Category: Clean Energy

Clean Energy

  • Growing Greener: Bauman’s Farm & Garden

    Growing Greener: Bauman’s Farm & Garden

    Founded by Elizabeth Bauman in 1895, Baumans Farm & & Garden in Gervais has a long history of offering trees, flowers, produce, pies and more to clients throughout the Willamette Valley. “As a household service, were committed not only to our clients but to being good stewards of the Earth and neighborhood,” stated Brian Bauman, co-owner and Elizabeths great, fantastic grandson. That dedication to sustainability has actually prompted Baumans to progressively purchase energy effectiveness for more than a years– cutting yearly natural gas use by an estimated 55,000 therms and delivering annual energy cost savings of around $42,200.
    In 2015, when it was time to install a brand-new greenhouse, Baumans reached out to greenhouse vendor OBC Northwest, Inc. for an energy-efficient design made 100% of twin-wall polycarbonate. “Although its a large area with 2 bays and 14-foot sidewalls, the temperature in the greenhouse remains quite continuous,” said Bauman. The greenhouses polycarbonate has a pigment that diffuses light, providing exceptional light quality for plant growth. Roofing system vents in each bay enable natural ventilation. The gable design has an internal truss that can accommodate a motorized nighttime thermal curtain, which Baumans plans to set up in the future.
    Because of twin-wall innovation, the greenhouse is anticipated to conserve an approximated $10,700 in annual natural gas costs compared to single-wall building. Baumans got an Energy Trust of Oregon money incentive of $2,400 to help offset the added cost.
    Baumans has actually received more than $80,000 in Energy Trust rewards. “We make the most of Energy Trusts offerings every possibility we get. Rest assured, well be doing more jobs in the future,” stated Bauman.
    Could your nursery take advantage of energy-efficiency upgrades? Check out the most recent no- and low-cost pointers and resources to make your service run better, visit www.energytrust.org/for-business or call 1.888.777.4479.

  • Growing Greener: Bauman’s Farm & Garden

    Growing Greener: Bauman’s Farm & Garden

    Established by Elizabeth Bauman in 1895, Baumans Farm & & Garden in Gervais has a long history of offering trees, flowers, produce, pies and more to clients throughout the Willamette Valley. “As a household company, were devoted not just to our clients however to being excellent stewards of the Earth and neighborhood,” said Brian Bauman, co-owner and Elizabeths excellent, excellent grandson. That dedication to sustainability has triggered Baumans to steadily buy energy performance for more than a decade– cutting yearly gas use by an estimated 55,000 therms and delivering annual energy cost savings of around $42,200.
    Last year, when it was time to install a brand-new greenhouse, Baumans reached out to greenhouse supplier OBC Northwest, Inc. for an energy-efficient design made 100% of twin-wall polycarbonate. “Although its a large area with two bays and 14-foot sidewalls, the temperature in the greenhouse remains rather consistent,” said Bauman.
    The greenhouse is anticipated to conserve an approximated $10,700 in annual natural gas expenses compared to single-wall building and construction because of twin-wall innovation. Baumans received an Energy Trust of Oregon cash reward of $2,400 to help balance out the added expense.
    Baumans has actually received more than $80,000 in Energy Trust rewards. “We benefit from Energy Trusts offerings every opportunity we get. Feel confident, well be doing more tasks in the future,” said Bauman.
    Could your nursery take advantage of energy-efficiency upgrades? Take a look at the current no- and affordable ideas and resources to make your company run better, visit www.energytrust.org/for-business or call 1.888.777.4479.

