Author Archives: Thad Curtz

B2.3 LED lighting * Install LED lighting in public-sector buildings and infrastructure (e.g., street lights, traffic signals). Street Lights The International Dark Sky Association has advice about selecting LED street lights. Olympia – In 2014, the City completed the second … Continue reading →

B2.4 Commercial lights-out Promote “lights-out” policy that encourages businesses to turn off their signs and other lights at night when they are closed. The University of British Columbia has experimented with trying to get people on campus to turn off … Continue reading →

B2.7 Commercial utility rebates Offer additional utility rebates or bill credits to encourage businesses to buy and install energy-efficient appliances and equipment. As part of its legal obligation under I-937 to pursue all cost-effective energy efficiency, PSE offers a range … Continue reading →

B1.10 Other residential rental efficiency ideas Report from the 2014 Thurston County Vision2Action! Symposium on Healthy Energy Improvements for Rental Homes The Thurston Thrives Housing Action Team is doing ongoing work on these issues.

B1.7 Energy efficiency financing Offer loans for residential energy efficiency improvements. (See also G.3 Financing Tools) Local banks Generations Credit Union offers loans for solar and energy efficiency, and Olympia Federal Savings has Green Choice Lending Programs. (Background article.) Fannie … Continue reading →

The State Commute Trip Reduction law applies to all employers with 100 or more “affected” employees who work at a single worksite, and to all state agencies in the urban growth areas of Lacey, Olympia, and Tumwater. “Affected employees” are … Continue reading →

T5._ Improve commute trip reduction programs Local commute trip reduction statistics Tumwater’s commute reduction program now includes a cash incentive for employees who buy a plug-in vehicle and drive it to work. It’s up to $360 for a plug-in hybrid … Continue reading →

B1.3 Residential energy retrofit program Partner with energy audit providers and loan providers to establish and market residential energy efficiency and weatherization retrofit programs, with a focus on low-income residents, low-interest loans, and post audit follow-through. The American Council for … Continue reading →

B1.7 Residential utility outreach Expand utility outreach to residential electricity customers about the benefits of clean and efficient energy technologies/practices and available rebates and bill credits for efficient appliances and equipment. Focus on neighborhoods with older buildings and create group … Continue reading →

T4.2 Bus rapid transit Expand rapid transit (ex. add transit only lanes in UGA or add express bus connections between three South Sound cities), then develop funding mechanisms. Intercity Transit just launched a somewhat more rapid free bus route running … Continue reading →