Saint Francis University

     and how much we pay for it that we may not be counting. . .

a quick review of the environmental and health impacts of our current energy situation causes many
to consider these long-term costs as part of what we pay for energy.  Keep score of these costs with the Power Scorecard from the Pace University Energy Project, Izaak Walton League, and Environmental Defense Fund.  For example, in Pennsylvania we have nearly 3,000 miles of acid-mine drainage polluted streams (coal), a statewide advisory against eating many sportfish due to mercury contamination (coal), and 6 million people living with air quality that doesn't meet national standards (coal and gasoline) which has been linked to increased asthma among other ailments.

                                                               . . .so taking all of that into consideration. . .


II. Trim Your Wasteline: Start with Energy Conservation and Efficiency

Start with Energy Efficiency and Conservation. Efficiency means using more energy smart technology for example a laptop computer uses less than half of the electricity as a desktop computer. Conservation means your actions, what we call the COPs: cheap, obvious and profitable: turning things off when not in use, plugging appliances and electronics into power strips, lowering your thermostat and water heater when you’re not around. These changes alone can save you 10% - 20% on your energy bills—around $300 dollars a year!

And remember, the experts at Homepower Magazine claim that every dollar spent on efficiency and conservation will save you three to five dollars on your solar, wind or hydro system. So if you spend $200 to do an extreme green makeover of your home or business—that’s $1,000 you saved on your renewable energy system (because now it doesn’t have to be as large since your energy demand decreased).

Check out our Fact Sheet on Energy Conservation and Efficiency Steps  guaranteed to save you $600 - $1,500 a year.  Remember though, your utility bill only helps those who helps themselves. . .so you actually have to implement the steps to get the payback.  But efficiency is definitely the place to start.  We also recommend contacting PA Home Energy, a new program in the Commonwealth, and visiting the Alliance to Save Energy and American Council for an Energy Efficiency Economy, and Energy Star for even more tips.  If you're a business, you can contact the Small Business Development Center's EMAP Program.  Your first project should be towards greater efficiency. . .and your second and third too.     Only then. . .


III. Eat Your Greens: Power Up on Renewable Energy

Only after completing steps I and II should you then ask yourself:  what renewable energy solution is best for my location? It's time to eat your greens. . .green energy that is.  Do you have a southern facing roof? Then solar might be a good bet.  Are you high in elevation and blessed with a good wind resource? What about running water on your property? When you're ready, go to our Pennsylvania Renewable Energy Directory this is exactly why we took over a year to create it and continue to update and promote it aggressively:  it's a place where consumers (like you) and suppliers can meet.

REC's Renewable Energy Rules of Thumb:
Let me tell you what we've learned from talking with a lot of installers and experimenting ourselves:

1. Start with Efficiency (did we mention that already. . .?).  A staff member and his wife recently invested $3,000 in insulation and air-sealing and starting saving $50 a month right away.  They not only kept more money in the local economy but increased the comfort of their home as well.  They purchased an Energy Star washer and efficient light bulbs for nearly every socket.  And they purchased a house near their work so they can enjoy the exercise, more family time, and savings we get from walking to work.

2. Passive Solar is next. For new construction especially: face true south, go big on southern-facing windows with an overhang to protect you from the summer sun and some thermal mass to capture and radiate out the heat in the winter (rock, brick, etc.).

3. Solar Hot Water is next. Most people think solar panels when they think solar but often the most cost-effective solar technology is a solar hot water system.

4. Right behind Solar Hot Water are Geothermal Heat Pumps. They are very cost-effective and becoming common in new homes and buildings. If you aren’t building new though, it may not make financial sense.  Saint Francis University has two geothermal systems you can come learn about.

5. Hydro is the next most cost-competitive. Of course, you’ll need running water on your site for that

6. Wind power is increasingly well-priced and where there’s a wind there’s a way.  Check out our County Wind Maps and Wind Energy Estimator Series to see if this is an option for you.

7. Solar electric is great but still expensive. . .but all that is changing with prices dropping every year and Pennsylvania's new energy bill has millions for homes and businesses to install solar

To learn about these and other ways to Eat Your Greens, go to our PA Renewable Energy Directory!


So there you have it, our Energy Diet will surely save you more money and be more fun
than the South Beach Diet, Makers Diet, and all those other ones combined. . .and be better for the planet and future generations.

1. Step on the Scale

2. Trim Your Wasteline

3. Eat Your Greens 

                                                                                            now where did I put that scale. . . . .