U.S. DOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Fuel economy site
The Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency have a joint Internet site dedicated to fuel economy. The site has information on finding and comparing the 2000 model year vehicles, the importance of fuel economy, and advanced technologies. It also provides links to information on the environment, safety, car buyer's guides, and auto manufacturers. An on-line PDF version of the "2000 Fuel Economy Guide" is also available. The site is maintained by the Department's Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The address is http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/.

U.S. DOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Facility Energy Decision System (FEDS) Software Training scheduled February 8-10
The U.S. Department of Energy Office of Federal Energy Management Programs is presenting a pair of FEDS workshops February 8-10, 2000, in Atlanta, GA. A one-day introductory course followed by a two-day advanced course will explore FEDS 4.1 features and capabilities to identify quickly and objectively building energy improvements that offer maximum lifecycle cost savings. These workshops are being offered free of charge via a special arrangement with FEMP (Federal Energy Management Program) in the spirit of Executive Order 13123.

To register or for more information, contact: Amy Tilton or Nicole Roy, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, (509) 372-4368.

Arizona
Energy Office hosted successful Energy Management Conference.
A record number of energy professionals from around the state attended the Twentieth Annual Energy Management Conference November 17-18, 1999, in Tucson, Arizona. The two-day event provided a forum to exchange information on the latest energy-conservation trends, techniques, and equipment. The conference featured workshops on photovoltaics and grant writing. Session topics included Energy Basics, Alternative Fuels, Distributed Generation Technology, Building Science, What's New with Solar, Energy Products, Project Financing, and an Energy Medley.

The opening session, "Electric Competition," held on Thursday, November 18, presented up-to-date information on Arizona's new rules that will govern the regulated utilities, what new service companies are offering, and what the new business environment will mean to individuals. The conference was hosted by the Arizona Department of Commerce Energy Office and co-hosted by the League of Arizona Cities and Towns.

Contact: Gloria Castro, (602) 280-1426

Governor's Award for Energy Efficiency presented
The 1999 Governor's Awards for Energy Efficiency were presented to nine cities, educational institutions, and state government agencies at the Twentieth Annual Energy Management Conference on Thursday, November 18, in Tucson, Arizona. Awards were presented in recognition of successful energy conservation and renewable energy projects. The award-winning projects were selected from a competitive field of submittals statewide. Recipients were:

The 1999 Energy Advocate of the Year Award was presented to Robert Burges, Property Energy Specialist, of Yavapai College, to recognize his achievement in significantly reducing energy costs for the college. The energy advocate award was chosen from the nine award-winning projects

Contact: Gloria Castro, (602) 280-1426

Florida
Energy education CD-ROM available for grades 5-9
The Florida Energy Office and Florida State University have produced an award-winning, interactive, duel platform CD-ROM for teachers and students in middle grades (5 to 9). Energy & Environmental Issues features six subsites: "How Stuff Works" teaches about renewable energy and energy conservation; "The Great Energy Debate" provides a humorous look at pros and cons of energy sources; "Energy Plant Tour" walks users through a waste-to-energy plant, "Energy Exploritorium" challenges users to design an energy conservation plan for a Teachers' Lounge, and Road Trip lets users measure changes in fuel consumption at different speeds; "The Slide Show Maker" gives students access to more than 350 slides to create their own multimedia programs to present to their class; and "Energy Activities" contains print materials including Energy Bridges to Science, Technology and Society , Solar World, and Energy: It's Elementary.

For a preview of the CD-ROM, visit eea.freac.fsu.edu. You can order copies electronically from this web site, or contact Dr. Dave LaHart at (850) 644-0707 or send e-mail to dlahart@garnet.acns.fsu.edu for an order form.

Contact: Alexander Mack, (850) 488-2475

Iowa
DNR announces 1999 Energy Leadership Award winners
Three Iowa organizations received Energy Leadership Awards at a luncheon in Cedar Rapids Sept. 24. Sponsored by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the annual awards recognize the most outstanding achievements in energy efficiency and renewable energy in the state. During the last ten years, 50 organizations have received the special honor, including businesses, industries, communities, and schools. "Many organizations are successfully introducing energy efficiency and renewable energy to Iowa," said DNR Director Paul Johnson. "They deserve recognition for their hard work, and for the environmental and economic results they generate."