  • Growing Greener: Bauman’s Farm & Garden

    Growing Greener: Bauman’s Farm & Garden

    Established by Elizabeth Bauman in 1895, Baumans Farm & & Garden in Gervais has a long history of supplying trees, flowers, produce, pies and more to consumers throughout the Willamette Valley. “As a family organization, were devoted not just to our clients but to being great stewards of the Earth and community,” said Brian Bauman, co-owner and Elizabeths excellent, fantastic grandson. That commitment to sustainability has actually triggered Baumans to progressively invest in energy performance for more than a decade– cutting yearly natural gas usage by an estimated 55,000 therms and providing annual energy expense savings of around $42,200.
    In 2015, when it was time to set up a brand-new greenhouse, Baumans connected to greenhouse vendor OBC Northwest, Inc. for an energy-efficient model made 100% of twin-wall polycarbonate. “Although its a big space with 2 bays and 14-foot sidewalls, the temperature level in the greenhouse stays rather constant,” said Bauman. The greenhouses polycarbonate has a pigment that diffuses light, offering exceptional light quality for plant growth. Roofing system vents in each bay permit for natural ventilation. The gable style has an internal truss that can accommodate a motorized nighttime thermal curtain, which Baumans plans to set up in the future.
    The greenhouse is anticipated to conserve an approximated $10,700 in annual natural gas expenses compared to single-wall building and construction because of twin-wall technology. Baumans got an Energy Trust of Oregon money incentive of $2,400 to help balance out the added cost.
    Baumans has received more than $80,000 in Energy Trust incentives. “We take advantage of Energy Trusts offerings every possibility we get. Rest assured, well be doing more projects in the future,” stated Bauman.
    Could your nursery take advantage of energy-efficiency upgrades? Take a look at the current no- and affordable suggestions and resources to make your organization run better, go to www.energytrust.org/for-business or call 1.888.777.4479.

  • Growing Greener: Bauman’s Farm & Garden

    Growing Greener: Bauman’s Farm & Garden

    Founded by Elizabeth Bauman in 1895, Baumans Farm & & Garden in Gervais has a long history of offering trees, flowers, produce, pies and more to customers throughout the Willamette Valley. “As a household organization, were devoted not only to our consumers but to being great stewards of the Earth and community,” stated Brian Bauman, co-owner and Elizabeths terrific, great grandson. That commitment to sustainability has actually triggered Baumans to progressively invest in energy effectiveness for more than a decade– cutting yearly gas usage by an estimated 55,000 therms and providing yearly energy cost savings of around $42,200.
    Last year, when it was time to set up a brand-new greenhouse, Baumans reached out to greenhouse vendor OBC Northwest, Inc. for an energy-efficient design made 100% of twin-wall polycarbonate. “Although its a large area with 2 bays and 14-foot sidewalls, the temperature level in the greenhouse remains quite constant,” said Bauman. The greenhouses polycarbonate has a pigment that diffuses light, supplying excellent light quality for plant development. Roofing vents in each bay enable natural ventilation. The gable style has an internal truss that can accommodate a motorized nighttime thermal drape, which Baumans strategies to set up in the future.
    Due to the fact that of twin-wall innovation, the greenhouse is anticipated to conserve an estimated $10,700 in yearly gas costs compared to single-wall construction. Baumans got an Energy Trust of Oregon cash incentive of $2,400 to help offset the added cost.
    Baumans has actually gotten more than $80,000 in Energy Trust rewards. “We take benefit of Energy Trusts offerings every possibility we get. Rest guaranteed, well be doing more tasks in the future,” stated Bauman.
    Could your nursery gain from energy-efficiency upgrades? Have a look at the most recent no- and low-cost ideas and resources to make your business run much better, check out www.energytrust.org/for-business or call 1.888.777.4479.

  • Changemaker: Alison Kwok helps fill the gaps in architectural education

    Changemaker: Alison Kwok helps fill the gaps in architectural education

    After working for an architecture company, I returned to my teaching roots to fill in the spaces I saw in architectural education. There is still so much to do. I continue to get thrilled about being a part of new tasks that are not simply responding to a concern but are altering a procedure.

