Richmond, The City of Pride, with an active and vocal citizenry that supports a Greener and Sustainable environment, has walked the talk, voted their conscience and is now actively working at all levels to make Richmond a model city for the future. From electing a Green Mayor in Gayle Mclaughlin, to active volunteer organizations, Richmond has been a leader in demonstrating the power of grassroots activism.
Solar Richmond, a volunteer run organization, is an example of the way citizens have organized to improve the quality of life in Richmond. Solar Richmond was started in 2005 by Michele Mcgoey, a serial software entrepreneur who is now a committed Green Energy entrepreneur, and with the support of then councilwoman Gayle Mclaughlin. Solar Richmond’s mission is to install 5MW of solar power and create at least 100 “Green Collar” jobs by 2010.
To achieve these goals Solar Richmond is working on multiple fronts. For example, Solar Richmond has created working committees devoted to residential and commercial installations, education and city programs. In addition, the employment program consists of a coordinated effort between the education component and the city programs working towards the creation of “Green Collar” jobs. The working committees are actively working with the community to solicit ideas and network with both governmental and non-governmental organizations to achieve their objectives.
The primary focus of the residential program is to increase awareness of solar power and programs that are available for the installation of solar power. In 2006, Solar Richmond organized a Solar Tour as a part of the National Solar Tour Day. As a part of the tour 7 houses and 1 business that had solar power and, in some cases, solar water heaters were a part of the tour. In addition, the residential working group, in partnership with Grid Alternatives , is working towards the installation of 10 systems on the homes of low-income disabled/senior citizens. These installations will include training of youth from Richmond in solar installation and they will be responsible, under supervision by Grid Alternatives, for the installation.
Richmond is the home of Heliodyne, the leading manufacturer of solar water heaters, and Solar Richmond is working towards increasing the number of solar powered businesses. The commercial working group, in partnership with SF Community Power, is in the process of recruiting businesses to participate in PG&E’s Demand Response Program. This program pays businesses that commit to reducing their power consumption during peak demand summer months.
The education working group has been working with the PG&E schools program and is also working at both introducing and expanding the Solar Curriculum in local colleges. Taking a medium to long term view at addressing global warming, the working group is working towards introducing curriculum at the middle and high school level that covers Green Energy/Sustainable Development. In addition, with a shorter time horizon in mind, the group is working with local community colleges to introduce curriculum that will enable students to work within the growing green energy industry.
A far sighted city manager and a progressive council led by a Green Mayor have been receptive to ideas around green energy. In March 2006, the city council passed a resolution that was put forward by Solar Richmond that committed the city to installing PV panels on all the civic centre buildings. In addition, drawing on the experience of solar vendors and installers, Solar Richmond is working with the city staff to streamline the permitting requirements.
Finally, drawing on the efforts of the other working groups, Solar Richmond is working towards creating “green collar” jobs. The employment working group is working with both governmental and non-governmental organizations to organize training, raise job awareness and link with employers to understand their needs and ultimately create viable green jobs . Solar Richmond is joined in this effort by Richmond Works , Richmond Youth Build and Rubicon Programs .
