Lane Coulston, Energy efficient homeowner

Lane Coulston sits at his kitchen table and talks about his home with comfortable ease.
Coulston's dwelling has been an energy-saving project about 5-years in the making, and a longtime goal come to fruition. It blends in with other residences in the cozy, family-friendly Lower Rattlesnake, but warrants a second-look to passersby.

The home is undoubtedly 'green' but is in no way pretentious. Unlike many green homes that are built as much for show as for function, the purpose of Coulston's home is clearly defined by features in every room of the house - from the small-scale appliances in the kitchen, the recycled natural materials on the floors and walls, to the fold-down beds and small closet-like room that serves as the “energy-central” collected from solar panels and the wind turbine outside.

“We had designed a major remodel of this house to be energy efficient and sustainable in using local and recycled materials whenever possible. In doing that, we recreated this whole house,” Coulston said.

Coulston and his wife started their 'project' in 2007, when they moved to Missoula from Helena. Coulston had lived in Missoula prior to Helena and always knew he would come back.

“I just kept coming back here. My kids were raised here. This was the place I loved more than anything,” he said.

Coulston's professional background involves sustainable projects related to traditional land use: farming, ranching, agriculture, and energy. But energy conservation in the home has been largely self-taught.

While in Helena, Coulston's family started wondering how they could make their historic 1889 home affordable to live in and energy efficient. They started just by changing the light bulbs and the refrigerator and, over time, installed a solar energy system. They were able to capture about half of their heat through the sun.

Coulston's move to Missoula involved taking energy efficiency to a whole new level. He totally renovated his home to be energy efficient and made with natural and recycled materials. Missoula builder Steve Loken helped with the design and materials for the renovation.

Loken was the right man for the job. He's been working on sustainable building since 1980. And although Loken does new construction, his real passion is in rebuilding and restoring existing housing.

“The most efficient thing you can do is reclaim the existing building, make it more efficient for the next 100 years,” Loken said.

Loken said he values new green building, but because most of the needs to meet housing are already in place, it makes most sense to work with houses that have already been built.

“Green building is very sexy. It's exciting – but 99 percent of the problem is already here on the ground. The roads, the sewer, the water, the gas – the infrastructure is already here, so let's make it better,” Loken said.

Coulston worked with Loken to research the best energy-efficient and natural ways to improve his home.

The walls are finished with a clay-based paint. He used dense-packed cellulose for insulation in the walls, which is basically shredded newspaper. His floors are natural wood recycled and refinished from his home before the renovation.

Coulston also added solar to his home. He has a PV system that has the ability to add energy back to the grid, and allows him to save money even on cloudy day. In the summer, solar energy adds enough heat and electricity that he uses virtually no extra energy than what is created. Coulston even went as far to rally the city to change their ordinance to allow him to install a vertical axis wind turbine in his yard.

The homeowner has a TED energy device installed on his computer that shows how much energy is being produced,versus how much energy is being used. Being aware of what goes in and out makes him aware of what activities use most energy and helps him make a conscious effort to conserve.

The process of designing and implementing energy-efficient practices has been a great experience for Coulston.

“Learning about all of the materials available and the possibilities for redesigning a house was really interesting for me,” he said.

Loken said Coulston's dedication to energy has stood out to him throughout the years.

“He's very much an energy guy. He likes doing things for energy purposes and is very committed to conservation – there's no question,” Loken said. “I think he's made some pretty sound decisions.”

Although Coulston went above and beyond in efforts to be energy-efficient, just about anyone can find ways to save energy in their home. Beyond changing light bulbs, improving insulation, updating windows and getting a new furnace can make a big difference in the amount of energy a person uses. The utility company and government programs often provide incentives for energy-saving updates. Energy-experts Coulston and Loken suggest each individual find what's available and take the time to research what works for them.

Coulston said he's saves a lot of money and energy because of the appliances he's installed in his home. His dishwasher, stove, refrigerator and washer and dryer are designed with efficiency in mind, and use only a fraction of the energy most appliances do. All of his kitchen appliances are not as wide as most models. His fridge has the freezer on the bottom and he uses a gas washer and dryer, which is widely available, but uses much less energy than electrical.

Loken said you can save energy by paying attention to your landscape as well.

“There is a whole host of things that we can do for water efficiency. Eliminating some of your lawn, planting native grasses, putting in shrubs that don't need to be watered as much. If you are going to water, grow food,” he said.

Making homes more energy efficient makes sense now more than ever. In this hard economic time, it makes sense to think about homes in the long-term.

“People used to think they could throw any amount of money in on their house and they would get it back on resale. That's not the case right now. Now you just have to decide that your home is where you want to be,” Loken said. “Energy efficiency upgrades almost always have paybacks because it is money out of your pocket that you are saving.”

Instead of jumping on the bandwagon with the latest 'green' marketing scheme, Loken suggests individuals think about energy efficiency is by asking, “What is the simplest and easiest things you can do to get the job done to make you comfortable and have the least amount of impact on the environment?”

