Sustainable Knoxville

2012 Update

2012-01-26T10:44:00.000-08:00

All,

Happy 2012! During the elections of late 2011, we focused attention on the last items in our federal grants, on building a Southeastern City Sustainability Network, and on Work Plan items not requiring funds. Just wanted to give you a brief hello and some updates:

- Our Appliance and Solar Rebate Program still has over $100,000 left. If you live in City limits and haven't considered applying, please do as we need to spend this grant by July;
- We are 70% complete with our DOE funded activities, with only the rebate program and solar installation remaining;
- The design phase for the 90 kW third party financed system is wrapping up and goes on the Convention Center roof this spring;
- The City's Energy Performance Contract is 100% complete with construction as of this month, and is moving into the measurement and verification stage;
- The electric vehicle contracts (10 solar powered stations with ORNL and up to 38 non-solar charging stations with ECOtality) have both been executed and are awaiting notice to proceed from each entity;
- Zipcar was deemed most qualified in the bidding process for the car share program, and that contract is being negotiated currently by TPO, UTK, and the City;
- The single stream curbside recycling program hit the initial goal of 20,000 participants, and over 2,200 tons were recycled in the first 3 months of that program;
- With the State of TN, the TN Solar Institute, Memphis, and Nashville, we applied for and received the DOE SunShot Grant, which builds on efforts from the Solar America Cities grant of 2009;
- We applied for the 2012 Siemens Sustainable Community award, and are applying for a 2012 Urban Sustainability Directors Network Innovation Grant to explore funding mechanisms with partner cities;
- We have partnered with UTK on a 2012 NSF grant application to develop solar fiber technology; and
- We plan to apply for the new TDEC grants, which are due March 30th and open to all sectors for energy related projects up to $250,000.

Also of note:

- PlanET's next meeting is Feb. 2nd at 10 AM at the East TN History Center
- LightWave Solar is hiring for a consulting position in middle TN

Knoxville Wins DOE Solar Rooftop Challenge Award with Nashville and Memphis

2011-12-01T12:51:00.000-08:00

As part of the U.S. Department of Energy's SunShot Initiative, today Energy Secretary Steven Chu was joined by Lynn Jurich, the president and co-founder of the solar power company SunRun, and Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman to announce $12 million in funding for the awardees of the Rooftop Solar Challenge. The Challenge supports 22 regional teams to spur solar power deployment by cutting red tape—streamlining and standardizing permitting, zoning, metering, and connection processes—and improving finance options to reduce barriers and lower costs for residential and small commercial rooftop solar systems. This project is part of the Department's larger effort to make solar energy more accessible and affordable, increase domestic solar deployment, and position the United States as a leader in the rapidly-growing global solar market.

"Through this competition, the Energy Department is helping to unleash America's solar potential by investing in projects that will make it faster, easier, and cheaper to finance and deploy solar power in communities across the country," said Secretary Chu. "These awards will reduce the cost homeowners and businesses pay to install solar energy systems, while at the same time saving money and time for local governments faced with tight budgets."

The DOE SunShot Initiative is a collaborative national effort to make solar cost-competitive with other forms of energy by the end of the decade. Reducing the installed cost of solar energy systems by about 75% will drive widespread large-scale adoption of solar—fortifying U.S. leadership in the global clean energy race while spurring new industries and job creation across the nation.

Non-hardware, or "soft," costs like permitting, installation, design, and maintenance currently account for up to 40% of the total cost of installed rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems in the United States. Across the nation today, there are more than 18,000 local jurisdictions with their own PV permitting requirements, land use codes and zoning ordinances; more than 5,000 utilities that are implementing standards for connecting and selling energy back to the energy grid; and all 50 states are developing their own connection standards and processes for supplying and pricing energy sold back to the grid. According to a report released earlier this year by SunRun, local permitting and inspection processes alone add about $0.50 per watt, or $2,500 per residential installation nation-wide.

Using a "race to the top" model, the Rooftop Solar Challenge incentivizes the regional awardees to address the differing and expensive permitting, zoning, metering, and connection processes required to install and finance residential and small business solar systems. The 22 diverse teams bring together city, county, and state officials, regulatory entities, private industry, universities, local utilities, and other regional stakeholders to clear a path for rapid expansion of solar energy and serve as models for other communities across the country.

The teams will implement step-by-step actions to standardize permit processes, update planning and zoning codes, improve standards for connecting solar power to the electric grid and increase access to financing.

FULL LIST OF AWARDS

2011 ACEE Scorecard and Fall Events

2011-10-24T11:29:00.000-07:00

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy ranked Tennessee in the top 6 most improved states in the nation.

Also, Beadsley Farm's Fall SkillShare is Oct 29th, and Raise the Roots is Nov 7th. They are having a photo show at the Tomato Head in November, then in Maryville in December!

“Growing Healthy Communities: A Closer Look at CAC Beardsley Farm,” a photographic exhibit on display at The Tomato Head in Knoxville throughout the month of November. All photographs were taken by CAC Beardsley Community Farm staff and depict various aspects of the urban demonstration site. Prints on display were generously provided by Thompson Photo of Knoxville, TN. Additional prints of the artwork are available upon request; please contact beardsleyfarm@gmail.com for pricing and more information. The photographic exhibit will occur in conjunction with Raise the Roots benefit dinner at The Tomato Head on November 7th. For tickets and information, please see beardsleyfarm.org. All proceeds from the dinner and print sales go to benefit CAC Beardsley Community Farm. CAC Beardsley Community Farm has promoted food security and sustainable urban agriculture through practice, education, and community outreach for 13 years. Beardsley’s efforts include a large urban demonstration garden that generates produce donations for those in need, a community garden, and education programs through workshops and school field trips to the farm site.

The exhibit will also be on display at The Tomato Head in Maryville during the month of December.

Fall Events from Beardsley Community Farm

2011-10-04T11:34:00.000-07:00

Saturday Work Day
Saturday, October 8 from 9 AM - 12 PM at CAC Beardsley Community Farm

We will have a open volunteer work day on October 8th. Come learn about Beardsley Community Farm and urban gardening while helping us prepare the farm for winter. We depend upon community support and love to see new and old faces at the farm. As always, the whole family is welcome. Please wear closed-toed shoes and be ready to get dirty!
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Fall SkillShare
Saturday, October 29 from 10 AM - 4 PM at CAC Beardsley Community Farm

We are proud to announce our first SkillShare event this coming month. SkillShare will be a day of workshops that cover a wide range of agricultural topics, such as vermicomposting, cold weather gardening, and wild foraging. The final schedule will be ready soon so please stay tuned for more information.
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Raise the Roots
Monday, November 7 from 6 PM - 9 PM at The Tomato Head

Join us for our second annual Raise the Roots dinner at The Tomato Head. Food will be locally-sourced and prepared by owner Mahasti Vafaie, Tomato Head Staff, and the Beardsley Farm team. Guests will have an opportunity to learn about CAC Beardsley Community Farm, meet farm volunteers, and share their experiences gardening and cooking in Knoxville and East Tennessee. All are welcome. Tickets are $30 for adults, $10 for children, and $100 for a table of four. They can be purchased here: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/200875

2011 Home Energy Efficiency and Weatherization Fair

2011-09-23T13:24:00.000-07:00

The 2011 Home Energy Efficiency and Weatherization Fair with the Knoxville / Knox County CAC is scheduled Friday, October 28th from 10 AM to 2 PM at the L.T. Ross building, 2247 Western Ave.

Participating organizations will each be assigned an area in which to set up their displays or demonstrations of products or techniques.

Participants are welcome to arrive as early as 9:00 AM to set up their displays. All displays should be taken down by 3:00 PM. Volunteers will be on-hand to assist in setting up and taking down displays.

If you have any questions, please contact Stacy Gloss at (865) 244-3080. We look forward to seeing you there!

Knoxville's Green Building Incentive Update

2011-09-20T10:38:00.000-07:00

The City of Knoxville's Green Building Incentive Program will begin tomorrow, September 21, 2011. The program will be administered by Knox CAC Housing and Energy Services. The goal of the program is to incentivize the Knoxville community to build or retrofit structures to create energy efficient buildings and deploy solar technologies. Rebates will be available for residential homes and buildings that house commercial or non-profit businesses. After completing energy assessments and specified energy-saving measures, participants will be eligible for rebates to cover some of the costs of completing an energy audit, purchasing energy efficient appliances, and installing solar photovoltaic and solar water heating systems.

For more information, visit http://cachousing.org or call
CAC Housing and Energy Services at (865) 244-3080.
The official press release can be found here.
Draft documents, followed by final documents, can be found at http://www.cityofknoxville.org/sustainability

Knoxville's Green Building Incentive

2011-09-15T07:00:00.000-07:00

The City of Knoxville's Green Building Incentive is close to being released. This program has been in development for quite awhile and we are excited to see it launch. The program has passed City Council and will be administered by Knox CAC. We are busy finalizing the details, but the plan is to begin accepting applications next Wednesday, September 21st.

Draft documents are available here.

Currently proposed rebates include:

Energy Assessment Incentive - $150.00 Rebate

Energy Efficient Appliance Incentive - Up to $1,650 Rebate
(Purchase of 2 or more required)
-Refrigerator - $500
-Water Heater - $750
-Toilet (up to 2) - $200

Solar Photovoltaic Incentive
-Commercial - $1,000 per kW installed capacity up to 5kW
-Residential - $2,000 per kW installed capacity up to 5kW
-Non-profit - $3,000 per kW installed capacity up to 5kW

Solar Water Heating
1-3 Collector Panel System - $1,000
4-5 Collector Panel System - $2,000
6+ Collector Panel System - $3,000

Look for the final program guidelines, documents, and press release in the coming days. Please e-mail Sustainability@cityofknoxville.org with any questions.

Car Sharing Comes to Knoxville

2011-09-02T09:21:00.000-07:00

The Knoxville-Knox County Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) is soliciting proposals from firms, joint ventures and/or partnerships to implement and operate a car sharing program. Proposals are due Sept. 29, 2011 at 2 p.m.

With car sharing, people can rent cars for short periods of time. They are attractive to customers who make only occasional use of a vehicle, as well as others who would like occasional access to a vehicle of a different type than they use day-to-day.

Download the RFP at: http://www.knoxcounty.org/apps/solicitations/solicitations.php

3% Finance Opportunity for Energy Projects

2011-07-22T07:27:00.000-07:00

For a limited time, Pathway Lending is offering 3% financing for Energy Efficiency Projects.

