Workshops: Economic and municipal aspects of community sustainability

An article from The Reporter (Fond du Lac):

Fond du Lac County's University of Wisconsin-Extension invites the public to the first three sessions of a Web-based educational series examining the economic and municipal aspects of community sustainability.

Each seminar includes a presentation and discussion with participants from around the county, state and nation.

Speakers will be announced prior to each session, according to a press release from UW-Extension.

All sessions are free and will be held at UW-Extension offices at UW-Fond du Lac, 400University Drive.

Nov. 4, 11:30 to 12:45 p.m. — Setting the Stage: sustainability and sustainable community development: While a growing number of community initiatives are emerging to address sustainability, there is often no clear understanding of how they can or should relate to each other. How does a community make the most strategic use of its limited resources?

Dec. 2, 2008, 11:30 to 12:45 p.m. — Energy Efficiency: In this time of record-high energy prices and recognition of the ties between national security and energy independence and between utility system reliability and global climate change concerns, energy efficiency is a key approach among the remedies. But how does a local government or business act strategically to make the most of every BTU?

Jan. 6, 11:30 to 12:45 p.m. — Renewable Energy: Renewable energy is part of a strategic approach to energy that reduces carbon emissions, improves energy reliability and may protect against escalating fuel costs. This Webinar examines the renewable energy technologies available and how to choose the options best for a community or site.

Each session is approved for continuing education credits from the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Planning Association. Participants are asked to bring their own lunch. Beverages will be provided. RSVP's are appreciated but not required.

More information on having these program themes adapted to fit the needs of groups, businesses and municipalities is available by contacting Diana Hammer Tscheschlok at 929-3173.

Study says Blue Sky Green Field turbines meet all established noise limits

From the "Post Construction Noise Survey Report" by Hessler Associates, Inc.
Principal Consultant: George F. Hessler Jr.
Report Number 061608-1

The following text is taken from pages 5 and 6 of the 34-page report.
The complete report is public record and available on this PSC website link:
http://psc.wi.gov/apps/erf_share/view/viewdoc.aspx?docid=102715

“The test engineers did not observe any adverse character or tones from the wind turbines at the measurement locations near residences. The author did not witness any often described ‘whoosh-whoosh’ character except when very close (50 ft) from a turbine. The whoosh-whoosh is observed when each blade visually passes the 9:00 o’clock position.

It is clear from the plots that the Blue Sky Green Field wind turbines do not generate significant LFN.” (low frequency noise)

3.0 Conclusions
Based on the presented data and analysis, we conclude that the BSGF wind turbine project meets all established noise limits and design goal for the project. Health effects in the form of sleep interference and low frequency noise level issues are addressed and it is concluded there should not be adverse response caused by these issues. Annoyance to low-level, but audible noise is not predictable and may depend on non-technical factors in addition to measured sound levels.”

Report Prepared by:
Hessler and Associates, Inc.
Consultants in Engineering Acoustics
3862 Clifton Manor Place Suite B
Haymarket, VA 20169
www.hesslernoise.com

Lt. Gov. Lawton and UW-Point announce climate summit agenda

From a media release issued by Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton:

Attendees will hear from nationally recognized experts, including Terry Tamminen, former senior advisor on environmental issues to California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and author of Lives Per Gallon: The True Cost of Our Oil Addiction, as well as Doug Scott, Director of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and former mayor of Rockford.

They will also be invited to tour green buildings and sustainable businesses in the Stevens Point area.

Breakout sessions will address:
􀂃 Understanding Impacts of Climate Change in Wisconsin.
􀂃 Dealing with Risk, Uncertainty and Local Capacity for Change.
􀂃 Community Energy Usage.
􀂃 Community Transportation Management. Subgroups include:
1. Hybrid cars and alternate fuels: Francis Vogel, Wisconsin Clean Cities
2. Complete Streets: Charles Weeth, Wisconsin Walks
3. Public Transit: Greg Seubert, City of Wausau Transit Director
􀂃 Community Waste Management.
􀂃 Community Purchasing.
􀂃 Options for Changes in Planning and Infrastructure.
􀂃 Creating Local Food Markets.
􀂃 The Role of Biofuels in our Local Community.
􀂃 Vulnerabilities of Local Economies and Opportunities for Local Businesses.

