Free energy-savings workshops offered monthly

Alliant Energy?s Hometown Rewards program in Fairfield is offering free educational workshops on the second Saturday of each month throughout 2012 at the Fairfield Public Library.

The workshops are a partnership between the city of Fairfield, Alliant Energy and the Fairfield Public Library, and will provide practical information about how residents of Fairfield can change their behaviors to save energy and money, conserve resources and reduce their carbon footprint.

The workshops are designed to be a one-stop shop where residents can learn about technologies, local financing options, rebate incentives, and relevant resources available at the library. Topics will include landscaping for energy efficiency, solar electric, solar hot water, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, weatherization, geothermal and lighting.

From 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Emily Swihart, from Trees Forever, will offer a workshop on ?Saving Energy with Plants and Trees.?

Swihart and Trees Forever were vital partners in the recent Dig In Fairfield event that rallied approximately 700 volunteers to plant trees for energy efficiency at schools and to establish Fairfield?s first community orchard. Since 1989, Trees Forever has been dedicated to helping individuals and communities improve and sustain the places where people live, work and play. They engage their network of thousands of community volunteers to help plant and care for trees, native plants and prairies.

From 1-3 p.m. June 9, local solar installation company Ideal Energy will lead a workshop on ?Solar Electric for Your Home or Business.?

Ideal Energy, owned and operated by Amy Greenfield and Troy VanBeek, designs and installs clean, safe renewable energy systems and advises on overall energy performance. Their expertise includes site analysis, system design, installation, grant and rebate management and ongoing system monitoring.

The Hometown Rewards 2nd Saturdays Workshop series will continue each month through December.

To find out about upcoming workshops, go to www.fairfieldgogreen.com.

The city of Fairfield was selected to participate in a two-year partnership with Interstate Power and Light Company, an Alliant Energy company, through its Hometown Rewards program. The purpose of the program in Fairfield is to focus on energy efficiency and conservation goals outlined in the city?s strategic Go Green Plan through grass-roots community efforts.

Goals include metrics for citywide energy-use reduction, incentives for equipment upgrades and a public awareness campaign on energy conservation. The Hometown Rewards Program will build upon the energy initiatives outlined in the plan by identifying the community?s energy use today, setting goals for improvement, implementing strategies and measuring the results. Fairfield residents participate by submitting a pledge to reduce energy use, signing up for a free energy assessment, and attending program events.

More information is available online at www.fairfieldgogreen.com.