Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Survey
Germantown Monthly Meeting
Introduction
The Climate Change Action Working Group of GMM is made up of Meeting members and attenders concerned about the impact that burning fossil fuels has on the Earth’s environment and the long-term sustainability of human life on the planet. We believe that humans are called and have an obligation to preserve and protect the natural environment
The Climate Change Action Working Group meets monthly to discuss ways that we can, individually and as a Meeting, promote more energy efficient and sustainable behavior. Such things can include individual investments in our homes to make them more energy efficient, individual purchasing decisions and life style choices, collective action by the Meeting to make it more energy efficient and individual or collective action to support public policies promoting a low carbon economy and more sustainable human society.
Purpose of the Survey
This survey solicits information from meeting members and attenders on actions they have already taken or are considering taking to improve the energy efficiency of their homes and in other respects reduce their impact on the environment. Response to the survey is, of course, completely voluntary.
There are several reasons for asking the questions (and we hope, motivations to participate in the survey):
- Provide a bench mark for where we are as a Meeting community as of 2010 in responding to the need to improve energy efficiency and adopt sustainable practices.
- Identify those who have made specific changes and improvements and who would be willing to share information with others in our community on their experience. Successful or effective steps that you may have taken can inform and motivate others.
- For people who are considering but are undecided about making energy efficiency improvements or other changes, there are members of the Meeting who have expertise or experience and could answer questions that might help you determine a successful course of action.
- Finally part of the Climate Change group’s mission is to inform and advise the Meeting and its members and attenders on issues and options related to the climate, global warming and environmental sustainability. Questions at the end of the survey solicit your opinion on programs or activities that would be most helpful.
Survey Questions
Home Owner? Renter?
The following questions primarily apply to home owners rather than renters. If you are a renter it is possible that you or your landlord has taken some of these actions.
Actions around Your Home
/ Have Done / Are Considering / Want more informationHad a formal energy audit of my home
Installed Compact Fluorescent bulbs
Weather stripping / weatherization
Added attic or other insulation
Installed whole house or attic fan or vents for cooling
Installed reflective roof treatment
Installed storm windows and/or doors
Installed thermal windows or doors
Use a woodstove or fireplace insert to heat
Installed high efficiency heating system
Installed high efficiency refrigerator or freezer
Installed other high efficiency appliance(s)
What did you install?
Installed solar hot water heater
Installed solar photovoltaic panels
Adjusted thermostat or water heater temp to save energy
Purchased electricity generated from wind or other renewable energy source
Are you reducing unnecessary use of high energy appliances such as electric dryers, and air conditioners?
Do you dry your clothes by hanging on a line?
Do you use window or ceiling fans in preference to air conditioning?
Do you regularly shop at farmers markets, CSA's (community supported agriculture), urban gardens, etc. for your fresh produce?
Do you have a backyard garden to supply fresh vegetables to your kitchen?
Do you regularly recycle organic waste from your home/yard into a compost heap?
Do you properly dispose of hazardous items such as batteries and old electronic equipment at a city hazardous dropoff site?
Other Actions taken around the house
Please list or describe:
Of the things you have done which do you think has been the most effective in reducing your energy consumption and costs?
I own a car I don’t own a car
Transportation & Travel Actions
/ Have Done / Are Considering / Want more informationUse public transportation more
Walk or ride a bicycle more
Car pool or ride share
“Tele-commute” to work
How many days per week? ______
Purchased or leased a smaller or more energy efficient vehicle
Purchased or leased a gas/electric hybrid vehicle
Travel less by plane (business)
Travel less by plane (personal)
Purchase credits to compensate for CO2 from my airtravel
Other transportation or travel actions taken
Please list or describe:
Personal and household actions are important but it is also important to urge our state and national governments to enact legislation and regulation to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and encourage renewable energy and to be involved with the community to encourage sustainability.
Social & Political Actions
/ Have Done / Are Considering / Want more informationUrge my employer or school to take action to conserve energy
Urge my employer or school to take action to recycle
Speak to family members or friends urging efficiency and conservation actions
Write a letter or e-mail to my Senator or Representative supporting legislation
Call my Senator or Representative supporting legislation
Participate in local neighborhood or community group supporting energy or environmental issues (recycling, community gardening, etc)
Attend lectures, workshops to become better informed on energy issues
Subscribe to email newsletters from organizations addressing climate and energy issues (Union of Concerned Scientists, PewCenter, 350.org, etc.)
Attend rally or demonstration on climate change and energy issues
Write letter to the editor urging action to address climate change and energy issues
Are you keeping informed about Mayor Nutter's Philadelphia Greenworks program, which aims to improve the sustainability of the city ?
Other social or political actions taken
Please list or describe: