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State and Local Climate and Energy Program

The Whatcom Energy Challenge

Bellingham, Washington

Federal Funding: $349,384
Project Timeline: February 2010 – December 2012

Project Summary

A Public-Private Partnership to Implement Energy Efficiency Retrofits and Outreach

Latest Update.
The Bellingham Community Energy Challenge (CEC) continued outreach efforts across the community and hung ten “save-o-meter” banners in businesses and institutional partners showing annual energy savings, greenhouse gas reductions, and jobs created to maintain community awareness of CEC.

The CEC’s Neighborhood Energy Efficiency Challenge is underway, and a CEC Neighborhood Participation Toolkit was developed. As of December 2011, approximately 682 homes have completed energy assessments and approximately 422 homes have been retrofitted. Bellingham created door hangers, window clingers, and referral postcards for homeowners and businesses to further spread the word about energy retrofits.

Lastly, Bellingham continues the Cool Schools Challenge (CSC) in partnership with RE Sources, a non-profit environmental education organization. Nine schools in three Whatcom County school districts have implemented the CSC. RE Sources staff held a Youth Earth Summit for regional high school environmental clubs and trained students to implement the CSC.

Building on existing partnerships for climate action, Bellingham, Washington is designing a project to implement comprehensive outreach on energy efficiency in the community, helping to lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by reducing energy use. The initiative will create a community-based education and outreach campaign, including promotional materials and events. Local schools and local workplaces also will be specifically targeted for promoting energy conservation.

To promote energy conservation and lower GHG emissions, the city of Bellingham is developing an energy efficiency outreach project, working in a partnership with the non-profit Sustainable Connections, the non-profit RE Sources for Sustainable Communities, and the utility Puget Sound Energy. The project, called the Whatcom Energy Challenge, will develop an education and outreach campaign and launch publicity materials throughout the community, including banners, mailings, and a website. The challenge also will hold events in the community and energy efficiency presentations at the neighborhood level. In addition, the challenge will select 125 workplaces in which to promote conservation strategies and will sign agreements with local institutions to promote energy efficiency to their employees. Furthermore, Puget Sound Energy will mail home energy reports to half of the county's single-family households, providing information on their relative energy use. The Whatcom Energy Challenge will also implement a Cool School Challenge to train teachers, engage students, and provide take-home materials on energy efficiency in up to 58 schools.

The project will result in energy savings, GHG emissions reductions, improved air quality, and extensive cost savings for local businesses and residents. In addition, the project is designed to be easily replicable for use in other communities.

Community Characteristics

Population: 76,000
Area: 32 square miles
Government Type: City
Community Type: Mid-sized Urban
Median Household Income: $38,500

Program Results/Estimated Results

Expected GHG Emissions Reductions: 7,200 metric tons (CO2e) annually
Expected Electricity Savings: 12,300,000 kWh annually
Expected Gas Savings: 338,000 Therms annually
Homes Audited (as of 12/11): ~682
Homes Retrofitted (as of 12/11): ~422

Participating Businesses (as of 9/11):

83
Job Training (as of 9/30/11): 8 general contractors
Electricity Savings (as of 6/11): 15,653,123 kWh
GHG Savings (as of 12/11): 1,371.3 metric tons CO2e

Project Websites

Media Coverage

Photos and Video

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Community Energy Challenge Headquarters

CEC Headquarters

At Community Energy Challenge HQ, residents can get tips and technical assistance.

Community Energy Champion

Community Energy Champion

The Community Energy Champion appearing at the Sustainable Connections.

All Members Meeting

All Members Meeting

Chuckanut Builders was given an award for leadership in thinking local first. The North Fork Brewery, a commercial participant, was given an award for environmental leadership.

Home Energy Assessment

Home Energy Assessment

A blower door allows the analyst to determine air leakage from the home.

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Comm. Energy Challenge

Find out how the Community Energy Challenge is helping Whatcom County homes and businesses save energy and money.
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Business Recognition

Business Recognition

DeWaard & Bode Appliance retailers are promoting their participation in the Challenge and are offering special deals on ENERGY STAR refrigerators and washing machines.

Residents Participate in the Energy Challenge

Residents Participate in the Energy Challenge

Community Energy Challenge Yard Sign at a Participating House.

An Energy Program Assistant tabling at an Earth Day Celebration

Earth Day Celebration

An Energy Program Assistant tabling at an Earth Day Celebration.

Community Energy Challenge Yard Sign and contractor sign at a Participating House

Residents Participate in the Energy Challenge

Community Energy Challenge Yard Sign and contractor sign at a Participating House.

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