Committee Recommendations (details can be found in the main document)

Click here for full report

Recommendation I Recommendation I addresses energy goals only. In general, the recommendation requires that all residential new construction be 30% more energy efficient than existing code (2006 IECC). The committee unanimously agreed energy reduction was the priority and requiring mandatory action was necessary for any effective and measurable outcomes to occur. Requiring mandatory energy performance, utilizing the Home Energy Rating System (HERS), versus mandatory prescriptive methods was considered the most flexible, fair, integrative and cost-effective method to implement a mandatory program. Research indicates home size is the most significant indicator of energy consumption. Regardless of the code prescribed insulation levels and air barriers, larger homes are less efficient in terms of actual surface-to-volume ratios, effective u-values, and envelope infiltration, as compared with smaller, simpler designs. Therefore the committee is recommending performance levels are dependent on home size.

The existing building stock offers the largest and most-cost effective opportunities to decrease energy consumption. Because the majority of buildings in the county were created prior the implementation of the energy code and new construction is significantly more energy efficient than existing building stock the committee prioritized improving the energy efficiency of the existing building stock. To address this priority, additions larger than 300 sq.ft. shall be required Final 7to improve the performance of their home by 30 HERS point or 30%, up to a 70 HERS index score. Renovation or remodels larger than 300 sq.ft. shall be required to conduct a certified energy audit prior to building permit issuance.

Heated drives, pools and spa use energy at a rate significantly higher than buildings and put considerable strain on energy infrastructure. To address large exterior energy consumption the committee recommends an Energy Mitigation Program (EMP) for heated drives and large spas and pools. The EMP requires 50% of carbon based BTUs to be off-set through renewables or in-lieu fees.

Recommendation II

Recommendation II addresses energy goals through the performance based program outlined in Recommendation I and the water, material resources, site, and indoor air quality (IAQ) goals through the inclusion of a BuildSmart Checklist. The checklist is essentially an avenue to educate builders on green building practices and provides an affordable means to distinguish and reward green building efforts. Voluntary implementation of 75% of the checklist allows a home to become a “BuildSmart” home. Within the checklist are a select few mandatory items for all new construction. Each year, the committee recommends incremental and phased inclusion of previous voluntary items to be mandatory.

Recommendation III

Recommendation III address all strategic areas of green building; energy, water, site selection, material resources, IAQ, and innovation goals through the adoption of national recognized green building program that would be mandatory for all new construction and the adoption of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program for additions and renovations to existing homes. The programs for new construction envisioned in this recommendation are the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) National Green Building Standard certification. Each of the national programs have several levels of certification. The committee recommends various levels of certification which is dependent on home size. The Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program is a tiered system that targets a 30% energy reduction for all remodels or additions larger. Tier-one improvements are mandatory while tier-two improvements are voluntary actions outlined to reach the 30% target. The Home Performance program would be mandatory for all remodels or additions larger than 300’ sq.ft..

This recommendation can stand-alone or be offered as an option to builders/homeowners instead of meeting the requirements of recommendation I or II. The committee suggests that this be adopted as an option rather than as a stand-alone proposition.

The committee also has general recommendations that will facilitate good and efficient building practices such as submittals of mechanical designs prior to building permit issuance and providing building department energy performance expertise and outreach.

Warning: getimagesize() [function.getimagesize]: URL file-access is disabled in the server configuration in /home/ercsv0/public_html/components/com_customproperties/helper.php on line 297

Warning: getimagesize(http://cooper.lunarbreeze.com//%7Eercsv0/images/stories/cflbulb_33ae594a23875196f1f79ccce2fdd5ed.png) [function.getimagesize]: failed to open stream: no suitable wrapper could be found in /home/ercsv0/public_html/components/com_customproperties/helper.php on line 297

Warning: Division by zero in /home/ercsv0/public_html/components/com_customproperties/helper.php on line 202

Warning: Division by zero in /home/ercsv0/public_html/components/com_customproperties/helper.php on line 216

Warning: getimagesize() [function.getimagesize]: URL file-access is disabled in the server configuration in /home/ercsv0/public_html/components/com_customproperties/helper.php on line 375

Warning: getimagesize(http://cooper.lunarbreeze.com//%7Eercsv0/images/stories/cflbulb_33ae594a23875196f1f79ccce2fdd5ed.png) [function.getimagesize]: failed to open stream: no suitable wrapper could be found in /home/ercsv0/public_html/components/com_customproperties/helper.php on line 375

The Christmas Day blackout was blamed on a "perfect storm" of ice, cold temperatures and high power consumption.  While there's not much that can be done about the weather, at least one group is seeking ways to reduce energy use.

