Energy Efficiency
It costs more to live on an island than to live on the mainland. One of the increased costs is fuel, both for transportation and for heating space and water. By helping the island’s housing stock become more energy efficient, we hope to help cut those costs - and increase that part of sustainable island living. CICA made energy efficiency improvements to 226 South Road when we first purchased that property. CICA has also specified that the School House Road houses meet or exceed Energy Star efficiency standards. And, CICA has recently promoted the PACE program on Chebeague, which provides low cost loans aimed at increasing energy efficiency, in such fashion that the savings outweigh the loan payments.
In 2014 and 2015 we worked with the Island Institute to bring Weatherization Week to Chebeague. 17 homes on the island received discounted energy audit work, and many went on to obtain increased efficiency upgrades in their homes.
In 2015 and 2016 we’re looking for ways to increase the use of solar photovoltaics on Chebeague, perhaps at the island school. Stay tuned!