More information and registration options are available online at
http://www.WiClimateChangeSummit.com

Energy costs are down, but when will grocery prices follow?

From an article by Doug Zellmer in The Northwestern (Oshkosh):

The cost of gas and diesel fuel is in freefall — a victim of dropping demand and a general softening of the global economy.

Rising fuel prices have been the overwhelming culprit this year for just about everything that’s needed transportation to retail stores and other outlets. Trucks run on diesel, which nationwide averaged nearly $3.42 a gallon today, compared with about $4.10 a gallon a month ago, according to AAA Wisconsin.

Farm commodity prices, which play a role in the cost of food, have also dipped of late, but farmers are still reeling from a spike in input costs for spring planting and summer fieldwork, including diesel fuel and fertilizer costs that nearly doubled from a year ago.

So, when will consumers see lower prices in the grocery store?

Hold onto your cheddar cheese spread because it’s not likely to come right away to your favorite store. And when it does arrive, don’t look for drastic price reductions for most food items, said agriculture and food experts.

“The long and short of it is you probably won’t see prices shoot down dramatically. We’re still looking at food inflation of 5 or 6 percent this year,” said Brandon Scholz, president of the Wisconsin Grocers Association.

Paul Ketring of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, said lower energy costs and how much it will impact groceries is anyone’s guess.

“It’s too early to tell. The way the system works it doesn’t reflect those changes immediately,” said Ketring, who works with the Farm Bureau’s Market Basket Survey of grocery stores in Wisconsin.

Joint meeting of sustainability focused groups in the Valley

Invitations have been extended to 14 sustainability groups and their membership located from Green Bay to Fond Du Lac, including Formal City Boards, as well as Professional and Citizen Centered Groups.

This Meeting is free and open to the public

Co-hosts: UW-Fox Valley and ECOS-FV
Where: UW-Fox Valley, room 1346
When: November 6th, 2008
Time: 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Purpose of Meeting
As organizations focused on sustainability here in the Valley, this joint gathering is being held to help us to better understand the goals of each organization and determine where we can work together in mutual benefit! For the public at large, this meeting is an opportunity to learn more about the activities of the broad movement that exists here in the Fox Valley.

Each organization will provide a 5 minute introduction of their group's sustainability mission, membership, meeting location, as well as their current and projected activities.

The rest of the meeting will be used for a guided general discussion about opportunities and questions that the assembled group may develop from what they hear and see.

This meeting is being held in lieu of our normal November ECOS meeting at the Menasha Public Library!

We hope to see you there! Please feel free to contact either Joy Perry (UW- Fox Valley @ joy.perry@uwc.edu and 920-832-2653), or Roger Kanitz (ECOS- FV @ rkanitz@new.rr.com and 920-722-6438)

Sustainably Yours... Joy Perry (UW-Fox Valley) and Roger Kanitz (ECOS-FV)

Doyle dedicates wind project near Fond du Lac

Govenor Doyle chatted with students from Lakeshore Technical College's Wind Energy Technican program during the dedication celebration.

From an article by Aubrey Fleischer in The Reporter (Fond du Lac):

BROWNSVILLE — Proponents of wind energy, including Gov. Jim Doyle, were on hand Wednesday at the Forward Energy Center dedication ceremony and open house at the Brownsville Community Center.

More than 100 invited guests, including Dodge and Fond du Lac County residents with wind turbines on or near their properties, listened as Doyle, U.S. Rep. Tom Petri and Invenergy CEO Michael Polsky discussed the benefits of using wind turbines to generate energy for Wisconsin. Tours of the wind turbines were later provided by Invenergy.