    This belongs of a series of post magnifying neighborhood voices..
    Alison Kwok is a teacher of architecture at the University of Oregon ( UO) where she is also the director of the Technical Teaching Certificate program and the NetZed Laboratory and the co-director of the UO PhD in architecture program. Kwoks foundation in education and her desire to construct a sustainable future has actually led her to research study and check out adaptive and mitigation strategies for climate modification. As a teacher, Kwok provides hands-on, collaborative experiences where students can cultivate creative services for designing much better buildings..
    Picture thanks to University of Oregon School of Architecture & & Environment
    . Q: Tell us about yourself and your profession. How did you get into the field of architecture?.
    After working for an architecture company, I returned to my mentor roots to fill in the gaps I saw in architectural education.
    Q: Describe your operate in Oregon and the role sustainability plays.
    Taking illuminance measurements in IslandWood offices.
    Q: What are the biggest challenges youve faced in advancing sustainability efforts in your field?.
    One of the biggest obstacles I resolve is assisting trainees collaborate collaboratively so they enter the labor force prepared to operate in groups. When you are in school, you wish to discover things on your own and build individual confidence, but its likewise so essential to learn to build self-confidence while dealing with others since that is the reality of becoming an expert architect..
    When it pertains to climate modification, we understand there are many challenges to get rid of. As educators, it is incumbent on us to provide students the skills and tools to develop durable, adaptable, carbon-positive buildings..
    Q: What modifications have you seen, or do you expect to see, in your market as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic?.
    On a personal level for instructors and trainees, were finding out more about ourselves and what it implies to be an introvert or extrovert during this time when were working remotely. I hope we can continue to use components of remote teaching that all trainees can access, like recordings of classes and speakers. As we return to in-person mentor, I will attempt to factor in the value of offering breaks during class and structuring some social activities..
    Workshop with architects, professors, and trainees at the Royal Botanical Garden Edinburgh, Scotland.
    Q: What delights you most about the future of your work?.
    There is still a lot to do. I continue to get delighted about belonging of new tasks that are not simply answering a concern however are altering a procedure. I am thrilled to continue exploring and building brand-new partnerships how we can reduce the carbon emissions of building materials. While its a huge dream, I would like to deal with– and in– a living building like the new PAE Living Building in Portland..
    Q: What is your advice to ladies entering your field?.
    Throughout a 2021 graduation event speech for the University of Oregon School of Architecture & & Environment, one of our alumni encouraged students to write, create or do one thing for themselves every day before starting work or class. I like this guidance since it reminds us to develop our imagination and confidence over time and to break work into workable increments. Finding your passion doesnt take place overnight; it takes making time to be imaginative and care for yourself..
    Discussion with architects and professors at Cullinan Studios in London.

  • Growing Greener: Bauman’s Farm & Garden

    Growing Greener: Bauman’s Farm & Garden

    Established by Elizabeth Bauman in 1895, Baumans Farm & & Garden in Gervais has a long history of supplying trees, flowers, produce, pies and more to consumers throughout the Willamette Valley. “As a household service, were dedicated not only to our clients but to being great stewards of the Earth and community,” said Brian Bauman, co-owner and Elizabeths excellent, excellent grandson. That commitment to sustainability has actually prompted Baumans to steadily buy energy efficiency for more than a decade– cutting annual gas usage by an approximated 55,000 therms and providing annual energy cost savings of around $42,200.
    Last year, when it was time to install a new greenhouse, Baumans connected to greenhouse supplier OBC Northwest, Inc. for an energy-efficient model made 100% of twin-wall polycarbonate. “Although its a big space with two bays and 14-foot sidewalls, the temperature level in the greenhouse stays quite constant,” stated Bauman. The greenhouses polycarbonate has a pigment that diffuses light, providing excellent light quality for plant growth. Roofing system vents in each bay enable for natural ventilation. The gable style has an internal truss that can accommodate a motorized nighttime thermal curtain, which Baumans strategies to install in the future.
    The greenhouse is expected to save an approximated $10,700 in annual natural gas expenses compared to single-wall construction due to the fact that of twin-wall innovation. Baumans received an Energy Trust of Oregon money incentive of $2,400 to assist balance out the included cost.
    Baumans has actually gotten more than $80,000 in Energy Trust rewards. “We benefit from Energy Trusts offerings every chance we get. Rest ensured, well be doing more projects in the future,” stated Bauman.
    Could your nursery take advantage of energy-efficiency upgrades? Take a look at the current no- and low-cost pointers and resources to make your service run better, go to www.energytrust.org/for-business or call 1.888.777.4479.