A group of local governments and nonprofits just landed the largest Office of Energy Resources competitive grant made for energy efficiency.

This week the Idaho OER announced that our region won a $700,000 grant to dramatically reduce energy use, spark local job creation and reduce our carbon footprint.  These funds are part of the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which is being overseen by the state's Office of Energy Resources and will leverage approximately $800,000 in additional funds from the partners.

 

Warning: getimagesize() [function.getimagesize]: URL file-access is disabled in the server configuration in /home/ercsv0/public_html/components/com_customproperties/helper.php on line 297

Warning: getimagesize(http://solarb.msfc.nasa.gov//images/science/impacts/powerline.jpg) [function.getimagesize]: failed to open stream: no suitable wrapper could be found in /home/ercsv0/public_html/components/com_customproperties/helper.php on line 297

Warning: Division by zero in /home/ercsv0/public_html/components/com_customproperties/helper.php on line 202

Warning: Division by zero in /home/ercsv0/public_html/components/com_customproperties/helper.php on line 216

Warning: getimagesize() [function.getimagesize]: URL file-access is disabled in the server configuration in /home/ercsv0/public_html/components/com_customproperties/helper.php on line 375

Warning: getimagesize(http://solarb.msfc.nasa.gov//images/science/impacts/powerline.jpg) [function.getimagesize]: failed to open stream: no suitable wrapper could be found in /home/ercsv0/public_html/components/com_customproperties/helper.php on line 375

Idaho Power gave a presentation last month on their energy efficiency efforts in the valley. Here's what they presented (click Read More to see presentation):

An important part of the Land, Water and Wildlife Levy is LAB, the Levy Advisory Board. LAB was authorized as part of the levy ballot measure to serve as a citizen oversight committee to recommend to the Board of County Commissioners the highest and best use of the funds to achieve optimal conservation value and public benefit.

The Blaine County LAB has set up a blog so that you can keep more up-to-date on its progress, access meeting agendas & minutes, sign up for e-newsletters and more.

You can access this blog by clicking here:  Blaine County LAB Blog All the LAB meeting minutes and agendas can be found here:  Blaine County LAB Minutes & Agendas

 

Meeting Minutes SustainBlaine Open Meeting 2/3/10

In Doug Brown's absence, George Kirk presided over the meeting.

Presentation by Peter Everett regarding the Community Connector, a coalition exploring transportation solutions for the valley. Some ideas being considered include a fixed guideway steel-wheeled streetcar system and a gondola system. The goals of these systems would be to better distribute traffic coming into the Ketchum/Sun Valley area; connect Sun Valley, downtown Ketchum and the River Run neighborhood; and integrate with a comprehensive regional public transportation system. Learn more at www.thecommunityconnector.com. Contact Peter at petereverett@psu.edu.

Presentation by Beth Robrahn regarding the Hailey Airport Site Master Plan. She indicated that the City of Hailey will use information from the TIP work done last year, but that it will also conduct a market analysis specific to Hailey. She expects development of a master plan to take 1 to 2 years. An idea was raised that, once the city has determined the objectives for the airport land, a design competition be held. The City of Austin held such a competition and received numerous designs from national and international firms, giving them tremendous options from which to choose.

Discussion was held regarding the role of the Sustain Blaine advisory board going forward, now that the SVEDC has been formed and board members appointed/elected. The consensus was:

To receive reports from - and give feedback to - the SVEDC board. To receive reports from - and give feedback to - the project teams. To inform and advise the SVEDC board. To discuss and build understanding and consensus on issues confronting the greater community. To continue to reach out to the greater community to gain support for the GoBlaine! strategy. To nominate and elect the 7 private-sector members of the SVEDC board, as terms expire or seats otherwise come open

Discussion was held about the need to communicate progress made to date, as well as the SVEDC's next steps. Those who had attended the first SVEDC board meeting explained that the first session was used to bring the new board members up to date and to enable all parties to get to know each other. The next SVEDC meeting is set for Tues., 2/16.

