Tag Archive: residential
Explore County’s water quality restoration work through interactive map and learn ways to save money!
This past June, the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) developed an interactive web map with dynamic infographics. The interactive map displays the County’s restoration efforts that have taken place between 2010 and 2018. This includes projects such as stream restorations, improving stormwater ponds, tree plantings and installing rain gardens. How to use the
Buying green electricity for your home
An important way to combat climate change is to switch our electricity supply to “green” electricity (generated from wind- and solar-powered sources, both of which do not emit carbon dioxide). Electricity generation is the single largest source of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions. Electricity sold by Pepco in Maryland in 2018 was generated mostly by coal
Volunteer Champions: The Lewy Family
The Lewy Family was recognized as Volunteer Family of the Year during DEP’s 20th Annual Recycling Achievement Ceremony. Find out more about The Lewy Family in our series, Volunteer Champions. Super Family, Super Volunteers Vivian and her son, Issac, a rising high school freshman and her twin daughters Adrienna and Brienna,Stormwater Summit for Montgomery County Homeowners
Learn more about how Montgomery County residents can play a vital role in improving water quality in local streams and rivers, and also help beautify their properties while saving money! Attendees will hear about the County’s RainScapes stormwater management incentive program, where homeowners can receive rebates for rain barrels, pervious pavement, rain gardens, and other
Energy and partnerships…what’s the connection?
This blog post was written by DEP’s Residential Energy Program Manager, Larissa Johnson, and originally appeared on the BOOST Breakfast Club blog. There’s something you need to know about me, I love all things energy related!!! I love eating food (especially broccoli) because it gives me energy to live, dance, and laugh. I love talking
What you should consider when adding battery storage
The following blog was reposted with permission from Solar United Neighbors: One of the most common questions we receive is “how can I add battery storage to my solar array?” Adding battery back up to your home can seem like a daunting challenge. That’s why we’ve put together a free guide to battery storage for homeowners. It
This holiday season, gift outside the box!
The act of giving is one of the best traditions of the holiday season. It builds bonds and shows your loved ones how you care for them. Unfortunately, the way we give can also lead to more waste, and more stuff. Did you know that between Thanksgiving and New Years Day, the amount of waste
Partners in Energy: Jordan Leonard
One person can make a difference and this series profiles a leader, advocate, or resident who is dedicated to improving energy efficiency and helping the county realize its goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by the year 2050. Find out more about them in their own words. This installment highlights Jordan Leonard of
Cold weather collaboration with Manna
As temperatures drop, it unfortunately becomes harder for many people to keep themselves comfortably warm, even in their own homes. A new area partnership aims to help eliminate that reality for Montgomery County families. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is working with Manna Food Center – a Rockville-based organization dedicated to eliminating hunger in
Two years of the Residential Energy Program!
Watt’s Up with Montgomery County’s Residential Energy Program? In 2016, the Residential Energy Program launched. After 2 years, it is well on its way to energy and greenhouse gas emission reductions! 14,237 residents engaged 229 events, including: 25+ congregations 21 libraries 16 senior centers 4 regional service centers 10+ schools 10 MANNA food distribution
Buying green electricity for your home
An important way to combat global warming is to switch our electricity supply to “green” electricity (generated from wind- and solar-powered sources, both of which do not emit carbon dioxide). Electricity generation is the single largest source of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions. Electricity sold by Pepco in Maryland in 2017 was generated mostly by coal
Community Solar is now available for Marylanders
Montgomery County residents finally have the chance to take part in the new Maryland community solar program and be part of the newest, most innovative solar industry development. Community solar was initially authorized by legislation in 2015, and it took several years for projects to become available. It’s a great way for people to support
Trying to be rational in an irrational world
Think about the last time you went looking for a new car. What did you look for? You probably started with your needs for the vehicle and the style of the car you wanted. You then considered the miles per gallon (mpg) of the car, looked up the crash test rating and then read online
Show your air conditioner a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Failed air conditioning on a scorching day can turn summer bliss into a sweaty nightmare. Here are do-it-at-home tips that may help lower your utility bill, save energy and avoid costly repairs. Replace dirty clogged filters Dirty filters block airflow and reduce your system’s efficiency. When your cooling system is fighting to pull air through a
Your Story: Homeowner navigates the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program
Interested in lowering your home’s energy bill? Take advantage of your utilities’ Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program. If you are new to this program, view our recent blog on the steps to apply. Read Julia Kalloz story below for an in-depth look at the program. Homeowner Julia Kalloz walked us through her experience
From energy audit to energy savings
Who doesn’t dread the day the energy bill arrives? For homeowners, the arrival of the energy bill can send blood pressure through the roof, especially if they own an older home or are on a limited income. Thankfully, the state’s EmPOWER Maryland program helps homeowners reduce electricity consumption and save money with the Home Performance
DYK: You can choose your energy supplier in Maryland?
