West Eugene Clean Energy Project
Making clean energy accessible to West Eugene's communities
The Bethel Clean Energy began as an innovative pilot program that focused on making clean energy technologies accessible to Bethel residents. Our mission was to collaborate directly with neighborhood residents, to research and identify the best options for implementing free or low-cost clean energy home improvements!
These improvements will not only save money but also contribute to addressing community concern about our local air, water and soil quality. In partnership with VertueLab and Business Oregon, this pilot project specifically addresses the needs of residents directly affected by pollution from the former J.H. Baxter site.
Our ultimate goal is to establish a model that makes clean energy more accessible and benefits communities impacted by industrial pollution.
BCEP is expanding to WECEP!
We’re expanding this work beyond the Bethel neighborhood to serve more West Eugene neighbors living near industrial areas. This May, we will provide energy efficient portable air conditioners and air purifiers to eligible households, ensuring vulnerable populations stay cool, healthy and safe in the summer heat and wildfire smoke.
You may be eligible to receive an air conditioner or air purifier if:
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Your home is within the green boundary of this map
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Someone in your household is at risk of heat-related illness
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You qualify for OHP, SNAP, or other government assistance
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You don’t already have air conditioning or an air purifier in your home
Interested to see if you qualify? Fill out this form and find out!
Our ultimate goal with BCEP was to support the community directly impacted by pollution from the former J.H. Baxter site, and make clean energy more accessible. This improves the overall health of our communities by creating safer living environments, reducing home energy costs, and lessening greenhouse gas emissions from outdated appliances.
Now, through WECEP, we are able to reach a greater number of people who are facing health risks from climate change. As smoke from wildfires continues to increase and temperatures climb higher each summer, it’s crucial that families are able to remain cool, comfortable, and breathing clean air.
Questions?
If you have questions, please reach out to Beyond Toxics Community Organizer Arjorie Arberry-Baribeault at [email protected] or (541) 543-2468.
Exploring Clean Energy Technology for Bethel
Heat Pumps: A Two-Way Solution for Year-Round Comfort
In contrast to traditional HVAC appliances, heat pumps can run in both heating and cooling mode — filling the role of both an air conditioner and a furnace. Heat pumps running in heating mode have an energy-saving edge over a traditional gas or electric furnace: the heat pump simply moves heat rather than creating it through fossil fuel combustion or electric resistance. This key difference enables heat pumps to reach far greater levels of efficiency.
Building Insulation and Windows
Energy-efficient homes often incorporate key improvements such as insulation, air leak sealing and window enhancements. These simple and affordable measures can be implemented without the need for professional contractors. For example: If a typical homeowner invests $1,000 on their home, they can save up to $300 on energy bills each year and enjoy year round indoor comfort!
Solar Energy
Solar cells, also called photovoltaic cells, convert sunlight directly into electricity. A solar electric or photovoltaic (PV) system can reliably produce electricity for your home or office. These small solar systems are often installed by home or business owners to offset their electricity costs.
Solar systems convert light (photons) to electricity (voltage), which is called the photovoltaic effect. Today, electricity from solar cells has become cost competitive in many regions and photovoltaic systems are being deployed at large scales to help power the electric grid.
