Energy and the Green Cities Project

• Energy Basics
• Green City Energy Models
• Energy Links

Energy Basics

• Renewable Energy

  There are many environmental threats facing us because of the quantity and source of energy we use today. The burning of coal creates carbon dioxide - a greenhouse gas - and sulfur dioxide - a component of acid rain. Burning oil also creates carbon dioxide. Despite these problems, our current system relies almost entirely upon the combustion of these petroleum products. Our high energy consumption leads to depletion of these "natural resources."

  We cannot continue to use fossil fuels because of the damage they do, and even if they caused no damage, there is only a finite amount of these nonrenewable resources. To avert ecological harm, and to keep from running out of the energy source we depend upon, we must shift energy production to renewable resources - wind, sun, geothermal, ad water. Also, much of the energy produced at centralized sites is lost traveling over transmission lines. Thus, to create a green city, it's important to create local, renewable power.

• Energy Efficiency

Not only are there concerns with the kind of fuel used to generate electricity and other forms of energy, but also with the amount used for each job done. The efficiency of appliances, heating and cooling systems, etc. is very low. It is estimated that we could live at the same standard of living with half of the energy we use today.

While some parts of local energy production are matters of individual purchasing choices - like installation of photovoltaic electricity systems or solar hot water heaters on homes, there are many ways to increase energy efficiency and use of renewable energy sources within your community.

• Pass legislation requiring energy efficient cars and buildings owned by the municipality.
• Pass legislation requiring the use of alternative energy and heat sources on municipal property.

Green City Energy Models

Halibut Point State Park Renewable Energy Project

Under a partnership between the Division of Energy Resources, the Department of Environmental Management and the Massachusetts Electric Company, a Renewable Energy Visitors Center was constructed at Halibut Point State Park in Rockport, just north of the famous fishing port of Gloucester. The Center demonstrates renewable energy technology and will include: Wind Power: a Bergey Windpower 10 kilowatt Wind Turbine on a 100' free standing tower, connected to the facility using a utility synchronous inverter. Solar PV Power: a one kilowatt, roof mounted solar PV array directly connected to the building's utility interphase with a utility synchronous inverter. Solar Hot Water: a roof mounted solar collector with piping to a heat exchanger and a hot water storage tank in the utility room. This system will provide the facility's domestic hot water. The facility will have interpretive signs, displays, and system monitoring exhibits which will serve as learning aids for visitors interested in renewable energy technology.

Energy Links

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network
Solstice: Sustainable Energy Information
Energy Solutions for Cities and Counties
Solar Electric.com
Solar Energy International
Million Solar Roofs