VITAL COMMUNITIES
Upper Valley Corporate Energy Work Group
Corporate Energy Group
Vital Communities’ Corporate Energy Group meets throughout the year to discuss common energy issues among the Upper Valley’s largest employers. This group of business and institutional facilities managers and sustainability directors works to share best practices and collaborate on projects to increase energy efficiency, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and address overall sustainability.
The commercial sector accounts for nearly 2/3 of the energy used in the Upper Valley. However the businesses and institutions in the Upper Valley are doing a lot of innovative work to address their energy use and carbon footprints. To read a carbon emissions report of select Upper Valley businesses and institutions generated by Tuck School of Business Professor Anant Sunadaram, please read here.To get your business or institution involved, contact sarah@vitalcommunities.org.
Resources for Small Businesses
Rebates, Incentives, and Support
New Hampshire: NHsaves.com/Save-Work
Vermont: EfficiencyVermont.com
What local businesses and institutions are doing to address their energy needs:
Adimab is improving its heat recovery systems to help increase energy efficiency, while meeting the company’s current energy demands.
Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital recently changed out 7 Metal Halide lights to LED’s in their Medical Office Building parking lot. The total watts dropped from 2,545 to 740. They will be changing more as they progress with the hospital renovation and construction of their new medical office building.
Co-Op Food Stores is actively engaged in pursuing energy efficiency projects, such as reducing refrigerant leaks, as well as working to become reliant on local green energy.
Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center In 2014, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) converted their boilers from #6 Fuel Oil, one of the dirtiest fossil fuels, to Compressed Natural Gas. This conversion reduced fine particulate emissions, which pose the greatest health risks, by about 96%, sulfur dioxide emissions by over 99%, nitrous oxide emissions by about 75%, and carbon dioxide emissions by about 30%. DHMC has been installing electric vehicle charging stations for staff and visitor use, and is starting a large parking lot lighting retrofit to LEDs. We are also exploring opportunities to install solar on the DHMC campus.
Dartmouth Printing Company is currently converting the entire facility over to highly efficient LED lighting as well as planning to replace two aging HVAC units with more efficient models.
Downs Rachlin Martin conducted a comprehensive energy audit to target energy efficiency projects and work to adhere to LEED standards. They also are supporters of local energy and are working to approve the proposed Springfield, VT biomass project.
Hypertherm established an energy working group to set & measure kilowatt hour saving goals, and set up an incentive program to encourage employees to use transit and carpool.
Kendal at Hanover engages staff and residents in education and communication about energy usage, and encourage simple steps to change, such as powering the thermostat down by 1 degree and carpooling. Kendal is also a contributor to the efforts of the Town of Hanover to achieve the EPA Green Power Community Status, with Hanover ranking #19 in the nation in percentage of power consumed that is green.
King Arthur Flour recently conducted energy efficiency and retrofit projects such as recycling waste heat from their bakery to meet their current energy needs and keep money local.
Kleen Laundry recently transitioned to Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) from propane for operations.
Resources Systems Group engages in energy & transportation efficiency related consulting work. RSG actively seeks office locations in LEED certified buildings and near transit lines.
Timken Lebanon is auditing high energy assets to look for opportunities for savings, idle versa total shut down. Timken has completed a study with the compressors and is currently exploring heat treat. Working with a local vendor on a potential LED light project, they are also using their new control package to schedule HVAC units for vacation mode during the off hours and weekends.
Upper Valley Lake Sunapee Regional Planning Commission has been providing professional planning assistance to municipal boards since 1963. Our current staff’s areas of expertise include comprehensive planning, land use regulations, transportation planning, natural resource inventories, community/economic development, community engagement, energy planning, and hazard mitigation planning. The Commission provides technical assistance to its constituent communities to address energy planning and policies to increase energy efficiency and expand renewable energy opportunities.
What's Happening
Neighbors Helping Neighbors Save Energy
This week marks the close of Vital Communities and volunteers’ 2020 Vermont Energy Savings project in seven towns in the Vermont side of the Upper V [...]