Through September 30th, 2011 qualified borrowers can take advantage of Pathway Lending's Summer Rate Sale to beat the heat and their climbing utility bills.

$20,000 to $5 Million
100% Financing at 3% Interest
Terms to 60 Months

1.888.533.7284

Community Gardening Volunteer Opportunity

2011-07-11T13:08:00.000-07:00

If you're interested in learning what goes into making a community garden work or in just getting your hands dirty for a bit, here's your chance:

Saturday July 16 from 9 to 11 AM, a volunteer group from St. John's Lutheran Church on Broadway will be working at the Salvation Army's Community Garden.

Salvation Army is located at 409 N Broadway. Park in front, then walk around the north side of the building toward the loading dock. As you get to that area, you'll a trash collection area; go around to the right and you'll see the garden. Ask for John Tirro, tell him you want to help!

Knoxville's Energy & Sustainability Work Plan

2011-06-29T08:30:00.000-07:00

Knoxville's first Energy & Sustainability Work Plan can be found here.

This document reflects the recommendations of the City’s Energy and Sustainability Task Force and is a living guiding document.

To the many volunteers who contributed content, thank you for committing your personal time and energy to actively and positively impact our community. You reached out, took time to fully understand issues, and thoughtfully vetted action items. Your contributions absolutely matter: out of 31 recommendations, 17 are already underway. Thanks for investing in Knoxville.

City County Building Recycling Update

2011-06-09T11:34:00.000-07:00

Message from Public Building Authority to City County Building Dwellers:

Our combined efforts in recycling are going so well, we in the PBA have had to contact Waste Management to have the solid waste trash container collection schedule reduced by two days service versus the five day a week original schedule. We could not have given this great news without the help of our fellow partners in the City of Knoxville, Knox County, Premiere Building Maintenance, CCB Coffee Shop Management and the Sertoma Center. All have been instrumental in this new call to set an example and to challenge other government facilities in their recycling programs. We all are aware that we have areas to improve in so each step forward we believe will continue to take us all on this continued journey called recycling.

Commercial Retrofit Opportunity

2011-04-27T10:44:00.000-07:00

TVA has updated its Commercial Incentive Program. Details here.

This is a great way to bring in cash to pay for building improvements if you own businesses that consume significant amounts of energy. TVA gets reduced demand so they don't have to build new power generation facilities, and you get a check and a utility bill reduction, so it's a win-win. The City was able to catpure over $200,000 in TVA incentive through our ongoing upgrade project.

Publicity for Sustainability Efforts

2011-04-26T13:51:00.000-07:00

Check out the national blog post highlighting our Energy Service Performance Contract progress here.

Also, the City of Knoxville is named a 2011 ET Green Achiever, winning the Renewable Energy category for the third party finance agreement for solar on the convention center.

Spring Events from Beardsley Community Farm

2011-04-04T08:10:00.000-07:00

Wednesdays, March 23rd- May 25th, 5-7 pm, Free!
Urban Land Scout Workshops

The URBAN LAND SCOUTS are a scouting group open to all people who wish to become better stewards of the land where they live. Each Wednesday, the Urban Land Scouts will be engaged in activities ranging from cultivate native or edible plants, growing vegetables, to teaching others what they know. Bring a water bottle and wear close-toed shoes and clothing appropriate for being outside. We will meet at CAC Beardsley Community Farm, 1719 Reynolds St., (behind the Cansler Boys and Girls Club).
Email passage@urbanlandscouts.com for more information.
http://www.urbanlandscouts.com/

May 21 - CAC Beardsley Community Farm Workday/ Chicken Raising Workshop
9 AM-10 AM for the workshop, 9 AM-12 for the workday

Guest speaker Kelly Robinson will be coming to CAC Beardsley Community Farm to discuss the ins and outs of urban-chicken-keeping. Meet our chickens, bring pictures of your own, and see if urban-chicken-keeping is right for you. We will be unveiling our new chicken tractor, and discussing the new hen ordinances of Knoxville County. After the workshop, spend some time helping out on the farm in the (hopefully) lovely weather of May.

June 4 - FarmFest, 11 AM - 3 PM

Farm tours, children's activities, live music, food, craft, and plant vendors, and more.

June 27 - Summer Supper 6 PM

Disappointed that you missed out on our fall fundraising event, "Raise the Roots"? You have another chance to come out and support CAC Beardsley Community Farm while eating delicious Tomato Head food, socializing with some great people and learning about urban gardening. You may purchase tickets at An individual ticket is $30, and a table of six is $200

Free Local Spring Green Events:

2011-03-22T13:36:00.000-07:00

Green Buildings for Cool Cities Tour
Saturday, March 26
2 PM – 4 PM
Open house at the Victorian Green House (1011 Victorian Way) from 2 PM until 4 PM
John J. Duncan Jr. Knoxville Station Transit Center Tours at 2 PM, 2:30 PM, 3 PM and 3:30 PM

Third Creek Greenway Cleanup
Saturday, March 26
12 PM – 3 PM
Tyson Park
http://www.cityofknoxville.org/Press_Releases/Content/2011/0321.asp

22nd Ijams Annual River Rescue
Saturday, April 2
10 AM-2 PM
Various sites in Knoxville
RSVP - Call Sarah Brobst at 865-577-4717 x 24
http://celebrateknoxville.com/2011/03/06/ijams-hosts-tennessee-river-clean-up.aspx

EarthFest
Saturday, April 16
10 AM - 5 PM
Pellissippi State - Hardin Valley Campus
Free Admission

Solar America Cities Ceremony
Wednesday, April 20
10:30 AM-12:00 PM
World's Fair Park Pavilion

Residential Energy Code Training
Wednesday, April 20
8 AM - 5 PM
Pellissippi State - Hardin Valley Campus
Free Admission, Lunch Provided

Commercial Energy Code
Thursday, April 21
8 AM - 5 PM
Pellissippi State - Hardin Valley Campus
Free Admission, Lunch Provided

Ongoing: Brown Bag Green Book
Thursdays, March 23, April 20, May 18 and June 15
12 PM – 1 PM
East Tennessee History Center
http://www.cityofknoxville.org/Press_Releases/Content/2011/0314.asp

Progress Update

2011-02-16T10:46:00.000-08:00

Here's a brief update on some of the work we've been doing so far in 2011:

1.) We compiled and fleshed out the content of the Energy & Sustainability work plan many of you spent so much of your time contributing to during 2010, and have turned it into a solid working draft document. In December, Knoxville was asked to serve on a National Academies committee on incorporating sustainability into the U.S. EPA, so to take advantage of working closely with national and international sustainability experts, the draft will be circulated for comment as soon as what we're learning from that experience can be rolled into our plan as well. Additionally, we are closing in on metrics and a model to track our progress, so implementation will have measurable results.

2.) The East Tennessee Quality Growth group has been hard at work developing a spring conference - March 30-31 are the dates, at the convention center.

3.) The Solar America Cities Grant is in its final months, with a 100-fold increase in grid connected solar since 2007. Jake Tisinger, our Sustainability Coordinator who is currently funded through that grant will now be funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) through 2012, so we are fortunate DOE was flexible with that.

4.) The City has hit all of the DOE EECBG spend deadlines to date, and the work is 36% complete. Highlights so far include:

- Weatherization of 19 local homes;
- 11 HVAC replacement in City Fire Stations;
- Earthcraft training will be available for free February 28 and March 1, and Energy Code Training dates are April 20-21 (865-539-7167 to register);
- Rollout of the City's single stream curbside recycling program marketing campaign for sign-ups starting in May; and
- Contract drafting for CAC administration of a 2011 solar and appliance rebate program, and contract drafting for third party financed solar on the convention center in progress.

5.) An Electric Vehicle Hosting Partners Forum will be at the Chamber February 24 from 10 AM to 12 PM. Interested parties can attend to learn about hosting a charging station. City right of way locations for both solar and non-solar electric vehicle infrastructure have been assessed and the contract with ECOtaility is being negotiated currently. Installation schedules are dependant on final DOE approvals.

6.) Knoxville's Transportation Planning Authority was awarded a grant to supplement a car-share program; the City and UTK will partner with them to host parking spaces on campus and downtown for those vehicles. That request for qualifications will be posted on TPO's website soon.

The Year in Review

2010-11-22T08:39:00.000-08:00

2010 was a good year! Here's a snapshot of some of things our grants and partnerships let us accomplish this year:

DOE's Solar America Cities Grant (SAC):

- As the SAC grant wraps up, solar installations in the Knoxville area topped over 1 MW in 2010 (starting from ~15 kW in 2007);

- The SAC grant funded 2 solar installations: 4.7 kW system on the Transit center and 1.4 kW system on the Knox Heritage house; and

- The City of Knoxville has funded and installed 2 solar hot water systems this year (one at the Heritage House, one in a private residence via Community Development).

DOE's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG):

- EECBG funds have weatherized 19 private middle-income homes;

- EECBG funds have installed 11 HVAC systems in Fire Stations;

- The City has pioneered the first municipal Third Party Finance package for renewable energy in the Tennessee Valley region;

- Knoxville & Knox County were the only City / County combination in America to meet the EECBG 20% spend deadline; and

- The City of Knoxville is the only city in America being represented on the National Academy of Sciences advisory committee for "Incorporating Sustainability into the U.S EPA".

Partnerships with other departments / governmental entities:

- A contract for 10 solar assisted electric vehicle charging stations was executed with ORNL for public charging infrastructure;

- The Ameresco retrofit contract is 30% complete, with the 28.5 kW solar installation on the Convention Center complete;

- The Energy & Sustainability Task Force, through 6 working groups, completed the content for the City's first Sustainability Work Plan;

- Downtown and City County single stream recycling programs were launched with good intake volumes and feedback;

- Wall Ave. LED streetlight pilot's first report shows roughly 50% energy savings, and City Engineering & KUB are using LED in retrofits and new construction (Blount, Volunteer, Hill, Market & Union);

- LED stoplight conversion is complete and saving $250,000 annually; and

- A HUD / DOT $4,300,000 grant for sustainable planning was awarded to our 5 county region (managed by Community Development).

We also did 25 sustainability-related presentations in 2010. Thanks for the support to promote energy and sustainability efforts in the City of Knoxville!

Thank you, Energy & Sustainability Task Force!

2010-11-19T11:34:00.000-08:00

E&S Task Force Members,

Thank you for serving on the City’s Energy & Sustainability Task Force. Since 2007, we have been able to develop a baseline inventory and accomplish much to improve the way we do business as a City and to reduce the amount of energy we require to operate.

