and by taking care of regulatory approval early in the process, achieving safe and legal installations.
There are additional perks. For example, a workshop on how to choose one's own installer is one. It covers topics such as ineligibility of warranty, legal issues, unacceptable installations and uninsured installers. Complimentary technologies is another.
Solar seminar attendees eagerly signed up for more information and membership with Sustainability Ottawa Energy Co-operative. Membership registration can also be completed on-line through the following website: http://www.sustainableottawa.ca/page.php?32
Spreading around Ottawa, the solar seminar was also held on June 10, 7-9pm at St. Paul's University, Room 228 Normandin, Laframboise Hall - 223 Main Street. Those interested in hosting a free solar hot water seminar can email to solarh2ottawa@sustainableottawa.ca
Community Energy Planning workshop, another mid-May green event in Sandy Hill featured Ken Church of CANMET Energy Technology Centre, NRC. It has had a lasting effect on the community inspiring an ongoing grassroots process of drafting a Community Energy Vision Statement for achieving fully green communities. To get involved in drafting of a Community Energy Vision Statement, please email purplesandyhill@gmail.com
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