The Vineyard Energy Project (VEP) is a non-profit, founded in 2003, to meet the need for greater knowledge about energy on the island of Martha's Vineyard. Our focus is to build the knowledge base and infrastructure necessary to meet the energy challenge. Uncertainties in our energy future, whether as a result of energy supply issues in a post Peak Oil world; extreme conditions related to Climate Change; or increasing fuel prices; are all catalysts for our work.
Our Mission is to work to effect a transition from fossil fuels to a sustainable approach to the energy needs of Martha’s Vineyard. Through education, outreach, advocacy, convening and implementation activities, VEP strives to be a catalyst for the paradigm shift needed to meet the energy challenge that is before us all.
In order to increase community support and the infrastructure needed to further energy efforts on the island, to date, we have:
• provided the funding and facilitation needed to install 14 highly visible solar demonstration sites across the island from our Steamship Authority Terminal in Vineyard Haven to the restrooms at the Aquinnah Cliffs;
• sponsored the development of a 10 Year Energy Action Plan in 2004 to provide both individual and regional understanding of the next best energy steps for the Vineyard to pursue. (This document provided the foundation for the current Island Energy Plan.);
• offered lectures and community gatherings that provided information about the energy challenge--Climate Change, Peak Oil, and available renewable energy technologies;
• provided workshops for the construction community on energy related topics including a series on increasingly aggressive approaches to energy efficient construction;
• drafted an Energy Efficiency overlay to be considered for use to improve the energy performance of residential construction;
• done building energy analysis to compare the costs of energy efficient construction costs vs. long-term operating costs;
• offered training to tradesmen-electricians, plumbers and builders- on installing and maintaining renewable energy systems;
• facilitated an energy curriculum and offered materials to all of the island's six grade schools and the regional high school;
• provided energy information through our website, personal consultations and site visits and newspaper articles;
• made energy presentations to all the island's Selectmen, County Commissioners and the Martha's Vineyard Commission, our regional Planning entity;
• offered ongoing energy information and policy assistance to the MV Commission;
• provided energy information to other island organizations including many of the island's land conservation groups, the Farm Institute, the Ice Arena and local businesses;
• offered an annual Energy Day with speakers, exhibits and renewable energy information;
• lead a collaborative effort in 2007 with Island Grown Initiative and the Vineyard Conservation Society, titled "Living Local", to showcase what options the island currently offers for local energy and food production solutions.
Vineyard Energy Project won the 2005 National Best Progress Award from the US Department of Energy's Million Solar Roofs Program.