  • Growing Greener: Bauman’s Farm & Garden

    Growing Greener: Bauman’s Farm & Garden

    Founded by Elizabeth Bauman in 1895, Baumans Farm & & Garden in Gervais has a long history of supplying trees, flowers, produce, pies and more to clients throughout the Willamette Valley. “As a household business, were committed not only to our customers however to being great stewards of the Earth and neighborhood,” stated Brian Bauman, co-owner and Elizabeths great, terrific grandson. That commitment to sustainability has actually prompted Baumans to steadily buy energy efficiency for more than a decade– cutting annual natural gas use by an estimated 55,000 therms and providing annual energy expense savings of around $42,200.
    Last year, when it was time to set up a brand-new greenhouse, Baumans reached out to greenhouse supplier OBC Northwest, Inc. for an energy-efficient model made 100% of twin-wall polycarbonate. “Although its a large space with 2 bays and 14-foot sidewalls, the temperature level in the greenhouse remains quite continuous,” said Bauman. The greenhouses polycarbonate has a pigment that diffuses light, offering outstanding light quality for plant growth. Roofing system vents in each bay enable natural ventilation. The gable style has an internal truss that can accommodate a motorized nighttime thermal curtain, which Baumans strategies to set up in the future.
    Due to the fact that of twin-wall technology, the greenhouse is anticipated to save an approximated $10,700 in annual natural gas costs compared to single-wall building and construction. Baumans got an Energy Trust of Oregon cash incentive of $2,400 to help offset the included expense.
    Baumans has actually received more than $80,000 in Energy Trust rewards. “We benefit from Energy Trusts offerings every possibility we get. Rest assured, well be doing more projects in the future,” stated Bauman.
    Could your nursery advantage from energy-efficiency upgrades? Inspect out the most recent no- and inexpensive ideas and resources to make your service run better, see www.energytrust.org/for-business or call 1.888.777.4479.

  • Growing Greener: Bauman’s Farm & Garden

    Growing Greener: Bauman’s Farm & Garden

    Founded by Elizabeth Bauman in 1895, Baumans Farm & & Garden in Gervais has a long history of supplying trees, flowers, produce, pies and more to consumers throughout the Willamette Valley. “As a family organization, were dedicated not just to our consumers but to being excellent stewards of the Earth and neighborhood,” stated Brian Bauman, co-owner and Elizabeths excellent, terrific grand son. That dedication to sustainability has actually prompted Baumans to steadily buy energy effectiveness for more than a decade– cutting annual gas use by an approximated 55,000 therms and providing yearly energy expense savings of roughly $42,200.
    In 2015, when it was time to install a brand-new greenhouse, Baumans connected to greenhouse supplier OBC Northwest, Inc. for an energy-efficient design made 100% of twin-wall polycarbonate. “Although its a large space with two bays and 14-foot sidewalls, the temperature level in the greenhouse remains rather constant,” stated Bauman. The greenhouses polycarbonate has a pigment that diffuses light, supplying exceptional light quality for plant growth. Roofing vents in each bay permit natural ventilation. The gable design has an internal truss that can accommodate a motorized nighttime thermal curtain, which Baumans plans to set up in the future.
    The greenhouse is anticipated to conserve an estimated $10,700 in yearly natural gas costs compared to single-wall building and construction because of twin-wall technology. Baumans got an Energy Trust of Oregon money reward of $2,400 to assist offset the added expense.
    Baumans has gotten more than $80,000 in Energy Trust rewards. “We take benefit of Energy Trusts offerings every chance we get. Feel confident, well be doing more tasks in the future,” stated Bauman.
    Could your nursery advantage from energy-efficiency upgrades? Inspect out the current no- and low-priced tips and resources to make your service run much better, go to www.energytrust.org/for-business or call 1.888.777.4479.

  • Growing Greener: Bauman’s Farm & Garden

    Growing Greener: Bauman’s Farm & Garden

    Founded by Elizabeth Bauman in 1895, Baumans Farm & & Garden in Gervais has a long history of supplying trees, flowers, produce, pies and more to consumers throughout the Willamette Valley. “As a family company, were committed not only to our clients but to being excellent stewards of the Earth and neighborhood,” said Brian Bauman, co-owner and Elizabeths terrific, excellent grandson. That commitment to sustainability has triggered Baumans to progressively purchase energy performance for more than a years– cutting annual natural gas use by an approximated 55,000 therms and providing annual energy cost savings of approximately $42,200.
    Last year, when it was time to set up a new greenhouse, Baumans reached out to greenhouse supplier OBC Northwest, Inc. for an energy-efficient model made 100% of twin-wall polycarbonate. “Although its a large space with two bays and 14-foot sidewalls, the temperature in the greenhouse remains quite constant,” stated Bauman. The greenhouses polycarbonate has a pigment that diffuses light, offering outstanding light quality for plant development. Roofing system vents in each bay enable natural ventilation. The gable style has an internal truss that can accommodate a motorized nighttime thermal curtain, which Baumans strategies to set up in the future.
    The greenhouse is expected to save an estimated $10,700 in yearly natural gas expenses compared to single-wall construction since of twin-wall technology. Baumans received an Energy Trust of Oregon money incentive of $2,400 to help offset the added expense.
    Baumans has actually gotten more than $80,000 in Energy Trust incentives. “We take benefit of Energy Trusts offerings every possibility we get. Rest guaranteed, well be doing more tasks in the future,” stated Bauman.
    Could your nursery benefit from energy-efficiency upgrades? Take a look at the newest no- and low-priced tips and resources to make your business run better, see www.energytrust.org/for-business or call 1.888.777.4479.

