Ecological Checklist 7

7. Energy Sources & Uses

all (7)most (5)some (3)little (1)none (0)

B. The amount of energy that is brought in from outside the community/bought from a utility provider that is generated from renewable sources:

all (5)most (3)some (2)little/none (1)

C. The amount of energy that is brought in from outside the community/bought from a utility provider that is generated by nuclear or fossil fuel sources:

all (-6)most (-3)some (0)little (1)none (5)

The extent to which community members are aware that their energy needs are met using non-renewable energy sources:

all - very few exceptions (3)most (2)some (1)few (0)none (-1)

D. Energy conservation information and education in the community is best described as:

programs and information are readily available and used by most community members (7)

programs and information are available, but not well utilized by community members (3)

programs and information are NOT available to community members (0)

E. Most household needs and activities (clothes washing, food preservation, etc.) are accomplished using:

natural, non-electric methods (5)

super energy efficient appliances (3)

basic energy efficient appliances (2)

standard appliances with conservation practices or adaptations (1)

standard appliances, no conservation practices or adaptations (-1)

other sustainable method (1 point for each) - describe ____________________________________________

F. Water heating and space heating or cooling are provided mostly by:

solar gain, geothermal, or, sustainable biomass (including wood) from community land (5)

natural gas, propane, bioregional wood or biomass, or, heat pump (3)

fuel oil, or, electricity from a non-renewable source (0)

other sustainable method (1 point for each) - describe ____________________________________________

G. Cooking is mostly provided for by:

solar, or, sustainable biomass from community land (including wood) (3)

propane or natural gas (1)

electricity from a non-renewable source (0)

other sustainable method (1 point for each) - describe ____________________________________________

If wood is a significant source, please indicate how it is renewed:

self sustaining tree planting program within the community/bioregion (2)

collection of dead wood from within the community/bioregion (2)

imported from outside the bioregion from a source that renews via tree planting (1)

from a source (local, bio-regional or more distant) with no renewal program in place (-2)

does not apply (0)

H. Refrigeration is mostly provided for by:

seasonal systems or cold boxes/cellars (3)

electricity from solar or other renewable source (2)

propane or natural gas (1)

electricity from a non-renewable source (-2)

other sustainable method (1 point for each) - describe ____________________________________________

I. Energy conservation is considered in construction of community buildings by:
Check as many as apply

building location and orientation for thermal mass, shading, etc. by climate (2)

use of appropriate construction materials/methods (super insulation, etc.) (2)

energy conservation is not considered in community building construction (-2)

other sustainable method (1 point for each) - describe ____________________________________________

J. The extent to which the following energy conservation and efficiency methods are used:

Consideration of energy conservation in the design of community buildings

often (2)sometimes (1)rarely (0)never (-1)

Appliances and electronic equipment are shared by community members

often (2)sometimes (1)rarely (0)never (-1)

Community members select energy efficient appliances, equipment and tools

often (2)sometimes (1)rarely (0)never (-1)

On-demand energy systems (only using energy when in use, such as water heaters)

often (2)sometimes (1)rarely (0)never (-1)

Household energy use is minimized through conservation practices and products, such as turning off power when not in use, timing devices, insulation of heat sources, etc.

often (2)sometimes (1)rarely (0)never (-1)

Regular care and maintenance of appliances and equipment

often (2)sometimes (1)rarely (0)never (-1)

Regular care and maintenance of buildings - windows, doors, etc. to prevent loss of heated or cooled air

often (2)sometimes (1)rarely (0)never (-1)

Natural lighting for indoor spaces

often (2)sometimes (1)rarely (0)never (-1)

Use of compact fluorescent lighting

60% or more of lights (3)20-60% (2)

10-20% (1)less than 10% of lights (0)

other sustainable method (1 point for each) - describe ____________________________________________

K. Surplus energy is generated from renewable sources within the community:

yes (2)no (0)

The surplus energy generated is:

- put to new uses within the community yes (2)no (0)

- provided to neighbors or the grid yes (2)no (0)

 

Add up the numbers in parentheses behind each item above that you checked.

7. Energy Sources & Uses Total:_____

	50+	Indicates excellent progress toward sustainability
	25-49	Indicates a good start toward sustainability
	0-24	Indicates actions are needed to undertake sustainability