An announcement was made that Doug Brown has indicated his need to step down as chair of Sustain Blaine. Discussion was held about the need for new leadership and the decision was made to:

Solicit nominations from the 31 voting members Vanessa Fry will receive the nominations and email a slate to the membership for their vote Election is to be completed prior to the next in-person meeting, so the new chair can preside over the next meeting.

Discussion was held whether Sustain Blaine should have a new steering or executive committee and, if so, how that should be comprised and how its members should be determined. Discussion was tabled until new chair takes over. Old steering committee will continue for now: Doug Brown, Julie Cord, Harry Griffith, Linda Haavik, Rebekah Helzel, Joy Kasputys, George Kirk, Nils Ribi and Diana Takvam.

Meeting Minutes BuildSmart Technical Advisory committee

January 27, 2010  Old County Courthouse   5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Present: Brain Poster, Alan Richardson, Hermie Havvic, Matt Holland, Seth Westbrook, Mark Goodman, Tim Carter, Alan Stark, Pete Schwartz, Bruce Tidwell, Shana Sweitzer

Old Business:

1. Brian Bennet makes a Motion to adopt January 6, 2010 meeting minutes. Alan Richardson seconds.  Unanimous vote to adopt the January 6, 2010 meeting minutes.

Meeting Minutes BuildSmart Technical Advisory committee

January 6, 2010  Old County Courthouse  5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Present: David Lister, Joe Marx, Tim Carter, Brian Poster, Pete Schwartz, Don Nurge, Bruce Tidwell, Tom Harned, Rick Stark, Shana Sweitzer, Seth Westbrook

Bruce Tidwell makes motion to adopt minutes from December 16th meeting. Brian Poster seconds the motion. Unanimous vote to adopt minutes. Discuss Hailey Green Building and Development Committee presentation to BSTAC on January 20, 2010.

The ERC partnered with 7 local governments to craft a proposal to strengthen energy conservation efforts throughout the region.  Here's what was reported in the Idaho Mountain Express on January 15, 2010.

<a href="/images/pic.jpg" rel="lyteshow[gallery]" align="top"> <img class="boxed" src="/images/thumb.jpg" alt="Description" /></a>

Meeting Minutes:  BuildSmart Technical Advisory Committee

December 16, 2009   5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Old Business

Review meeting minutes. In reality, we are looking at simple payback not ROI. ROI compares investment between two or more possibilities. MOTION: Rick Stark moves to adopt minutes from December 2nd and December 9th meeting with amended changes. Brain Bennet seconds. Meetings moved to first and third Wednesday of every month and expand meeting time to 1 ½ hrs.

New Business

1. Review Rick Stark's Proposal for Additions and HERS requirements.

Comments:

Simple and easy to understand Meets the 30% goal. Seems fair and equitable Need to have a bottom HERS threshold for existing structure. Don't want to punish the guy who built a 60 HERS home two years ago and now wants to add on an additional garage and needs to get his existing sq ft a 30% improvement. 70 may be an appropriate threshold considering that is where is 30% improvement above IECC. What about the guy who is building a garage on? Would he need to improve the existing house? If the goal is to improve existing structures an "exception" does not seems appropriate.

Rick will take comments and bring another proposal forward.

2. Tom  Harned HERS Q&A session:

Energy Audit's;

Energy Audits do not require use of a program, but HERS does. No national standard; varies types of energy audits. Some audits are walk through only while other audits conduct blow door, duct blaster, thermal photography to identify specific problems of the structure. Specific to the needs or concerns of each specific home i.e. cold rooms or drafts Identifies health concerns associated with tightening the BE. Looks at simple payback, does equations by hand Looks at safety and backdrafting

HERS

Utilizes a software program to project performance for new construction and existing construction. Also involves a performance tests to ensure performance projections occur. HERS raters are certified by a national organization. Quality assurance. Code of ethics. Requires three months of coursework and field practicals. Looks at the overall performance of the structure, does not look at one aspect of the structure such a BE tightness or mechanical efficiency. Looks at simple payback, does equations via the software program. Also applies the simple payback as a function of overall performance, while audit assess payback per specific improvement. HERS takes into consideration the local climate and number of heating days in your local Provides a comparison between homes while an audit just looks at how to improve the energy efficiency of the existing home. RESNET looks at energy only while Building Performance Institute looks at health and safety. Provides a projection HERS score based on plans and a confirmed HERS score based on a blower door and duct blaster test.