Some highlights your efforts have contributed to:

• Through the Solar America Cities grant, we have grown solar capacity from just under 15 kilowatts to well over 1 megawatt;
• Through Ameresco’s guaranteed energy service performance contract, we are reducing the energy use of 99 City facilities with guaranteed payback over the next 13 years;
• Through partnerships, we have become a vital part of the highly visible electric vehicle rollout with Knox County, Oak Ridge, TVA, KUB, and ECOtality;
• Through over a decade of persistence and the influence of the Task Force goals, we have opened our new energy efficient transit center, which will be certified LEED silver;
• Through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant, we are weatherizing private homes and city fire stations, educating builders, developing a third party finance model for renewable energy, beginning a curb-side recycling service, employing staff, and launching an appliance and solar incentive program; and
• Through the six Task Force working groups of 2010, we have the components of the City’s first Energy & Sustainability Plan.

Thanks to your planning efforts during Phase I and II of the working groups, we are moving into the implementation phase. Though there will be no more Task Force Meetings, City staff will develop the work plan from your recommendations and send a draft for your review and comment in early 2011. They will use the plan as a guide to implementation by priority.

Knoxville is thriving thanks to people like you who care enough to give time and effort to making a difference. Thank you for your commitment to making this City a better place to live.

Energy & Sustainability Work Group Meeting Schedule Update

2010-09-28T09:14:00.000-07:00

1.) Community Involvement Work Group:

• Wednesday, March 24, 9:00 AM, KCDC Conference Room (1st Floor)
• Tuesday, June 8th, 9 AM at CAC Central Office, Room 2
• Tuesday, July 6th, 10 AM at KCDC Conference Room (2nd Floor)
• Thursday, July 29, 10 AM at KCDC conference room (2nd floor)
• Thursday, August 12, 10 AM at KCDC, conference room (1st floor)
• Tuesday, September 28, 10 AM at KCDC, conference room (2nd floor)
• Final Meeting: Thursday, October 14, 10 AM at KCDC, conference room (2nd floor)

2.) Energy Work Group:

• Wednesday, April 21, 11:00 AM, Room 549 of the City County Building
• Thursday, May 20, 3:00 PM, Room 584 of the City County Building
• Thursday, June 24, 3:00 PM, Room 584 of the City County Building
• Thursday, August 19, 9:00 AM, Room 584 of the City County Building
• Thursday, September 16, 3:00 PM, Room 584 of the City County Building
• Thursday, September 16, 3:00 PM, Room 584, City County Building
• Final Meeting: Thursday, October 14, 11:00 AM, Room 584, City County Building

3.) Completed - Goods & Services Work Group:

• Monday, March 15, 2010, 2:00 PM, Room 662 of the City County Building (Finance Conference Room)
• Monday, April 19, 2010, 2:00 PM, Room 662 of the City County Building (Finance Conference Room)

3a.) Purchasing Subgroup:

• Tuesday, April 6, 2010, 11 AM, Room 549 of the City County Building.
• Monday, May 17th at 1:30-2:30 PM at the City County Building, Room 584
• June 22nd at 10 AM - 11 AM Room 549 of the City County Building
• Final Meeting: Tuesday, August 3, 2010 from 9-10 AM, Room 549, City County Building

3b.) Sustainable & Edible Landscapes Subgroup:

• Thursday, April 8, 2010, 2:00 PM in Rm. 309 of the City County Building
• Wednesday, April 28th, 2:00 PM in Rm. 309 of the City County Building
• Wednesday, May 12th, 2:00 PM Rm. 309 of the City County Building
• Final Meeting: Deliverables sent to Drew in August

3c.) Waste Reduction & Recycling Subgroup:

• Monday, April 12, 2010, 1:30 PM at the CAC Offices, Conference Room B
• Wednesday, May 12 at 2:30 PM at the CAC Office, Conference Room B
• Thursday, June 17 at 2:30 PM at the CAC Office, Conference Room B
• Thursday, July 8, at 11:00 AM in room 549 of the City County Building
• Monday, July 12, 2:30 PM at CAC offices, conference room B
• Final Meeting: August 16 at 9:00 AM, CAC offices, conference room B

4.) Completed - Infrastructure Work Group:

• Wednesday, March 24, 2010, 11 AM, Room 584 of the City County Building
• Wednesday, May 5th at 3:00 PM in Room 584 of the City County Building
• Wednesday, June 16th at 1:30 PM, Rm. 584 of the City County Building
• Friday, July 9th at 11 AM in room 584 of the City County Building
• Monday, July 19, at 1:30 PM in room 584 of the City County Building
• Thursday, September 2 at 1:30 PM, Room 549 of the City County Building
• Final Meeting: Thursday, September 20 at 1:30 PM in Room 549, City County Building

5.) Completed - Sustainable Growth (1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month unless otherwise noted):

• Tuesday, March 16, 2010, 12:00 -1:30 PM, Room 584 of the City County Building
• Tuesday, April 6, 2010, 12:00 PM in room 549 of the City County Building
• Tuesday, April 20, 2010, 12:00 PM in room 584 of the City County Building.
• Tuesday, May 4th, 12:00 - 1:30 PM in Room 549 of the City County Building
• Tuesday, May 18th, 12:00 - 1:30 PM in Room 584 of the City County Building
• Tuesday, June 1st, 12:00 - 1:30 PM in Room 549 of the City County Building
• Tuesday, July 6th, 12:00 - 1:30 PM, Room 549, City County Building
• Final Meeting: Tuesday, August 3rd, 12:00 - 1:30 PM, Room 549, City County Building

6.) Completed - Transportation Work Group:

• Friday, April 9, 2010, 10:00 AM, MPC conference room, 4th floor, City County Building
• Tuesday, May 11, 2010 3:00 PM, MPC conference room, 4th floor, City County Building
• Monday, June 14th, 2010 at 11:00 AM, Room 662 of the City County Building
• Final Meeting: Tuesday, July 27th at 11:00 AM, Room 662 of the City County Building

Energy & Sustainability Work Group Meeting Schedule Update

2010-09-09T14:22:00.001-07:00

1.) Community Involvement Work Group (every second Thursday until Oct. 15)

• Wednesday, March 24, 9:00 AM, KCDC Conference Room (1st Floor)
• Tuesday, June 8th, 9 AM at CAC Central Office, Room 2
• Tuesday, July 6th, 10 AM at KCDC Conference Room (2nd Floor)
• Thursday, July 29, 10 AM at KCDC conference room (2nd floor)
• Thursday, August 12, 10 AM at KCDC, conference room (1st floor)
• Final Meeting: Thursday, October 14, 10 AM at KCDC, conference room (2nd floor)

2.) Energy Work Group:

• Wednesday, April 21, 11:00 AM, Room 549 of the City County Building
• Thursday, May 20, 3:00 PM, Room 584 of the City County Building
• Thursday, June 24, 3:00 PM, Room 584 of the City County Building
• Thursday, August 19, 9:00 AM, Room 584 of the City County Building
• Next Meeting: Thursday, September 16, 3:00 PM, Room 584 of the City County Building

3.) Goods & Services Work Group Main:

• Monday, March 15, 2010, 2:00 PM, Room 662 of the City County Building (Finance Conference Room)
• Monday, April 19, 2010, 2:00 PM, Room 662 of the City County Building (Finance Conference Room)

3a.) Purchasing Subgroup:

• Tuesday, April 6, 2010, 11 AM, Room 549 of the City County Building.
• Monday, May 17th at 1:30-2:30 PM at the City County Building, Room 584
• June 22nd at 10 AM - 11 AM Room 549 of the City County Building
• Tuesday, August 3, 2010 from 9-10 AM, Room 549, City County Building
• Final Meeting: To be scheduled with group in September

3b.) Sustainable & Edible Landscapes Subgroup:

• Thursday, April 8, 2010, 2:00 PM in Rm. 309 of the City County Building
• Wednesday, April 28th, 2:00 PM in Rm. 309 of the City County Building
• Wednesday, May 12th, 2:00 PM Rm. 309 of the City County Building
• Final Meeting: Deliverables sent to Drew in August

3c.) Waste Reduction & Recycling Subgroup:

• Monday, April 12, 2010, 1:30 PM at the CAC Offices, Conference Room B
• Wednesday, May 12th at 2:30 PM at the CAC Office, Conference Room B
• Thursday, June 17th at 2:30 PM at the CAC Office, Conference Room B
• Thursday, July 8, at 11:00 AM in room 549 of the City County Building
• Monday, July 12th, 2:30 PM at CAC offices, conference room B
• Final Meeting: August 16th at 9:00 AM, CAC offices, conference room B

4.) Infrastructure Work Group:

• Wednesday, March 24, 2010, 11 AM, Room 584 of the City County Building
• Wednesday, May 5th at 3:00 PM in Room 584 of the City County Building
• Wednesday, June 16th at 1:30 PM, Rm. 584 of the City County Building
• Friday, July 9th at 11 AM in room 584 of the City County Building
• Monday, July 19, at 1:30 PM in room 584 of the City County Building
• Thursday, September 2 at 1:30 PM, Room 549 of the City County Building
• Final Meeting: Thursday, September 20 at 1:30 PM in Room 549, City County Building

5.) Completed - Sustainable Growth (1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month unless otherwise noted):

• Tuesday, March 16, 2010, 12:00 -1:30 PM, Room 584 of the City County Building
• Tuesday, April 6, 2010, 12:00 PM in room 549 of the City County Building
• Tuesday, April 20, 2010, 12:00 PM in room 584 of the City County Building.
• Tuesday, May 4th, 12:00 - 1:30 PM in Room 549 of the City County Building
• Tuesday, May 18th, 12:00 - 1:30 PM in Room 584 of the City County Building
• Tuesday, June 1st, 12:00 - 1:30 PM in Room 549 of the City County Building
• Tuesday, July 6th, 12:00 - 1:30 PM, Room 549, City County Building
• Final Meeting: Tuesday, August 3rd, 12:00 - 1:30 PM, Room 549, City County Building

6.) Completed - Transportation Work Group:

• Friday, April 9, 2010, 10:00 AM, MPC conference room, 4th floor, City County Building
• Tuesday, May 11, 2010 3:00 PM, MPC conference room, 4th floor, City County Building
• Monday, June 14th, 2010 at 11:00 AM, Room 662 of the City County Building
• Final Meeting: Tuesday, July 27th at 11:00 AM, Room 662 of the City County Building

Energy & Sustainability Work Group Meeting Schedules Update

2010-09-02T08:33:00.000-07:00

1.) Community Involvement Work Group (every second Thursday until Oct. 15)

