What We're Working on Now
On December 9, 2009, the Town Council approved a resolution to join neighboring towns to apply for stimulus funds to implement a home assessment program. Acterra, a local non-profit, will act as the "lead applicant" to apply for Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant funding on behalf of Los Altos Hills, Atherton, Woodside, Monte Sereno and Portola Valley to develop and implement their High Energy Home Assessment Program. This voluntary program will analyze energy and water use in homes that are using 2 - 3 times the local average, help residents identify areas of waste, and provide specific recommendations for reducing energy and water use. Many of these recommendations with have little to no cost to the resident. If you are interested in participating in the program, please email Brandi de Garmeaux, the Town's Sustainability Coordinator. Stay tuned for more information in early 2010! Click
here to view Acterra's presentation to the Town Council.
Options for Home Energy Audits
• Do-It-Yourself
• Volunteer-Based, Social Marketing
• Professional Audit/Rating Systems
Do-It-Yourself Energy Audits
Professional Energy Audit Companies Serving Portola Valley*
Recurve (formerly Sustainable Spaces)
The Performing Home*The Town of Portola Valley does not recommend any of the companies/organizations listed on this page; the listings are provided only as a resource for residents. Please ask each company for references when you do your research.
Professional Home Rating Systems/Raters
California Home Energy Efficiency Rating Services -
CHEERS Home Energy Rating System -
HERS**
Resources
Flex Your Power - Flex Your Power is California's statewide energy efficiency marketing and outreach campaign. Initiated in 2001, Flex Your Power is a partnership of California's utilities, residents, businesses, institutions, government agencies and nonprofit organizations working to save energy. The campaign includes a comprehensive website, an electronic newsletter and blog, and educational materials. Flex Your Power has received national and international recognition, including an ENERGY STAR Award for excellence.