Organizations and Programs

In this section you'll find information on federal, local, and non-profit organizations and programs that support renewable energy and environmental protection.

Renewable Energy

Federal Government

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) -
NREL is the U.S. Department of Energy's premier laboratory for renewable energy and energy efficiency research, development, and deployment. The web site contains information on renewable energy technologies, current areas of research, and new initiatives. http://www.nrel.gov

Sandia National Laboratories, Photovoltaics Program -
The program seeks to ensure that photovoltaic systems perform to their potential by offering assistance in the development and manufacturing of photovoltaic systems, technical assistance and assessment with photovoltaic systems, and training courses. http://www.sandia.gov/pv/

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network (EREN) -
EREN is the Department of Energy's main source for information on renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies, including solar radiation and PV data. EREN's website contains a wide array of information on renewable energy technologies, training and education materials and many links to related sites.
http://www.eren.doe.gov

Million Solar Roofs Initiative - 

This federal initiative supports the development of PV and solar thermal technologies. The goal is to have one million solar energy systems installed on U.S. buildings by 2010. Sponsored by the Department of Energy's, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, the initiative will create significant reductions in greenhouse gas and other emissions, create high-tech jobs, and strengthen the domestic market for solar energy systems. 

The initiative does not offer direct financial incentives to reduce the cost of individual systems, but instead, it works to support government, business and community partnerships that can help to build sustainable markets for solar energy. Vermont has joined the million solar roofs initiative, with an objective of 1,000 solar roofs by 2010. For information on Vermont's million solar roof activities contact Andrew Perchlik at the Department of Public Service (802)-828-4072 or call the RERC toll free hot line 1-877-888-7372. For information on the national Million Solar Roofs Initiative see: http://millionsolarroofs.org/

Local

SunWise Program -
Burlington Electric Department's SunWise program provides home and business owners in Burlington with technical assistance,  project management and financing for solar hot water and PV systems.

For more information contact Chris Burns, (802) 658-0300.
http://www.burlingtonelectric.com

Vermont ENERGY STAR Homes -
Vermont ENERGY STAR Homes is a state-wide service from Efficiency Vermont promoting energy efficient new construction. Direct financial incentives are available for homes meeting specified criteria, and renewable energy systems can help a new homeowner meet the program's ENERGY STAR standard.

For more information contact: 800-893-1997 or email at: vtwise@together.net.

State

Department of Public Service, Energy Efficiency Division -
The Energy Efficiency Division works to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy in Vermont through several forums, including regulatory, legislative, informational and educational. The website contains information on local renewable energy projects.

For more information please contact:
Department of Public Service, 112 State Street, Drawer 20, Montpelier, VT 05620-2601, (802)-828-4035 or toll free in VT: 1-800-642-3281. http://www.state.vt.us/psd/Menu/Energy_Efficiency_and_Renewable_Energy.htm

Non-Profit

Local

Renewable Energy Resource Center (RERC) -
The RERC provides free information, custom economic and environmental analyses, and information on financing options for residential solar thermal and solar electric systems. Call toll-free 1-877-888-7372.
http://www/rerc-vt.org

National

Center for Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technology (CREST) -
CREST is a non-profit Internet and multimedia development organization including web site design and software development. CREST has developed a number of multimedia informational and technical tools, many of which are available for little to no cost. CREST also operates Solstice, an internet site containing valuable information on renewable energy and green building design. 1200 18th Street NW, Suite 900, Washington, DC, 20036. (202)293-2898, Fax: (202) 887-0497. 
http://www.crest.org

Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA) -
NESEA is an organization that promotes sustainable living through energy efficiency and renewable energy, sustainable transportation and green building design. This organization also works with educators to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy. 50 Miles Street, Greenfield, MA, 01301, (413)774-6051.
http://www.nesea.org

Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC) -
The SRCC is a non-profit organization, which independently certifies and rates the performance of solar hot water and solar swimming pool heating collectors and systems. The rating information can be used to compare the performance and efficiency of thermal collectors and systems.

For a listing of the SRCC ratings, contact SRCC at:
c/o FSEC, 1679 Clearlake Road, Cocoa, FL, 32922-5703
(407) 638-1537, Fax: (407) 638-1010.
http://www.solar-rating.org/

Renewable Energy Policy Project (REPP) -
The REPP supports the advancement of renewable energy technology through policy research. The organization investigates and publishes articles related to the interaction between policy, markets, and public demand for the availability of renewable energy systems.