Does HERS take into consideration snow load building?

Yes,  it can take into consideration extra mass and bridging. HERS gives an R value for everything in a wall. Looks R-value wall by wall, that is why a larger house with many corners can take longer and cost more than smaller simpler designed homes.

Does air conditioning affect HERS score?

Yes, if you don't have air conditioning then your home performs better, consequently giving you a better HERS score if you did have air conditioning.

Does the type of radiant heating get brought into calculations?

No, HERS looks at the source of heat for floor, not the implementation or design.

HERS has a simplified and detailed program.

The simplified has less detail on the mechanical and solar aspects.

HERS provides various types of reports for the homeowner or contractor to make informed decisions, not just a HERS number.  Creation of some reports take additional time by the HERS rating and consequently may cost additional beyond the actual HERS rating.

Examples of reports are as follows:

"Performance Summary", "Emissions Report", Component Loads, Component Design, Air Leakage Report, Economic Summary, Performance Summary

HERS will identify rebates available for various improvements. The rater will have to be aware of these to apply them.

Mechanical equipment and BE are large focuses in the HERS program.

Comments:

Having a County building inspector familiar with HERS and building science will provide additional guidance to builder and help ensure HERS score and suggested energy improvements are fair and consistent.

Can HERs rater be familiar with project to provide suggestions to improve the HERS score by just looking at the plans?

Brian Bennet, YES.

Once the contractors and architects get familiar with HERS they will see "points" when they remodel or create new construction. Improvements are not hidden.

Next Meeting January 6, 2010

Summary and Comparison of Various Options for Additions and HERS:

RS Option:

Requires a HERS for the entire structure, new and existing sq ft, based on the following Existing structure; 30% improvement to current HERS rating. Addition; new sq ft meets new construction HERS requirements based on the amount of sq ft being added. Additions that involve a 50% sq ft increase will be required to meet the new construction HERS sliding scale for the entire home. Two HERS scores are required, one is pre-permit for the existing structure, the second a post-construction performance HERS rating.

Example A: 4000 sq ft home with a pre-addition HERS rating of 200. 800 sq ft addition requires a 70 HERS (per new construction sliding scale). The post-addition home will be required to meet a 128.3 HERS rating for the entire structure.

((4000)(HERS 140)) + (((800)(HERS(70)) = 4800 X

616,000/4800 = 128 HERS for the entire structure

AR Option: Two possible paths to compliance.

Path I

Additions; the new sq ft would be required to meet a HERS rating based on the entire sq ft, per the new construction sliding scale. Existing Structure: no improvement to existing structure.

Example A: 4000 sq ft home applies for a 800 sq ft addition. Per the new construction sliding HERS scale a 4800 sq ft home is required to meet a 58.5 HERS. The sq ft for the new addition will be required to meet a 58.5 HERS rating. No improvements will be required for the existing home.

Path II

Requires a HERS for the entire structure, new and existing sq ft, based on the following formula and the new construction sliding HERS sliding scale; ((HERS Rating for the new sq ft) X (.20)) + ((HERS rating for the existing sq ft) X (.80)) = HERS rating for the entire structure One HERS rating will be required post-construction.

Example A - 4000 sq ft home applies for an 800 sq ft addition;

((80 X 62.5 HERS) + (70 HERS X .20)) = 64 HERS for the entire structure.

Boulder Option: Uses a separate sliding scale based on existing size of the structure and % of structure which is being renovated or % of increase to the existing footprint. Boulder County is currently in the process of replacing this process.

Example A - 4000 sq ft home applies for a 800 sq ft addition. Entire structure must meet an 80 HERS

A presentation to Blaine County's Board of Commissioners and the City of Hailey's Mayor and Council.

