The recent completion of Ridgefield’s Greenhouse Gas inventory revealed that Ridgefield has lots of energy fat to trim.   Households are by far the largest consumers of electricity, heating oil and gasoline, spending approximately $81 million per year on these energy sources.  Businesses spend over $17 million on electricity alone.  Our schools, municipal buildings and services use only around 5% of Ridgefield’s fuel source and have already taken some measures to reduce that consumption.  However, there is still room to effect energy savings there that can ultimately save taxpayer dollars.

Energy efficiency may not sound sexy, but it is the most cost effective and feasible way to reduce carbon emissions and energy costs.  There are numerous ways a community can increase energy efficiency at all levels.  Those working on REAP will be examining these measures to determine which should be included in a blueprint for Ridgefield’s residents, businesses, civic and municipal organizations.  We value your perspective and invite you to join us on August 11th.

Over the life of the Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge in Connecticut, the project will create and/or retain nearly 400 jobs, reduce an estimated 250,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide pollution, and save households nearly $150 million on their energy bills.

For Ridgefield, the grant is especially timely as Ridgefield has recently completed a community-wide inventory of its greenhouse gas emissions.  An Energy Action Committee was formed in May to develop a comprehensive plan of strategies to help make energy use more efficient and cost effective at all levels- municipal, commercial and residential.  The Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge will fill in a big piece of that plan.  If you would like to be involved in either the challenge or the Energy Action Committee, please contact Gretchen Bishop at dutendat@aol.com.

 http://www.ridgefieldctblog.com/2010/06/green-real-estate-energy-efficiency-sustainability/featured/