Invenergy, a Chicago-based group, erected 86 wind turbines, collectively called Forward Energy Center, within 12,000 acres in Dodge and Fond du Lac counties that became fully operational in May.

The 340-million kilowatt hours of energy generated from the towers is purchased by and distributed throughout the state by Wisconsin Power & Light, Wisconsin Public Service, Wisconsin Public Power Inc., and Madison Gas and Electric. The turbines produce enough energy annually for more than 30,000 average homes, according to information provided by Invenergy and the American Wind Association.

"For 60 years in the U.S., we've been consuming more energy than we produce," Petri said. "It's reached a point where we have to reverse that. The solutions will require us to do the best we can to benefit everyone in a community."

Doyle said he was pleased to be in Brownsville to mark Invenergy's accomplishment of Forward Energy Center.

"This is the direction we want Wisconsin to go in," Doyle said. "Today is marking the building of a cleaner energy future. It's essential for national security and the economy to be able to produce energy here at home. . . ."

Milwaukee mayor will accept $400,000 grant at solar conference

From a media release issued by Milwaukee Shines:

On Thursday, October 23rd, Milwaukee will host the fourth annual Solar Decade Conference at the Midwest Airlines Center, expected to draw 400 people. Sponsored by We Energies, Focus on Energy and the Wisconsin Green Building Alliance, the conference will focus on reducing the informational, economic and procedural barriers to solar energy proliferation in the region.

“The benefits of solar energy are great,” said Mayor Tom Barrett, “Not only does solar energy provide power from a secure domestic source, promote sustainable urban development, and support greenhouse gas reduction targets, but advancing solar technology creates new economic opportunities for our residents and businesses.”

Also during the conference, Mayor Tom Barrett will accept a grant of $200,000 from Tom Kimbis, Director of Market Transformation for the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Program. Earlier this year, the City of Milwaukee was named one of America’s 25 Solar Cities by the Department of Energy because of its commitment to solar technology adoption. This grant was awarded at that time.

Roman Draba, Vice President of Regulatory Affairs & Policy at We Energies will present a matching grant also in the amount of $200,000.

The awards are intended to accelerate solar adoption in cities by supporting their innovative efforts with financial and technical assistance. Selected cities are those prepared to make a comprehensive, city-wide approach to solar technology that facilitates its mainstream adoption.The Solar Decade Conference, open to the public, will feature "renowned industry experts as they discuss the benefits of solar energy for your home, business and career!"

Couple makes a statement with solar electricity

Patrick Nahm installs solar electric panels on his home.

From an interview by Maureen Wallenfang in the Appleton Post-Crescent:

Ingrid and Patrick Nahm, owners of Appleton Solar, practice what they preach by using the technology they sell on their Appleton home. . . .

Q. How much do you save with solar electricity in your home?

A. Patrick Nahm: We make 80 percent of the electricity that we use for lighting and appliances. We're saving about $500 a year. Our goal is to make everything we're using. Ingrid Nahm: When we first got started thinking about solar electricity, we did make a number of changes to our home in general to try to reduce energy costs first. Replacing light bulbs and putting power strips on big appliances and auditing the refrigerator and freezer. From there, we could assess how much of a solar electric system we needed.

Q. How much did it cost?

A. Patrick: Before incentives, it was $32,000. After all the incentives, it was $23,000. Ingrid: Ours is 4,000 watts and the average system you usually see is 3,000 watts. It could be $24,000 to $32,000, before incentives. The incentives are going to get better, from the federal government at least, because of the renewal of tax credits.

Q. How long will it take to pay back?

A. Patrick: Our system is roughly 18 years. Our energy costs are essentially locked in. But you know electricity prices are going to climb over the years. That's how that payback comes in to play. Right now it's 11 cents per kilowatt-hour. Fifteen years from now, who knows what it's going to be. The panels are warranteed for 25 years and they expect them to last for 30 to 50 years. If people are (looking for) a way to save money today, solar electric isn't the right thing. It's for people saying, "I want to do the right thing for the environment. I want to invest in something that will pay me back over time." The utility pays you money when you're making extra electricity. Ingrid: It just depends on how much you use and the size of your system.

