where its at

Today I read one of the best articles , (do read all the comments), on the state of energy efficiency thinking in home retrofits versus solar etc. at energy-efficiency-retrofits-insulation-or-solar-power not just the dollars but the values, effects and strategies for a carbon neutral future.
Of course if you don't believe that global warming is happening or that we've arrived at peak oil (we'll save peak food & water for another day) then GO AWAY, Theres nothing for you here.


My own intended energy retrofit includes 5 of the best windows I can afford, which led me to the article passivhaus-windows -so whats the best window? Well it'll tell you, its made in Germany (of course) and its trey expensive.


There are some govmt incentives for energy retrofits & solar etc (30% of cost as tax credit).  But the most promising program going is called Pace.


Cities and counties throughout the U.S. are developing new finance programs that help Americans install solar and improve the efficiency of their homes and businesses.  Called Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE), these programs enable local governments bring new green jobs, energy bill savings, and environmental benefits to their communities. 


Simply; the feds thru stuff like stimulus bucks give cities cash to lend. Homeowners borrow it with no down payment to do the improvements (insul windows solar etc) and the loan is amortized over the projected life of the improvements (30 to 60 years) and included with the property tax bill.  Sell the house and the next guy picks up the bill.  Its simple effective fair and balanced so of course freddie may & mac are fighting it. Why? Could it be that the Banks won't make a dime off it? Well if you want to try internet activism you can go to democracyinaction.org/action_KEY=4359 and send a note to your representatives.  Those of you in NE Indiana please note your representative in the House is VACANT!
(postscript * now that we,ve finally voted the seat is not vacant it's just filled with an idiot)


This happens to be the second time this year I attempted to to contact my representative to represent me AND THERE ISN'T ONE.  Do I sound upset? If there was someone there would he probably blow me off anyway? Of course he would, but it really pisses me off that I have no one to direct my anger to.


Finally today this  http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com//thinking-about-net-zero-energy

Still to come are:
* The highlights of the MREA 21st Energy Fair
* waldoecolgy musings on the NZE micro solar house design and systems
*And what do think of the trade name for that being Freedom Shelters

global warming sucks

"It is difficult to get a man to understand something, when his salary depends upon his not understanding it!" 
Upton Sinclair 1935 (referenced in An Inconvenient Truth)
All art is propaganda. It is universally and inescapably propaganda; sometimes unconsciously, but often deliberately, propaganda.
Upton Sinclair 1925  wikiquote.org/wiki/Upton_Sinclair