1999 winners are:

• Center for Energy and Environmental Education (CEEE). Located at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) in Cedar Falls, CEEE is leading by example in energy efficiency and renewable energy in Iowa. As a service and outreach center, CEEE's extensive programs help solve environmental concerns on a local level. Among its student-based educational programs are the Iowa Energy Poster Contest for elementary students; the Iowa Electrathon, an electric car race for high schools; and coursework on energy and environmental studies at UNI. The organization has been instrumental in many local and statewide energy initiatives as well, including the greening of the UNI campus and promoting efficiency to Iowa's churches.

• Habitat for Humanity of North Central Iowa. The Mason City-based chapter of Habitat for Humanity has built the first Habitat house in Iowa to meet EPA's Energy Star standards, demonstrating the benefits of energy efficiency. A family of four is now living comfortably and saving money in the newly constructed home in Mason City. It is expected to save 50 percent in typical energy expenses through minimized heat losses and efficient heating and cooling systems. The North Central Iowa chapter is being recognized by the international Habitat for Humanity organization, which is sharing the energy-efficiency design information with all 1,800 active Habitat affiliates.

• Iowa Renewable Energy Association (I-Renew). The grassroots efforts of I-Renew to communicate about renewable energy reach broad audiences in Iowa. From its annual Energy Expo to technology demonstrations at the Iowa State Fair, I-Renew is teaching the practical applications of alternative energy. The organization, founded in 1992, has more than 400 members from across the country who take pride in incorporating alternate energy ideas into mainstream public thinking. Its programs include the Iowa Electrathon, co-sponsored with CEEE; renewable energy workshops; a traveling solar trailer; and the Expo, which reaches more than 1,500 people each year. The organization's goal is to provide hands-on education to all Iowans, including students, professionals, and the general public.

Farm Progress Show demonstrates methane recovery
In September, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources worked with Stacy W. Gettier, Ph.D., of Waverly, Virginia, to present a three-day anaerobic digestion and methane recovery demonstration at the Farm Progress Show in Amana, Iowa. The microbes used in the digester were provided by Apex Pork in Rio, Illinois. The resulting biogas from the digester was used to power a sterling engine fan.

"As expected, the display was effective in catching the eye of show attendees and stimulated conversation on both farm biogas generation and alternative power utilization," wrote Dr. Gettier in his summary of the event. Dr. Gettier estimated he spoke with more than 600 people during the three days of the Farm Progress Show.

For more information about the demonstration, contact Dr. Gettier at (804) 834-8317 or swg@erols.com. For more information about Iowa's Methane Energy Recovery Program, contact Alison Kovac at the number below.

Contact: Alison Kovac, (515) 281-5585; akovac@max.state.is.us.
Web address: www.state.ia.us/dnr/energy

Kentucky
Division cosponsors Building the High-Performance House workshops
The Kentucky Division of Energy (KDOE) is cosponsoring a Building the High-Performance House workshop to be conducted at nine locations throughout the state during January and February 2000. The workshops feature presenters from the Southface Energy Institute, a nationally recognized organization with a 21-year history of providing objective, entertaining training sessions on how to build better buildings. Southface is one of the leading energy training organizations in the nation and has conducted more than 300 workshops on energy-efficient, high-performance buildings.

Building the High-Performance House will focus on the practical aspects of energy-efficient construction that can increase the marketability of newly constructed homes. Attendees will learn how the house works as a system, how to make a house efficient while maintaining healthy indoor air quality, and how to evaluate efficiency options. Topics to be covered include provisions of the Kentucky energy code, proper installation of insulation, insulated concrete forms, structural insulated panels, moisture problems, and damp-spray insulation. Architects, engineers, homebuilders, and other building professionals can earn continuing education credits or professional development hours from attending the workshop.

Workshop cosponsors are the U.S. Department of Energy; Home Builders Association of Kentucky; Kentucky AIA (American Institute of Architects); Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction; and the Kentucky Housing Corporation.

