2009 Projects

Local residents learning how to weatherize and reduce their energy bills

EECBG Energy Efficiency Grants:  Assisted Waterbury in submitting two EECBG (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants) applications that would fund almost $100,000 in local energy efficiency projects.

Crossett Brook Middle School Solar Project:  Submitted a $50,000 Solar in School grant application to the Vermont Department of Education to support the construction of a 14.8 kW solar array on Crossett Brook Middle School.

Renewable Energy Curriculum in Local Schools:  LEAP members held several meetings with local school teachers, principals, and the School Board to help support and encourage the discussion and study of renewable energy alternatives in various classes in Thatcher Brook Primary School, Crossett Brook Middle School, and Harwood Union High School.

LED Holiday Lights:  LEAP partnered with Revitalizing Waterbury to replace the old holiday lights used throughout Waterbury with much more energy efficient LED lights that last many times longer than conventional lights and use a fraction of the energy.

LEAP Becomes a Non-Profit:  LEAP applied for and received from the IRS the designation as an official 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. This designation will help LEAP when applying for future grants, and will allow it to receive tax-deductible donations to support its work.

Spoke at VECAN Conference:  Keith Thompson (LEAP Treasurer) and Duncan McDougall (LEAP Chair) were panelists at the VECAN Community-Based Energy & Climate Action Conference.  Keith spoke about how LEAP was started and what keeps it going.  Duncan spoke about LEAP’s proposed solar power projects on local schools.

Button Up Seminar:  Held a free ‘Button Up’ Home Energy Savings Workshop.  30 people attended – one of the best turnouts in Vermont in 2009 for a Button Up event.

Thatcher Brook Middle School Solar Project:  Received a $6,000 grant from Green Mountain Power to help support the construction of a 2.7 kWh solar array on Thatcher Brook Primary School. LEAP is continuing to raise the remaining funds necessary to start the project.

350.org Event:  Duncan McDougall (LEAP Chair) was a panelist at the 350.org event with Senator Bernie Sanders in Waterbury.

Local Presentations:  Gave presentations about LEAP’s work to the Waterbury Selectboard, Waterbury Tourism Council, and the Waterbury-Duxbury School Board.

Some of the 225 attendees at the 3rd LEAP Energy Fair

3rd Annual LEAP Rally:  Hosted 3rd Annual LEAP Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Rally at Green Mountain Coffee Roasters.   225 people attended.   The event involved 24 exhibits, guest speakers, and a parade through town.

1st LEAP Film Festival: Hosted the 1st LEAP Film festival that screened four films at Green Mountain Coffee Roasters with subjects relating to renewable energy, energy efficiency, and emissions.

Support at Town Meeting:  Received unanimous support from local residents at 2009 Waterbury Town Meeting for an appropriation of $2,500 to help support LEAP’s work.

Fundraiser with Revitalizing Waterbury: Held a joint fundraiser (‘Spring for Waterbury’) with Revitalizing Waterbury that raised approximately $5,000, half of which went to LEAP to support a Waterbury Energy Coordinator

Grant to Replace Two Municipal Furnaces:  Received a $12,000 Vermont Community Climate Change grant to replace old burners in the Waterbury Town Library and the Waterbury wastewater treatment facility with much more energy efficient models.