AECP PARTICIPATES IN WEST VIRGINIA ENERGY EXPO

AECP participated in the first annual West Virginia Energy Expo held in Beckley, WV on May 26, 2004. AECP helped plan the event and will give a keynote presentation at the event.

AECP 5 TH ANNUAL GREEN LIVING AND ENERGY EXPO

AECP concluded its fifth annual Green Living and Energy Expo on December 4, 2004 at the Roanoke Civic Center. The two- day event enjoyed record attendance, a steady flow of interested and diverse people, and the largest number of exhibits that we have ever had. Senior citizens from RSVP and AARP were in attendance as well as public school classes, home schoolers, and Brownie and Girl Scout troops from all over the Roanoke Valley. Close to 1,000 people walked through the doors to enjoy the many interactive and informative demonstrations and exhibits.

The Expo also involved standing room only sessions on green building, wind energy in Virginia , the Virginia Tech Solar Decathlon House, and a history of renewable energy. HUD conducted a class for realtors on energy efficient mortgages and attendees were also able to enjoy the House of Pressure with Anthony Cox. There were several alternative fueled vehicles on display including a Honda Civic hybrid, a Toyota Prius hybrid, an all electric GEO Tracker, and a hydrogen powered hybrid electric Ford Explorer.

Thanks to all AECP members who exhibited, attended, and who helped to plan, set-up, and implement this successful event. Your efforts are greatly appreciated and most importantly you have contributed to an endeavor that will better educate people about the need to live in a more sustainable society.

AECP JOINS USGBC

AECP has joined the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and is also very involved in the development of a local Southwest Virginia chapter of the USGBC. AECP Executive Director, Billy Weitzenfeld has been elected to serve on the Board of Directors of the local chapter that is forming.

AECP PROVIDES ENERGY EDUCATION TO LOW-INCOME CLIENTS

AECP will sub-contract with Community Housing partners to provide energy education sessions to low-income weatherization recipients. AECP will also install and download information from data loggers that will measure run-time cycles on heating systems before and after weatherization services. This effort is part of the Residential Energy Assistance Challenge (REACH) that is being administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development.

AECP RE-LOCATES OFFICE

AECP is moving its office from Christiansburg, VA to the Jacksonville Center in Floyd, VA. in December of 2003. AECP will occupy a small building, which they also hope to convert into a Sustainable Living Education Center.

AECP OFFICIALLY BEGINS DEVELOPMENT OF SLEC

AECP in partnership with Architectural Alternatives and the Jacksonville Center will develop a Sustainable Living Education Center (SLEC) at its office in Floyd. The center will provide exhibits, demonstrations, and working systems that highlight a wide variety of issues and topics related to green living and sustainability.

 

AECP RECEIVES GRANT TO PURCHASE AND INSTALL SOLAR PANEL

AECP has received a grant from Community Housing Partners Corporation to purchase and install a 102- watt solar panel at its office in Floyd. This small PV system will compliment the existing wind generator and provide additional clean energy to the office as well as serve as a demonstration to the general public.

 

AECP APPLIES FOR AND RECEIVES GRANT TO INSTALL WIND TURBINE

AECP has received a partial grant from James Madison University to purchase and install a Bergey 1 KW wind generator. This system will be used to produce electricity in the AECP office and also be used as an educational tool to promote small residential wind energy as part of AECP’s Sustainable Living Education Center (SLEC).

WIND ANEMOMETER INSTALLED AT NEW AECP OFFICE

The Virginia Wind Energy Collaborative (VWEC), a program of James Madison University, installed a 66- foot tall wind anemometer at the AECP office in Floyd, VA. IN January, 2004. This tower will measure wind speed and wind direction and provide annual wind resource data.