Home Energy Management Free Talk With PEEC, DPU Dec. 1 – Los Alamos Daily Post

Report on Home Energy Management Initiative and its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Program Overview

A collaborative initiative has been announced by the Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC) and the Los Alamos Department of Public Utilities (DPU) to educate the community on Home Energy Management. The program, scheduled for 7 p.m. MT on Monday, December 1, at the Los Alamos Nature Center, aims to provide residents with practical knowledge and tools to foster energy-conscious behaviors. This event supports a broader strategy of empowering citizens to contribute to local and global sustainability targets.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This educational program directly addresses several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting sustainable practices at the household level.

• SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy): The initiative’s core focus is on improving energy efficiency and promoting the management of clean energy sources, such as off-grid solar systems. It provides citizens with the means to reduce energy consumption and manage renewable energy, contributing to Target 7.3 (double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency) and Target 7.2 (increase substantially the share of renewable energy).
• SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): By equipping households with energy management skills, the program empowers residents to reduce their environmental footprint, a key component in creating more sustainable and resilient communities.
• SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): The program encourages responsible consumption of energy by teaching participants how to monitor and control their usage, directly supporting the goal of ensuring sustainable consumption patterns.
• SDG 13 (Climate Action): Enhanced energy conservation and efficient management of residential energy systems are critical actions in mitigating climate change. This initiative provides practical steps for individuals to contribute to climate action from their homes.
• SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): The collaboration between a public utility (DPU) and a non-profit environmental education organization (PEEC) exemplifies a multi-stakeholder partnership essential for achieving the SDGs.

Key Program Components and Learning Outcomes

The session is designed to provide attendees with actionable strategies for energy conservation and management. Key topics include:

1. Introduction to Energy Monitoring Tools: Participants will be introduced to accessible technologies for tracking household energy consumption, such as the Sense energy monitoring application and smart plugs.
2. Device Management Strategies: The program will cover practical methods for scheduling device operation to optimize energy use and reduce waste.
3. Advanced Home Automation: A live demonstration of the Home Assistant platform will showcase advanced capabilities for automating and managing complex energy systems.
4. Renewable Energy Integration: The session will feature a specific case study on managing an off-grid solar system, providing insights into sustainable, self-sufficient living.

Presenter Profile and Expertise

The program will be led by Gary Goddard, an expert with extensive experience in design, technology, and sustainability. His professional background includes:

• Current role as Los Alamos County Airport Manager.
• Previous work in architecture, teaching, and building automation at Los Alamos National Laboratory.
• Specialization in high-performance buildings, energy conservation, and the optimization of control systems.
• Personal commitment to sustainable living, demonstrated by his off-grid lifestyle, which provides a practical foundation for his technical instruction.

Organizational Collaboration and Community Impact

This program is a component of an ongoing partnership between the Los Alamos Department of Public Utilities and PEEC. The collaboration is strategically focused on providing residents with the necessary knowledge and tools to make informed, energy-efficient decisions. By fostering a culture of energy awareness and conservation, the initiative aims to build a more sustainable and environmentally responsible community, in line with the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

  The article’s central theme is home energy management, focusing on energy conservation, efficiency, and the use of renewable energy. The program discussed aims to educate residents on “tracking and managing household energy use” and managing an “off-grid solar system,” which directly aligns with the goal of promoting clean and affordable energy.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  The initiative is a community-based program organized by the Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC) and the Los Alamos Department of Public Utilities (DPU). By “empowering residents with tools and knowledge to make energy-smart choices at home,” the program contributes to making the community of Los Alamos more sustainable, resource-efficient, and environmentally conscious.

• SDG 4: Quality Education

  The article describes a “free program” and “practical talk” designed to educate the community. This initiative by PEEC and DPU is a form of education for sustainable development, aiming to provide people with the “tools and knowledge” necessary to adopt sustainable practices, which is a key aspect of quality education.

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  Promoting energy conservation and the use of renewable energy like solar power are fundamental strategies for climate change mitigation. The program’s focus on reducing household energy consumption and the presenter’s expertise in “energy conservation” directly contribute to local climate action efforts by reducing the carbon footprint of the community.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

   • Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. The article mentions a live demonstration of managing an “off-grid solar system,” directly promoting the adoption and management of renewable energy at the household level.
   • Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency. The entire program is focused on this target, offering information on “energy monitoring apps,” “smart plugs,” “device scheduling strategies,” and “energy conservation” to help residents reduce their energy use.

2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities. By teaching residents how to manage and reduce their energy consumption, the program helps lower the overall environmental footprint of the community.

3. SDG 4: Quality Education

   • Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development. The program is a direct implementation of this target, as it is an educational event designed to equip community members with practical knowledge and skills for “sustainable living” and making “energy-smart choices.”

4. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation. The collaboration between PEEC and DPU to host this public program is an effort to raise awareness and build the capacity of residents to contribute to climate change mitigation through energy conservation.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

While the article does not mention official UN indicators, it implies several ways to measure the program’s impact:

• Number of participants in educational programs: The article mentions that the event is offered “both in-person and live-streamed online” and requires registration. The number of attendees can serve as an indicator for Target 4.7 and 13.3, measuring the reach of education and awareness-raising efforts.
• Adoption of energy-efficient technologies: The program promotes tools like “energy monitoring apps like Sense, smart plugs.” The rate of adoption of these technologies by households in the community could be an indicator for Target 7.3, measuring the uptake of energy efficiency measures.
• Implementation of sustainable practices: The article discusses “device scheduling strategies” and “managing household energy use.” Surveys or follow-ups could measure the number of households implementing these practices, indicating progress towards Target 7.3 and 11.6.
• Number of community partnerships for sustainability: The article highlights the “ongoing collaboration between the Los Alamos Department of Public Utilities and PEEC.” The number and scope of such partnerships can be an indicator of institutional capacity for climate action (Target 13.3).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: ladailypost.com