Natural Awakenings

22
energy in the 21st Century
Renewable options Can Help Stop Climate Change
2012 was the hottest year
ever recorded, according to
the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration. The
dynamic change of weather patterns
has been devastating and our
planet is getting hotter, due to the
greenhouse effect. The more carbon
(CO 2 ) pollution we create and put
in the atmosphere, the more we
increase the chances of weather
disasters, droughts and floods.
The use of renewable energy sources such as solar,
hydroelectric, geothermal, wind power and biomass will
reduce the need for fossil fuel consumption and help the
planet. Many of us have already taken great strides in reducing
energy use in our homes and workplaces by recycling,
upgrading insulation, conserving electricity and adding
renewable energy sources. Some have also turned to more
efficient cars and public transportation. However, with the
U.S. being the world’s second-largest producer of CO 2 , we
must strive to reach the next level—working toward a net
zero energy world.
Planning for a Net Zero Energy Footprint
Each April, a Symposium on Energy is presented in Syracuse
to educate interested individuals and organizations about
the most important and cutting-edge information available.
The topic this year is Planning for a Net Zero Energy Footprint.
A net zero energy building or community is one that
produces as much energy as it consumes, using efficiency
gains, demand-avoidance strategies and the production of
adequate onsite renewable energy that can accommodate
energy needs.
Although a total net zero energy footprint may not
be attainable immediately, many communities are now
working toward that goal. In Central New York, Madison
County, already a leader in wind energy, has embarked on
a countywide project called Solarize Madison. This is a
community-focused, grassroots effort to develop a community
solar initiative that helps residents, business owners and
municipalities overcome the financial and logistical hurdles
Central New York AwakeningsCNY.com
by dr. rhea Jezer
of installing solar power through high
volume group purchasing.
The Central New York
Energy Challenge
An innovative outreach program called
the Central New York Energy Challenge
offers a unique opportunity to work on
personal capabilities toward a clean,
healthy, net zero energy future; the
initiative is designed to encourage and assist property owners
throughout Central New York to conserve energy, make
energy upgrades and implement renewable energy projects
in their homes.
A pilot program, called Energy Challenge Teams, consists
of five to eight households that work together through a
six-week curriculum to learn about energy use and energysaving
actions within the home. This is intended to help
homeowners improve their health and comfort and maintain
the value of their homes, and should lead to energy savings
of up to 30 percent. Through conservation, as well as new
energy sources, households will not only be living a cleaner,
less expensive life, but will decrease emissions and reduce
global warming.
Seven local communities are piloting the Energy Challenge:
two in Cortland County (Preble and city of Cortland),
three in Onondaga County (town of Dewitt, the village of
Skaneateles and the city of Syracuse), one in Oswego County
(city of Oswego) and one in Madison County.
Come to the Energy 21 Symposium on April 12 and join
the Central New York Energy Challenge team at CNYEnergy
Challenge.org/join-the-challenge. A net zero energy world is
crucial for the health and future of ourselves and our planet.
For more information on the Symposium on Energy, visit
Energy21Symposium.org.
Rhea Jezer, Ph.D., director of the Symposium on Energy
in the 21st Century, was awarded the 2012 Post Standard
Achievement award for her contributions to making Central
New York a better place to live.