Six Foundations for Building Community Resilience

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Post Carbon Institute Report by Daniel Lerch

Efforts to build community resilience often focus on growing the capacity to “bounce back” from disruptions, like those caused by climate change. But climate change is not the only crisis we face, nor is preparing for disruption the only way to build resilience. Truly robust community resilience should do more. It should engage and benefit all community members, and consider all the challenges the community faces—from rising sea levels to a lack of living wage jobs. And it should be grounded in resilience science, which tells us how complex systems—like human communities—can adapt and persist through changing circumstances. Six Foundations for Building Community Resilience describes how communities can approach the full scope of the 21st century’s challenges equitably and sustainably.

Co-op Power - One of the 25 Enterprises that Build Community Resilience featured in Transition Network report

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The Transition US REconomy Project features Co-op Power as one of the "25 Enterprises that Build Community Resilience."

All 25 enterprises featured in the report were nominated by the public and then vetted by a team of expert reviewers using a set of criteria that was developed by Transition Network (criteria can be found on page 15 of the report).

Solar Cookers: a New Member Benefit

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One pleasurable and simple way to move your life away from fossil fuels is with solar cooking. The fuel is always free and renewable! Solar cookers come in many sizes and designs, but we've selected two of the best for members to enjoy at discounted rates (up to 20% off). Each of these companies has an extensive program to distribute these stoves in energy-poor regions of the world, so sales of their cookers here supports their work to prevent illnesses and deaths due to smoke inhalation (and also protects forests) there. Learn more and find out how to get your discount at our Solar Cooking page.

35% Off Stiebel Eltron Solar Products and More

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Now is a great time to join Co-op Power because members can enjoy a 35% discount on Stiebel products from now until June 20th! Stiebel makes top quality solar hot water collectors, tankless water heaters, solar system controllers and line sets, heat pump water heaters, and more. See the full catalog here. You can buy and install the equipment yourself, hire a licensed technician you've worked with before to do the job, or work with one of our suggested installers. It's up to you!

Members normally enjoy a 25% discount on Stiebel products (and non-members can order equipment via us for 15% off). The lifetime membership rate of $975 can easily be recouped with one order, opening the door to many benefits like discounts on other products and services, a stake in the many renewable energy businesses that the co-op owns or co-owns (like Northeast Biodiesel and community shared solar arrays), and a say in how this effort toward freedom from fossil fuels develops over time. See full details on membership here, and go here to see what folks are saying about membership.

The membership rate for farmers is $750, and limited income folks earning less than $30,000/year and having assets of less than $25,000 (excluding a home) can join for just $500. A flexible payment plan is also available.

Join today and begin enjoying all the benefits of membership! If you're already a member and ready to order Stiebel products, please contact Junio to get started at 413-772-8898 or junio@cooppower.coop.

Grant Promotes Conservation and Energy Audits

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The Recorder reports on how owners of rental properties work with businesses like Co-op Power to increase the value and efficiency of their units via the Mass Save program, here. The co-op has been coordinating a grant program at the center of this feature that's been convincing landlords (and others) around Franklin County to get their energy assessments done.