To order REPP publications, contact REPP at (202) 293-2833.
http://www.repp.org/

Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) -
IREC works to accelerate the sustainable utilization of renewable energy resources and technologies through state and local government activities. IREC offers programs and services which include statewide working groups, workshop-in-a-box programs, and DSIRE, a statewide database of renewable energy financial incentives and state programs and regulatory policies.

P.O. Box 1156, Latham, NY 12110-1156
(518) 458-6059.
http://www.irecusa.org

Industry

Renewable Energy and Efficiency Training Institute (RETI) -
RETI offers customized PV design, installation, and maintenance programs to meet the needs of a wide range of customer groups.

1800 M Street, NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC, 20036
(202)496-1417, Fax (202) 496-1494

Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) -
SEIA is the national trade organization of photovoltaic and solar thermal manufacturers and component suppliers. The SEIA web page has a listing of solar products, services, and publications.

122 C Street, NW, 4th Floor, Washington, DC, 20001.
(202)383-2600, Fax (202) 383-2670
http://www.seia.org/

Solar Energy International (SEI) -
SEI offers training workshops on PV system design and installation, as well as wind energy, mini-hydro systems, and solar home design. SEI also has a large selection of books, videos, and software related to renewable energy for sale.

PO Box 715, Carbondale, CO, 81623.
(970) 963-8855, Fax (970) 963-8866
http://www.solarenergy.org/

Environmental

Many environmental agencies and programs support greater use of renewable energy. Below we provide listings for some of the environmental organizations helping to promote renewables. Please let us know if you have any suggestions for additional resources so we can share them with others.

Local/State

Vermont Natural Resources Council (VNRC) -
VNRC is statewide environmental organization that work to preserve Vermont's natural resources through research, education, and advocacy statewide.

To become a member or find out more information about VNRC, contact their web site at http://www.vnrc.org.                              9 Bailey Ave, Montpelier, VT, 05602. (802)223-2328

Vermont Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) -
The ANR consists of three departments: Fish and Wildlife; Forests, Parks and Recreation; and Environmental Conservation. The ANR strives to protect and preservation Vermont's natural resources and scenic beauty. http://www.anr.state.vt.us/

Burlington Eco Info Project -
The Burlington Eco Info Project is an EPA EMPACT Project with the primary objective of providing Burlington Vermont residents and policymakers with local environmental data such as air and water quality.  Easy access to the data will help residents form collaborative actions that address priority environmental problems in the urban ecosystem.

Find out more at http://www.uvm.edu/~empact/

Vermont Public Interest Research Group (VPIRG) -
VPIRG is a citizen-based advocacy organization which focuses on protecting consumer interests, preserving Vermont's environment and keeping our government accountable. VPIRG is involved with research, public education, grassroots organizing, and legislative lobbying. To become a member or find out more information about the VPIRG, contact their web site at http://www.vpirg.org

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National

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) -
The EPA is a federal agency that works to protect and preserve the environment. It runs several research and educational programs including those related to energy efficiency, global warming, and renewable energy.

http://www.epa.gov or the local web page at http://www.epa.gov/region1/

National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) -
The NRDC is a conservation organization which works to protect life and preserve the beauty of nature. One of their areas of focus is global warming. Representatives of the NRDC are working closely with congressional supporters of action on global warming. They also focus on public outreach and education to inform the public of the consequences of global warming.

To become a member or find out more information about the NRDC, contact their web site at http://www.nrdc.org

Environmental Defense -
The Environmental Defense (formerly the Environmental Defense Fund) is a not-for-profit environmental advocacy group with goals that include stabilizing the earth's climate. The Environmental Defense is calling for domestic and international policies that will cut emissions of greenhouse gases, move the US economy towards the efficient use of energy, and promote renewable alternatives such as solar, wind, biomass, and geothermal energy.

To become a member or find out more information about the Environmental Defense, contact their web site at http://www.edf.org

World Wildlife Fund (WWF) -
The WWF is an international conservation organization which sponsors projects which help protect the earth including those that address global climate change. The WWF works to influence U.S. policy makers to support strong international action to reduce carbon emissions threats with actions that including the implementation of renewable energy resources.

To become a member or find out more information about the WWF, contact their web site at http://www.worldwildlife.org/climate/

Tellus Institute-
The Tellus Institute is a nonprofit organization that conducts research and provides analyses and advice on energy-related policies including climate protection and long-term sustainability. Additionally, they examine opportunities for renewable resources and efficient technologies in all sectors including transportation, electricity, and industry.
http://www.tellus.org