  • New research shows Boston methane emissions continue, despite pipe replacement efforts

    New research shows Boston methane emissions continue, despite pipe replacement efforts

    New peer-reviewed research published today in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences finds that methane emissions from natural gas infrastructure and structures in the Boston area have stayed consistently high over the last 8 years, despite several programs aimed at lowering methane pipeline leakage.This study shows that more action is needed in Massachusetts and around the nation to deal with the metropolitan methane problem.A powerful greenhouse gas and the main element of natural gas, methane has at least 80 times the warming power of co2 during the first 10-20 years after release. Emissions from oil and gas operations, animals and other markets are accountable for at least 24% of present global warming.What they foundHarvard University scientists, in collaboration with other scholastic organizations and EDF, performed a top-down study of methane emissions throughout the Boston city region from 2012 to 2020. Utilizing sensors and a high-resolution transport design to track the methane, they discovered methane concentrations were greater than formerly approximated, and stayed elevated throughout the study period. New research shows Boston methane emissions continue, regardless of pipeline replacement efforts Click To TweetThey report that emissions from the Boston-area natural gas system are three times greater than state inventories formerly showed. This follows earlier studies across 6 other U.S. cities, which found gas system methane emissions were two to 6 times greater than stocks reported.The findings likewise raise another issue. Gas pipelines run at a consistent pressure, so leak rates tend to stay continuous no matter how much gas streams through the system. Alternatively, the emission levels found in the study fluctuated in action with gas intake, suggesting that methane may be getting away from structures and devices on the consumer side of the meter, after gas has left the circulation system.During the study period, Massachusetts gas energies spent $2.3 billion in ratepayer funds replacing old circulation pipes under a program authorized by the state legislature with the objective of changing the leakiest pipelines. Methane emissions in Boston have remained high despite considerable investment.Implications for pipeline replacement effortsA recent analysis of Massachusetts pipe replacement program found that it is most likely to cost $20 billion by 2040. Gas customers will be paying off those expenses for decades to come.As gas energies prepare for the transition to tidy energy and increased electrification, eye-popping figures like these highlight the risks of over-investment in fossil fuel facilities that could be rendered obsolete long prior to its anticipated life is up.EDF has actually raised concerns about the states existing methane standard with the state Department of Environmental Protection.MassDEP presently needs gas energies to report year-over-year emissions reductions, however the framework is connected exclusively to pipe replacement; they dont need to demonstrate actual decreases in methane emissions. Energies just report the quantity of pipeline changed with brand-new product, without regard for actual outcomes– while continuing to broaden their gas systems.A better wayThe existing basic disincentivizes gas energies from focusing on leak repair efforts, which can be less expensive than full-blown replacement.Instead of focusing entirely on pricey pipeline replacement, gas energies should use advanced leakage detection innovation and information analytics to recognize the biggest sources of methane leakage on their systems, prioritize leakage repair work and track the outcome.Research has shown that ALD+ can find 66% of gas leaks that traditional survey approaches miss, and it can yield a systemwide leak circulation rate to quantify methane emissions based upon observations (rather than bottom-up estimates). Instead of giving energies a totally free pass to spend billions of dollars on questionable pipeline replacement, EDF has actually recommended to MassDEP that the agency must need energies to utilize ALD+ and show decreasing methane emissions through leak repair work. Furthermore, utilities must recognize opportunities to retire dripping gas pipelines as building electrification programs reduce need for gas.Massachusetts has well-intentioned programs that were developed to reduce methane emissions from the gas distribution system, but as these programs prove to be inefficient, the state must think about brand-new methods to make sure alignment with climate goals.