SUSTAINABILITY
FALL 2021
Community Climate Connect Survey
Contact: Lorrie Kaplan of the Ashland Climate Action Project of SOCAN: lorrie@socan.eco, Rebecca Walker at SOU-Sustainability: walkerr6@SOU.edu.
New Online Survey on Home Energy Topics Open for Local Residents Until January 1
Summary: A new online survey from SOU-Sustainability and the Ashland Climate Action Project of Southern Oregon Climate Action Now asks residents to share their views on home energy topics. The survey is at bit.ly/AshlandHomeEnergy and is open until January 1. Survey results will inform local policymakers exploring policies to address energy affordability and household emissions.
As we look to control energy costs and reduce our climate footprint, our use of energy in our homes is a major target. The SOU Office of Sustainability and the Ashland Climate Action Project of Southern Oregon Climate Action Now have partnered to develop “Community Climate Connect,” a community survey project focused on gathering residents’ views on various strategies and policies aimed at reducing our community’s climate impact.
The 2021 Community Climate Connect survey delves into home energy topics. It is available at bit.ly/AshlandHomeEnergy and is open until January 1. Anyone who lives or works in Ashland is invited to take the survey.
“We’re all being urged to reduce our use of energy in our homes,” said Rebecca Walker, Sustainability and Recycling Manager at SOU. “Local policymakers need to understand what works for us. What steps are we interested in taking to reduce our climate footprint, and what obstacles stand in our way?”
Residents have a wide range of options for reducing home energy costs and emissions. These include energy efficiency measures, going solar, or switching from natural gas to electricity equipment.
The City of Ashland approved a Climate and Energy Action Plan in 2017, and implementation is ongoing. Many actions recommended in the plan have been adopted–like policies to encourage more local solar energy generation and installation of electric vehicle charging stations throughout town. But many call for actions from residents themselves.
“The plan is still as relevant as ever, but we have much work to do in our own households to achieve our climate goals,” said Lorrie Kaplan, Chair of the Ashland Climate Action Project of Southern Oregon Climate Action Now. “The majority of the greenhouse gas emissions of any community come from the fossil fuels we consume with our homes and cars. To reduce those emissions, local policies need to work for residents. We are excited to be partnering with SOU on this important project.”
Southern Oregon University is committed to sustainable practices, environmental stewardship, and research that advances our understanding of local, regional, and global environmental issues. Visit sustainability.sou.edu.
The Ashland Climate Action Project of SOCAN works to ensure that climate action is a top priority in Ashland and incorporated into all city planning and decision-making. Through education and outreach we inform and engage residents to work together to reduce our community’s climate impact and support achievement of the goals of Ashland’s Climate and Energy Action Plan (CEAP). Visit socan.eco/ashland-climate-action/.
