Energy Better Communities. Better Michigan.. Going Green What is the “Go Green” movement? Why...
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Transcript of Energy Better Communities. Better Michigan.. Going Green What is the “Go Green” movement? Why...
Energy
Better Communities. Better Michigan.
Going Green
What is the “Go Green” movement?
Why is it such a hot topic?
Going Green
How does “Going Green” affect – Earth?USA?Michigan? your community? you?
What do we know?
Let’s start with what we know . . .
What do we know?
PlanetIncrease in temperature of planet —
sometimes called global warming,
but more accurately climate change
What do we know?
ResourcesEarth’s resources are being used faster than they can be replenished. We continue to leave the planet in a poorer condition for our future generations than what we inherited.
What do we know?
Economic realityWe cannot afford to spend $$$ for energy usage at the same rate as we have in the past
Climate Change
Climate change is one of today’s most important issues affecting the world and our country
Climate Change
The warmest years ever recorded have all occurred in the past twelve years
1998—the warmest
2001—the second warmest
Climate Change
Why is this happening?
Primarily due to a steady rise in the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Limited Resources
We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.
- Antoine de Saint-Exupery
What’s Next?
Conditions are ripe for – a perfect storm ora perfect opportunity
Basic Terms and Concepts
Let’s spend just a few moments talking about the Basic Terms and Concepts
What are the Basic Terms?
Greenhouse effect and gasesCarbon footprintClimate changeClimate actionSustainability
Greenhouse Effect
Greenhouse effect is natural and good
Solar radiation is absorbed by the earth’s surface, converted into heat, and emitted into the atmosphere as infrared radiation
Greenhouse Effect
Some of the radiation escapes into outer space; however, some is absorbed and re-emitted BACK towards the earth’s surface by greenhouse gases
Greenhouse Effect
Greenhouse Effect
Climate change (global warming) is the result of “enhanced” greenhouse effect
Human activities have tipped the delicate balance of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, intensifying the natural greenhouse effect
Greenhouse Gases
The primary greenhouse gases (GHG) in the Earth’s atmosphere are water vapor carbon dioxide methane nitrous oxide ozone
Municipal GHG
Energy use for electricity, heating and transportation is far and away the largest contributor to municipal GHG Energy 91% Waste 1% Transportation 8%
Carbon Footprint
Carbon footprint measures the carbon dioxide emissions caused by activities for: Country Municipality Individual
Carbon Footprint
Carbon footprint is usually measured in pounds or tons of CO2 per year.
Environmental Footprint
There are other measures used —including environmental footprint
Why “Go Green”?
Climate protection measures Reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) Reduce energy consumption
But why? Because it directly promotes Sustainability
— the long-term environmental, social and economic vitality in our communities
Sustainability
Planning and action necessary to create long-term environmental, social, and economic vitality in communities
The triple-bottom line
Climate Action
Local governments are leading the way —ahead of the national government — to find solutions and take steps to combat climate change
Climate Action
What are local governments doing?
Local governments are not only addressing sustainable issues affecting municipal operations but also affecting their residents
Climate Action
From a municipal standpoint:
Forward-thinking local governments are addressing climate and energy concerns by integrating energy efficiency, clean energy supply, transportation, land use, and waste management
Climate Action
From a residential standpoint:
Local governments are providing incentives to reduce air pollutants, lower energy costs, support local economic development and improve public health and quality of life
Energy Star Challenge
Governmental units and other commercial and industrial energy consumers can take Energy Star Challenge to improve energy efficiency in their buildings by 10%
Energy Star Challengewww.energystar.gov
What about Michigan?
Has any program been developed specifically for Michigan communities?
YES!
Michigan Green Communities Challenge
Michigan local units of government can take the Michigan Green Communities Challenge
Program by which local units of government can increase energy efficiency, promote energy conservation, become more sustainable and reduce cost
Michigan Green Communities Challenge
Developed by the Michigan Municipal League in collaboration with the state Bureau of Energy Systems
Online template available for all Michigan communities
Michigan Green Communities Challenge Steps
Council actionAssign responsibilityTake audit/baseline measurementsMake your planChoose projects and goals for your
communityMeasure progress
Michigan Green Communities Challenge
Central resource for Michigan communities for energy efficiency and conservation practices
Central resource for Michigan communities for information re: EECBG projects
Michigan Green Communities Challenge
http://greenchallenge.mml.org
If your community has not yet enrolled, encourage your municipal officials to do so
What Can You Do?
Just as your community can take an assessment of its energy usage and commit to be more energy efficient and sustainable –
So can you!
