Focus Choose biodiesel and the site displays feedstocks. Selecting oilseed crops shows agricultural soils suitable for growing oilseed crops and an analysis that shows the energy potential for a source. by Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund (VSJF), a nonprofit organization created by Vermont's legislature to accelerate the development of the state's green economy. VSJF provides early stage grant funding and technical assistance to develop markets for sustainably produced goods and services (e.g., renewable energy, local food systems). Built on Esri's ArcGIS technology, the atlas makes it possible for people to access data about biomass, geothermal, hydroelectric, solar, and wind resources and use GIS to view existing and potential projects by area. "Energy is the key variable for transitioning toward sustainability," said Scott Sawyer, research, evaluation, and communications coordinator at VSJF. "We were looking for a way to show people how renewable energy flows through their communities so they can see the options for harnessing it. The Web site lets them zoom in to a town or subtown level and look at the area's renewable energy and efficiency possibilities. Our goal was to make the Web site easy and fun." Robust GIS technology, good data, engaging Web design, and easy-to-use applications made this possible. Since its launch in April 2010, the site has received thousands of visitors. Other states have taken note of the site as well. For example, the Alaska Energy Authority is interested in building a similar tool. www.esri.com Looking for Viable Renewable Options Vermont is a small state with a "green" reputation. The state name means "green mountain." It is a state of lush forests, lakes, and rivers. Vermonters are passionate about ecology and work actively to build a sustainable future. Despite Vermont's green reputation, the state is as dependent on nonrenewable energy sources— fossil fuels and an aging nuclear reactor—as the rest of the nation. The pressing need to cut energy costs has led to a grassroots response to foster renewable energy generation and lessen the state's contribution to global warming. Of Vermont's 255 towns, more than 100 now have energy committees. Vermonters want to know where renewable resources exist and what they can do to utilize them. This sentiment was the impetus for the Renewable Energy Atlas of Vermont. How It Works Atlas visitors start by selecting an area and an energy option. Choose a biodiesel selection and the site displays three subcategories: oilseed crops, waste vegetable oil, and potential algae-to-biodiesel locations. Selecting waste vegetable oil will show the user the locations of all the restaurants that generate waste vegetable oil. Selecting oilseed crops will show agricultural soils suitable for growing oilseed crops. Another panel shows the results of analysis of the energy potential for a source. For example, these results might show the number of gallons of biodiesel fuel an acre of sunflowers could produce. Choose the solar option and specify the photovoltaic option, and the incoming solar radiation is modeled for nearly every building in the state. End users can tailor the information to the specifics of their site (e.g., photovoltaic (PV) system size, roof pitch) to arrive at an estimate of annual electricity output. How It Was Made Collecting, organizing, and analyzing data, as well as developing the Web interface for this project, was a sizable undertaking. It took the better part of two years from initial conceptualization to final Web site. VSJF worked with the Vermont Center for Geographic Information (VCGI) on the project. During the past 25 years, VCGI has been operating a clearinghouse, developing statewide geographic base layers, and providing GIS services to state agencies and local government. Mike Brouillette, a VCGI senior GIS project manager, worked with VSJF to compile, Continued on page 22 ArcUser Fall 2010 21