My Green Sonoma

AB 2678 was recently modified to exclude a point of sale requirement for energy audits and mandatory retrofits.  CAR (California Association of Realtors) states that a point of sale requirement is inefficient because it requires homes to turnover before going into effect.  I believe this is an accurate observation.  CAR statistics show that only 22% of the properties most in need of energy efficiency retrofits will actually be sold by 2020.  Therefore, a point of sale program does not go far enough to meet the GHG reduction goal.  Insteady I believe we should be exploring a community wide retrofit program that offers incentives to property owners to "green up" their buildings.

Energy audits during the inspection period are already a standard of care for many residential realtors including myself.  From a buyer's perspective, who wouldn't want to know how energy efficient a home is or is not? 

Cost vs benefit and cash flow limitations are the two primary reasons that most homeowners aren't taking action today to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.  The cost of gas, food, and other everyday essentials, has reduced the consumers disposable income and the ability to purchase energy efficient appliances that will take some time to reap the payback benefits. This is why I think there is merit to exploring a community wide retrofit program that provides incentives to retrofit, better utilizes market driven forces, and targets low cost, high impact retrofits to existing buildings (e.g. Light bulbs, water heaters, HVAC, and whatever their commercial equivalents might be.)  

Wildfires usually start unnoticed and spread rapidly.  Are you prepared? If you live in high wildfire hazard zone there are some steps you can take now to protect your home and your family.

Start by clearing a 30 to 100-foot area around your house and other outbuildings.   Call your local fire station and ask them for advice on how much area is recommended for your property.

Your clearing efforts should focus on the following:

•§         Leaves, dead limbs, any/all flammable vegetation.

•§         Remove leaves and rubbish from under decks and other structures and in gutters

•§         Thin a space between tree crowns, and remove limbs within 15 feet of the ground.

•§         Remove tree limbs that overhang roof areas.

•§         Ask PB&E to clear branches from power lines.

•§         Remove vines from the walls of the home.

•§         Keep grasses short

Have an Emergency "Go Kit" ready.  This "Go Kit" will come in handy in a number of emergency situations.  Some suggestions for the contents of this kit include:

•§         Water (one gallon per person per day) and food that won't spoil.

•§        Change of clothing, shoes, blanket or sleeping bag.

•§         First aid kit that including a week supply of prescription medications.

•§         Emergency tools including a battery-powered radio, flashlight, and plenty of extra batteries.

•§         Cell phone charger

•§         Sanitation supplies.

•§         Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.

•§         Extra pair of eyeglasses.

•§         Identification, credit cards, cash

•§         Photocopies of important family documents including bank and home insurance information, photo inventory of contents of home

•§         Extra set of car and house keys

•§         Local maps

•§         N95 dust masks to help filter contaminated air

•§         Plastic sheeting, duct tape, and scissors to shelter in place

•§         Tools: screwdrivers, waterproof matches, a fire extinguisher, flares, plastic storage containers, needle and thread, pen and paper, a compass, garbage bags, moist towelettes, and regular household bleach

•§         Confine pets to one room so that they can be located quickly. Make plans to care for your pets in case you must evacuate.

•§         Arrange temporary housing at a friend or relative's home outside the threatened area.

For more information go to http://www.fema.gov/hazard/wildfire/wf_prepare.shtm