Presented by David Neiger, Populus Sustainable Design Consulting, Boulder CO. This is the entire presentation that he have before the County Commissioners and the City Council members.

greenbldghailey

Attending:  Craig Barry; David Hanks; Jen Smith; Shana Sweitzer; Mariel Platt; Tom Blanchard; Jeff Kreyssig; Neil Morrow

Attending: Colleen Daly, Eric Adams; Jen Smith; Shana Sweitzer; Tom Blanchard; Becky Stokes; Craig Barry

Update on the current partners

Efforts will be made to reach out the cities of Carey; Fairfield and Stanley

Attending: Neil ; Diana; Shana; Mariel; Tom; Becky; Angenie; Eric; Craig

OER Update

The recently released RFP was reviewed along with the potential projects.

There was discussion about the Revolving Loan Fund or, more accurately called a Property Assessed Clean Energy program (PACE) and whether this was an eligible activity or not.  Initially we were told it is NOT but subsequently it appears that OER is shifting its position on this and will be amending the RFP accordingly.

 

Blaine schools to receive $4 million for heating project

By Karen Bossick - Times-News correspondent

Posted: Friday, October 30, 2009

HAILEY - The Blaine County School District learned Thursday it will receive a $4 million grant for a pilot project to heat its schools with geothermal heat.

District officials learned of approval of the matching-funds grant from theU.S. Department of Energy as voters headed to the polls to vote on a $59.8 million plant facilities levy that included the money that would be used to match the grant.

 

Thursday, August 27, 2009, 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Main Meeting Room, Old County Courthouse, Hailey, Idaho

I.          Election of Officers of the BCRTC - Angenie McCleary

Nils Ribi made a motion that was seconded and unanimously approved for Angenie McCleary to be seated as Chair and Jeff Adams as Secretary;

II.        Corridor Preservation Agreement Discussion - Jeff Adams

Parsons Brinkerhoff is coordinating a Corridor Preservation agreement for the BCRT & ITD; Nicholas Amrhein had been to the area and spoke with selected officials and planners regarding the agreement and is working on the draft;  Blaine County has sent a draft of recitals of the County's efforts to protect the corridor and other jurisdictions are encouraged to supply their efforts;

III.       ITD Board Tour - Devin Rigby

Brief overview of the tour route and stops; highlights include airport re-location issue, new Timmerman rest stop, Bellevue/MTN Rides/ITD property trade, hospital and Timmerman to Ketchum projects, including Boulder Flats wetlands mitigation; one representative from each district;

IV.       IMAP Update - Angenie McCleary

IMAP revised draft due by September 30; our plan ahead of other areas in the process; will schedule one more public meeting; plan can be updated yearly; success factors to be added to the plan; IMAP network meeting on 17th; likely won't get as much in funding in next round; most of capital funds ($1.6M) to be expended in next month; press outreach will begin this month;

V.         ITD Update - Devin Rigby

Work is being done on the next two ROW plans, north and south of the hospital; white paper on local coordination to allow funds earmarked for work to allow variance from policy for having money in-hand before proceeding; $27 M for ROW plans and construction (Federal & State matching funds) McKercher to Alturas; discussion of support letter from BCRTC for Tour initiated, AMc to coordinate; $5M at Boulder Flats covers project's mitigation;

VI.       Stimulus Update

Stimulus funds for district went to Twin project, which should move Timmerman to Ketchum up in the queue;

III.       Public Comment

None

IV.       Adjourn

Minutes: JA 10.22.2009

Note: this agenda is subject to revisions and additions.

The Committee is scheduled to meet the last Thursday of the month.

PURPOSE. The purpose of this Committee shall be:

(a)                                   To study and  identify transportation and mobility issues affecting Blaine County, Idaho, and its regional partners;

(b)                                   To provide a forum for open discussion and increase public awareness of transportation and mobility issues affecting Blaine County and its regional partners;

(c)                                    To foster cooperation relating to the transportation and mobility issues affecting Blaine County and its regional partners;

(d)                                   To make non-binding recommendations and develop solutions and strategies for implementation to  Bellevue, Carey, Hailey, Ketchum, Sun Valley, Blaine County, the Idaho Transportation Department and other governmental and non-governmental entities, agencies, or bodies relating to transportation and mobility issues affecting Blaine County and its regional partners; and

(e)                                    To promote long-range planning relating to the transportation and mobility needs of Blaine County and its regional partners.

