Sustainability Resources for Homes & Small Business

Project 10--Sustainability Resources for Homes & Small Business

By Shaliha Afifa Anistia

One of the greatest challenges facing Hawaii today is energy since over 85% of Hawaii energy resource come from fossil fuel which makes Hawaii the most oil dependent state in America and have the nation's highest energy prices. The State of Hawaii plan to achieve 70% clean energy by the year 2030. Therefore, many initiatives have been implemented by government and NGOs to make it easier for homeowners and small businesses in Hawaii to take advantage of "low hanging fruit" that could save energy and cost. This report will discuss initiatives from Hawaii Energy, Department of Environmental Service, Hawaii State Energy Office, and Blue foundation.

Hawaii Energy is the state energy conservation and efficiency programs implemented to help reduce Hawaii' dependence on foreign oil. Its mission is to educate, motivate and incentivize residents and businesses to adopt energy conservation behaviors and efficiency measures. Hawaii Energy offers cash rebates to homeowners when they buy energy-efficient equipment for their home making their home become energy smart. This energy-saving investment will pay for itself and keep saving money for years to come. This rebates programs are including:

o Water heating: switch to more energy-efficient options will save about 35% on electric bill. For example, families with less than 3 people can get a $200 rebate for installing an ENERGY STAR heat pump water heater.

o Lighting: Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) and Light-Emitting Diode (LEDs) will reduce at least 75% energy to produce same amount of incandescent light bulbs and they can last up to 10x longer. For a limited time, they give $1 instant rebates on CFLs and $6-$8 instant rebates on LEDs at participating retailers throughout the state.

o Appliance: rebates to get rid of old appliances as well as on the purchase of energy-saving appliances that are ENERGY STAR® qualified. For example, Refrigerator Trade-Up offer $125 rebate for purchasing a new, ENERGY STAR® refrigerator and for trading in old but still working one. They also ensure that the old refrigerator is properly recycled

o Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning (HVAC): Around 50% of energy used in home goes to air conditioner. So, they offer a $50 rebate on a solar attic fan, which cools roof and may reduce the load on air conditioning system.

Hawaii Energy gives many tips to find low to no-cost ways to save energy in home. These tips are really simple, easy to follow and cost effective, for examples:

* Fridge: Try not to set the temperature colder than necessary. Set the refrigerator temperature between 36 F and 42 F while the freezer control between -5 F and +6 F.

* Bathroom: Shorten showers by just two minutes since ach shower could save up to 233 kWh and $56 per year per person in household.

* Dishwasher/Sink: Air drying dishes instead of using the heated dryer setting on dishwasher can save 110 kWh and $23 per year

* Lighting: Replace incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient CFLs. Home owners can also use motion-detecting switches on outdoor lighting. They provide saving calculator to help customer, as seen below:

*

Moreover, Hawaii Energy also helps to promote solar water heater. Solar water heater is highly recommended since the largest energy use for home is electric water heater especially when there is no air conditioning or a swimming pool. For families of four or more, installing a solar water heater can save up to $600 on electricity cost per year. Hawaii Energy helps homeowners to afford a solar water heater for about $2,000 with an instant rebate. They also help to finance a new solar water heating system with a zero to low interest loan.

They also provide incentives for any kind of energy efficiency initiatives implemented by businesses/companies in many areas including building improvement, energy service and maintenance, water heating, lighting, customized project, etc. Hawaii Energy also provides business solution for small business to save money on energy efficient investments and electric bill. They helps several business categories like office building, restaurants, hotels, retailers and groceries stores to invest in energy-efficient measure. An energy management program may include Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning (HVAC), lightning, hot water, etc. For example, hot water used in office buildings is generally only needed for hand washing and takes only about 1 percent of total electricity use. However, office buildings can reduce electricity use by setting water temperature to 120oF, insulating water tanks and pipes, and repairing all leaks immediately. Furthermore, they have a program called Small Business Direct Install,