The U.S. Department of Energy’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer awards have been announced for 2018 Phase 1, Release 2. Congratulations to the following grantees: Molecule Works, Inc., Richland WA (Concentration and Dewatering of micro-algae cultures with high throughput ceramic membranes.) Artesion, Inc., Federal Way WA (Development of an Environmentally acceptable Hydraulic Fluid.) Clearsign Combustion Corp., Seattle WA (Low Temperature Plasma Flame Stabilization in a…
On Jan. 16, 2018, Gov. Jay Inslee signed Executive Order 18-01, State Efficiency and Environmental Performance (SEEP), which aims to align the state’s day-to-day operations with its ambitious policy goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollution. SEEP directs state agencies to identify and adopt cost-effective measures that reduce emissions, focusing on new facilities, existing facilities, ferries, electric vehicles, environmentally preferable purchasing, and finance. In addition, it sets up…
We are lucky to have a talented workforce of experienced building professionals running and managing our 24 local weatherization program around Washington state. One of these professionals is Charlie Rogers, property rehabilitation specialist with Homewise, at the City of Seattle Office of Housing. Charlie was recently profiled on the cover of “Accelerate America” magazine for his work on carbon dioxide heat pump water heaters, a new energy saving technology he’s…
Our Washington State Weatherization Assistance Program staff are getting together in Phoenix the week of May 21 with their western states co-workers to learn the latest in weatherization and building science at the 2018 Energy OutWest conference. One thing you might not have expected them to talk about, though, is poverty – how it moves through generations, how it limits people’s choices and how we can better serve families in…
In April, Commerce’s Director, Brian Bonlender spoke at the IEEE-Northwest Energy Systems Symposium. The following is our summary of his speech. He discussed the many changes occurring in the electric energy industry. In Washington, we have a vision for our energy future—choosing strong, progressive policies based on what makes sense for our state and regional energy systems, environment and the long-term sustainability of our economy. The changes shaping Washington’s electric…
The Commerce Weatherization program has started work to standardize its client education material. In the past, each local agency developed their own client handouts. Sometimes there wasn’t enough information and sometimes the information was overwhelming. Now we will have a standardized resource book including brochures and internet links to help clients understand the importance of maintaining the work done by weatherization crews. Without solid, easy-to-understand information clients can’t obtain the…
The National Association for State Community Services Programs is featuring Judy Darst in Women of Weatherization, a series of profiles for Women’s History Month. One of the most experienced people in Washington weatherization, Judy has worked both sides of the program as a weatherization field monitor and more recently in our office helping write policy. She started with the weatherization program in 2004 and has been going strong ever since.
Every two years, members from Washington’s Weatherization Program attend the Energy OutWest (EOW) conference. This is a time for them to learn, share and network with some of the country’s leading experts in energy efficiency. This year’s conference will be held in Phoenix, Arizona May 21-25. EOW is a technical resource for low-income energy services for representatives from ten western states, the Navajo Nation, and the Intertribal Council of Arizona.…
Currently in the Local Government Division, the Energy Efficiency and Solar Grants (EES) program will soon be joining the Energy Division. The EES program focuses on reducing energy and water costs at state public higher education institutions, local government facilities, state agencies and K-12 public school districts. The program promotes the use of Washington manufactured solar products, including solar modules and inverters. They are awarded through a competitive process and…
The Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) has published their second single family homes report. The objective is to characterize existing residential building stock in the Northwest region. Characterization includes regional differences, such as climate, building practices and fuel choices, plus home characteristics such as square footage, insulation level, heating, family size, income levels, lighting, appliances, water heating and more. Key findings are: LED adoption has soared to nearly a quarter…