Both of Coulston and Loken are driven by a proactive approach to energy, a dislike of dependence on oil and fossil fuels from outside Montana and a goal for self sufficiency.

“We've gone through at least half of the world's petroleum products at this time, so now we're starting to fuss about the second half,” Coulston said. “It took us about 100 years or more to consume half of the world's oil supply. It's predicted that in less than 25 years we'll go through the second half. With everyone accelerating their use of petroleum products, it makes sense to learn about some of the ways to conserve.”

The feet-dragging happening in the U.S. political system is going to force people to do something in the future. Coulston is operating ahead of the curve.

“At some point in time, somebody 20-years from now is going to say, 'What happened to our leadership? Why hasn't something been done about this?' We live in denial right now that everything's going to be alright. The economy will get better. We will just create more jobs. But that really isn't where it's at. We have plenty of work to do if we were just to do more to create sustainable communities.”

Jack Stucky, City of Missoula fleet superintendent

Jack Stucky enjoys hunting, fishing, horses and just about any activity you can do outside – short of climbing rocks – “and I would do that when I was younger,” he said.

He grew up on farms and ranches and has been involved in mechanics and other automotive jobs throughout his career. Stucky is now the Vehicle Maintenance Superintendent for the City of Missoula, and is responsible for the fleet of city vehicles from police cars to street sweepers.

He has a deep voice and a friendly demeanor.

Although fuel plays a large part of maintaining his city vehicle fleet, Stucky calls fossil fuels “archaic.” His work influences many of his decisions as fleet superintendent, and has made an impact on the city as a whole.

“Eventually we are going to run out of fossil fuel, and we are going to be forced to do something, so why not do it ahead of time?” Stucky asked.

This "man's man" has a soft spot for energy use.

Stucky helped reduce the amount of gallons of unleaded gas used by city vehicles by almost 12 percent in 2010. At one point he was also able to cut his fleet of vehicles from from 425 to about 320 vehicles by taking out poor mileage, poor performing vehicles.

“We tried to take the vehicles that were more efficient in their given role and use those more and take the less efficient out of the fleet,” Stucky said.

During the past five years, the vehicle superintendent has also played a major role in reducing energy use, including electricity and natural gas, in city buildings.

“In this building alone, we reduced the annual output by 18,000 kilowatt hours just by changing the lights,” Stucky said.

The payback for the retrofitting was originally estimated to take eight years, but turned out to be just four.

“There is no private or public sector business that shouldn't participate economically in that,” he said.

Missoula Public Works Director Steve King has worked with Stucky for close to two-decades. King said a lot of Stucky's work flies under the radar as far as the public is concerned, but his work is instrumental to the city as an organization.

“He will make the financial case and the energy case simultaneously - a two for one,” King said. “He looks for leveraging with limited city resources and the most benefit for the dollar.”

Part of what makes Stucky successful is that he has “built into him a community spirit, that is very suttle,” his boss said. “He's not a flag waving type of guy but he wants us to do the right thing with what we've got.”

Stucky's personal investment to reducing emissions comes from a belief in efficiency and clean energy.

“I think that fossil fuels are archaic. I think there are better fuels out there.”

The vehicle superintendent is a supporter of electric automobiles and has big hopes technical advances in hydrogen power.

“It would be wonderful to have a city full of vehicles that had no exhaust. Especially in Montana, where we like clear blue skies and fresh air.”

The native Montanan is afraid current trends are pointing in the wrong direction.

“I go to Los Angeles and I think, 'This is awful, how could people live like this?' But I see it the trends starting to come. I don't think we can continue to grow at the rate we are,” Stucky said.

The proud local would like future generations to grow up in the Montana he did.

“When I grew up it was a pristine state, and it still is compared to others, but I would like to keep it that way for my kids.”

And although he is proud of the legacy of the Big Sky Country, and all of the perks that come with it, Stucky also recognizes that some traditional “Montanan” ways of thinking have got to change.

Statistics echoe Stucky's woes. In 2007, the Montana Climate Change Advisory found that our state has 60 percent higher per capita greenhouse emissions than the rest of the country.

The train of thought needs to veer away from fossil fuels, and move toward the development of alternative energy, Stucky said. Another worry is the reliance on big, fuel-sucking vehicles.

“Montana is terribly pro-pickup truck - with one person driving,” he said.

Although it's slow, Stucky does see change happening.

“The next-generation is getting better. It's a challenge, but we are changing a train of thought that is an icon in Montana,” he said.

The city worker has frequently stood before the city council to make suggestions about how to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

As he's matured, he's changed the way gets people to rally behind him.

“As a younger person, I used to try to make them do things. Now as a older person, I try to make them think it's their idea,” he said with a laugh.

Although he has the support of many council members and peers at the city, budget woes are a constant struggle in enacting change.

“Resources are a challenge in every site and every part of our fleet. Ironically, it costs money to save money. It costs money to reduce emissions - and that's a big challenge,” Stucky said.

