Wheeled by WAGN
Glossary
checklist
A list of energy reducing actions we have compiled to assist Pack Members in reducing their energy consumption. There are three checklists - beginner, intermediate and advanced - and we ask participants to complete the actions most appropriate for them.
Community Solar Garden
A Community Solar Garden (CSG) is an off-site solar panel installation that enables individuals to purchase a share in a community-owned solar gardens which is then credited to their account and reduces their electricity bills. Solar Gardens are great for renters, shade-bound homeowners, open space landowners and city parks. This is currently in the works at the state level - once they figure out the exact regulations anyone will be able to participate in growing green power on a local level!
FortZED
FortZED (Fort Collins Zero Energy District) is a set of active projects and initiatives, created by public-private partnerships, which uses Smart Grid and renewable energy technologies to achieve local power generation and energy demand management, with the aim of achieving net-zero by 2024.
Incentives
Federal, state and local utility based programs that provide services and funding to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy installations.
Net-Zero
a building or district that generates as much energy as it consumes, often associated with using renewable energy sources to achieve a "net-zero" environmental impact.
Pack Leader
Trained volunteers who coordinate amongst several Rangers to support outreach and events. They are also trained as Rangers to assist Pack Members in accessing the resources to help reduce their energy consumption.
Pack Member
Anyone who takes the FortZED Community Energy Challenge pledge.
pledge
A commitment that residents make to reduce their energy use, engage in conservation practices, or install renewable energy to help create a net-zero energy district in Fort Collins.
PVS
PVS (Photovoltaic System, i.e. Solar Panels) convert light into electricity. Solar panels collect energy from the sun using use solar cells and transform it into electrical energy which can then power homes, businesses, schools and non profit organizations.
Rangers
Trained volunteers who do Energy Challenge outreach and assist Pack Members in accessing the resources that help reduce their energy consumption.
Rebates
Retroactive payments from governments, utilities and manufacturers, refunding purchases of renewable energy equipment, energy efficient appliances and services.
Renewable Energy
Energy that comes from regenerative sources such as sun, wind, waves, and biofuels that are replenished by natural processes at a rate comparable or faster than their rate of consumption (unlike fossil fuels). Renewable sources of energy include wood, waste, geothermal, wind, photovoltaic and solar thermal energy.
Solar Thermal Energy
Solar Thermal Energy (STE): STE installations produce hot water using energy from the sun. Panels collect energy from the sun as heat (as opposed to electricity) which then is used to make hot water.
Territory
The FortZED district is divided into 31 different neighborhood territories, each has a different animal mascot. Anyone living outside the district is welcome to participate in the challenge as a member of the “unicorn territory.” The territories will compete to see how many Pack Members each can get to sign the pledge.
Zero Energy District
A Zero Energy District (ZED) is a net-zero energy district that generates as much energy as it consumes.