DRAFT MEETING MINUTES  BuildSmart Technical Advisory Committee

October 5, 2009   5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Present: Don Nurge, Rick Stark, Brain Bennett, Hermie Haavik, Tor Jensen, Garth Callaghan, Stephanie Reid, Muriel Plat, Alan Richardson, Bruce Tidwell, Shana Sweitzer, Mike Morgan (?)

Old Business

Review the IAQ and Site Goals.  They are stated as proposed.

Attending: Shana Sweitzer; Eric Adams; Neil Morrow; Tom Blanchard; Craig Barry; Kathleen Turner; Becky Stokes; Elizabeth Jeffrey; Mariel Platt; Angenie McCleary Update on EECBG subgrant program

Deadlines:  Open Nov 2; Webinar Nov 10; Deadline Dec 15.

Couldn't make the talk on how the proposed school levy will benefit our school district? Well here's the detailed presentation that all the various costs and benefits that are being proposed: [issuu viewmode=presentation layout=http%3A%2F%2Fskin.issuu.com%2Fv%2Flight%2Flayout.xml showflipbtn=true documentid=091016160026-9cb9980573f143178a93c5a3f3543b40 docname=101509_blaine_county_sd_levy_support_slideshow username=ercsv loadinginfotext=School%20Levy's%20Eco-Benefits width=420 height=315 unit=px] co-hosted by the Blaine County Education Foundation andthe Environmental Resource Center Thursday, October 15, 6 pmCommunity Campus, Room 301-302

The Environmental Resource Center has been working with the Blaine County School District to help them "green up" their practices for a number of years now. The District has an Environmental Practices Committee to implement "green" initiatives and help advise the District and School Board. In part this levy initiative has grown from both this committee's efforts and the Strategic Planning efforts that the District launched in 2009.

The ERC has been involved with all these efforts over the years and has been greatly encouraged at the positive steps that the School District is now taking to address energy efficiency, sustainability and how these issues-of-a-generation will be addressed within the curriculum.

Come learn about the potential environmental impact of the proposed school district plant facility levy. A national leader in helping businesses and communities become more energy efficient, McKinstry will provide details of the energy audit completed for the district, articulating the cost savings, the plans for each building, and the potential for leveraging community dollars with federal grant opportunities

Learn how over 800,000 square feet of public space in over 8 different schools could be impacted by the levy and how $120 million in infrastructure would be maintained for long-term use through environmentally sustainable improvements.

These proposed changes will help the School District save $300,000 to over $500,000 each year for over a decade, better enable them to direct these savings into student-focused programs, significantly help reduce the District's carbon footprint and provide a wonderful teaching opportunity on sustainability for students.

This meeting is unique to other levy presentations due to the time devoted to the environmental impact of the proposed facility improvements.

For more information go to www.blaineschools.org.

October 12th The Integrated Design Process

Using Home Energy Rating Systems (HERS) to obtain greater Energy Efficiency

Presented and Facilitated by David Neiger - Populus Sustainable Design Consulting,

Boulder CO

Community Campus - Room 301/302

Presentation 5:30-6:30PM (open to all)

Energy Modeling Charrette 6:30-8:30PM

(limited space available for non AIA members, RSVP 788-9815 x24)

*3 CEUs will be available to attending AIA members

(Professionals involved in the design and building industry are encouraged to attend)

 

October 13, 2009 Creating a Green Building Program

A presentation to Blaine County's Board of Commissioners and the City of Hailey's Mayor and Council

Presented by David Neiger -

Populus Sustainable Design Consulting, Boulder CO

Boulder City and Boulder County, CO's experience with adopting and implementing a green building program.

5:30-7:00pm

Hailey City Hall - Council Chambers

THE PUBLIC IS ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND!

BuildSmart Technical Advisory Committee

August 31, 2009

Old Business

1. Discuss and Adopt August 24, 2009 meeting minutes.

2. Plum TV - group of private businesses and Blaine County go into together to do a weekly or daily "green building" tip. Exposure for private businesses and supports education outreach goals of BSTAC