City Commissions Host Forums On Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 12, 2006

For additional information:
Danise Alano; Assistant Director of Economic Development, City of
Bloomington, (812) 349-3477
Christine Glaser, Commission on Sustainability, City of Bloomington,
(812) 336-0360
Matt Wysocki, South Central Community Action Program, (812) 335-3611
Bob Geswein, Harrison County REMC, (812) 738-4115

  Bloomington, IN -  The City of Bloomington Commission on Sustainability and the City of Bloomington Environmental Commission will present two public forums designed to help citizens to understand their role in reducing global greenhouse gas emissions. The aim of both forums is to provide information about changes to everyday activities that may provide not only benefits for the planet, but benefits to the individuals as well.

The first forum takes place September 26 from 6:30 - 9 pm in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 401 N. Morton St. Entitled "Saving Money by Saving Energy, and the Planet Too," it will feature practical information about energy efficiency measures in the home, plus tips for innovative home construction and remodeling techniques.

"Increasing the energy efficiency of your home not only reduces pollution, but also promises to lower energy bills significantly," said Christine Glaser, a member of the joint Commission on Sustainability/Environmental Commission team organizing the forum.

According to Glaser, renters, homeowners and others in the home construction and remodeling businesses would benefit from the information provided in the September forum. The forum agenda includes:

6:30 pm - Practical tips on reducing energy bills, including quick and inexpensive ways for homeowners and renters to weatherize their home, presented by Matt Wysocki of the South Central Community Action Program (SCCAP).

7:15 pm - Designing new home construction and remodeling projects for energy efficiency. This comprehensive presentation, by Bob Geswein from Harrison County REMC, sponsored by Energy Pros, will present a building-science methodology for heating and cooling your home. This method can result in energy costs that may be as much as 50 percent lower than houses constructed using conventional building practices.

Forum attendees will have time to pose questions and engage in discussion after each presentation.

The second forum will be held on October 23 at 6:30 pm and also will be held in the Council Chambers. Called "Renewable Energy for You," it will present information for home and business owners about renewable energy sources appropriate for the southern Indiana region, including solar, wind and geothermal energy, as well as the parallel reductions in energy costs that accompany renewable energy use.

The forums are part of a series initiated by the City of Bloomington's Commission on Sustainability and Environmental Commission on practical ways individuals can reduce their use of fossil fuels, including petroleum, gas and coal. In April 2006, Mayor Mark Kruzan signed the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, pledging the City of Bloomington's commitment to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

The events are free and open to the public.

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