Seminar Descriptions

11:30-12:00 SEMINAR: Reducing Your Home Energy Bills

Overview of a typical home

  • Average energy bill
  • Breakdown of bill (space heating and cooling, water heating, appliances and electronics,lighting, other)

Understanding the Physics of energy in the home

  • How heat moves toward cold in the home
  • Pressure inside your home; air exchange, common holes, safety issues

Making energy improvements - Getting "the most bang for your buck"

  • Reducing space heating cost
  • Plugging up the leaks
  • Using the sun
  • Water heating options
  • Lighting improvements and choices

Appliances and electronics

  • The ENERGY STAR® label and what it means
  • Choosing the most efficient appliances: which types of refrigerators, washing machines, more.

Question & Answers and Other Resources

  • Resources within the exhibit hall
  • Handouts: Ultimate Checklist for Saving Energy and Money; Energy Facts
  • Other resources: weatherization program, getting an energy audit, other

12:15-12:30 The Energy Hog Show for Kids!

An exciting and interactive show featuring a "real, live Energy Hog" villain and a heroic Energy Hog Buster who teaches kids about energy, and ways that kids can take the lead in saving energy at home. Participants will be energized and inspired to save energy and will leave with a copy of a home Energy Hog Scavenger Hunt and a special prize!

12:30-1:00 SEMINAR: Buying a new or old home? What to look for

Myth: "Because new homes are built to code, all new homes are energy efficient"

  • Energy building codes "the lowest level of energy efficiency that’s legal"
  • Overview of local code requirements and code enforcement

"Is it there?" vs. "Does it work"

  • Insulation and windows may be installed, but if they’re installed incorrectly they don’t work

What to look for in a new home 

  • Insulation levels throughout (walls, ceiling, basement, foundation, etc.)
  • Mechanical system efficiencies
  • What kind of heating system uses the least amount of energy and reduces bills?
  • Low-e windows
  • ENERGY STAR® appliances, and more

What to look for in an old home

  • Insulation options: ceiling insulation is easiest; walls are difficult but important
  • Sealing up the old holes
  • Safety of old mechanical systems
  • Old appliances – when to replace

1:15-1:45 DC’s plan to reduce its carbon footprint – Details coming soon!

Special guest speakers George Hawkins, director of Washington DC energy office, and DC Councilmember Mary M. Cheh, Chair of the D.C. Council Committee on Public Services and Consumer Arrairs will discuss the status of Washington DC’s plan to reduce its energy consumption. This session will allow participants to ask questions and get a better understanding of how we all can work together to reduce Washington DC’s demand for energy.

Councilmember Mary M. Cheh, Chair of the D.C. Council Committee on Public Services and Consumer Affairs will discuss:

  • Legislating Reductions in DC’s Carbon Footprint
  • Overview of past legislation
    - Renewable Portfolio Standard Act of 2004
    - Green Building Act of 2006
  • Current legislation
    - Clean Car Act of 2007
    - Energy Efficiency Standards Act of 2007
  • Upcoming Legislation
    - Sustainable Energy Act of 2007 (Working title)

1:45-2:00 The Energy Hog Show for Kids!

An exciting and interactive show featuring a "real, live Energy Hog" villain and a heroic Energy Hog Buster who teaches kids about energy, and ways that kids can take the lead in saving energy at home. Participants will be energized and inspired to save energy and will leave with a copy of a home Energy Hog Scavenger Hunt and a special prize!

2:15-2:45 SEMINAR: Becoming a Carbon Conscious Consumer

Small steps lead to BIG changes

  • Small decisions and habits can have a big impact on energy use, carbon footprint, and saving money
  • The Carbon Conscious Consumer program challenges you to take six small, easy steps

Wash in cold

  • How much energy it takes to wash your clothes in hot water
  • Getting clothes clean—what difference does hot water make?

The new BYOB: Bring your own bag

  • It’s not about paper vs. plastic anymore
  • Energy costs of disposable bags

Break the bottled water habit

  • Why pay more for water than you do for gasoline?
  • Bottled water vs. tap water—quality and monitoring
  • Filters and re-usable bottles

Other steps you can take

  • Junk your junk mail
  • Downshift your driving
  • Eat locally

2:45-3:00 The Energy Hog Show for Kids!

An exciting and interactive show featuring a "real, live Energy Hog" villain and a heroic Energy Hog Buster who teaches kids about energy, and ways that kids can take the lead in saving energy at home. Participants will be energized and inspired to save energy and will leave with a copy of a home Energy Hog Scavenger Hunt and a special prize!

3:15-3:45 SEMINAR: Hybrid Vehicles and Efficient Driving

Facts about driving, tips for efficient driving, and hybrid vehicles

  • Average annual costs
  • How to drive efficiently
  • Vehicle maintenance and other ways to reduce your gasoline expenses
  • The energy and money saving benefits of choosing a hybrid vehicle

How hybrids work

  • Gas and electric, and when each works for you
  • When you brake, the energy is captured as electrical energy
  • Computer on dashboard tells you more than a regular car

How reliable are hybrids?

  • Safety ratings
  • Batter life and issues
  • Cost of maintenance and repairs

Tax credits

  • How they work, how much you can qualify for based on the type of car you buy
  • How to get them – federal vs. state credits

New hybrids coming soon!

  • Exciting new cars coming in the future