• Wednesday, March 24, 9:00 AM, KCDC Conference Room (1st Floor)
• Tuesday, June 8th, 9 AM at CAC Central Office, Room 2
• Tuesday, July 6th, 10 AM at KCDC Conference Room (2nd Floor)
• Thursday, July 29, 10 AM at KCDC conference room (2nd floor)
• Thursday, August 12, 10 AM at KCDC, conference room (1st floor)
• Next Meeting: Thursday, September 9, 10 AM at KCDC, conference room (2nd floor)
Final meeting: Oct. 14 at KCDC

2.) Energy Work Group:

• Wednesday, April 21, 11:00 AM, Room 549 of the City County Building
• Thursday, May 20, 3:00 PM, Room 584 of the City County Building
• Thursday, June 24, 3:00 PM, Room 584 of the City County Building
• Thursday, August 19, 9:00 AM, Room 584 of the City County Building
• Next Meeting: Thursday, September 16, 3:00 PM, Room 584 of the City County Building

3.) Goods & Services Work Group Main:

• Monday, March 15, 2010, 2:00 PM, Room 662 of the City County Building (Finance Conference Room)
• Monday, April 19, 2010, 2:00 PM, Room 662 of the City County Building (Finance Conference Room)

3a.) Purchasing Subgroup:

• Tuesday, April 6, 2010, 11 AM, Room 549 of the City County Building.
• Monday, May 17th at 1:30-2:30 PM at the City County Building, Room 584
• June 22nd at 10 AM - 11 AM Room 549 of the City County Building
• Tuesday, August 3, 2010 from 9-10 AM, Room 549, City County Building
• Final Meeting: To be scheduled with group in September

3b.) Sustainable & Edible Landscapes Subgroup:

• Thursday, April 8, 2010, 2:00 PM in Rm. 309 of the City County Building
• Wednesday, April 28th, 2:00 PM in Rm. 309 of the City County Building
• Wednesday, May 12th, 2:00 PM Rm. 309 of the City County Building
• Final Meeting: Deliverables sent to Drew in August

3c.) Waste Reduction & Recycling Subgroup:

• Monday, April 12, 2010, 1:30 PM at the CAC Offices, Conference Room B
• Wednesday, May 12th at 2:30 PM at the CAC Office, Conference Room B
• Thursday, June 17th at 2:30 PM at the CAC Office, Conference Room B
• Thursday, July 8, at 11:00 AM in room 549 of the City County Building
• Monday, July 12th, 2:30 PM at CAC offices, conference room B
• Final Meeting: August 16th at 9:00 AM, CAC offices, conference room B

4.) Infrastructure Work Group:

• Wednesday, March 24, 2010, 11 AM, Room 584 of the City County Building
• Wednesday, May 5th at 3:00 PM in Room 584 of the City County Building
• Wednesday, June 16th at 1:30 PM, Rm. 584 of the City County Building
• Friday, July 9th at 11 AM in room 584 of the City County Building
• Monday, July 19, at 1:30 PM in room 584 of the City County Building
• Next Meeting: Thursday, September 2nd, Room 549 of the City County Building

5.) Completed - Sustainable Growth (1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month unless otherwise noted):

• Tuesday, March 16, 2010, 12:00 -1:30 PM, Room 584 of the City County Building
• Tuesday, April 6, 2010, 12:00 PM in room 549 of the City County Building
• Tuesday, April 20, 2010, 12:00 PM in room 584 of the City County Building.
• Tuesday, May 4th, 12:00 - 1:30 PM in Room 549 of the City County Building
• Tuesday, May 18th, 12:00 - 1:30 PM in Room 584 of the City County Building
• Tuesday, June 1st, 12:00 - 1:30 PM in Room 549 of the City County Building
• Tuesday, July 6th, 12:00 - 1:30 PM, Room 549, City County Building
• Final Meeting: Tuesday, August 3rd, 12:00 - 1:30 PM, Room 549, City County Building

6.) Completed - Transportation Work Group:

• Friday, April 9, 2010, 10:00 AM, MPC conference room, 4th floor, City County Building
• Tuesday, May 11, 2010 3:00 PM, MPC conference room, 4th floor, City County Building
• Monday, June 14th, 2010 at 11:00 AM, Room 662 of the City County Building
• Final Meeting: Tuesday, July 27th at 11:00 AM, Room 662 of the City County Building

Clean Commute Day August 20th

2010-08-16T13:01:00.000-07:00

Clean Commute Day is Friday, August 20, 2010 and Smart Trips, the regional organization that promotes alternatives to driving alone, is trying to encourage 10,000 people to use an alternative form of commuting on that one day- either carpooling, taking the bus, walking, bicycling or working from home. It's easy to join in.

Participants can either sign up for Smart Trips at www.knoxsmarttrips.org and log their commute for that one day or complete a really short survey (3 questions) in Survey Monkey, http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CleanCommuteDay as an alternative.

However, if they join Smart Trips that will allow searches for carpool partners and allow me to generate reports on participation. If this goal is reached more than 200,00 pounds of pollution can be reduced from the region's air in one day!

Energy & Sustainability Work Group Meeting Schedules Update

2010-08-13T13:16:00.000-07:00

1.) Community Involvement Work Group (every second Thursday until Oct. 15)

• Wednesday, March 24, 9:00 AM, KCDC Conference Room (1st Floor)
• Tuesday, June 8th, 9 AM at CAC Central Office, Room 2
• Tuesday, July 6th, 10 AM at KCDC Conference Room (2nd Floor)
• Thursday, July 29, 10 AM at KCDC conference room (2nd floor)
• Thursday, August 12, 10 AM at KCDC, conference room (1st floor)
• Next Meeting: Thursday, September 9, 10 AM at KCDC, conference room (2nd floor)
Final meeting: Oct. 14 at KCDC

2.) Energy Work Group:

• Wednesday, April 21, 11:00 AM, Room 549 of the City County Building
• Thursday, May 20, 3:00 PM, Room 584 of the City County Building
• Thursday, June 24, 3:00 PM, Room 584 of the City County Building
• Next Meeting: Thursday, August 19, 9:00 AM, Room 584 of the City County Building

3.) Goods & Services Work Group Main:

• Monday, March 15, 2010, 2:00 PM, Room 662 of the City County Building (Finance Conference Room)
• Monday, April 19, 2010, 2:00 PM, Room 662 of the City County Building (Finance Conference Room)
• Final Meeting: To Be Scheduled with whole group in October

3a.) Purchasing Subgroup:

• Tuesday, April 6, 2010, 11 AM, Room 549 of the City County Building.
• Monday, May 17th at 1:30-2:30 PM at the City County Building, Room 584
• June 22nd at 10 AM - 11 AM Room 549 of the City County Building
• Tuesday, August 3, 2010 from 9-10 AM, Room 549, City County Building
• Final Meeting: To be scheduled with group in September

3b.) Sustainable & Edible Landscapes Subgroup:

• Thursday, April 8, 2010, 2:00 PM in Rm. 309 of the City County Building
• Wednesday, April 28th, 2:00 PM in Rm. 309 of the City County Building
• Wednesday, May 12th, 2:00 PM Rm. 309 of the City County Building
• Next Meeting: To be scheduled with group in September

3c.) Waste Reduction & Recycling Subgroup:

• Monday, April 12, 2010, 1:30 PM at the CAC Offices, Conference Room B
• Wednesday, May 12th at 2:30 PM at the CAC Office, Conference Room B
• Thursday, June 17th at 2:30 PM at the CAC Office, Conference Room B
• Thursday, July 8, at 11:00 AM in room 549 of the City County Building
• Monday, July 12th, 2:30 PM at CAC offices, conference room B
• Final Meeting: August 16th at 9:00 AM, CAC offices, conference room B

4.) Infrastructure Work Group:

• Wednesday, March 24, 2010, 11 AM, Room 584 of the City County Building
• Wednesday, May 5th at 3:00 PM in Room 584 of the City County Building
• Wednesday, June 16th at 1:30 PM, Rm. 584 of the City County Building
• Friday, July 9th at 11 AM in room 584 of the City County Building
• Monday, July 19, at 1:30 PM in room 584 of the City County Building
• Next Meeting: Thursday, September 2nd, Room 549 of the City County Building

5.) Completed - Sustainable Growth (1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month unless otherwise noted):

• Tuesday, March 16, 2010, 12:00 -1:30 PM, Room 584 of the City County Building
• Tuesday, April 6, 2010, 12:00 PM in room 549 of the City County Building
• Tuesday, April 20, 2010, 12:00 PM in room 584 of the City County Building.
• Tuesday, May 4th, 12:00 - 1:30 PM in Room 549 of the City County Building
• Tuesday, May 18th, 12:00 - 1:30 PM in Room 584 of the City County Building
• Tuesday, June 1st, 12:00 - 1:30 PM in Room 549 of the City County Building
• Tuesday, July 6th, 12:00 - 1:30 PM, Room 549, City County Building
• Final Meeting: Tuesday, August 3rd, 12:00 - 1:30 PM, Room 549, City County Building

6.) Completed - Transportation Work Group:

• Friday, April 9, 2010, 10:00 AM, MPC conference room, 4th floor, City County Building
• Tuesday, May 11, 2010 3:00 PM, MPC conference room, 4th floor, City County Building
• Monday, June 14th, 2010 at 11:00 AM, Room 662 of the City County Building
• Final Meeting: Tuesday, July 27th at 11:00 AM, Room 662 of the City County Building

Energy & Sustainability Work Group Meeting Update

2010-07-16T14:38:00.000-07:00

1.) Community Involvement Work Group (every second Thursday (Sept 9, Oct 14) until Oct. 15)

• Wednesday, March 24, 9:00 AM, KCDC Conference Room (1st Floor)
• Tuesday, June 8th, 9 AM at CAC Central Office, Room 2
• Tuesday, July 6th, 10 AM at KCDC Conference Room (2nd Floor)
• Next Meeting: Thursday, July 29, 10 AM at KCDC conference room (2nd floor)

2.) Energy Work Group:

• Wednesday, April 21, 11:00 AM, Room 549 of the City County Building
• Thursday, May 20, 3:00 PM, Room 584 of the City County Building
• Next Meeting: Thursday, August 19, 9:00 AM, Room 584 of the City County Building

3.) Goods & Services Work Group Main:

• Monday, March 15, 2010, 2:00 PM, Room 662 of the City County Building (Finance Conference Room)
• Monday, April 19, 2010, 2:00 PM, Room 662 of the City County Building (Finance Conference Room)
• Next Meeting: To Be Scheduled with Group

