Energy
Using energy efficiently has been a critical focus of CNT’s efforts to improve urban sustainability. In 2000, CNT Energy (formerly known as the Community Energy Cooperative) was created to explore new ways to measure energy usage and to assist individual consumers and concerned communities in achieving sustainable, affordable energy solutions.
The energy programs at CNT are consolidated under the division CNT Energy, a 501c(4) non-profit organization helping consumers and communities obtain the information and services they need to reduce their consumption and costs. CNT Energy’s areas of focus include building performance and energy efficiency, real-time electricity pricing, climate change analysis, regional energy planning, and green building research and evaluation.
CNT Energy offers consumer households up-to-date information on the rapidly changing energy market in Illinois. Members gain access to educational programs on managing energy costs, as well as opportunities to participate in pilot programs designed to benefit consumers.
CNT Energy will continue developing innovative programs and strategies to reduce energy consumption and costs, and will work to help communities become healthier and more sustainable.
To learn more about CNT Energy’s programs and tools, visit our Web site at www.cntenergy.org.
Friday, May 11th, 2012 at 3:53 pm
CNT hosted its fourth Equity Express “train-the-trainer” workshop in early May. Nineteen representatives from 12 local community outreach organizations, such as homeless advocacy groups, disability housing programs, and refugee assistance centers, attended the workshop that was filled to capacity. Over the course of the two-day event, CNT staff helped these leaders develop strategies for training their constituents on the best ways to generate income savings on a modest budget.
12 local community outreach organizations attended the latest Equity Express “train-the-trainer” workshop
Energy consumption, transportation utilization, food purchases, and communication expenditures comprise approximately 40 percent of a monthly budget; once these expenses are paid, households, especially those with low to moderate incomes, have barely enough money for housing and general living expenses, and savings are out of the question. With little to no money in the bank, these households have no financial security, leading to elevated stress levels and reduced quality of life. Equity Express demonstrates that by making simple, environmentally mindful changes in energy, transportation, food, and communication costs, a household can increase its financial security while enjoying a healthy, sustainable lifestyle.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, energy consumption, transportation utilization, food purchases, and communication expenditures comprise approximately 40 percent of a monthly budget.
While these lessons taught by Equity Express are simple, their impact is significant. Participants in the program report savings of over $100 per month, an amount that can help build a financial safety net when unexpected costs arise. And, as one attendee of the recent workshop attested, “this program changed my life forever.”
Through a combination of environmental and financial education, “train-the-trainer” sessions facilitate discussion between community outreach organizations, allowing them to effectively host Equity Express workshops and foster financial stability in their communities. According to one trainer, “I learned new things and shared resources, made new connections and contacts.” Another, excited to pass on the lessons of Equity Express, stated, “Everything I learned here will be useful for me, my family, and clients. I LOVED IT.”
Trainers are invited to continue the collaborative educational process by attending monthly meetings of the Equity Express Chicago Learning Network. These meetings allow trainers to share their progress in implementing Equity Express workshops, solve potential problems, and celebrate victories.
“Train-the-trainer” workshops are held approximately twice a year. CNT is planning to host the next workshop later this year. Contact CNT Social Ventures Associate, Adam Mays, to learn more.
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Tuesday, March 20th, 2012 at 5:27 pm
Join CNT Energy in helping spread the word about Energy Impact Illinois (EI2) in your neighborhood and make every home more energy efficient. We are looking for volunteers to help host neighborhood events, connect EI2 with local organizations, and help EI2 have a face at events in your community. Become a part of the team, and start making your impact today.
Energy Impact Illinois is a federally funded program that will assist homeowners in making significant energy efficiency improvements to their homes, putting money back in their pockets and reducing their environmental impact. Through EI2, homeowners can take advantage of rebates and low interests loans to improve the value of their homes. Some homes could be eligible for the Illinois Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® certificate, which can be included in real estate listings should owners their homes in the future.
We are looking for Impact Team leaders who can commit three to five hours per week, and Impact Team members who can commit one to two hours per week, in helping to support energy efficiency. No experience in energy efficiency is required. We will provide free training in both the home improvements available to increase efficiency and the rebates and programs available to assist homeowners.
For more information, or to sign up, contact Anna Markowski at CNT Energy: amarkowski@cntenergy.org or 773-328-7045.
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Thursday, January 26th, 2012 at 10:58 am
Energy efficiency upgrades in multifamily buildings could save building owners and residents up to $3.4 billion nationwide, according to a report released by CNT Energy and the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. Engaging as Partners in Energy Efficiency: Multifamily Housing and Utilities demonstrates that energy use in multifamily buildings can be reduced substantially, and cost-effective upgrades can result in utility cost savings of 15 to 30 percent in buildings with five or more residential units. The key to unlocking the savings is for energy utilities and apartment building owners to work together more closely to develop effective energy efficiency policies.
“We have billions essentially sitting untapped in our apartment buildings. We can harness that by simply setting better policies for efficiency for apartment buildings,” said Anne McKibbin, CNT Energy policy director and coauthor of the report. “Partnering with utilities is a crucial part of the process. Building owners and other housing industry players need to work with their utilities, engaging them directly and in local and state regulatory proceedings,” she said.
Energy efficiency upgrades improve the bottom line for multifamily building owners, help maintain affordable housing, decrease financial risk for lending institutions, and improve occupant comfort. However, building owners often have difficulty finding technical assistance, financing, or qualified contractors to upgrade their buildings.
“Maximizing energy efficiency is a win-win for apartment residents, building owners, energy utilities and our energy infrastructure,” said Doug Bibby, President of the National Multi Housing Council. “This report offers excellent ideas that we hope spur further cooperation between multifamily owners and utilities to create a more efficient partnership.”
Better coordination between apartment building owners and energy utilities could address that, according to the report’s analysis. The study finds that there is a vast, largely untapped opportunity to engage utilities in providing effective energy efficiency programs that target the multifamily sector. The study examines utilities’ involvement in energy efficiency efforts across the country and identifies strategies that the multifamily building community can use to work together for improved efficiency.
“We are thrilled to explore partnerships with apartment owners as a way of better serving our customers and reaching our energy efficiency goals. This paper outlines some important next steps for collaboration,” said Duane Larson, Director, Energy Efficiency Strategy, Pacific Gas & Electric Company.
The report identifies regions where the multifamily sector could see particularly dramatic benefits from improvements in energy efficiency policy. These include Florida, Illinois, Texas, and the District of Columbia—regions that have a substantial number of multifamily buildings and energy policies that leave significant room for improvement.
“Utilities and local regulations vary dramatically from state to state and region to region, so there is no one-size-fits-all solution,” says Eric Mackres, ACEEE senior policy analyst. “The common thread is that partnering with the utility is crucial. This report outlines a variety of strategies that can help the multifamily housing sector to engage electric and natural gas utilities in order to expand the resources available for energy efficiency retrofits.”
The report was made possible by support from the John D. & Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and Living Cities.
Download the full report here.
Sign up for a February 13 webinar to learn more about the report’s findings here.
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