It is very common for Montgomery County residents to think that their only choices for an energy supplier are Pepco, Potomac Edison, or BGE. In reality you have many more options and freedom of choice. The state of Maryland began offering their residents the power to choose their own electricity provider in 1999. With this
Gaithersburg: Partner in Energy
At DEP, we truly believe that our partners are key to making Montgomery County as green as it can be. This “Partners in Energy” series profiles a local leader, advocate, or trailblazer who is dedicated to improving energy efficiency and helping the county realize its goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by the
Audit Success: One church’s assessment leads to cost and energy savings
Energy efficiency is as important to financial bottom lines as it is to helping the environment. Utility costs are the largest unfixed expense for most businesses, including nonprofit organizations. When nonprofits use energy inefficiently, they are spending money on utility bills that could be going towards meeting their mission. Congregations and houses of worship are
Saving dollars and watts: Highlights from Energy Action Month
One month ago, Montgomery County Council proclaimed October “Energy Action Month” in Montgomery County, as part of the national effort to raise awareness about energy. Here at the Department of Environmental Protection, we celebrated all month long by hosting events and workshops to teach residents all about energy: how we use it, why energy efficiency
Go solar! Join the second County-wide Solar Co-op
Montgomery County residents are invited to joined the second County-wide Solar Co-op. Why join a Co-op? Co-op members leverage bulk-purchasing power to get discounted pricing and a quality installation, while still signing individual contracts that ensure the right system for your home. This means you can save money, get support through the entire process, and
Montgomery County signs the Under2 Memorandum of Understanding to address climate change
This week, Montgomery County Government became the first county in the nation to join the Subnational Global Climate Leadership (“Under2”) Coalition. The coalition is an international pact of cities, states and countries committed to limiting the increase in global average temperature to below 2 degrees Celsius, the level of potentially catastrophic consequences to the environment.
There’s a way to make your home more energy efficient…for free!
Did you know that there’s an organization in Montgomery County that offers safe and healthy home repairs at no cost to the recipient? There is and the organization is called Rebuilding Together Montgomery County (RTMC) RTMC works in partnership with state and local governments, community volunteers, nonprofit service providers, and corporate partners to provide free
October is Energy Action Month!
In Montgomery County, we celebrate Energy Action Month by sharing easy tips to help residents and businesses save energy and money. TIP 1: Make a COUNTER argument Most of your small kitchen appliances reside on your counters. This month, we propose you UNPLUG those appliances when they are not being used. Do the Math:
Getting on the “Energy Express” with Montgomery County Public Libraries this summer
This summer, DEP is partnering with Montgomery County Libraries to help kids “Build a Better World/Construye un Mundo Mejor.” Every summer there is a different theme for the summer reading program and this year, we are trying to get kids to think about switching to renewable energy as one way to build a better world.
Montgomery County Green Bank names Tom Deyo as first CEO
The Board of Directors of the Montgomery County Green Bank (MCGB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Tom Deyo as the first Chief Executive Officer of the Montgomery County Green Bank, the nation’s first local Green Bank. Recognizing the importance of public-private commitment to increase energy efficiency, grow renewable energy generation, and reduce greenhouse
Montgomery County declares “We Are Still In” on Paris Agreement
On June 5th, County Executive Ike Leggett joined more than 1,000 U.S. governors, county executives, mayors, businesses, investors, and colleges and universities in declaring their support for U.S. leadership in reducing carbon emissions. The leaders sent a strong signal to the international community and the 194 other parties to the Paris Agreement about their continued
One family’s story of making home renovations more energy efficient
Our family moved from central Pennsylvania to Montgomery County in 1998. Like many relocating families, our first priorities were access to work and schools, not energy efficiency. Our new house In Montgomery County was built in 1958 and is described as a back-to-front split level. The entrance to the house is at the level of
Too good to be true: Know your consumer rights about solar energy
Most solar energy installers are skilled and effective professionals. But if problems arise, Montgomery County residents have a strong ally on their side. When it comes to preventing problems between businesses and the people they serve, Montgomery County is proud to have a strong track record. The County’s Office of Consumer Protection or OCP is
GreenFest to have a special focus on engaging kids
Saturday, May 6th Festival to Feature a ‘Kids Pavilion’, Art and a Stream Maze. The third annual Montgomery County GreenFest is set for Saturday, May 6 at Bohrer Park located at 506 South Frederick Avenue in Gaithersburg. This festival is suited for the whole family with activities ranging from environmental films to workshops on composting,
My Green Montgomery Episode 8
In this episode of My Green Montgomery, hosted by Susan Stark, we’re going to see how the Montgomery County green business certification program has expanded, find out where you can use the EV charging stations in public parking garages, how you can join the Recycling Volunteer program, tell you how you can celebrate Earth Day,
Parklets and more: learning from the New Partners for Smart Growth conference
At the beginning of February 2017, the Residential Energy Program Manager, Larissa Johnson, attended the New Partners for Smart Growth Conference in St. Louis to share her experiences hosting outreach events in Montgomery County, like Energy Exploration, and to learn from others around the country. Let’s hear from Larissa about her experience at the conference.