3a.) Purchasing Subgroup:

• Tuesday, April 6, 2010, 11 AM, Room 549 of the City County Building.
• Monday, May 17th at 1:30-2:30 PM at the City County Building, Room 584
• June 22nd at 10 AM - 11 AM Room 549 of the City County Building
• Next Meeting: Tuesday, August 3, 2010 from 9-10 AM, Room 549, City County Building

3b.) Sustainable & Edible Landscapes Subgroup:

• Thursday, April 8, 2010, 2:00 PM in room 309 of the City County Building (3rd floor, Parks and Recreation conference room).
• Wednesday, April 28th, 2:00 PM in room 309 of the City County Building (3rd floor, Parks and Recreation conference room).
• Wednesday, May 12th, 2:00 PM in room 309 of the City County Building (3rd floor, Parks and Recreation conference room).
• Next Meeting: To Be Scheduled with Group

3c.) Waste Reduction & Recycling Subgroup:

• Monday, April 12, 2010, 1:30 PM at the CAC Offices, Conference Room B
• Wednesday, May 12th at 2:30 PM at the CAC Office, Conference Room B
• Thursday, June 17th at 2:30 PM at the CAC Office, Conference Room B
• Thursday, July 8, at 11:00 AM in room 549 of the City County Building
• Next Meeting: July 12th, 2:30 PM at CAC offices, conference room B

4.) Infrastructure Work Group:

• Wednesday, March 24, 2010, 11 AM, Room 584 of the City County Building
• Wednesday, May 5th at 3:00 PM in Room 584 of the City County Building
• Wednesday, June 16th at 1:30 PM, Rm. 584 of the City County Building
• Friday, July 9th at 11 AM in room 584 of the City County Building
• Next Meeting: Monday, July 19, at 1:30 PM in room 584 of the City County Building

5.) Sustainable Growth (1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month unless otherwise noted):

• Tuesday, March 16, 2010, 12:00 -1:30 PM, Room 584 of the City County Building
• Tuesday, April 6, 2010, 12:00 PM in room 549 of the City County Building (the large conference room to the right of the elevators on the 5th floor).
• Tuesday, April 20, 2010, 12:00 PM in room 584 of the City County Building.
• Tuesday, May 4th, 12:00 - 1:30 PM in Room 549 of the City County Building
• Tuesday, May 18th, 12:00 - 1:30 PM in Room 584 of the City County Building
• Tuesday, June 1st, 12:00 - 1:30 PM in Room 549 of the City County Building
• Tuesday, July 6th, 12:00 - 1:30 PM, Room 549, City County Building
• Next Meeting: Tuesday, August 3rd, 12:00 - 1:30 PM, Room 549, City County Building

6.) Transportation Work Group:

• Friday, April 9, 2010, 10:00 AM in the MPC conference room, 4th floor of the City County Building
• Tuesday, May 11, 2010 3:00 PM in the MPC conference room, 4th floor of the City County Building
• Monday, June 14th, 2010 at 11:00 AM, Room 662 of the City County Building
• Next Meeting: July 27th at 11:00 AM, Room 662 of the City County Building

New Transit Center: August 6 Sneak Peek

2010-07-16T10:45:00.000-07:00

The City of Knoxville's first Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) municipally owned building will open in August. The new KAT transit center features a green roof, geothermal, solar panels.

In celebration, KAT will be hosting a First Friday event highlighting the art and architecture of the new Knoxville Station transit center on August 6th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Tours will be conducted by the architect, and the various unique features of the building will be discussed.

The event will also feature Knoxville Station Grand Opening Art Exhibition, a juried show featuring a variety of artists.

Knoxville Station is located at 301 Church Avenue on the viaduct.

Energy & Sustainability Work Group Meeting Schedule Update

2010-06-29T08:07:00.000-07:00

1.) Community Involvement Work Group:

• Wednesday, March 24, 9:00 AM, KCDC Conference Room (1st Floor)
• Tuesday, June 8th, 9 AM at CAC Central Office, Room 2
• Next Meeting: To Be Scheduled with Group

2.) Energy Work Group:

• Wednesday, April 21, 11:00 AM, Room 549 of the City County Building
• Thursday, May 20, 3:00 PM, Room 584 of the City County Building
• Next Meeting: Thursday, June 24, 3:00 PM, Room 584, City County Building

3.) Goods & Services Work Group Main:

• Monday, March 15, 2010, 2:00 PM, Room 662 of the City County Building
• Monday, April 19, 2010, 2:00 PM, Room 662 of the City County Building
• Next Meeting: To Be Scheduled with Group

3a.) Purchasing Subgroup:

• Tuesday, April 6, 2010, 11 AM, Room 549 of the City County Building.
• Monday, May 17th at 1:30-2:30 PM at the City County Building, Room 584
• June 22nd at 10 AM - 11 AM Room 549 of the City County Building
• Next Meeting: Tuesday, August 3, 9-10 AM, Room 549, City County Building

3b.) Sustainable & Edible Landscapes Subgroup:

• Thursday, April 8, 2010, 2:00 PM in room 309 of the City County Building
• Wednesday, April 28th, 2:00 PM in room 309 of the City County Building
• Wednesday, May 12th, 2:00 PM in room 309 of the City County Building
• Next Meeting: To Be Scheduled with Group

3c.) Waste Reduction & Recycling Subgroup:

• Monday, April 12, 2010, 1:30 PM at the CAC Offices, Conference Room B
• Wednesday, May 12th at 2:30 PM at the CAC Office, Conference Room B
• Thursday, June 17th at 2:30 PM at the CAC Office, Conference Room B
• Next Meeting: Thursday, July 8, at 11:00 AM, Rm 549, City County Building

4.) Infrastructure Work Group:

• Wednesday, March 24, 2010, 11 AM, Room 584 of the City County Building
• Wednesday, May 5th at 3:00 PM in Room 584 of the City County Building
• Wednesday, June 16th at 1:30 PM, Rm. 584 of the City County Building
• Next Meeting: Friday, July 9th at 11 a.m. in room 584 of the City County Building.

5.) Sustainable Growth (1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month):

• Tuesday, March 16, 2010, 12:00 -1:30 PM, Room 584 of the City County Building
• Tuesday, April 6, 2010, 12:00 PM in room 549 of the City County Building
• Tuesday, April 20, 2010, 12:00 PM in room 584 of the City County Building
• Tuesday, May 4th, 12:00 - 1:30 PM in Room 549 of the City County Building
• Tuesday, May 18th, 12:00 - 1:30 PM in Room 584 of the City County Building
• Tuesday, June 1st, 12:00 - 1:30 PM in Room 549 of the City County Building
• Next Meeting: July 6th, 12:00 - 1:30 PM, Room 549, City County Building

6.) Transportation Work Group:

• Friday, April 9, 2010, 10:00 AM in the MPC conference room
• Tuesday, May 11, 2010 3:00 PM in the MPC conference room
• Monday, June 14th, 2010 at 11:00 AM, Room 662 of the City County Building • Next Meeting: To be scheduled with the Group

Sustainable Growth Meeting Update

2010-06-14T12:36:00.000-07:00

The regularly scheduled Sustainable Growth Meeting is canceled this week. The next meeting is 07/06 at 12 PM in Room 549.

Brown Bag - Green Book discussion on Solar Energy

2010-06-08T12:17:00.000-07:00

The community is invited to a lunch & learn series from Knox County Public Library and the City of Knoxville

In the wake of the oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico, the subject of alternative methods of harvesting energy is being discussed more than ever. The Brown Bag – Green Book Lunch and Learn series sponsored by the Knox County Public Library and the City of Knoxville returns for the summer. On Wednesday, June 16, at 12 noon in the East Tennessee History Center Auditorium, 601 South Gay Street, across from the Tennessee Theatre Harvey Abouelata, Vice President of Efficient Energy of Tennessee, will lead a discussion of Power Trip: From Oil Wells to Solar Cells---Our Ride to the Renewable Future, by Amanda Little.

“ Power Trip challenges the reader to think about how oil affects their day to day lives,” says Abouelata. “I like a challenge, so I decided to figure out a way to go 24 hours without using or touching any petroleum products. The solution was easy. Go to the top of a mountain, wear natural fibers, and do not eat or drink anything you cannot catch with your bare hands. I’ll share the results of my experiment at the book discussion on the 16th.”

In Power Trip , journalist Amanda Little maps out the history and future of America's energy addiction in a wonk-free, big-picture, solutions-oriented adventure story. After covering the environment and energy beat for more than a decade, Amanda Little decided that the only way to really understand America's energy crisis was to travel into the heart of it. She embarks on a daring cross-country power trip, and describes in vivid, fast-paced prose the most extreme and exciting frontiers of our energy landscape.

Harvey Abouelata is the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Efficient Energy of Tennessee. Previously, he held a similar position with Sustainable Future, LLC. Harvey has worked for years throughout the state of Tennessee to develop the renewable technology industry. A few examples of his extensive efforts work include developing Solar Workforce Training Programs with Pellissippi State Community College, working closely with the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce and City of Knoxville to increase solar technology deployment in Eastern Tennessee, and developing educational curriculum for TVA's Green Power Switch program.

Abouelata has also worked closely with the State of Tennessee's Energy Office to ensure that the benefits of bringing renewable technology to the state, from job creation to power production, remain within the state. He continues to work very closely with energy-related entities including, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, USDA Rural Development, the American Solar Energy Society and any and all entities working to make our local communities a better place to live. He holds a Bachelor's of Science from the Rochester Institute of Technology.

The community is invited to join the conversation, but reading the book is optional.

The series will continue Wednesday, July 21, with John Nolt, professor of philosophy at the University of Tennessee, leading a discussion of the classic Fast Food Nation: the dark side of the all American meal , by Eric Schlosser.

For more information, please call Emily Ellis at 215-8763 at 215-2065.