Workshop: How to Make Your Existing Home Warm & Cozy, Oct. 21 & Nov. 12

From the Outagamie Extension office:

The Outagamie County University of Wisconsin-Extension office announces it is offering a free workshop for homeowners and renters, called “Saving Energy Dollars in the Home”. It will take place Tuesday, October 21st at Black Creek Library on 507S. Maples St. and will be repeated Wednesday, November 12th at Shiocton Public Library, W7710 Pine Street. Both workshops will run from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.

Featured speaker is Kevin Hogan, Technical Coordinator for Wisconsin’s Home Performance With Energy Star program, and an energy consultant with 26 years experience. Hogan works for Focus on Energy/Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation.

Hogan’s presentation is entitled “How to Make Your Existing Home Warm & Cozy”. He will describe measures households can take to save energy dollars and what financial incentives are available from Focus on Energy to do so.

As part of its civic engagement commitment, University of Wisconsin-Fox Valley is sending a team of “sustainability” students to demonstrate results of its recent infrared imaging project. The students scanned sample homes to find heat-loss pockets that drain energy – and money – away from homes.

The Outagamie County UW-Extension staff and volunteers will give a short demonstration of simple tools that homeowners can use to determine their home energy use baseline conditions. Some of these tools will be available for loan. More in-depth audits are available from certified home energy consultants for a fee. . . .

For more information on the workshops, call Jim Resick at 920-832-5122 or Mellissa Hansen at 920-841-7521. UW-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title IX requirements. Please call one of the above numbers ahead if making a request for special handicapped arrangements.

Wind energy spins a positive economy

A story by Judy Brown in The Country Today:

APPLETON— That wind turbine in a farm field spins revenue far beyond the re-newable energy it generates, says a wind company repre-sentative.

Speaking Sept. 29 at the annual meeting of Glacier-land Resource Conservation & Development, Inc., David Muench of EcoEnergy, of Madison, said wind farms provide benefits to multiple sources.

Annual revenues to land-owners and communities are just a part of the financial pie, said Mr. Muench, a for-mer UW Extension commu-nity resource agent in Outa-gamie County.

“There is some real money that can be generated here,” Mr. Muench said.
EcoEnergy, LLC, has of-fice locations also in Illinois, Iowa and Minnesota.
The company has proposed projects in a half dozen coun-ties in Wisconsin.

Wind energy has eco-nomic ripple effects, he said, including not only the direct impacts such as about $8,000 per year payment to land-owners for hosting a turbine, but also the money generated for construction and opera-tion of each wind turbine costing about $3 million each.

Based on the development of 1,000 megawatts of new wind power, he said the total economic benefit over 20 years exceeds $1 billion.

About 3,041 jobs are cre-ated during construction and another 431 to operate the systems.

A 1.5 megawatt turbine produces enough electricity for about 4,000 homes, he said.
A national study by the Center for American Pro-gress concludes that more than 37,000Wisconsin jobs could be created through green energy.

Some of these go to the manufacturing sector which makes parts for wind tur-bines.
“We have a history of manufacturing,” Mr. Muench said. “We have skills and companies set up to do those things.”

Companies in the Fox River Valley provide parts for wind farms, he said. Lo-cal concrete companies also receive added business from a wind farm “because con-crete can’t be hauled far,” he said.

He estimates that payments alone to landowners from 1000 megawatts of new wind power generates $3 million a year and another $1.9 million in local property tax revenue.
“Money goes to landown-ers and gets spread around town,” he said.

EcoEnergy is promoting a regional wind project of 67 turbines in Calumet County while another developer, Midwest Wind, plans for 61 turbines in another part of the county. These two projects would produce power for more than 53,000 homes.
However, Calumet County has an ordinance that restricts siting to just a few areas in the county.

As a result, developers beefed up the size of their proposed wind farms so that permits for the projects would be authorized by state agencies rather than by local entities.

Mr. Muench likened the situation in Calumet County to one resembling “the Hat-fields and McCoys.”

Signs scattered around the county in the past noted that good neighbors would not al-low 400 foot turbines in the area.

Generating 25 percent of the state’s electricity needs by 2025 is a facet of Gov. Doyle’s renewable energy goals.

Communities such as Kau-kauna and New Holstein in eastern Wisconsin have also proposed smaller projects, he said.

Utilities in those two com-munities each propose five turbines generating 7.5 mega-watts to power 2,000 homes each.

Mr. Muench endorsed the energy plan espoused by t. Boone Pickens, a Texas en-trepreneur, who supports wind farms as a source of electricity.

Mr. Pickens proposes re-placing the 22 percent of electricty generated by natu-ral gas by wind energy.

“He wants to use natural gas for vehicles rather than for developing electricity,” Mr. Muench said.

Shifting natural gas production for vehicles would create a whole new industry from engineering, manufacturing, training of workers, and delivery of the product.
It would be energy’s equivalent of the Manhatten Project, which produced the atom bomb in the 1940’s, Mr Muench said.

However, it will be up to Congress to push wind en-ergy along to approve pro-duction energy tax credits and advanced renewable tar-rifs to finance wind projects, Mr. Muench said.

So far these proposals have failed in the Senate, he said, noting that both Texas sena-tors oppose such legislation presumably influenced by the oil industry.
Judy Brown may be reached at jlbrown@vbe.com.

Workshop: Communicating Environmentally, Appleton, Oct. 18

From the River Alliance of Wisconsin:

Saturday, October 18
Appleton YMCA
Registration deadline: Thursday, October 16

Are you concerned that the landscape of your area is changing and you don’t have a say? That polluted runoff from agricultural lands and urban development is forever changing the natural resources you hold dear? Do you find it intimidating to express your viewpoints about these issues to your neighbors or at public meetings, and feel frustrated when decisions are made that ignore impacts to our environment? The River Alliance of Wisconsin is hosting two workshops to help you have an effective voice in decision making.

The officials we send to the Capitol and elect to town, city, and county boards can’t represent you unless you tell them what’s important to you. The Communicating Environmentally workshop will help you wade through the decision-making process for local governments and understand how you can influence environmental policy decisions.

How we communicate – the words we use, the way we approach those whose minds we want to change, the attitude and passion we express – is vital to getting our viewpoints heard, whether the target is an elected official, a local administrator or a next-door neighbor. This workshop will also help you learn the language and techniques of environmental communication to help you be heard, be credible and make a difference in your community.

With the generous support of the Wisconsin Environmental Education Board (WEEB), we will be hosting two workshops to help river and watershed groups and citizens develop skills to communicate effectively. Each workshop will feature words from a local elected official about the importance of civic involvement, a presentation by the University of Stevens Point Center for Land Use Education about how to stay on top of the government decision making process, and Dorothy Lagerroos, retired Environmental Studies and Government Professor at Northland College, will provide hands-on training in developing and getting your message across.

Each workshop begins at 10:00 a.m., includes lunch, and will conclude at 3:00 p.m. A nominal fee of $10.00 to cover lunch is requested, and advance registration is required for lunch planning purposes.

Solar designs in Sturgeon Bay

John Hippensteel of Lake Michigan Wind and Sun continues to decorate with solar panels in flower-shaped arrays, like these feeding electricity into the Sturgeon Bay fire station. The Sturgeon Bay Utility installed them as part of the renewable energy program of Wisconsin Public Power, Inc. (WPPI).

Think conservation when building, buying new home

From a letter by Curtis L. Biggar, Appleton, in the Appleton Post-Crescent:

Shortly after the 1970s energy wake-up call, I was invited to a seminar for architects on passive energy.

