State and Local Climate and Energy Program
Long-Lasting Greenhouse Gas Reductions for Marginalized Communities throughout Hawaii, the U.S., and Beyond
Honolulu, Hawaii
Federal Funding: $499,363
Project Timeline: February 2010 – December 2011
Project Summary
A Partnership to Model Mass Individual Behavior Change That Leads to Quantifiable and Long-Lasting Reductions in Greenhouse Gases
The City and County of Honolulu, HI is one of the most fossil-fuel dependent regions in the United States and residents pay the country's highest rates for energy. Through this project, the Department of Community Services (DCS), City and County of Honolulu, will promote mass individual behavior changes and efficiency retrofits that result in long-term GHG reductions. The project is specifically focusing on marginalized communities throughout the state that have been slow to implement efficiency and conservation measures. Reductions in energy consumption achieved through this program will reduce GHG emissions.
With Climate Showcase Communities funding, DCS is taking a multi-faceted approach to reducing fossil fuel consumption while promoting the development and use of renewable energy sources. Included in DCS's approach are intensive community outreach, development of a Hawaii-specific energy audit, training and deployment of household energy auditors, installation of weatherization kits, installation of real-time energy monitors, and ongoing engagement of individuals in a social network that fosters continued GHG reductions. The ultimate intended outcome for this work is a permanent change in individual behavior that results in quantifiable reductions in energy use and the consequent GHG emissions.
While DCS is providing fiscal oversight, project reporting, and grant support, much of the on-the-ground work will be completed by three partnering organizations. Blue Planet Foundation will lead community outreach and canvassing efforts, designed to swap 60,000 to 75,000 incandescent bulbs for energy-efficient CFL and LED bulbs, and will report on the effectiveness of these efforts. Hawaii Youth Conservation Corps is co-designing the energy audit, training youth to conduct energy audits, leading energy audit activities, and will co-publish Hawaii-specific energy audit best practices and energy auditor software. Kaanu Hawaii will provide overall project management for the duration of the two-year project, co-design the energy audit, design and deploy real-time energy monitors in 300 households, and create a social network for ongoing engagement, among other tasks.
Completion of the project will result in a reduction of GHG emissions of over 3,700 metrics tons per year, residential savings of $660,000 per year, and reduced electricity use of 2.7 million kWh per year.
Community Characteristics
| Population: | 903,231 |
|---|---|
| Area: | 600 square miles |
| Government Type: | County |
| Community Type: | Urban, Suburban, and Rural |
| Median Household Income: | $68,655 |
Program Results/Estimated Results
| Expected GHG Reductions: | 3,700 metric tons CO2e annually |
|---|---|
| Expected Residential Cost Savings: | $660,000, annually |
| Expected Electricity Reductions: | 2,700,000 kWh, annually |
| Expected Youth Auditors Trained: | 10 |
Project Websites
- www.hawaiienergystudy.com
- http://www.kupuhawaii.org/yeah/
- http://www.youtube.com/user/blueplanetvideos
Media Coverage
- St. Anthony School Green Club: Blue Planet's Bulb Blitz!
- Blue Planet’s TV spot on KHON, 10/4/2011
- Lighting the way for our children's future, 10/2/2011
- Kanu Hawaii featured on Sunrise/Hawaii News Now., 8/24/2011
- “The Best Watt is the Negawatt: Energy Efficiency,” Episode 4 of "Hawaii: The State of Clean Energy," 8/24/2011
- Hawaii Energy Study, 06/26/2011
- Knowledge is Power for Power Conservation, 06/20/2011
- Did We Say We’ll Pay You $0.40 per Bulb?, 06/16/2011
- EPA Awards City and County of Honolulu $499,000 Grant, Two ENERGY STAR Building Awards, 3/30/2010