Energy & Sustainability Work Group Meeting Schedules

2010-06-04T12:49:00.000-07:00

1.) Community Involvement Work Group:

• Wednesday, March 24, 9:00 AM, KCDC Conference Room (1st Floor)
• Next Meeting: Tuesday, June 8th, 9 AM at CAC Central Office, Room 2

2.) Energy Work Group:
• Wednesday, April 21, 11:00 AM, Room 549 of the City County Building
• Thursday, May 20, 3:00 PM, Room 584 of the City County Building
• Next Meeting: Thursday, June 24, 3:00 PM, Room 584 of the City County Building

3.) Goods & Services Work Group Main:

• Monday, March 15, 2010, 2:00 PM, Room 662 of the City County Building (Finance Conference Room)

• Monday, April 19, 2010, 2:00 PM, Room 662 of the City County Building (Finance Conference Room)

• Next Meeting: To Be Scheduled with Group

3a.) Purchasing Subgroup:

• Tuesday, April 6, 2010, 11 AM, Room 549 of the City County Building.
• Monday, May 17th at 1:30-2:30 PM at the City County Building, Room 584
• Next Meeting: To Be Scheduled with Group

3b.) Sustainable & Edible Landscapes Subgroup:

• Thursday, April 8, 2010, 2:00 PM in room 309 of the City County Building (3rd floor, Parks and Recreation conference room).
• Wednesday, April 28th, 2:00 PM in room 309 of the City County Building (3rd floor, Parks and Recreation conference room).
• Wednesday, May 12th, 2:00 PM in room 309 of the City County Building (3rd floor, Parks and Recreation conference room).
• Next Meeting: To Be Scheduled with Group

3c.) Waste Reduction & Recycling Subgroup:

• Monday, April 12, 2010, 1:30 PM at the CAC Offices, Conference Room B.
• Wednesday, May 12th at 2:30 PM at the CAC Office, Conference Room B.
• Next Meeting: Thursday, June 17th at 2:30 PM at the CAC Office, Conference Room B.

4.) Infrastructure Work Group:

• Wednesday, March 24, 2010, 11 AM, Room 584 of the City County Building
• Wednesday, May 5th at 3:00 PM in Room 584 of the City County Building
• Next Meeting: Wednesday, June 16th at 1:30 PM in Room 584 of the City County Building

5.) Sustainable Growth (1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month):

• Tuesday, March 16, 2010, 12:00 -1:30 PM, Room 584 of the City County Building
• Tuesday, April 6, 2010, 12:00 PM in room 549 of the City County Building (the large conference room to the right of the elevators on the 5th floor).
• Tuesday, April 20, 2010, 12:00 PM in room 584 of the City County Building.
• Tuesday, May 4th, 12:00 - 1:30 PM in Room 549 of the City County Building
• Tuesday, May 18th, 12:00 - 1:30 PM in Room 584 of the City County Building
• Tuesday, June 1st, 12:00 - 1:30 PM in Room 549 of the City County Building
• Next Meeting: Tuesday, June 15th, 12:00 - 1:30 PM in Room 549 of the City County Building

6.) Transportation Work Group:

• Friday, April 9, 2010, 10:00 AM in the MPC conference room, 4th floor of the City County Building
• Tuesday, May 11, 2010 3:00 PM in the MPC conference room, 4th floor of the City County Building
• Next Meeting: Monday, June 14th, 2010 at 11:00 AM, Room 662 of the City County Building (Finance Conference Room)

Electric Vehicles Coming To Knoxville in December

2010-06-01T12:47:00.000-07:00

Hear Nissan President speak about deploying the LEAF.

Energy & Sustainability Work Group Meeting Schedules

2010-05-18T13:43:00.000-07:00

1.) Community Involvement Work Group:

• Wednesday, March 24, 9:00 AM, KCDC Conference Room (1st Floor)
• Next Meeting: To Be Scheduled with Group

2.) Energy Work Group:
• Wednesday, April 21, 11:00 AM, Room 549 of the City County Building
• Next Meeting: Thursday, May 20, 3:00 PM, Room 584 of the City County Building

3.) Goods & Services Work Group Main:

• Monday, March 15, 2010, 2:00 PM, Room 662 of the City County Building (Finance Conference Room)

• Monday, April 19, 2010, 2:00 PM, Room 662 of the City County Building (Finance Conference Room)

• Next Meeting: To Be Scheduled with Group

3a.) Purchasing Subgroup:

• Tuesday, April 6, 2010, 11 AM, Room 549 of the City County Building.
• Monday, May 17th at 1:30-2:30 PM at the City County Building, Room 584
• Next Meeting: To Be Scheduled with Group

3b.) Sustainable & Edible Landscapes Subgroup:

• Thursday, April 8, 2010, 2:00 PM in room 309 of the City County Building (3rd floor, Parks and Recreation conference room).
• Wednesday, April 28th, 2:00 PM in room 309 of the City County Building (3rd floor, Parks and Recreation conference room).
• Wednesday, May 12th, 2:00 PM in room 309 of the City County Building (3rd floor, Parks and Recreation conference room).
• Next Meeting: To Be Scheduled with Group

3c.) Waste Reduction & Recycling Subgroup:

• Monday, April 12, 2010, 1:30 PM at the CAC Offices, Conference Room B.
• Wednesday, May 12th at 2:30 PM at the CAC Office, Conference Room B.
• Next Meeting: Thursday, June 17th at 2:30 PM at the CAC Office, Conference Room B.

4.) Infrastructure Work Group:

• Wednesday, March 24, 2010, 11 AM, Room 584 of the City County Building
• Wednesday, May 5th at 3:00 PM in Room 584 of the City County Building
• Next Meeting: To Be Scheduled with Group

5.) Sustainable Growth (1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month):

• Tuesday, March 16, 2010, 12:00 -1:30 PM, Room 584 of the City County Building
• Tuesday, April 6, 2010, 12:00 PM in room 549 of the City County Building (the large conference room to the right of the elevators on the 5th floor).
• Tuesday, April 20, 2010, 12:00 PM in room 584 of the City County Building.
• Tuesday, May 4th, 12:00 - 1:30 PM in Room 549 of the City County Building
• Tuesday, May 18th, 12:00 - 1:30 PM in Room 584 of the City County Building
• Next Meeting: Tuesday, June 2nd, 12:00 - 1:30 PM in Room 549 of the City County Building

6.) Transportation Work Group:

• Friday, April 9, 2010, 10:00 AM in the MPC conference room, 4th floor of the City County Building
• Tuesday, May 11, 2010 3:00 PM in the MPC conference room, 4th floor of the City County Building
• Next Meeting: To Be Scheduled with Group

Energy & Sustainability Work Group Meeting Schedule Update

2010-05-05T11:40:00.000-07:00

1.) Community Involvement Work Group:

• Wednesday, March 24, 9:00 AM, KCDC Conference Room (1st Floor)
• Next Meeting: To Be Scheduled with Group

2.) Energy Work Group:
• Wednesday, April 21, 11:00 AM, Room 549 of the City County Building
• Next Meeting: Wednesday, May 20, 3:00 PM, Room 584 of the City County Building

3.) Goods & Services Work Group Main:

• Monday, March 15, 2010, 2:00 PM, Room 662 of the City County Building (Finance Conference Room)

• Monday, April 19, 2010, 2:00 PM, Room 662 of the City County Building (Finance Conference Room)

• Next Meeting: To Be Scheduled with Group

3a.) Purchasing Subgroup:

• Tuesday, April 6, 2010, 11 AM, Room 549 of the City County Building.
• Next Meeting: To Be Scheduled with Group

3b.) Sustainable & Edible Landscapes Subgroup:

• Thursday, April 8, 2010, 2:00 PM in room 309 of the City County Building (3rd floor, Parks and Recreation conference room).
• Wednesday, April 28th, 2:00 PM in room 309 of the City County Building (3rd floor, Parks and Recreation conference room).
• Next Meeting: To Be Scheduled with Group

3c.) Waste Reduction & Recycling Subgroup:

• Monday, April 12, 2010, 1:30 PM at the CAC Offices, Conference Room B.
• Next Meeting: May 12th at 2:30 PM at the CAC Office, Conference Room B.

4.) Infrastructure Work Group:

• Wednesday, March 24, 2010, 11 AM, Room 584 of the City County Building
• Next Meeting: Wednesday, May 5th at 3:00 PM in Room 584 of the City County Building

5.) Sustainable Growth (1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month):

• Tuesday, March 16, 2010, 12:00 -1:30 PM, Room 584 of the City County Building
• Tuesday, April 6, 2010, 12:00 PM in room 549 of the City County Building (the large conference room to the right of the elevators on the 5th floor).
• Tuesday, April 20, 2010, 12:00 PM in room 584 of the City County Building.
• Next Meeting: Tuesday, May 4th, 12:00 - 1:30 PM in Room 549 of the City County Building

6.) Transportation Work Group:

• Friday, April 9, 2010, 10:00 AM in the MPC conference room, 4th floor of the City County Building
• Next Meeting: Tuesday, May 11, 2010 3:00 PM in the MPC conference room, 4th floor of the City County Building

May at the Technical Society of Knoxville

2010-04-29T12:28:00.000-07:00

Some of the presentation topics at the Technical Society of Knoxville’s May luncheons will deal with issues the Task Force is currently working on:

May 3: Gary Gilmartin, CROET, will speak on the “An Update on the East Tennessee Technology Corridor”.

May 10: John Halliwell, EPRI, will speak on the “Charging Stations for Electric Vehicles”

May 17: Mike Ingram, TVA Chattanooga, will speak on the “Smart Grid”

May 24: William Fulkerson: Institute for Secure and Stainable Environment

NOTE:

CROET is the “Community Reuse Organization of East Tennessee”
EPRI is the “Electric Power Research Institute”

Energy & Sustainability Work Group Meeting Schedule Update

2010-04-27T08:48:00.000-07:00

1.) Community Involvement Work Group:

• Wednesday, March 24, 9:00 AM, KCDC Conference Room (1st Floor)
• Next Meeting: To Be Scheduled with Group

2.) Energy Work Group:
• Wednesday, April 21, 11:00 AM, Room 549 of the City County Building
• Next Meeting: To Be Scheduled with Group

3.) Goods & Services Work Group Main:

• Monday, March 15, 2010, 2:00 PM, Room 662 of the City County Building (Finance Conference Room)

• Monday, April 19, 2010, 2:00 PM, Room 662 of the City County Building (Finance Conference Room)

• Next Meeting: To Be Scheduled with Group

3a.) Purchasing Subgroup:

• Tuesday, April 6, 2010, 11 AM, Room 549 of the City County Building.
• Next Meeting: To Be Scheduled with Group

3b.) Sustainable & Edible Landscapes Subgroup:

• Thursday, April 8, 2010, 2:00 PM in room 309 of the City County Building (3rd floor, Parks and Recreation conference room).
• Wednesday, April 28th, 2:00 PM in room 309 of the City County Building (3rd floor, Parks and Recreation conference room).

3c.) Waste Reduction & Recycling Subgroup:

• Monday, April 12, 2010, 1:30 PM at the CAC Offices, Conference Room B.
• Next Meeting: May 12th at 2:30 PM at the CAC Office, Conference Room B.

