March 1, 2010

In this issue...

•    Harnessing the sun - getting started and going solar

•    California adopts nation’s first Green Building Code

•    SNC Happenings: A brief update on SNC efforts

•    Save the date: Mark your calendar for these local events

Harnessing the sun
Sunlight. Directly or indirectly, it is the source of all energy on Earth. Plants use sunlight energy for photosynthesis, turning carbon dioxide and water into glucose, or sugar, the basic unit of energy for all living things. Fossil fuels are the product of the decomposition, over millions of years, of organisms built on this energy. These fuels power most everything in our lives. They also represent the conversion of a clean, renewable energy source – sunlight – into one that pollutes and is in limited supply. So in an age where we need energy to power far more than our own bodies, how do we use the sun in an efficient and sustainable way? Read more…

California adopts nation’s first Green Building Code
Continuing California’s efforts to fight climate change and protect the environment, the California Building Standards Commission unanimously adopted the first-in-the-nation mandatory Green Building Standards Code (CALGREEN) requiring all new buildings in the state to be more energy efficient and environmentally responsible. Taking effect on January 1, 2011, these comprehensive regulations will achieve major reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption and water use to create a greener California.

SNC Happenings

• Are you a fan of SNC? Then make it official and become a fan of Sustainable Napa County on Facebook. Post comments, share your views on current sustainability related issues, and connect with others who are interested in environmental, economic and community vitality in Napa County and beyond.
  
  
• SNC is partnering with Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) to launch Napa County Energy Watch (NCEW). This new to Napa County program brings energy efficiency and conservation resources, rebates and incentives to municipal (governmental) and special district customers, nonprofits, and small commercial/businesses. SNC is also working with partners in our community on programs to reach residential customers. Watch future editions of SNC e-news for updates on NCEW.
  
  
• SNC is a part of Climate Bay Area, a multi-sector partnership including government, business, environmental and community organizations from all nine counties in the Bay Area. Developed by the Joint Policy Committee and the Bay Area Council Economic Institute this regional coalition will address the most important “mega-issues” confronting all Bay Area climate-related programs and connect organizations with climate resources and partners.
  
  
• Sustainable hospitality on the menu: Napa County’s hospitality industry is renowned for providing legendary guest experiences and it continues to build on its reputation for sustainability. To this end SNC, along with the PG&E Food Service Technology Center, held a 90-minute energy efficiency workshop for commercial food service operations including hotels, restaurants, hospitals and school districts. This was the first in a series of planned workshops brought to our community by SNC’s Sustainable Hospitality Task Force.
  
  
• Stay tuned for more on sustainability. Listen to KVON 1440 AM from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. the fourth Friday of every month to learn more about sustainability related topics, issues, local events and resources. Toni Renee Vierra, Chair of the Napa Chamber of Commerce Green and Sustainable Practices (GaSP) Committee and SNC’s Jeri Gill co-host the regular segment. If you have an idea for a future topic or a guest email us at Info@SustainableNapaCounty.org and type "KVON 1440 AM" in the subject line.
  

Save the Date

E-Waste Curbside Pickup Event
Napa Recycling and Waste Services in partnership with the Napa Valley District Boy Scouts
Saturday, March 20 - Place your items curbside by 8:00 am

Making Cents out of Solar
Napa Valley Solar Partnership
- Saturday, March 20 at 10 am - Grace Episcopal Church 1314 Spring St. St. Helena,
- Saturday, April 17 from 11 am to 3 pm - Calistoga Green Fair, Pioneer Park