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About Smart Energy Living Alliance
The Colorado Energy Science Center and E-Star™ Colorado have merged to create the Smart Energy Living Alliance (SELA). Our mission is to help people make smart energy decisions. (Read the Directors Letter, PDF 46KB)
SELA is a cooperative effort of businesses, utilities, energy users and other partners committed to transforming the energy marketplace.
SELA provides unbiased information, tools and resources to help consumers make intelligent, responsible energy decisions. Informed energy users will live more efficiently, reducing their energy use and their utility bills while they enjoy increased comfort and resale value.
SELA helps consumers understand clean energy options, and then we help them find the products and services they need – everything from attic insulation to solar systems. SELA helps utilities in their efforts to implement energy efficiency, and we help companies build their energy-efficiency and renewable-energy businesses with training and promotion.
As we work together to transform the energy marketplace, there will be more educated energy users and more companies selling energy-efficiency products and services. Energy efficiency will be an easier choice. More energy efficiency and renewable energy will create economic and environmental benefits for everyone.
APPROACH
America is the most energy intensive economy in history - and demand continues to grow. More than half of the nation's oil is imported, much of it from the Mideast. Fossil fuel combustion has increased the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere to levels unprecedented in human history. Energy efficiency and renewable energy can reduce dependence on imported oil, reduce energy bills, stretch our fossil fuel reserves and benefit the environment. Many investments in clean energy technology yield very positive returns but remain unrealized. Education is the critical tool to increase investments in clean energy. Consumers control the efficiency of energy use. Well-educated consumers will create a cleaner and more efficient energy future.
STAFF
From top left-Matt Thornberry, John Thornton, Juanita McConkey
From bottom left-Kristin Elsmore, Alex Grant, Tweedie Doe |
John Thornton, Interim Executive Director
Mr. Thornton has 44 years of engineering experience in the field of renewable energy and spent 28 of those years working at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
From 2001 through 2004, Mr. Thornton served as the NREL’s coordinator for energy assurance activities, reporting directly to the Director to identify opportunities for renewables and energy efficiency related to energy assurance and homeland security. In 2001-2002, Mr. Thornton served as NREL’s representative to a special task force convened by the Secretary of Energy to evaluate the vulnerability of the nation’s energy infrastructure and to provide recommendations for enhancing its resilience.
In June 2006, he left his position as Principal Engineer at the National Center for Photovoltaics at NREL to form his own consulting practice. John also holds an Emeritus appointment at NREL.
Juanita McConkey, Communication Director
Juanita has over 10 years experience in organizational communication and outreach, the last four with SELA. In addition to directing staff and volunteers in a professional setting, Juanita has also developed project management and leadership skills through volunteer work. She served as the founding chair for the Denver Remodelers Council Auction to Benefit the Home Builders Foundation, which raised over $40,000 in its first year, and also served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for Broomfield and Adams County. Juanita manages SELA's internal and external communications including websites, newsletters, press releases, and marketing material.
Matt Thornberry, Program Manager, E-Star Colorado
Matt Thornberry has been utilizing his business and environmental background managing the E-Star Colorado Program since 2001. Matt facilitates codes and standards grants, manages the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR and Home Energy Rating System programs, and oversees educational seminars and special events. Matt is also a certified Building Analyst.
Alexandra Grant, Outreach Manager
Alexandra graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in journalism and an emphasis in advertising. She comes to SELA with an extensive publishing and media background, having heavy experience in sales, sponsorships and event management. Alex manages SELA's Outreach Program, overseeing projects and partnerships with homeowners, contractors and utilities companies throughout Colorado.
Kristin Elsmore, Lead Project Coordinator
Kristin is an alumnus of the University of Vermont and holds a degree in Environmental Science and focus in Ecological Design. Her interests lie in her extensive volunteer history. From building homes for Habitat for Humanity and repairing solar panels on a small island in the West Indies to teaching women’s entrepreneurship in West Africa she seeks out way to improve the stewardship and livelihood of people on Earth. She is a licensed real estate agent and holds a certification as a permaculture apprentice. Kristin came onboard at SELA in June 2007 and works closely with homeowners, home performance contractors and utilities marketing and managing energy efficiency projects and programs around Colorado.
Ray Allen, Project Coordinator
Ray has been working in environmental management, compliance and consulting related areas for State, private and non profits for 30 years. For the last three years, he has been focusing on energy and sustainability outreach, education and training projects. His education and projects include experiences with Colorado State University, Purdue University and Indiana State University. He is also a community activist working with City of Denver and neighborhood projects.
PROGRAMS AND DIVISIONS
Smart Energy Solutions (SOS)
Smart Energy Solutions brings together the information, resources and tools to help you understand how to reduce your energy use and save money. We publish a quarterly magazine, e-newsletter, offer workshops, provide online information, and links to contractors.
Smart Energy Learning (SEL)
Smart Energy Learning is a K12 program that reaches up to 10,000 students each year with a variety of programs, including the Energy Hog Traveling Road Show, Solar Schools, and Home Energy Investigation Contest.
E-Star Colorado
E-Star remains committed to advancing energy efficiency in housing by providing critical training and support to the professionals who provide energy-efficiency services and products. In the past E-Star Colorado functioned as a separate nonprofit entity. In an effort to centralize and increase resources, E-Star is becoming a division of SELA.
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