I was introduced to climate and weather conditions; building orientation; building envelope energy calculations; green cost of various building materials; natural heating, cooling and lighting systems; and comparative costs of available forms of energy.

Following that enlightenment, I was changed forever and redoubled my effort over the past decades in pioneering passive solar buildings, condominiums and planned unit developments, all in the interest of conservation of land and resources. The Post-Crescent recognized the importance of many of these projects and reported on them enthusiastically.

American society soon forgot the exaggerated predictions that we will run out of oil near the turn of the century, adjusted to the ever-increasing rise in energy cost and began the most extravagant expansion of homebuilding in history.

Buildings have improved in quality and efficiency, but how many grand foyers, unused formal living and dining rooms, little-used kitchens and spas and home theaters do we need?

The long-term cost of maintaining an overbuilt inventory of homes and a public infrastructure for oversized lots, compounded with urban sprawl, presents a problem for society. I think it's time to satisfy our true needs rather than our overindulgences.

Biggar's letter continues with several conservation recommendations.

Wind Center open for public tours, Oct. 22

Invenergy, the wind project developer, invites the public to attend the Forward Energy Center Open House.

When: October 22, 2008
Open House: 1-6 PM
Tours start on the half hour from 1:00 to 5:30 PM
Brownsville Community Club
871 Main St., Brownsville (on Hwy 49)

Come learn more about the Forward Energy Center and how wind power benefits Wisconsin.

Forward began operations in February 2008, becoming one of the first large-scale wind energy projects in Wisconsin. Forward is owned and operated by Chicago-based Invenergy, which is implementing one of the largest programs of wind development in the United States, Canada and Europe, and is committed to building strong relationships with landowners, communities and utility customers.

Please wear appropriate shoes for walking on uneven surfaces. Reservations are not required.

For more information, contact Susan Dennison at sdennnison@invenergyllc.com

Solar power lesson wows Stockbridge students

From a story by Kathy Walsh Nufer in the Appleton Post-Crescent:

STOCKBRIDGE — On a cloudy, windswept afternoon, 19 Stockbridge School eighth-graders clustered around desk lamps that substituted for the sun in their science lab, turned mini-solar panels to the light and waited.

It didn't take long to get results as the propellers attached to the panels began to twirl. "Whoa!" marveled one 13-year-old. "Look at it go."

The term renewable energy never felt so real, and that's just what teacher Mike Fitzgerald hoped for when he began teaching a hands-on curriculum offered through Wisconsin Pubic Service Community Foundation.

The foundation installed a two-kilowatt solar-electric system on the roof of the school's new gym in August. It provides enough electricity to power three classrooms, saving about $200 annually in energy costs.

Stockbridge also received the renewable energy curriculum as part of the SolarWise for Schools program.

"It's very popular," said Chip Bircher, renewable energy product manager for WPS. "It's been going since 1996. Our customers contribute to it and we use the funds to select three to four schools per year where we can install the panels and provide them with the curriculum package."

Forty-one schools now participate, including schools in Brillion, Stockbridge, Waupaca and Wrightstown.

Stockbridge Supt. Dave Moscinski said he welcomes the energy conservation awareness students will gain.

"We're doing this so our kids — future scientists and engineers and homeowners — can see the potential for all this and see what options are available to them," he said.

Earth Charter Summit, Oshkosh, Oct. 11-16

From the Web site of Earth Charter - Oshkosh:

Earth Charter is a declaration of fundamental principles for building a just, sustainable, and peaceful global society for the 21st century.

Created by global civil society, endorsed by thousands of organizations and institutions, the Charter is not only a call to action, but a motivating force inspiring change the world over.

The Summit includes presentations, discussions, and receptions from October 11 through October 16.

Animations show how solar electric and solar hot water systems work

From Focus on Energy:

It’s a great time to protect the environment, reduce your carbon footprint and save money in the long run. Do it all by installing a solar electric or solar hot water system.