Weatherize Webinar, August 17
Weatherize Webinar with NHSaves
Monday, August 17 at Noon
Did Covid-19 stop your 2020 weatherization plans in their tracks? NOW is the right time [...]
Five Inspiring Stories
On March 18, Vital Communities held a webinar featuring five inspiring stories from energy committees across the Upper Valley. Stories included:
[...]
13th Annual Roundtable – September 15
You're Invited!
The 13th Annual Upper Valley Energy Committee Roundtable will be held Tuesday, September 15, 5-8 pm in West Lebanon! Th [...]
Efficient Heating in Vermont
Check out this newly produced, six-minute YouTube video on Efficient Heating in Vermont, created by Two Rivers Ottauquechee Regional Commission.
The [...]
Nov. 19 Green Real Estate Crash Course
Vital Communities is offering its popular Green Real Estate Crash Course again on Tuesday, November 19, at Service Credit Union, just off I-89 [...]
12th Annual Roundtable – May 7
You're Invited!
The 12th Annual Upper Valley Energy Committee Roundtable is Tuesday, May 7, 5-8 pm in West Lebanon! This annual gathe [...]
Seeking Bids from Solar Installers by Nov. 30
Vital Communities is teaming up with Kearsarge Climate Action to launch a Solarize Kearsarge campaign in spring 2019, following on the tails of the up [...]
Big News: SERG Joins Vital Communities
Big news from the Vital Communities Energy Program:
Sustainable Energy Resource Group (SERG) is merging into Vital Communities.
The Sustainable Ener [...]
Cornish and Plainfield Charge Ahead
The Cornish and Plainfield Energy Committees Invite You To Inaugurate NH’s 39th Public Electric Vehicle Charging Station
(Guest Post from STEVE L [...]
Vital Communities Program News
Vermont Everyone Eats Serves Its One-Millionth Meal!
On Thursday, April 29, Vermont Everyone Eats, an innovative COVID-19 response program, is celebrating 1 million restaurant meals served to Vermonters experiencing food insecurity. The program was launched in August 2020 with an allocation of ...more
Flavors of the Valley 2021: The Fun Goes Digital!
Flavors of the Valley, the Upper Valley's favorite local food tasting expo, will not be stopped this year! We're moving it to May, with a month-long digital celebration of spring, our local farms, local food, ...more
Slow Cooker Pork Ribs
This recipe is courtesy of The Beeroness. Cook up some Stout & Sriracha Barbecue Sauce to go with these for your next dinner. Ingredients 2 lbs country-style pork ribs 1/4 c tomato paste 3 Tbsp soy sauce 3 Tbsp balsamic ...more
"Light River Junction" Kicks Off May 7 with "Toons and Tones"
https://youtu.be/1CHhlNDazVI The celebratory summer series Light River Junction First Fridays with WRIF kicks off May 7 with a fantastic line-up called "Toons and Tones." Throughout downtown White River, there will FREE outdoor arts to inspire and ...more
WAY TO GO! SPRING CHALLENGE
JOIN THE CHALLENGE MAY 1-16 AND BE ENTERED TO WIN PRIZES! Spring is here, so it’s a great time to Get Up and Go! Take the challenge to walk, bike, roll, bus, or carpool May 1 ...more
Launching Year 2 of the Upper Valley E-Bike Library!
Do you wish biking was part of your life? E-bikes can greatly increase that possibility. E-bikes (electric bikes) are like regular bikes but with an electric motor in addition to human-powered pedals, a battery to ...more
April 8: "Investing in Home Creation"
Investing for Home Creation Thursday, April 8, 5:30 pm https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUwM8Z2FD3Q The Upper Valley faces a shortage of housing, particularly in the lower-cost sector, that's affecting our ability to be a vibrant, equitable community. This session discussed how even ...more
April 15, 2021: “Putting Your Money to Work Locally: Investing Clubs 101”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnLZ7akjtGw Interested in investing locally but don’t want to do it alone? Investment clubs pool money to collectively invest in local businesses and bring a social aspect to the process – they make investment fun! In this ...more
Valley Quests Open May 1—including a Guided Event to a Vernal Pool!
Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 1: It's a big one for Valley Quests! Not only is May 1 Opening Day for Quests—"treasure hunts" that share the natural and cultural history of 160+ special areas in ...more
Braised Pork + Cabbage: A One-Pot Late Winter Farmers Market Meal
Braised Pork & Cabbage: A One-Pot Late Winter Farmers Market Meal Magazines and radio shows are already gushing about springy greens recipes, but if you’re eating seasonally in the Upper Valley, winter food is still on the table. And ...more
Zucchini Chard Cakes
I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve shared this zucchini chard cake recipe with folks this summer. I was sure that as soon as I mentioned zucchini I would be greeted with a sigh ...more
Have an Idea That Could Use a Lift?
New Hampshire Businesses, Farmers, Entrepreneurs, Nonprofits, Community Initiatives: Do you have an incredible project just waiting to happen? Want to grow your organization, our community, and the local economy, but don’t have access to capital? The Local Crowd ...more
Free Webinar on Writing Waterway Quests, April 8
Valley Quests are treasure hunts set in special locations around the Upper Valley. Each Quest follows a unique set of clues that teach you about a place’s ecology, wildlife, and history while leading to a ...more
NH Route 120 Improvements Near Exit 18
The New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) has recently begun a project to study multi-modal improvements to NH Route 120 from Hanover Street to Etna Road in Lebanon, NH. This project (NHDOT reference #29612) seeks ...more
Quest to the Star!
Have you seen the star alight upon Mt. Tom in Woodstock? Wouldn't it be fun to see it up close? You can if you follow the clues of the Mt. Tom Quest. The star traditionally ...more
Welcome 31 New Upper Valley Change-makers
Vital Communities celebrated the graduation of the Leadership Upper Valley Class of 2020 on Wednesday, June 10. This event marked the program’s 14th graduating class, as 31 local leaders completed the 10-month program with a ...more
Stand in Your Circle of Strength and Lead
Ed. Note: On May 30, Vital Communities honored 12 community leaders who’ve added immeasurably to the vitality of the Upper Valley at its annual Heroes & Leaders Celebration. The following are the event’s keynote remarks ...more
Heroes & Leaders: Creating a Vital Upper Valley
Every spring, Leadership Upper Valley, a program of Vital Communities, hosts the annual Heroes & Leaders Celebration to recognize individuals who make significant contributions to the Upper Valley. In 2019, we are pleased to honor ...more
Staff
Julia Guy
AmeriCorps VISTA Energy Savings Outreach Specialist
Energy
Energy
— Julia Guy, AmeriCorps VISTA Energy Savings Outreach Specialist
Julia Guy is the AmeriCorps VISTA Energy Savings Outreach Specialist at Vital Communities. A frequent visitor, Julia is glad to make the Upper Valley a home. Originally from Binghamton, New York, Julia graduated from Skidmore College in 2019 with a Bachelors of Science in Theatre and a minor in Environmental Studies. Before moving to the Upper Valley, Julia was working for a low- waste, plastic-free home goods brand in Brooklyn. When she’s not fighting climate change, you can find Julia hiking and afterward indulging in a soft pretzel with plenty of mustard.
Sarah Brock
Energy Program Manager
Energy
Energy
— Sarah Brock, Energy Program Manager
Sarah Brock joined Vital Communities in 2013 as our Energy Program Manager. Through her work Sarah provides support for our region’s 40+ local energy committees, engaging with dozens of volunteers and clean energy businesses in programs like Solarize Upper Valley, Weatherize Upper Valley, and the Upper Valley Green Real Estate Network. Prior to joining the Vital Communities team, Sarah was an Environmental Philanthropy Associate with the High Meadows Fund, a supporting organization of the Vermont Community Foundation. Sarah lives in Warner, New Hampshire, with her husband and daughter. When she's not busy advocating for energy efficiency, Sarah enjoys playing the trombone and taking walks in her backwoods to look for signs of New Hampshire's abundant wildlife.