Aaron Fairbrook and Trent Brown, Environmental Science and Regional Planning
Renewable resources are an
integral part of sustainability. In contrast, the use of nonrenewable
resources leads us away from the goal of regional sustainability.
The use of renewable resources alleviates the problems of long-term supply,
expensive extraction, and environmental degradation which accompanies the
subsequent use of nonrenewable resources. There are a variety of
renewable resources that could possibly enable our societies (WSU and the
surrounding community) to become more sustainable, while limiting negative
human impacts on the environment.
The current list of renewable
resources includes; solar thermal energy, solar photovoltaics, biomass,
wind power, tidal and wave energy, and geothermal energy. Also included
in this list by many is hydroelectricity energy derived from dams.
However, there are serious questions on whether or not the use of hydro-generated
power is sustainable due to the negative impacts on existing natural systems.
In addition, hydro-generated power is currently widely used. Both of these
factors led us to omit hydroelectricity from this discussion. Choosing
instead to focus on renewable resources that have known minimal impacts
on the environment and are alternatives to currently used sources of energy.
This is a complete list under current technology, although with ever advancing
technology, no one knows for sure where future renewable resources will
originate.
Due to geographical constraints,
we are able to eliminate certain renewable resources when assessing which
resources would best suit the Pullman and WSU area. It is our contention
that energy derived from solar power (solar thermal energy and solar photovoltaics),
wind, and biomass could be applied to the "Palouse" region.
Indicators, Strategies, and Benefits
This section will deal with indicators (I's in bold and underlined) that measure the success of using renewable resources and the progress towards obtaining sustainable energy systems. The strategies (S's in bold) are affirmed actions to enhance each indicator. Following the indicators and strategies are brief statements discussing the benefits and savings from the use of these renewable resources.
I.1. Increase the use of solar thermal energy.
S.1.a. Enhance the design of buildings by utilizing proper
orientation, solar control, and daylighting.
S.1.b. Increase the number of solar collectors on the top of industrial
buildings and private homes.
S.1.c. Enhance community participation.
S.1.d. Encourage participation from the large entities found within
communities.
I.2. Enhance the use of solar photovoltaics.
S.2.a. Incorporate proper climate responsive building and landscape
design into community developments.
S.2.b. Increase the use of PV cells on homes in residential areas
and large buildings contained within the community.
S.2.c. Integration PV cells in the design of any new construction,
renovation, or upgrade of buildings in the residential, business, or industrial
sector.
S.2.d. Foster leadership in demonstrating PV technology in large
entities found within communities.
The implementation
of solar technology helps to reduce the use of nonrenewable fossil fuels
and will, combined with other renewable resources, someday replace environmentally
unfriendly energy sources. Additional benefits include improved air
quality; reduced energy expenditures for residential, commerical, and educational
buildings; and enhanced interiors and user productivity within buildings
(daylighting, solar control, and building orientation).
I.3. Expand the use of biomass for energy.
S.3.a. Educate community members to the need and advantages of composting
and recycling.
S.3.b. Reduce the amount of waste (biomass) placed in landfills.
S.3.c. Increase the percentage of surplus crops that are used for
the production of ethanol.
S.3.d. Establish a community composte facility and/or construct
a biomass plant for conversion to power.
The benefits of biomass
include a decrease in the amount of municipal landfill waste (combined
with recycling, composting can almost eliminate the need for curb-side
garbage removal), a reduction in the use of nonrenewable resources, improved
air quality, and improved water quality (a decrease in the amount of waste
deposited in the landfill results in a lesser amount of runoff into groundwater
supplies).
* For further explanation of the above "click" on the report: RENEWABLE RESOURCES for the 21st CENTURY by Trent Brown
I.4. Increase the energy derived from the wind.
S.4.a. Placing a wind farm on hilltops near the community of Pullman
to generate renewable energy.
S.4.b. Develop methods, such as diesel electric generators and/or
turbines on top of buildings.
S.4.c. Encourage placement of individual wind turbines on private
lands
S.4.d. Enhance community awareness about the power of wind.
The benefits from
wind energy encompass improved air quality (a reduction in the use of polluting
energy sources), a decline in the consumption nonrenewable fossil fuels,
provide for renewable sources that are becoming competitively priced with
conventional energy sources, and a decreased reliance on international
energy sources.
* For further explanation of the above "click" on the report: WIND ENERGY by Aaron Fairbank
Thank you for visiting our web page. The use of renewable resources provides a sustainable means of energy that does not harm the environment. Your interest is warranted and much appreciated. It is clear that a sustainable lifestyle is within our reach. The application of these strategies would assist Pullman, WSU, and the "Palouse" in achieving sustainability. Coupled with other strategies, these could outline a systematic approach for societies to achieve overall sustainability. Ultimately, however, it is up to each and everyone of us to alter our "way of life" if we truly wish to live sustainably within nature.