| Local Policy Description: | Launch and Promote the "Somerville Sees the Light" Campaign
The goal of "Somerville Sees the Light" is to convert the equivalent of one incandescent bulb per household to an energy-efficient compact florescent lightbulb (CFL) within one year. Somerville Climate Action will undertake a widespread media campaign to educate Somerville residents about CFLs, to promote their availability in the community, and to promote their use. The projected greenhouse gas emissions reduction, assuming one bulb per household in Somerville is changed to a CFL, is approximately 1,000 tons CO2 per year. Some implementations steps are listed as follows: design and produce outreach materials for Somerville, coordinating with Medford and Salem, including fliers, point-of-purchase displays, posters, bumper stickers; research funding sources and write grant proposals; seek endorsement of Mayor and Board of Alderman; get press coverage; write an article for the Somerville Journal, work through affinity groups such as churches, schools, community gardens, etc.; and work with realtors on welcome package for new Somerville residents.
Promote Home Insulation
Home heating consumes more energy than any other activity in the residential sector. Insulating a home can save up to 30% of the energy consumed for heating and air conditioning. Many homeowners are not aware of the cost effectiveness of home insulation and do not know that there are rebates available from NSTAR for many types of home insulation. The Commission could perform a valuable outreach function by educating Somerville residents about the issue and distribute information about utility-sponsored rebate programs.
Outreach to First-time Home-buyer Programs
The Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) sponsors courses for first-time home buyers and has agreed to allow the Commission to address the participants about home insulation and energy conservation. An outline of the presentation has already been accepted by OHCD for the next course. If the presentation is successful, the Commission may try to address other groups of first-time home-buyers, as well as realtors, who could highlight the value of insulated homes to potential buyers.
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