4.) Infrastructure Work Group:

• Wednesday, March 24, 2010, 11 AM, Room 584 of the City County Building
• Next Meeting: Wednesday, May 5th at 3:00 PM in Room 584 of the City County Building

5.) Sustainable Growth (1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month):

• Tuesday, March 16, 2010, 12:00 -1:30 PM, Room 584 of the City County Building
• Tuesday, April 6, 2010, 12:00 PM in room 549 of the City County Building (the large conference room to the right of the elevators on the 5th floor).
• Tuesday, April 20, 2010, 12:00 PM in room 584 of the City County Building.
• Next Meeting: Tuesday, May 4th, 12:00 - 1:30 PM in Room 549 of the City County Building

6.) Transportation Work Group:

• Friday, April 9, 2010, 10:00 AM in the MPC conference room, 4th floor of the City County Building
• Next Meeting: Tuesday, May 11, 2010 3:00 PM in the MPC conference room, 4th floor of the City County Building

Knoxville - Solar America City continues to expand green job skill set

2010-04-26T07:09:00.000-07:00

Efficient Energy of Tennessee Mike Butler and Jason Maclsaac become two of the four NABCEP Solar PV installers in the Solar America City, Knoxville Tennessee.

Efficient Energy of Tennessee employees, Mike Butler / HERS Rater & Energy Efficiency Specialist, and Jason Maclsaac / Solar Design & Installation Specialist, were notified Earth Day April 22, 2010 that they passed the NABCEP Solar PV installer test. Mike and Jason are now part of an elite group of Knoxville professionals with the demonstrated and certified technical knowledge and field experience to install solar PV systems safely and efficiently. Congratulations to these two for their hard work and dedication to the solar energy industry in Knoxville!

Knoxville's two other NABCEP Certified Installers are Ed Zubko of Green Earth Solar and David Bolt of Sustainable Future.

The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a volunteer board of renewable energy stakeholder representatives that include representatives of the solar industry, NABCEP certificants, renewable energy organizations, state policy makers, educational institutions, and the trades.

Nissan Leaf Reservation Information

2010-04-20T13:40:00.000-07:00

NISSAN LEAF RESERVATIONS BEGIN APRIL 20

- Pool of 115,000 registrants gains first priority -

April 19, 2010 – In response to strong consumer demand, Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) will begin taking reservations for the Nissan LEAF zero-emission, all-electric vehicle on April 20. The reservation process is a first step in securing a place on the list to purchase or lease a Nissan LEAF. The Nissan LEAF begins rolling out to select markets in December, and will be widely available in 2011.

In the United States, more than 115,000 people have formalized their interest in driving a Nissan LEAF by signing up for more information on NissanUSA.com. These registrants will be given priority in the reservation process. Consumers must be registered on NissanUSA.com by the end of today in order to be eligible for the early reservation process.

Reservations will open to the general public on May 15. “Early interest in the Nissan LEAF has been highly encouraging,” said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, sales & marketing, NNA. “People from across the country have raised their hands to be among the first to drive home a Nissan LEAF. Consumers are pledging broad support for the first affordable electric vehicle for the mass market.”

RESERVATIONS
• Priority reservation instructions will be sent to early registrants by email between 1-6 pm EDT on April 20. The email will include an exclusive link enabling each person to start the reservation process.
• Through the link, the customer will create an account, configure his or her vehicle, and answer questions to complete a driving profile.
• Consumers will be asked to pay by credit card a $99 reservation fee, which is fully
refundable.
• After placing a reservation, a customer will be able to indicate a preferred dealer.
• Consumers who reserve a Nissan LEAF will receive confirmation numbers. Nissan will
provide individual updates for their reservations by June 30.
• Reservations are limited to one per household.
• Consumer inquiries about the reservation process can be answered at the Nissan LEAF call center, 1-877-664-2738.

April 20 also marks the date for the debut of a new website on NissanUSA.com to support the launch of the Nissan LEAF. The website will continue to serve as a resource about the most up-to-date information for the Nissan LEAF, including upcoming special events.

Including the $7,500 federal tax credit for which the Nissan LEAF will be fully eligible, the consumer’s after-tax net value of the vehicle will be $25,280. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price *(MSRP) for the 2011 all-electric, zero-emission Nissan LEAF is $32,780.

Additionally, there is an array of state and local incentives that may further defray the costs, and increase the benefits, for owning and charging a Nissan LEAF. For example, a $5,000 statewide tax rebate is offered in California; a $5,000 tax credit in Georgia; a $1,500 tax credit in Oregon; and car-pool lane access in some states, including California. The lease price for the Nissan LEAF begins at $349 per month.

In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive design, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010, whose key priorities are reducing CO2 emissions, cutting other emissions and increasing recycling. More information on the Nissan LEAF and zero emissions can be found at www.nissanusa.com.

MSRP excludes applicable tax, title and license fees. Dealer sets actual price. Prices and specs are subject to change without notice.

Contact:
Katherine Zachary
Nissan North America
Tel: 615-725-1447
www.nissannews.com

Knoxville Knox County Food Policy Council

2010-04-20T08:27:00.000-07:00

Meeting Notice:

The Knoxville Knox County Food Policy Council's focus for this year is community gardens, and they are holding a public meeting on April 27, 6:30pm at Tribe One on Magnolia Ave. All are welcome to attend!

March Commuter Awards

2010-04-20T08:26:00.000-07:00

Lisa Willliams, Knox County: $50 Bliss gift card
James Simmons, ORNL: $50 Mast General Store gift card
Elizabeth Cantrell, UT: $50 Tomato Head gift card
Shelley Powers, UT: Five Regal Cinemas tickets

1st Quarter 2010 Commuter Rewards Winners:
Jessica Brown, UT Medical Center: $100 Bliss gift card
Rachel Hickman: $100 Mast General Store gift
Yaxing Wei, ORNL: $100 card Tomato Head gift card

Gift cards will be mailed out April 23.

Energy & Sustainability Work Group Meeting Schedules Update

2010-04-20T06:21:00.000-07:00

NOTE: The Energy & Sustainability Task Force will meet Thursday, April 29, 2010 at 9 AM in the Small Assembly Room of the City County Building, 400 Main Street. The agenda will feature local transportation issues and working group updates. All Task Force meetings are open to anyone who would like to attend.

1.) Community Involvement Work Group:

• Wednesday, March 24, 9:00 AM, KCDC Conference Room (1st Floor)
• Next Meeting: To Be Scheduled with Group

2.) Energy Work Group:
• Wednesday, April 21, 11:00 AM, Room 549 of the City County Building

3.) Goods & Services Work Group Main:

• Monday, March 15, 2010, 2:00 PM, Room 662 of the City County Building (Finance Conference Room)

• Monday, April 19, 2010, 2:00 PM, Room 662 of the City County Building (Finance Conference Room)

• Next Meeting: To Be Scheduled with Group

3a.) Purchasing Subgroup:

• Tuesday, April 6, 2010, 11 AM, Room 549 of the City County Building.
• Next Meeting: To Be Scheduled with Group

3b.) Sustainable & Edible Landscapes Subgroup:

• Thursday, April 8, 2010, 2:00 PM in room 309 of the City County Building (3rd floor, Parks and Recreation conference room).
• Wednesday, April 28th, 2:00 PM in room 309 of the City County Building (3rd floor, Parks and Recreation conference room).

3c.) Waste Reduction & Recycling Subgroup:

• Monday, April 12, 2010, 1:30 PM at the CAC Offices, Conference Room B.
• Next Meeting: To Be Scheduled with Group

4.) Infrastructure Work Group:

• Wednesday, March 24, 2010, 11 AM, Room 584 of the City County Building
• Next Meeting: To Be Scheduled with Group

5.) Sustainable Growth (1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month):

• Tuesday, March 16, 2010, 12:00 -1:30 PM, Room 584 of the City County Building
• Tuesday, April 6, 2010, 12:00 PM in room 549 of the City County Building (the large conference room to the right of the elevators on the 5th floor).
• Tuesday, April 20, 2010, 12:00 PM in room 584 of the City County Building.

6.) Transportation Work Group:

• Friday, April 9, 2010, 10:00 AM in the MPC conference room, 4th floor of the City County Building
• Next Meeting: To Be Scheduled with Group

April Environmental Events

2010-04-05T10:38:00.000-07:00

A list of local outside events this month:

April 17: Earthfest 2010 at Pellisippi State from 10 AM to 5 PM

April 19: Tillery Self Storage Solar Installation Ribbon Cutting
Please contact Sustainable Future to attend: 865-851-8192

April 24: Oak Ridge Earth Day at Bissell Park from 11 Am to 3 PM

Energy & Sustainability Work Group Meeting Schedules

2010-04-01T09:49:00.000-07:00

1.) Community Involvement Work Group:

• Wednesday, March 24, 9:00 AM, KCDC Conference Room (1st Floor)
• Next Meeting: To Be Scheduled with Group

2.) Energy Work Group:
• Next Meeting: To Be Scheduled with Group

3.) Goods & Services Work Group Main:

• Monday, March 15, 2010, 2:00 PM, Room 662 of the City County Building (Finance Conference Room)

• Monday, April 19, 2010, 2:00 PM, Room 662 of the City County Building (Finance Conference Room)

3a.) Purchasing Subgroup:

• Tuesday, April 6, 2010, 11 AM, Room 549 of the City County Building.

3b.) Sustainable & Edible Landscapes Subgroup:

• Thursday, April 8, 2010, 2:00 PM in room 309 of the City County Building (3rd floor, Parks and Recreation conference room).

3c.) Waste Reduction & Recycling Subgroup:

• Monday, April 12, 2010, 1:30 PM at the CAC Offices, Conference Room B.

4.) Infrastructure Work Group:

• Wednesday, March 24, 2010, 11 AM, Room 584 of the City County Building
• Next Meeting: To Be Scheduled with Group

5.) Sustainable Growth (1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month):

• Tuesday, March 16, 2010, 12:00 -1:30 PM, Room 584 of the City County Building
• Tuesday, April 6, 2010, 12:00 PM in room 549 of the City County Building (the large conference room to the right of the elevators on the 5th floor).

6.) Transportation Work Group:

• Friday, April 9, 2010, 10:00 AM in the MPC conference room, 4th floor of the City County Building

Spring Commuter Perks

2010-04-01T08:02:00.000-07:00

May is officially Smart Trips Month, filled with events such as "How Many Can You Fit in a Fit?", "Bike to Work Day", and chances to win prizes and save money.

