[Updated, 9/28] The upcoming Go Green event has been rescheduled by organizers from Nov. 17 to Nov. 10. It is now a joint event with Recology and RethinkWaste to discuss the For more information, visit: www.fostercity.org/news/go-green.cfm
As the old adage goes, when you want something done, do it yourself.
Foster City residents have taken this message to heart recently, learning to drive change in individual households and reduce environmental impact.
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Last Wednesday, residents attended the second installment of the "Go Green" speaker series, organized by the Environmental Sustainability Task Force in collaboration with city government of Foster City.
The seminar, entitled "The Energy Roadmap: Making the Most Cost-Effective Efficiency Upgrades to Your Home," was attended by approximately 30 Foster City property owners.
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The workshop featured experts in the energy-efficiency field, including Suzanne Emerson from Emerson Environmental, Tyler Lewis from Energy Beyond Design, and Michael Carpol from Sustainable San Mateo.
"The speakers are industry professionals; however the presentations are designed to be educational for homeowners and not a promotion of specific products or services," said Alfre Vaille, Foster City Environmental Sustainability Intern.
Emerson and Lewis spoke first, discussing ways to make homes more efficient.
In both of their lines of work, they test homes and determine simple or more complex changes to make them more efficient.
"We give a pathway for remodel to make the home more green, durable and efficient," Emerson said.
Changes can be made on their own or at the same time as a separate remodel project.
"Most of the homes in Foster City are about 30 years old and ready for an upgrade," said Emerson."This is a great opportunity to see what isn't cutting it in terms of current energy-efficiency expectations."
Emerson and Lewis offered quick tips for homeowners based on what they typically find in their energy audits.
The first tip was to replace all incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps, which would save $77 over the lifetime of each bulb, according to Lewis.
The next was to seal all openings around pipes, vents and ducts, using expanding foam or caulk, starting out under the sink where there is easy access.
Finally, Emerson pointed out that 30 percent of the air from your furnaces leaks, and that simply sealing and insulating heat ducts can make a significant improvement.
"The cost of energy is rising. We'd better find ways to turn this around," said Lewis.
Carpol ended the evening with a few words about the Energy Ambassadors Program by Sustainable San Mateo. Through this program homeowners can schedule an energy-efficiency analysis and have a house party to share tips on energy conservation.
"The whole goal of the task force, this series and Suzanne and Tyler coming here today, is to spread the word about energy efficiency," said Carpol.
"Foster City is helping to lead the charge, taking the initiative to hold seminars and fairs to let people know about ways to improve energy efficiency," Lewis said.
The "Go Green" speaker series is held bi-monthly on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the City Council Chambers on 620 Foster City Boulevard.
The next event, "Healthy at Home: Could Your House be Making You Sick?" will take place on Nov. 10. For more information, visit: www.fostercity.org/news/go-green.cfm
