There are so many online resources to help you learn about home energy and water conservation. We have culled through them, so our fellow Oaklanders won’t have to search and search – and waste their own energy!
RECYCLING AND WASTE STREAM REDUCTION
Stopwaste.org
Association of Bay Area Governments provides many links about recycling, sustainability, green practices – click here
Green Retrofitting & Construction
Planned program for existing buildings in Alameda County – click here
Sign up for program updates – click here
Shop Green in Alameda County
Links to businesses: contractors, vendors, energy auditors, and more – click here
Build It Green
Membership supported non-profit, with many links, info and contractor directory – click here
Home Performance Contractors
Industry trade organization, with California members – click here
Dept of Energy Information Center
Home Energy Savings, including how to select contractors, products, do-it-yourself audits – click here
Federal Policy Report
Background report about economic recovery through retrofits – click here
WEATHERIZATION AND ENERGY CONSERVATION
Free Weatherization
Qualify for free home improvements, as a low-income Oakland homeowner – click here
Dept of Energy’s services available to low-income families – click here
Energy & Water Conservation Tips
Useful summer and winter checklists from the City of Oakland – click here
Bay Friendly Landscaping
Green landscaping and conservation in your garden – click here
PG&E Services Resources
Residential energy conservation – click here
Home energy audits – click here
Rebates, Incentives, Services – interactive by zip code – click here
KEY FINANCING AND REBATE RESOURCES
CaliforniaFIRST Approval
The Oakland City Council voted to join program in Dec 2009, rollout date to be set shortly – click here
Property Tax Financing to be available to homeowners, through PACE program – click here
East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD)
Utility’s residential conservation rebates and services – click here
Federal Energystar Programs
Practical information and extensive details about tax credits – click here
Specific tax credits – click here
Frequently asked questions – click here