Contact: Greg Guess, (502) 564-7192; Gregory.Guess@mail.state.ky.us
Web address: http://www.nr.state.ky.us/nrepc/dnr/energy/dnrdoe.html

New Hampshire
Conference on Future Technologies draws more than 200 teachers and students
More than 200 teachers and students from throughout the Northeast gathered in Concord, NH, November 5th and 6th, to learn how renewable energy, energy efficiency, and electric vehicle technologies can be used as subjects to improve classroom learning. The Governor's Office of Energy and Community Services (ECS), prime sponsor of the event, forecasts growing job opportunities for young people in these rapidly expanding industries. The increased use of these technologies will also reduce fossil fuel use and lower pollution levels caused by current energy and transportation systems, according to ECS and other conference planners.

The conference was organized by the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA), Greenfield, MA, and sponsored by the New Hampshire Governor's Office of Energy and Community Services, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services. NESEA is the nation's leading regional association involved in promoting the development of non-polluting energy sources. NESEA has years of experience working with teachers through its NESEA American Tour de Sol electric vehicle road rally.

Conference participants inspected electric bicycles, go-carts, and on-road vehicles along with student-installed solar and wind energy systems. Teachers learned how student projects such as energy audits of school buildings, student-built electric vehicles, and student-installed renewable energy systems can be used to motivate students and teach a variety of subjects that meet today's educational standards. The conference provided teachers with educational resources, examples on how to fund projects, and the basics of project research and development.

New Hampshire Department of Education, Department of Environmental Services, and New Hampshire Technical Institute staff assisted with conference planning. The conference, which organizers hope will become an annual event, also included workshops on Solar on Schools programs, renewable energy technology applications, and the Alliance to Save Energy's "Green Schools" programs. Exhibits included the "Sun Shack," a 30-foot long, student-built, solar- and wind-powered office on wheels. Computers in the Sun Shack's office monitor how much power is being produced and are programmed to be used by students to learn about renewable energy.

A listing of educational resources and conference speakers can be found on NESEA's Web site, www.nesea.org.

Contact: Robin Read, (603) 271-2611

Utah
January conference to link energy inventors to business investors
The Utah Office of Energy Services and the University of Utah Engineering Experiment Station will help match Utah's inventors of energy-related technologies with investors skilled at converting those product ideas into profitable businesses.

A day-long workshop, "Inventions to Commercialization," will help innovators learn more about securing funding from investors and other sources to commercialize products and processes designed to save energy. The workshop will be Friday, January 7, 2000, starting at 7:30 a.m. at the University of Utah Olpin Union Building, 200 S. Central Campus Dr. It Registration and fee information is available on the Web at www.utah.edu/uees.

"The whole idea is to connect engineers, designers, and inventors with their counterparts in the business world. We're interested in both the backyard inventors with great ideas and large company researchers wanting to move laboratory projects into industrial operations," said Terry Chatwin, director of the Engineering Experiment Station. Such commercialization will boost Utah's economy through new business opportunities in the field of energy efficiency.

The U.S. Department of Energy will participate in the conference. DOE recently invested more than $1 million in two Utah projects aimed at improving steel production and petroleum processing.

Contact: Jon Allred, (801) 538-8615; jallred@dced.state.ut.us

CONSERVATION UPDATE is a free monthly publication prepared by the Kentucky Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Cabinet, Division of Energy, with funding from the United States Department of Energy, to facilitate the transfer of current State Energy Program (SEP) and technical information among the states and territories. Please submit short articles that describe successful programs, solicit ideas, share reports, studies or evaluations, or announce new publications, personnel changes, office address changes, conferences, seminars and workshops. Submittals are due by the seventh of each month. Please send submittals, address corrections, or name changes to: CONSERVATION UPDATE, Division of Energy, 663 Teton Trail, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601, phone (502) 564-7192, facsimile (502) 564-7484, email: landry@nrepc.nr.state.ky.us. Past issues are available upon request. For more information, contact Karen W. Landry, Editor, or John M. Stapleton, Director.

Visit the Division's Web site at www.nr.state.ky.us/nrepc/dnr/energy/dnrdoe.html

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