May 1 through September 30 also kicks off the Smart Trips Commuter Challenge, which will give commuters the chance to save money, earn rewards, and win prizes. This applies to individuals and businesses alike.

To register for Smart Trips, see the events calendar, and learn about the prizes, visit www.knoxsplat.com.

For more info, email smarttrips@knoxtrans.org, or check them out at facebook.com/knoxsmarttrips.

World Wildlife Fund Earth Hour

2010-03-25T10:53:00.000-07:00

Spring is finally showing signs of committing, and we're headed into a big season for outdoor and Earth-related events in Knoxville.

Here's an interesting activity from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) that anyone can participate in just by committing to turn out your lights for an hour at 8:30 PM EST on March 27:

https://www.myearthhour.org/home

February Smart Trips Winners!

2010-03-03T10:13:00.000-08:00

February 2010 Commuter Bucks Winners:

Sally Polhemus, Knox County, Mast General Store gift basket ($50 value)
Jeff Groah, UT, $50 Bliss gift card
Diane Sams, ORNL, $50 Tomato Head gift card
Hollie Ernest, 5 tickets to Regal Cinemas

February Commuter of the Month: Jeremy Chandler

His nominator says that Jeremy Chandler, of UT, inspires others to stick with bike commuting. "Often I will see photos from his bicycle commute-- in horrible conditions--posted to his Facebook page. The days I chicken out and drive in, I am reminded that someone out there is cranking it to work."

The Nissan LEAF is heading our way!

2010-02-18T12:52:00.000-08:00

While we didn't get mentioned by name in this New York Times article, Knoxville will be one of the test markets for the Nissan LEAF electric vehicle later this year!

Sign up to buy a Nissan LEAF and find out more information about The EV Project here.

Kudos to Community Commuters

2010-02-09T06:56:00.000-08:00

January Smart Trips Winners Announced:

Knoxville Smart Trips announces its most recent monthly winners. Bob Weatherstone with the City of Knoxville, Jayne McNutt of TVA, and David Goforth with the University of Tennessee will each receive $50 gift cards to Bliss, Mast General Store and Three Rivers Market respectively. David Waddell will receive a gift basket from Mast General Store valued at $50.

Smart Trips January Commuter of the Month is Ann Strange of ORNL who will receive a $25 gift card to Mast General Store. Her nominator says, Ann is a great person who has enriched my life and decreased my carbon footprint. Strange gives up 15 minutes of extra sleep each workday to keep the carpool going and constantly looks for ways to encourage carpooling at ORNL.

Smart Trips is a regional program which promotes greener alternatives to driving alone such as carpooling, biking, walking, teleworking and taking the bus. It s a comprehensive effort that rewards commuters for taking these alternatives and helps businesses implement the program at their location. Residents can sign up to participate and log their commutes to be eligible for these and other prizes online at http://www.knoxsmarttrips.org/.

RFQ for Convention Center Solar Array Issued

2010-02-08T11:49:00.000-08:00

Hello! The City of Knoxville issued a Request for Qualifications last Friday seeking firms interested in designing, installing, and financing a large solar array for the Knoxville Convention Center. Interested parties may find the full RFQ at: http://www.cityofknoxville.org/purchasing/.

Below is the city's press release about the project, and below that additional information regarding electricity generation, cost, and pay back calculations.

Please contact Susanna Bass at 865-215-4430 for more information.

PRESS RELEASE

The City of Knoxville is seeking a contractor to design, install, and finance a large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) array, ideally on the roof of the Knoxville Convention Center.

The City allocated $250,000 of Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant funding towards this project and is seeking a firm that can leverage those funds by taking advantage of tax credits and other financial incentives, so that the solar array can be much larger than one directly financed by the City.

A Request for Qualifications of interested firms was issued today. Responses are due on March 5 and the City anticipates selecting the most qualified contractor on March 19. The solar installation should be completed and generating electricity by 2012.

The Convention Center solar project is only one element of the City’s overall plan to use the $2 million EECBG grant to encourage the development of clean energy sources here in Knoxville.

Although the exact size of the solar PV system will be determined by the financing structure proposed by the selected firm, the City hopes to achieve a system capacity of about 100 kW. A system this size would be comprised of over 500 solar panels and could generate enough electricity annually to power roughly 15 average American households for a year (according to average electricity consumption data from the EIA).

The system will participate in TVA’s Generation Partners Program, which means that all the clean energy it produces will feed directly into the electrical grid.

Knoxville still has to obtain the necessary environmental approvals to place the array of solar panels on the Convention Center. If it cannot obtain those, the city would look to install the system on another large publicly-owned structure.

“The intent of this project is to catalyze local solar market growth through successful execution of a third party financing model” says Susanna Bass, the City’s Sustainability Program Manager. “These grant funds provide an opportunity for the City to host this project, providing both a location and seed funds for a financing plan.”

The innovative financing model sought for this project means that the City can expect significant leverage of grant funding. Assuming the total cost for designing and installing a 100 kW system is $1 million dollars, the City will only contribute $250,000, and the winning company will be responsible for the remaining $750,000. Tax credits, depreciation benefits, and the value of produced electricity - which TVA will purchase for $0.12 above the GSA 1 electricity rate - can help that company re-coup their investment.

Beyond the obvious positive environmental impacts of deploying clean energy systems (solar PV creates energy without emitting any pollutants), providing a successful example of how third party financing of renewable energy can work in the Tennessee Valley will compliment the Knoxville’s Solar America Cities Program’s efforts to build a strong local supply and demand market for solar. If the system size reaches 100 kW, it will be the largest PV system in Knoxville and will help build a market for other large solar arrays that can create and sustain local jobs in the solar industry. This project is estimated to create or retain 8 jobs, according to DOE’s job calculator for stimulus activities.

“Third-Party Financing has helped solar grow tremendously in other parts of the country. By demonstrating a workable model, we can help bring that momentum to this area”, Bass said.

The project is being funded with part of a $2 million Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant the city received last year from the U.S. Department of Energy. The EECBG grant is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds the City received, and is commonly referred to as federal stimulus money.

More information about financing, electricity output, and pay-back

Projected system size (actual size TBD): 100 kW
Average daily electricity output: 450 kWh
Average annual electricity output: 164,250 kWh
Value of produced electricity via TVA’s Generation Partners (Good for 10 years):
GSA 1 rate + .12 = $0.205/ kWh in 2010.
Average annual value of electricity: $33,700 in 2010.

Estimated total cost of system: $1,000,000
City contribution: $250,000
Leveraged funds: $750,000
Net cost after tax credit for 30% of non-city funded system value: $525,000
Net cost after MACRS Depreciation tax benefits (conservatively valued at 5% of system cost):
$475,000

Assuming annual GSA 1 rate increase of 3%, estimated pay-back time: Less than 16 years
Net system cost after Tax Benefits: $475,000
Total value of produced electricity via TVA’s Generation Partners (10-yr program): $357,490
Assuming value of produced electricity equals GSA 1 rate, additional years necessary for system pay-back: Less than 6 years

A belated welcome to 2010

2010-02-02T13:34:00.000-08:00

Hello again! January was a blur of Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program development, meeting federal grant reporting deadlines, and working through the details of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a solar array. Without going into a description of the paperwork that keeps the wheels moving, here are some of January's highlights:

Notice to Proceed to Ameresco:
After City Council approval of the $19,082,060 energy savings performance contract, Ameresco was issued notice to proceed on 12/30/2009. They have since contracted with all their subs and are currently developing a project schedule to retrofit 99 City buildings with various energy improvements. We'll follow them through the process and keep you up to date on timeline and savings here.

Nissan Leaf Tour:
The City, TVA, ORNL, Nissan, and many of you were at Worlds Fair Park January 15 for an EV Project demonstration of the new Nissan Leaf, a zero emissions electric vehicle that is slated to hit the lots late this year. We're one of the initial test markets, along with Cities in Oregon, Washington, Arizona and California. Tennessee will be part of a network of recharging stations that will be established for the Leaf.

Note: The EV Project is a partnership between eTec (which received almost $100,000,000 in Department of Energy (DOE) grant funding for this effort) and Nissan, to deploy up to 4,700 vehicles and 11,000 charging systems in test markets. The 36-month-long project will collect and analyze Leaf and charging station data for use in developing a workable infrastructure for electric vehicles.

It was a cold morning, but there were over 30 people there getting hot coffee and biscuts, free Leaf T-shirts, and a chance to learn about and drive the new car, which is a sporty hatchback that's quiet and quick, and unlike the first marketed alternative vehicles, looks pretty normal.

RFQ for Solar PV:
An RFQ for a solar PV array is scheduled to be advertised this Friday, February 5 through March 5, with consultant selection on February 19. It's our first EECGB project to bid, and in a nutshell we're able to provide $250,000 as seed funding for a qualified firm to develop a viable 3rd party financing model in the TVA and KUB service areas.

The project has two phases, a due diligence period that will go through solar, structural, and environmental assessments, as well as develop a finance model and power purchase agreement through TVA's Generation Partners Program. The second phase is a design build, and will result in a roughly 100 kW solar array, ideally on the Knoxville Convention Center. It's been a complicated RFQ to draft and coordinate, so we know it will take creativity and a strong knowledge of the industry to pull together a competative submission.

We're really looking forward to watching this project unfold; third party financing is used quite often in western states, but has proven difficult to get off the ground in our region, so hopefully the block grant dollars will provide enough incentive to get the details worked out. We want this to be a transferrable model that will boost our local solar market.

Thanks for staying interested and if you have any thoughts or comments, please send an email or call.

Welcome!

2009-12-28T12:08:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Sustainable Knoxville Blog!

Thank you for your interest in the City of Knoxville’s efforts to create a more energy efficient and environmentally friendly community! Our hope is that this blog can inform and inspire Knoxville’s citizens by increasing transparency, explaining the costs and benefits of our initiatives, and sharing our successes and lessons learned.

The main topics covered here will be our Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant Program, our Ameresco Energy Services Performance Contract, and Solar Knoxville, our Solar America Cities Program. We’ll also use this space to post updates on the Energy & Sustainability (E&S) Task Force and other E&S activities and announce upcoming events. While this blog will be updated regularly with info on specific aspects of our various activities, you can always check out our Energy & Sustainability webpage for more background and details about the E&S Task Force and its initiatives.

Check in frequently, and please feel free to offer thoughtful feedback in the comment section.

Thanks for reading!

Susanna Bass- Sustainability Program Manager
Erin Burns- Sustainability Coordinator
City of Knoxville, Department of Policy & Communications