New Hampshire Carbon Challenge Communities

Reaching 234 towns and cities in New Hampshire and into New England is only possible through the partnerships we've developed with communities...schools, towns, local energy committees, faith-based organizations, civic groups, and regional entities. As partners, we each have a vital part to play:

We develop the tools and resources to help households and communities reduce their residential energy consumption and the communities implement the Carbon Challenge.

It's a partnership that works. The table below lists several of the creative approaches communities are using to implement the Carbon Challenge; strategies that have been successful in encouraging residents to reduce their energy consumption. Are you using a different approach and don't see it listed? Tell us about it; we'd love to share your ideas with others.

WHAT WE DO: OUR TOOLS TO REDUCE HOME ENERGY CONSUMPTION

If you're eager to have your organization take action on climate change and reduce its environmental impact, we can help. We have tools and resources to estimate your current emissions, map out a plan to reduce these emissions, and chart your progress in achieving your goal(s). We can also link individual households in your organization to each other, to document your collective progress. And we also offer several incentives for taking the Challenge!

Want to learn more? Our 10 Great Reasons Your Organization Should Take the Carbon Challenge highlights our resource and service offerings. Should you have any questions e-mail Denise denise@nhcc.sr.unh.edu or by phone 603.862.3128.

HOW COMMUNITIES ARE IMPLEMENTING THE CARBON CHALLENGE

Below is a listing of some of the strategies communities are using to encourage their residents to "Take the Challenge". Many of these are "works in progress"; a few had well defined start and end dates that have now ended.

If you'd like to help your community reduce its energy costs and contribution to climate change, these strategies can help you get there:

Location	Description of Challenge
Barrington, NH	A simple e-mail appeal to residents to take the NH Carbon Challenge. Sample E-mail: Text of E-mail
Mount Washington Valley Climate Challenge	The Mount Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring this Challenge; the kick-off was held at the Business to Business Expo in May, 2008 with laptops available to sign-up Challenge takers. Website: http://www.mtwashingtonvalley.org Media Coverage: How Green is Mount Washington Valley? Carbon Challenge Issued in Mount Washington Valley
Oyster River Carbon Challenge	Hosted several outreach events to raise awareness of the Challenge and then organized a series of "Energy House Parties" to introduce residents to simple actions that can be taken to reduce energy consumption through the Carbon Challenge. Sample E-newsletters: ORCC Newsletter; ORCC Newsletter 2
Rye Carbon Challenge	Implemented a month-long Challenge in which classrooms competed to have the most participants taking the Challenge. Website: Rye Turning Green Media Coverage: Rye Kids Work to Save Energy; Environmental Learning in Our Schools More Information: Rye Carbon Challenge
Sanbornton UCC Church	The Sanbornton (NH) UCC Church is taking the Challenge; e-mail updates keep congregation members informed of their progress.
Williamstown COOL Challenge	Hosted a two-part series of community forums to educate residents about climate change and encourage participation in the Challenge. Placed a warrant article on the town ballot encouraging residents to take the Challenge. Website: http://coolwilliamstown.org Media Coverage: Carbon Gets a COOL Reduction; COOL Committee Warrant Article: COOL Challenge Warrant Article

Are you using a different approach and don't see it listed? Tell us about it; we'd love to share your ideas and strategies with others.