Institute for Sustainable Energy
Advisory Board
Board Meeting June 7, 2004

Members present:
Arthur Diedrick, Chairman of Development, Office of the Governor
Michael Chowaniec, Dept. of Public Utility Control, for Donald Downes
Shirley Bergert, Public Benefits Taskforce Director, CT Legal Services
Emily Smith, Managing Director, Government and Corporate Relations, CT Innovations

Guests:
Dr. David Carter, President, ECSU
William Leahy, Associate Executive Director, ISE
Laurel Kohl, ISE, Acting Secretary

 

The meeting was called to order by Arthur Diedrick at 9:37 AM.

Arthur Diedrick requested that the Advisory Board members consider the minutes of the May 3, 2004 meeting. A motion was made by Michael Chowaniec to accept the minutes. It was seconded by Shirley Bergert. The motion carried.

 

Old Business

Connecticut Energy Website
Discussion on this topic continued from the May meeting, when Donald Downes suggested the creation of a combined “CT Energy Information” website. This site would link all state supported programs related to energy, including information and services for residential, commercial and industrial customers. In a web search compiled by the Institute, it was revealed that currently there are at least 26 sites, covering four broad categories: state agencies, utilities programs and energy organizations and other energy related sites. Michael Chowaniec reported that a meeting is to be held in June with representatives from groups with existing web sites to discuss the possibilities of a combined site. Shirley Bergert shared that the ECMB may be concerned about possible loss of control of the programs supported by ratepayer funds. Dr. Carter indicated the value of a common information site with links to the various organizations and programs. Arthur Diedrick has discussed the branding idea with Bill O’Neal and suggested that he come to the next board meeting. The group consensus was to move slowly, presenting the concept of an information “portal” site initially, utilizing a webmaster to continually update the site’s content and the links. Shirley Bergert asked if the ongoing web maintenance could be provided by ISE. Dr. Carter suggested that William Leahy put together a response for the next meeting. Emily Smith suggested that municipal power companies be included, along with their programs.

ISE Fall Conference
William Leahy has had initial discussions with CT Clean Cities administrators and the C4 group of the CT Climate Action Plan. Both indicated a need and desire for a forum on various energy issues. Mike Chowaniec suggested an event addressing public policy and energy, which may be linked to work being performed by the Connecticut Energy Advisory Board (CEAB). The conference topics might include areas of the State Energy Plan, including the development of preferential standard for future electric generation. The CEAB will be creating these standards by this December 2004, to be included in the new state Energy Plan, due in January 2005. The conference may also include discussion on topics leading to implementation of initiatives from the Connecticut Climate Change Action Plan. Emily Smith will email the C4 group to gather their thoughts.

ISE Newsletter
William Leahy distributed the latest edition of the ISE Newsletter. The focus of this issue is the Green Campus programs and the sustainability efforts underway at ECSU.

Benchmarking
William Leahy presented the results of the benchmarking study performed on State of Connecticut office buildings. Results indicated that the DEP and DPUC buildings both rated well and are pre-qualified for Energy Star recognition. The next steps include William Leahy arranging with DPW’s Steve Murphy to have a licensed PE verify the data and the buildings’ compliance with lighting and ventilation codes prior to submitting an application to the US EPA for the awards. The State Energy Plan from CEAB, the CT Climate Change Action Plan and the Governor’s Executive Order 32 all call for a 20% reduction in energy use in state buildings by 2010. Further benchmarking will identify the best buildings where those savings can be realized. Ray Wilson and John Ruckes of OPM have secured a grant for ISE for benchmarking 10 to 20 additional state buildings. This round of buildings may include courthouses and college dormitories, two recent additions to the Energy Star database. Arthur Diedrick stated that benchmarking gives the ISE good reason to exist. Dr. Carter suggested that the ISE feature case studies of benchmarked buildings in the next newsletter.

Green Buildings Activity
One of ISE student interns, a graphic artist, is creating a Green Schools presentation designed to inform towns considering or already involved in the school building planning process. The presentation will feature the benefits of green buildings, including; healthier buildings with lower absenteeism, improved learning and reading comprehension in buildings that utilize natural lighting, and lower overall life cycle cost to the towns. In addition, these building designs reduce our regions dependence on foreign oil, lower local emissions and create “learning laboratories” for new technology for our future business and community leaders.

UN Children’s Conference
Laurel Kohl reported that planning is going well for the conference to take place July 19 through 23, 2004 with up to 400 students expected to attend. Both William Leahy and she will conduct workshops on energy related topics. The Clean Energy Fund is a program sponsor, supporting the Connecticut Welcome Ambassadors, Connecticut students who will attend the first day to welcome visiting delegates.

 

The next meeting of the ISE Advisory Board will be July 12, 2004 at 9:30 AM.

It was decided that the November 2004 meeting will be changed to November 7 at 8:30 AM.

The meeting was adjourned by acclamation at 10:55 AM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Laurel Kohl

Acting Secretary