ENERGY & BUILDINGS
Almost two thirds of the Big Sky carbon footprint is the result of heating, cooling, and otherwise operating buildings using electricity provided by NorthWestern Energy, and propane gas provided by multiple, independent suppliers. This includes most residential and commercial emissions and more than half of the industrial emissions. Big Sky aims for net zero electricity by 2050 or sooner. Along with the implementation of the strategies outlined below, there will likely be shifts and advancements in policies, technology, market forces and NorthWestern Energy’s 2050 commitments that would allow us to reach this goal more quickly.
Building Big Sky’s Resilient Future
Build Better Big Sky is Big Sky’s go-to resource for sustainable building and home electrification. We empower our community with the knowledge, support, and incentives needed to electrify homes and adopt environmentally responsible practices. Through comprehensive guidance, we’re building a more resilient, energy-efficient future—together. Build Better Big Sky is a program of Big Sky SNO.
ENERGY & BUILDINGS BEST PRACTICES
Big Sky is working toward achieving net-zero electricity emissions by 2050, in alignment with our Big Sky Community Climate Action Plan climate goals. Getting there requires action across all levels of our community. In addition to the strategies outlined below, progress will also depend on evolving policies, technologies, market trends, and NorthWestern Energy’s own 2050 commitments—all of which could accelerate our path to net zero.
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Calculate your household or business carbon footprint through a home energy audit with Build Better Big Sky’s Home Energy Audit incentive or NorthWestern Energy’s home energy audit and apply identified solutions to reduce energy use.
Calculate your overall personal carbon footprint by quickly by using a carbon calculator (like Climate Hero) and apply identified solutions to reduce energy use.
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Simple changes in behavior like turning off lights and unplugging appliances when not in use, or adjusting heating and cooling temperature settings can help reduce energy use and costs.
Install energy efficient appliances, upgrade heating and cooling systems, and install programmable thermostats. Initial investment in these upgrades are typically offset by savings in your energy bills over the years.
Utilize tax incentive programs that offer rebates for efficiency actions and implementations. When remodeling and updating, replace liquid propane appliances with electric, considering EnergyStar Certified appliances.
Rewiring America can estimate rebates & credits from the Inflation Reduction Act.
Consider renewable energy.
Learn more about building energy efficiency and electrification by checking out Build Better Big Sky
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Increase the clean energy supply by:
• Promoting roof top solar and larger scale solar installations in Big Sky.
• Advocating for green net metering regulations in Montana.
• Researching and applying for grants that assist Big Sky in implementing energy projects.
• Researching large scale solar installation opportunities and other localized clean energy resources for potential future implementation (see our project, Riverview Solar).
• Assessing, tracking, and encouraging Big Sky to take advantage of provisions within the 2022 Federal Inflation Reduction Act.
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Increasing the clean energy supply mix accessible to the Big Sky community requires advocacy at the local, state, and federal level, in addition to engagement with privately held stakeholders such as NorthWestern Energy.
Sign on to climate legislation and write to government representatives. Citizens Climate Lobby, Montana Environmental Information Center, & Sierra Club are well known advocacy groups that notify individuals when they can sign on to support climate legislation.
Register to vote and participate in elections by voting. Registration can be done at vote.org.
Contact your HOA
Energy Efficiency Resources
Get involved in energy saving efforts in our community