State and Local Climate and Energy Program
Coastal Oregon On Line Climate Assessment Program (COOL CAP)
Siletz, Oregon
Federal Funding: $323,305
Project Timeline: February 2011 – January 2013
Latest Update
The Confederated Tribe of Siletz Indians (CTSI) is on track to reduce energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. CTSI continues to collect energy consumption data in tribal administration buildings and enter the data into EPA’s Portfolio Manager, and has entered four buildings in the ENERGY STAR National Building Competition. CTSI is also compiling household energy consumption data into a MS Access database. In addition, CTSI is continuing to do public outreach and education through activities including hosting recycling information booths at community events and hosting a beach cleanup day. Furthermore, CTSI has maintained a demonstration garden to showcase a solar pump, composting, rain barrel usage, and reuse of materials. CTSI continues to draft a request for proposals to install solar photovoltaic panels on the Tillicum Fitness Center, conduct research on solar installation contractors in the local area, and work on design considerations for a solar system. Future activities include working on the Climate Action Plan, installing a weather station, and contacting utility companies for assistance in calculating total community use of electricity and installing a grid-tie solar PV system. Additionally, CTSI will continue to participate in public events to raise awareness of energy efficiency and waste reduction.
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Project Summary
Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Heat Island Effects Through Solar Installations and Community Energy Reductions
The Confederated Tribe of Siletz Indians (CTSI) have a founding mission to care for, protect, enhance and provide for the wise use of all the Tribe's natural resources in a manner that will benefit future generations. As part of fulfilling this mission, the CTSI will expand the Siletz Tribal Energy Program to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Specifically, these expansions will include installation of solar panels on the tribal-owned Tillicum Fitness Center, a study of renewable energy potential in Siletz, and increased outreach to the tribal and local community about individual energy management.
The Siletz Tribal Energy Program (STEP) will undertake a number of actions to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the heat island effect in the Siletz community. STEP coordinators will first conduct a local GHG inventory, establish a GHG reduction target, and develop a climate action plan to achieve greenhouse gas reductions. The project will then implement the climate action plan and continue to monitor emissions and report on progress.
A key component of local emission reduction measures will be to install solar photovoltaic (PV) panels to generate power and act as a heat sink for the community, and to install solar water heaters. The CTSI will conduct a pilot study on whether it is feasible to transfer the heat captured by the PV panels in order to heat indoor spaces. These improvements are projected to reduce energy costs by 42% annually. Finally, program leaders will educate the community about the results of their study, and encourage energy conservation practices at the individual level, such as reducing vehicle miles traveled, weatherizing homes, and other energy efficiency improvements. These improvements are anticipated to meet the CTSI's goal of reducing Siletz GHG emissions 12% by the end of 2012.
Community Characteristics
| Population | 1,600 |
|---|---|
| Area | 23 square miles |
| Government Type | Tribal |
| Community Type | Rural |
| Median Household Income | $30,804 |
Program Results
| Reported Results (as of September 2012) | Projected Cumulative Results | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual GHG Reductions | n/a | 1,189 mt CO2e |
| Annual Cost Savings | n/a | $1,156 |
| Full Time Jobs Created | n/a | 1 |