No matter what amount of resources, Stucky said he will continue to make improvements to his fleet and to other parts of city operations.

“We've done a lot with the fleet but there is a lot more we could do, and a lot of our buildings are really old and not as efficient as they could be,” he said. “I think the city is an example. We certainly are the focus when we are not doing something. We are an entity that the public looks too, and if they see us doing something clean, I think it can be used as guidance.”

Robin Saha, University professor and policy guru

Robin Saha grew up near the Cuyahoga river when it infamously caught fire and Lake Erie with it's tainted 'dead zone.'

The environment of Cleveland, Ohio wasn't exactly a pristine setting - but these childhood memories made a lasting impression. Saha realized things can improve when community members band together.

“It showed me that, over time, people do start paying attention to their environment, to pollution and things that are harmful to our health,” Saha said.

Today, Robin Saha's work has influenced many climate change issues in Missoula and beyond. He knows that environmental issues aren't just about nature - but also influence people.

Saha holds a Phd and teaches environmental studies at the University of Montana. He and his wife, Beth Covitt, live in a simple home with big windows, dozens of houseplants and plenty of books. From the kitchen table, you can hear the cluck of the urban chickens. The hum of the energy saving refrigerator is almost nonexistent.

Although Saha believes in doing the little things to reduce his individual carbon footprint, he's a mover and a shaker in the community. He's involved in many community activities and organizations, and encourages his students to do the same.
“I try to create opportunities for students and give them advice and guidance for being more sustainable in their own lives. But I also recognize and teach them that are limits to what we as individuals can do,” Saha said.

Saha is on the board of the Montana Board of Conservation Voters. He helps with fundraising and finding environmentally-minded people to run for office in Missoula. He supports local and national nonprofits, and is involved with campus organizations like the Sustainable Campus Committee and the Revolving Energy Loan Fund, a committee that accepts proposals from students for energy and resource conservation projects on campus.

Saha's enthusiasm for community participation also rubs off on his students.

“One of the things I really like about Robin is that he really encourages students to get involved in practical solutions to environmental change,” said Jennifer Hill, a graduate student whose worked with Saha since 2007.

“He has lots of connections, which is helpful for students too. He can point them in the right direction and help them grow professionally.”

One major project professor Saha and a group of graduate students embarked on is 177-page report about the amount of greenhouse gas emissions being spewed from city operations.

His research class, called 'Local Solutions to Climate Change' made some dramatic findings in their Missoula Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and Analysis, which was unveiled to the city council in February. They found that in 2008 alone, Missoula city operations released 11,540 tons of greenhouse gas into the air. To put it in Missoula terms – Saha said it's equivalent to the weight of 7,500 Subaru Outbacks. That many cars on the road would stretch bumper to bumper from Missoula to Lolo and back again, he said.

Saha acknowledged that in spite of somber emissions results, the city has been making efforts to become more climate friendly. The take home message, he said, is to ask them to do a better job.

“I think the city needs to set a goal, and an ambitious goal for 2020, and figure out how we are going to get there.”

In the past decade cities have emerged as important players in the fight against climate change.

“Cities are very important contributors to emissions in this country. They are also part of the solution,” Saha said. “We have a problem with gridlock in Helena and in Washington DC getting action on climate change, so cities can play a very important role being leaders and taking steps that are difficult to achieve otherwise.”

Saha and his students have also been paying attention to climate change issues at the University of Montana. The university has already made the hefty goal to become climate neutral by 2020. Now, it's up to students and faculty to make this a reality.

Hill is the student representative for sustainability on campus, and has been spreading the word about the university's Climate Change Action Plan.

“We are looking at the Climate Action Plan to see what the university is doing and what they are planning on doing,” Hill said. “We also want to come up with some short term and long term goals to give it more teeth.”

Hill says her work with Saha has given her tools to enact change, including 'being overly knowledgeable' about projects she wants to move forward.

“He's a big fan of committees and planning and agendas, and making sure everyone who should be at the table is at the table before we try to push a project,” Hill said.

“It's really important to get buy-in from everyone involved. You want to make sure everyone has input and they're on board - because otherwise you're project won't be sustainable - and that's counter-productive to what we want to do,” she said.

Saha's wife Beth Covitt notices her husband's dedication to his work everyday.

“He tries really hard to get back to everyone who contacts him. He is a very hard worker,” Covitt said.

There are times she has to remind him to slow down.

“Sometimes I have to get him to stop to eat dinner, or go take a walk and get some exercise and look out the window,” she said.

Saha met his like-minded lady at the University of Michigan, where they both studied at the School of Natural Resources and Environment.

“That's something that we have in common, making decisions about what we do in terms of places we go, things we buy and how we take care of things in our house,” Covitt said. “I think we are both similar in that respect. We consciously chose lifestyles and work where we aren't going to get rich in terms of monetary wealth - but there is the benefit of doing something that matches your values.”

Click here to view the Missoula Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and Analysis