A RO U N D & A B O U T SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES
Weatherize Hanover
The campaign is to reach 100 percent renewable electricity by 2030 and 100 percent transportation, heating, and cooling by 2050.
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he town of Hanover has set goals to end citizens’ reliance on nonrenewable energy sources. The campaign is to reach 100 percent renewable electricity by 2030 and 100 percent transportation, heating, and cooling by 2050. In November 2019, Sustainable Hanover launched an initiative, Weatherize Hanover, to “help residents save money, stay warm, and reduce their energy usage by weatherizing their homes.” “We’ve helped launch weatherization campaigns in more than 30 Upper Valley towns over the last few years,” says Sarah Brock of Vital Communities, a nonprofit based in White River Junction. “For many residents the result is 20 to 25 percent energy savings. People hire a contractor to diagnose and recommend how to improve the house’s ability to manage heating and cooling.” She compares the weatherization process of addressing air sealing and insulation to “wearing a sweater and windproof jacket at the same time.” After the contractor makes recommendations, homeowners choose improvements such as adding insulation in the basement and attic. Kevin Hanlon of Horizon Residential Energy Services based in Concord, New Hampshire, works on the implementation of NHSaves weatherization rebate programs. “We are a building performance company that conducts field inspections in weatherization conducted in association with utility energy efficiency efforts,” he says. The four New Hampshire utilities, including Liberty Utilities that serves most of Hanover and Lebanon, are involved in the two weatherization programs, Home Energy Assistance for people who qualify for funding based on income and Home Performance with Energy Star that is not income based. “Utilities, installers, and companies like Horizon all work together to do what is best for homeowners,” he explains. “All homes are different and require a professional to inspect and assess safety, comfort, indoor air
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Weatherize Upper Valley volunteers from Orford, Lyme, and Piermont, New Hampshire, pictured at the launch event for their tri-town campaign, which resulted in over 50 weatherized homes in one year.
Weatherize volunteers from Canaan and Enfield, New Hampshire, where over 20 homes were weatherized in 2019, inspiring volunteers in neighboring Hanover to follow suit in 2020.
F I N D H E R E I N H A N O V E R AT W W W. H E R E I N H A N O V E R .CO M
