GeoThermal- Right For You?

Over the past couple of years, the use of geothermal systems has grown throughout central Illinois.

Large companies, schools and homeowners alike are utilizing this technology to save on energy costs.

Garber Heating and A/C, one of our sponsors and vendors at the Central Illinois Renewable Energy Expo, has great facts and information on geothermal on their website.

For instance- did you know that if one in 12 California homeowners installed a geothermal exchange system, the energy savings would equal nine new power plants!

Find out more here at their website here

Green Business Growing in Central Illinois

Today's business section in the Peoria Journal Star features details about some central Illinois businesses who are getting work related to the environment and emerging alternative energy sources- especially wind.

Read about it here: Winds-of-change

And remember to mark your calendars now for the 2010 Central Illinois Renewable Energy Expo at the Green Sports Complex in Mossville! Visit our website at www.ciree.net to find out more.

Green Lifestyle for Canton Family

Neat article in the Sunday Peoria Journal Star about a Canton couple and their "green"redo of an old farmstead.

Read it here: Homes-A-Greener-Lifestyle

Read it and weigh in with your thoughts!

Grant Monies Available

From our friends at the Illinois Solar Energy Association comes this heads up on some funding availability for programs in Illinois.
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Dear Friends - The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity's (ILDCEO) Office of Energy and Recycling has issued the Applications for the Renewable Energy Production Program and Community Renewable Energy Program. Information and applications for these two programs may be found here.

The applications are due October 26, 2009. For further information, contact Wayne Hartel at the ILDCEO at 217/785-3420 wayne.hartel@illinois.gov

Going Green Resources

I had the opportunity to participate in the 2009 Peoria Chamber of Commerce Community Leadership School this past spring, and our team project was on sustainability and "going green'.

With my work on the Central Illinois Renewable Energy Expo, this was a great fit, and our team attacked the project with a passion. One of our team members actually purchased electricity for his employer from an alternative energy source(wind) and many others found great ideas and best practices from around the state and throughout the country.

After presenting to the Mayor's Commission on Sustainability, we produced a directory of green resources, recycling efforts, funding opportunities and much more. It is available by contacting us at cireexpo@gmail.com.

Please visit our CIREE website at www.ciree.net and find out more about sustainability and the Central Illinois Renewable Energy Expo 2010!
-Rich Draeger Peoria County 4-H & Extension Foundation

Grant Opportunities for Schools In Illinois

Attention school administrators, students and students! Interested in getting your school in the green? Visit the DCEO website for more information.

And don't forget to watch for more information about the 3rd Annual Central Illinois Renewable Energy Expo- May 1 & 2, 2010- presented by the Peoria County 4-H & Extension Foundation!

Visit our website at Central Illinois Renewable Energy Expo and find out more!