Celebrating the success of the first Countywide solar co-op
In MD SUN‘s first attempt at creating a county-wide solar co-op, the Montgomery County Solar Co-op made history. It is the largest single co-op in the Community Power Network! Congratulations to the 90 people who joined the Co-op, MD Sun and all the partners! Meet with Co-Op Team The Montgomery County Solar Co-op kicked off
Behind the scenes of a Quick Home Energy Check-up
Are you looking for quick, easy, no-cost ways to save energy in your home? A Quick Home Energy Check-up (QHEC) is your answer. Cabin John resident, Jamie Pierce, made her QHEC appointment last October. Follow along as we take you on this behind-the-scenes look at what you can expect through the QHEC. Step 1. Make
Introducing the County’s Residential Energy Program!
The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection has a new Residential Energy Program and a new program manager to go along with it, Larissa Johnson! Larissa was on the Did You Know? TV show recently to introduce the program and some of the opportunities currently available to residents including Quick Home Energy Checkups and solar
Become more environmentally friendly this holiday season!
If you asked me what my priorities are for this holiday season, chances are high that my answer would include being productive, staying healthy, and enjoying time with my family and friends. If I’m being completely honest with myself, my answer would not include becoming more environmentally friendly. Until I began researching blog ideas that were relevant
County resident makes green upgrades part of retirement preparation
When Tom Ripp began planning his retirement, he didn’t start with stocks or bonds or downsizing. He started with sustainability. For this 55-year-old Gaithersburg resident, who currently works part-time as a chemical engineer with the Environmental Protection Agency, major energy upgrades made his home more financially and environmentally sustainable. When Ripp sold some stock from
Energy Tips for Fall
With the days becoming chillier, fall is the perfect time to become more energy efficient. Here are some helpful hints to keep your electricity bills low this season and make sure you don’t break the bank come winter. Change your appliance settings – Raising your refrigerator’s temperature setting from 35 to 38 degrees, and lowering
In Maryland, switching to green power is like flipping a switch
The idea—use green energy—is simple. The process is a little more complex. But it’s not as hard as it might seem. There are plenty of resources—all of them free of charge or close to it—that can guide Montgomery County residents through a switch from dirty power to clean power in their home or business. You
Greening townhouses with a top-down approach
David Marcus doesn’t just own a townhouse. He also knows how it works. In summer 2015, Marcus and his wife bought a townhome in Takoma Park. But well before that, he got his current job as a project manager with the U.S. Green Building Council, the organization that offers LEED certification, among other services, to
Join the Montgomery County Solar Co-op!
Montgomery County residents are invited to joined the first County-wide solar co-op. Participants can save money and make going solar easier, and at the same time increase the network of solar supporters. The deadline for participation is September 30, 2016, don’t miss it. If you are ready to participate, you can sign up now on the MD
Want to go solar? One resident examines the options
On February 15th, 2016, fellow co-op members Thomas Wellems and Marilyn Powell (pictured in the image above) became the 27th household of the Rockville Solar Co-op to see electricity generated from the sun via rooftop solar panels powering their home. Since then 10 members have also been connected, and others are in the queue for panel installation and grid hookup.
Healthy Home Study Examines Indoor Air Quality and Childhood Asthma
Apply to participate in a new study about improving asthma symptoms in children. The National Center for Healthy Housing has opened a new study that examines the link between enhancing indoor air quality and reducing childhood asthma symptoms. The Housing and Energy Attributes Linked To Health through Retrofits (HEALTH-R) will focus on children with asthma
Lighting up your home with LED light bulbs
We rely on lights in our homes for plenty of purposes—task lighting to finish up homework, outdoor flood lights to see at night, or a fancy chandelier to enjoy a nice meal at home. Lighting can account for 14 percent of total electricity use in our homes, according to the EIA. To cut down on
Weatherize your home to save energy before Old Man Winter arrives!
Weather-proofing your home can save on energy bills, make your home more comfortable, and improve indoor air quality all year round.
Energy case study: Poolesville home goes solar
There’s a time and a place for everything. If you listen to Joyce Breiner and David Yaney, the time for solar is now.
Net-zero energy homes: Yesterday’s dream, today’s reality
The terms “energy independence”, “off-the-grid”, and “net-zero energy” tend to summon images of a rural setting where being off-the-grid simply fits the picture of remoteness and self-sufficiency. Today, however, that landscape is changing. Designers, architects, builders, and owners are savvier than ever in finding ways to provide energy services, such as light, thermal comfort, and electric plugs,
Save energy by having fun! Tips for an energy-smart 2015
Thinking about all of those resolutions you’ve committed to in 2015? Energy Planner Michelle Vigen gives us a few ideas for unconventional ways to be energy-smart in the new year!
