Santa Rosa Green Homes Tour

A Green Homes Tour hosted by the City of Santa Rosa and Solar Sonoma County will be held on October 2nd 2011. This tour will showcase a variety of Santa Rosa homes that have implemented measures like using recycled building materials, installing solar panels to generate electricity, and graywater systems.
• Pick up ideas on how to make your home green
• Speak with experts
• See live demonstrations

Santa Rosa’s Water Use Efficiency team will be on hand to demonstrate a rainwater catchment system at one of the green homes. While on the tour make sure to speak with them about available resources and rebates for installing your own system!

“Homes on the tour are models to the community. They have done it all - drought tolerant landscaping, energy efficiency measures, gone into renewable energy and have created a beautiful, livable house.” Said Claire Nordlie, City of Santa Rosa Clean Energy Advocate. The homes selected will be toured by the public and showcased to help the community find ways that they can improve their own homes.


Representatives from the Sonoma County Energy Independence Program (SCEIP), and Energy Upgrade California will be present at the event to discuss rebates and financing mechanisms currently available to Sonoma County residents. “It is our intent to showcase homes that have not only implemented energy saving measures but also have taken advantage of available rebates and resources” said Julie Carlton, City of Santa Rosa Clean Energy Advocate.


For more information on this tour and to purchase tickets Cost: $5 (Includes guidebook for all homes on the tour) please contact the Clean Energy Advocates at 707-543-3886, or visit www.srcity.org/SRGreenHomes.

FREE  DO-IT-YOURSELF  GRAYWATER WORKSHOP
September 7th & 14th, 6-8:30 pm.  Receive free hardware and learn how to install and operate a Laundry to Landscape graywater system.  Reserve your spot by contacting Water-Use Efficiency at 543-3985 or wue@srcity.org.

FREE “WHY GO SOLAR?” SOLAR WORKSHOP
September 7th, 6 to 7p. Learn how solar works, why it can be a good investment and how to finance it. RSVP @ www.srcity.org/CEA or call 707-543-3886.

Ways To Reduce Water Waste
• Reduce irrigation by 20% through the use of Turf-Time.
• Find leaks and repair leaks now.
• Inspect and tune-up irrigation system monthly.
• Irrigate between midnight and 6:00 a.m. to reduce water loss from evaporation and wind.
• Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways decks or patios.
• Cover pools and hot-tubs to prevent evaporation.
• Use front-load washing machines (apply for rebate).
• Run the dishwasher and clothes washer with full loads only.
• Prevent and report water waste.

Water Savings Tips Landscape water-use efficiency activities are focused on reducing outdoor water use, particularly during summer months when demand for water reaches its peak. From June through September, approximately half of the water used citywide is applied to landscapes. It is our goal to help customers conserve water while maintaining healthy and beautiful landscapes.


Indoor water-use efficiency activities are focused on reducing indoor water use all year.Efficient indoor water fixtures will save you time and money. Checking your indoor plumbing for leaks on a regular basis will allow you to catch leaks early and save money.