TWELVE BY TWELVE

August 18, 2009

12% energy use reduction by 2012? Is it possible? We think “yes”.

By most accounts, Vashon has a higher-than-average energy consumption number. In plain English, we’re using more and we’re paying more than folks on the mainland. Add the transportation surcharges that affect propane and oil and the number gets even worse. Why? Many of our houses are old. Farmhouses built before 1940. Beach shacks that nobody ever thought they’d live in in cold weather. Remodels in 1960 and 1970 and 1980, all tacking on new additions without adding new insulation to the old parts. And let’s not even start with the yurts. The result? Whether we’re heating with wood, oil, electricity or propane, we’re leaking like crazy.*

12×12. We can fix this. We’re Vashonians. Innovative, cheap, diy, crafty. There are some great incentives right now to make it better. Rebates on Energy Star appliances. Rebates on insulation. Resources for builders and contractors. There is a growing community of craftspeople: plumbers, energy auditors, electricians, architects and builders who embrace the idea of making our housing stock more efficient. As we find these people, we’ll be posting their contact info. Hire local but hire responsible. Ask them if they’ve taken the 12×12 pledge.

Or do it yourself. The helpful employees at the hardware stores (the non-restaurant ones) can point you to the proper insulation or foam; show you which windows work best, put how-to books in your hands and generally help out. Tell them you want to cut your energy bill in half and they’ll send you home with advice and products to get you started.

And let us know how it’s going. Your progress will be a source of inspiration and encouragement for your neighbors. And it’ll be nice to put the money you save to some better use.

* We’re really only talking about heating here as air-conditioning is not as big an issue. But who knows? After a summer like 2009 we may want to revisit that.