Solar electric systems: capture solar energy and transform it into electricity. Click here to learn more and see how solar electric systems work.

Solar hot water systems: use the sun to heat water and then store it for extended periods, right on your property, making plenty of hot water available for showers, laundry and dishes. Click here to learn more and see how solar hot water systems work.

Right now, there are valuable financial incentives* available that can significantly reduce the cost of these systems:

+ 30% federal tax credit up to $2,000 (expires December 31, 2008)
+ Cash-Back Reward of up to 25% for project costs
+ Site Assessment co-funding of up to 60%
+ An additional $500 bonus for owners of Wisconsin ENERGY STAR® Homes or existing homes that have gone through the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program
+ For multi-family buildings or other businesses, implementation grants are available to install solar projects

Visit focusonenergy.com/renewable to learn more about solar and available financial incentives or to sign up for our Renewable eNewsletter.

DePere group hopes to plant SEEDS

A story from the Green Bay Press Gazette:

A group of residents looking to make the city greener has launched a community sustainability group called SEEDs for De Pere. SEEDs — short for Social, Economic and Ecological Development — is meant to promote ecological integrity, economic prosperity and social equity, according to organizers.

The group has partnered with grocers and retailers, including Festival Foods, Larry's Piggly Wiggly and Austin's, to encourage shoppers to reuse shopping bags instead of getting new bags every trip.

Retail partners are posting the "Bring a Bag!" symbols at entry doors and checkout areas. Some costumers already are bringing bags, but SEEDs organizers hope the signs will help remind them and others to do so.

"We hope to educate our neighbors that, although seemingly harmless, single-use shopping bags have a huge detrimental effect on the environment," said Dan Robinson, a SEEDs founder and De Pere City Council member.

For information, visit depereseeds.com.

Energy & Environment Board meets Oct. 6

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE
Oshkosh Energy and Environment Advisory Board
Monday, Oct 6, 4 pm
Oshkosh City Hall, Rm 406
Agenda here.

Wind Center open for public tours, Oct. 22

Join Invenergy, the project developer, and Governor Jim Doyle for the Forward Energy Center Dedication Ceremony and Open House

When: October 22, 2008
Dedication Ceremony: 2-3 PM
Open House: 1-6 PM
Tours start on the half hour from 1:00 to 5:30 PM
Brownsville Community Club
871 Main St., Brownsville (on Hwy 49)

Come learn more about the Forward Energy Center and how wind power benefits Wisconsin.

Forward began operations in February 2008, becoming one of the first large-scale wind energy projects in Wisconsin. Forward is owned and operated by Chicago-based Invenergy, which is implementing one of the largest programs of wind development in the United States, Canada and Europe, and is committed to building strong relationships with landowners, communities and utility customers.

Please wear appropriate shoes for walking on uneven surfaces. Reservations are not required.

For more information, contact Susan Dennison at sdennnison@invenergyllc.com

Two great events, October 2 & 4

On Thursday, October 2nd, we encourage you all to attend the Energy Fair at Menasha Utilities in lieu of our monthy meeting at the Menasha Library. ECOS volunteers with join some 30 area vendors showing you opportunities on how you can conserve energy and save money, while improving the sustainablity of the Fox Valley region. Why not plan to come a join the Fun!

“Answers to Your Energy Questions”A Conservation and Renewable Energy Event
Thursday, October 2
3 to 7 PM
at
Menasha Utilities Office
321 Milwawkee Street, Menasha

On Saturday, October 4th, we again encourage you to attend the Green Building Event at Mosquito Hill. ECOS volunteers will be tabling at this event as well. Connie and I have personally found it a great time to first learn about green building alternatives for your home and then stroll the grounds of the nature preseve! Please consider joining us!

"2008 Green Building Fair"
Saturday, October 4
Noon to 4 PM
at
Mosquito Hill Nature Center
New London

Hope to see you at these GREAT events this coming week! Roger Kanitz... Co-Chair of ECOS Fox Valley