Energy Challenge charges forward
Published on: Monday, June 1, 2015 Takoma Park Newsletter

Energy Challenge charges forward

By Gina Mathias

More than 200 households – representing a full 4 percent of the city’s single family homes – have signed up for Takoma Park’s Neighborhood Energy Challenge, and are working towards their Green Home Certification since the Challenge launched earlier this year. That’s real progress, and it is only the beginning. Here are some of the other accomplishments the city has chalked up as it works toward winning the Georgetown University Energy Prize, a $5 million grant that could boost Takoma Park’s energy profile even higher.

  • The first data submission to the Georgetown University Energy Prize (GUEP) team was completed. It establishes the city’s baseline, which is what Takoma Park will be judged against for the next two years. Data will be shared at takomaparkmd.gov/sustainability once it is evaluated and approved by the GUEP team.
  • Two out of the six City Councilmembers have had an energy audit as of May 18: Council-members Tim Male (Ward 2) and Kate Stewart (Ward 3). Wonder who will get Green Home Certified first?
  • Neighborhood Energy Challenge teams have formed in every ward, but not all neighborhoods have signed up yet for a chance at the $2,000 prize. That prize will go to the neighborhood with the most participation and homes (including rentals!) getting Green Home Certified, with actual energy savings to show for it. Want to start or join a team? Email ginam@ takomaparkmd.gov. Teams that have formed include: Hodges Heights; Sycamore-Beech-Woodland; New Hampshire Gardens North of Jackson and New Hampshire Gardens South of Jackson; East Long Branch Sligo (between the creeks) and West Long Branch Sligo; Elm Avenue (segments); South of Forest Park; Allegheny-Westmoreland Area; and PoplarGude-Cockerille.
  • Between Pepco, Washington Gas, City of Takoma Park and Montgomery County, there are more than $3,580 in rebates available for individual homeowners. Get yours before the money is gone! Email ginam@takomaparkmd.gov for details.

The best way to start participating in this drive to save energy is to get a Comprehensive Energy Audit of your home. The city will even reimburse you the $100 cost! For a list of preferred contractors, go to http://tinyurl. com/preferredcontractors.

This article appeared in the June 2015 edition of the Takoma Park Newsletter. The Takoma Park Newsletter is available for download here.