Your Personal Carbon Footprint
Flying in a planeManufacture and distribution of products
you buyTurning on lights in houseDriving your car
Your Carbon Footprint
Home energy use accounts for about ¼ of your carbon footprintHome energy use - 27%Food and drink - 5%Recreation - 14%Services - 15%Purchase - 20%Transportation - 19%
Average Household Energy Use
Heating and cooling - 45% Water heater - 11% Refrigerator - 6% Dishwasher - 2% Clothes washer & dryer - 10% Computer and monitor - 2% TV, VCR, DVD - 2% Lighting - 7% Other (stoves, MWs, small appliances) - 15%
Carbon Footprint Calculatorwww.carbonfootprint.com
Home Energy Rating
Get a Michigan Home Energy Rating
Home energy ratings indicate the energy efficiency of a new or existing home on a scale from 500 to 0, where a lower number indicates greater energy efficiency (Go to mich.gov)
Perform Home Energy Audit
A home energy audit is the first step to determine how much energy your house uses and what improvements you should make to save money and energy Energy Star DTE Consumers Others
What is Energy Star?
Labeling program developed by US EPA designed to identify and promote energy efficient products to reduce GHG
Take the Energy Star Pledge—we can save more than $18 billion in annual energy costs and prevent GHG equivalent to emissions of more than 18 million cars
Energy Star Pledge
Perform Home Energy Audit
Energy Star provides helpful information on conducting a home audit including DIY audit
What’s Your Score
Perform Home Energy Audit
DTEGo to DTE Energy – Home Energy Audit
Offers4 options to conduct Home Energy Audit,
including free online audit using MyEnergy Analyzer
Perform Home Energy Audit
Consumers EnergyGo to Consumers Energy – Home Energy
Analyzer
Energy Star
Actions that you can take in your house!
Energy Star Highlights
A programmable thermostat can save you up to $180 per year
Changing to energy-efficient lighting can save you up to $70 per year
Energy Star Highlights
Proper installation and use of Energy Star qualified heating and cooling equipment can cut your energy bill by nearly $200 per year
Sealing air leaks and adding insulation with guidance from ENERGY STAR can reduce your overall home energy bill by up to 10 percent, or about $200
Energy Star Categories
Heating and CoolingHome SealingLightingWater UsageOffice EquipmentElectronicsAppliances
Heating and Cooling Tips
Make sure all air registers or floor vents are clear of furniture
Make sure that connections at vents and registers are well-sealed
HVAC—Replace air filter at least every 3 months
If your furnace is more than 15 years old, consider replacing
Heating and Cooling Tips
If your a/c unit is more than 12 years old, consider replacing with more efficient unit
Properly ventilate attic Install Energy Star qualified ventilation fans
to control moisture in bathrooms. Make sure fan duct leads to outdoors to prevent moisture problems
Home Sealing Tips
Cover and seal all holes that lead from plumbing, ductwork, or electrical outlets
Seal gaps and holes with caulk, foam board and spray foam. Never use duct tape—it is not long-lasting
Home Sealing Tips
In a typical house, about 20% of the air that moves through the duct system is lost due to leaks and poorly connected ducts. Result: inefficient HVAC system, high utility bills and difficulty keeping the house comfortable
A properly sealed “envelope” or “shell” of your house can save up 10% of total annual energy bills
Home Sealing Tips
If replacing windows, choose Energy Star qualified models designed for your area
Seal holes around outlets with an inexpensive outlet gasket
Lighting Tips
Replace light bulbs with Energy Star qualified bulbs, including compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL)
Water Usage Tips
A 10-minute shower uses less water than a full tub
Use 2.5 gallon-per-minute shower head—saving 5 gallons of water over typical bath and saving $145/year in electricity
Energy Star
Buy Energy Star products
Sustainability
For your community and for you . . .Going Green is a win-win situationIt saves moneyEnsures that the next generations will be able to
enjoy the Earth without depleting its resources
Energy Star @ Home
Now check this out on your computer and have some fun!
ENERGY STAR @ HOME
ENERGY STAR @ HOME
ENERGY STAR @ HOME
ENERGY STAR @ HOME
ENERGY STAR @ HOME
ENERGY STAR @ HOME
ENERGY STAR @ HOME
ENERGY STAR @ HOME
ENERGY STAR @ HOME
ENERGY STAR @ HOME
ENERGY STAR @ HOME
ENERGY STAR @ HOME
ENERGY STAR @ HOME
ENERGY STAR @ HOME
ENERGY STAR @ HOME
Home Performance
• Best way is through an integrated "whole-house" approach that looks at your house as a system.
• Home Performance with ENERGY STAR offers a comprehensive, whole-house approach to improving energy efficiency and comfort at home, while helping to protect the environment.
Michigan Saves
• Stay tuned!!
• Residential program designed to offer low-cost loans for energy improvements
Conclusion
As your local officials, we are willing to help you in any way that we can to become more energy efficient and help reduce your costs.
It’s our way to partner with you as green communities and residents.
Slide Title
This power point has been prepared by the Michigan Municipal League in partial fulfillment of a Technical Assistance Grant awarded by and funds received from the state of Michigan under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
Michigan Economic Recovery